Johannesburg Hotels and Holidays

Whilst Johannesburg is South Africa’s financial and business hub, it is actually Pretoria that is the country’s administrative capital city. The two urban areas have virtually merged into one over the last decade, with no apparent point where one city begins and the other one ends.

Nearly all visitors to South Africa (and indeed much of Southern Africa) will pass through Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International airport at least once on their trip, whilst smaller aircraft fly to the country’s main safari areas from nearby Lanseria and Grand Central airports. Once renowned for being a violent and unpleasant city to visit, Johannesburg has re-invented itself since the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is now increasingly seen as a tourist destination in its own right with lots of things to do in the city. Luxury Johannesburg hotels can be found in the business district of Sandton, Fourways, Rosebank and Westcliff. With a thriving art scene, superb restaurants and world-class shopping, a 2 or even 3 night stay in Johannesburg is becoming a popular addition to South Africa holidays. Visitors looking to learn more about South Africa’s history can visit the apartheid museum and Soweto on one of the many private Johannesburg tours.

Pretoria is less popular, mainly as it doesn’t have airports and the majority of clients who stay here would do so either before or after enjoying one of the luxury trains journeys through South Africa – Rovos Rail or The Blue Train. There are a number of excellent hotels here, both independent offerings and from larger international chains, so your night here will be spent in the utmost comfort. For those with a little extra time, visits to the Union Buildings can be arranged, but stays in Pretoria rarely exceed 24 hours.