←South Africa travel guide
Gauteng, South Africa
Johannesburg
Gold-rush roots, Soweto soul, and a thriving arts scene.
CultureHistory & HeritageShopping
Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and economic engine, built on the gold-mining boom of the late 19th century. The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill offer profound historical context, while the regenerated Maboneng Precinct and the streets of Soweto reveal the city's creative, resilient energy.
Check South Africa visa requirements →
Best time to visit
April to May and September to October
Region
Gauteng
Main airport
Johannesburg (JNB)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Johannesburg
Nature
Kruger National Park
Kruger is one of Africa's largest game reserves, covering nearly two million hectares of savanna in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. It is home to the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalo, as well as hundreds of bird and reptile species. The dry winter months from May to September offer the best game viewing as animals concentrate around water sources.
UNESCO World HeritageNature
Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains
In eastern South Africa, these ancient green-and-grey peaks expose some of the oldest and best-preserved rocks on Earth, dating back around 3.6 billion years. They give geologists a rare glimpse into the conditions of the planet's earliest history.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Johannesburg
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting South Africa
Entry requirements vary by passport; check your specific requirements on the South Africa destination page at Yoogo.
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, though it is worth carrying some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are widely available and generally offer competitive exchange rates.
South Africa has high levels of petty crime and violent crime in certain areas, so travellers should take sensible precautions. Avoid displaying expensive items in public, use reputable transport, and stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night and research the neighbourhoods of your accommodation before arrival.
Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore South Africa, and the road network between major cities is generally good. Intercity buses and the Gautrain rail service in Johannesburg are reliable options. Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Public minibus taxis are widely used by locals but can be unpredictable for unfamiliar visitors.
South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on your plans. May to September (the dry winter) is ideal for wildlife viewing in parks like Kruger, as vegetation thins and animals gather at water sources. October to April (the wet summer) is better for birdwatching and seeing newborn animals, and the Western Cape has its best weather from November to February.
South Africa has twelve official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, English, Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, Swazi, Venda, Sepedi, Ndebele, and South African Sign Language. English is widely spoken in cities, tourist areas, and government services, making it the most practical language for visitors.
No vaccinations are required to enter South Africa unless you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country, in which case a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations such as tetanus are generally recommended. Malaria is present in low-lying areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, including near Kruger National Park, so consult a travel health clinic at least four weeks before departure.
Tipping is customary and appreciated in South Africa. In restaurants, 10 to 15 per cent of the bill is standard for good service. It is also customary to tip safari guides, hotel porters, car guards, and petrol station attendants. Keep small denomination Rand notes on hand for these everyday gratuities.