24 Hours in Johannesburg
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May 5, 2020
When I booked my flight there, I had never really heard too much about Johannesburg. I knew it was in South Africa, and that’s about it. My plan was to go on a safari (of course) and check out Cape Town. But since I was flying in and out of Joburg, I figured I might as well carve out some time to check it out. We actually ended up spending a little more than 24 hours in Johannesburg, but we were so exhausted from the bush that we slept and relaxed in our hotel room for half the time. Oops!
24-Hours In Johannesburg
After a lot of research, it became clear that crime is high in Joburg, especially in the city center. I read everywhere that the best place to stay in Johannesburg is the suburbs, specifically Rosebank and Melrose. But since I like to do things a little differently, I switched it up and stayed in Houghton – at the Houghton Hotel to be exact. It’s like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. Since Houghton is right on the cusp of the rougher areas in Joburg, I was a little worried on our Uber ride from the airport (we used Uber a lot there by the way – totally safe!). But when I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the staff in the beautiful lobby. There was plenty of security, so I felt totally safe. Inside the hotel there were lots of people doing business and on vacation. The restaurant was amazing and the pool was awesome!
Our room was gorgeously decorated and very spacious. We enjoyed it so much that for our first night, we just had a movie night and did absolutely nothing. Not usually my style when I’m on a trip, but I don’t feel like I missed too much – you really only need 24 hours in Johannesburg.
On our day in the city, we decided to venture off to the famous neighborhood of Soweto. Nelson Mandela’s hometown is a popular tourist site for many reasons. Rich in history and culture, Soweto is actually very safe. Short for South Western Townships, Soweto was created when the white government pushed black people out of their homes in the city of Johannesburg–for no reason other than the color of their skin.
Our first stop was the Hector Pieterson Museum where I learned the appalling truth of racism and oppression in South Africa, which sadly still exists today. After a massacre of black children (including Hector Pieterson) in 1976 by white government authorities, an even bigger uprising began. The fight was a long one and it wasn’t until 2002 that Soweto was incorporated into the City of Johannesburg. The stories of the individuals who lived through apartheid were absolutely heartbreaking. I encourage anyone going to Johannesburg to visit the Hector Pieterson Museum.
After that, we made our way down the famous Vilakazi Street to The Mandela House. There was a huge crowd outside, so we skipped it and walked around the local vendors and restaurants. We stopped for a beer and a show before heading back off to the hotel. I will say that Vilakazi Street did feel a little too commercialized for my taste. There were lots of typical tourist trinkets for sale (not locally made) and the dancers felt very…inauthentic. While I absolutely loved the Hector Pieterson Museum and seeing Soweto, I’d recommend just a short stroll through Vilakazi Street.
Finally, our last stop was the Apartheid Museum. We got there just 45 minutes before closing, so we didn’t get to go through the whole museum, but it was absolutely incredible. I learned a lot, got to see a lot of history, and realized just how much impact apartheid still has today. You definitely need a few hours at this museum and I’d recommend stopping by if you have time!
It was a quick pit stop in Joburg, but I’m glad we got to do to Soweto – it’s definitely the right choice if you only have 24 hours in Johannesburg!
Have you ever been to Johannesburg?
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Photos by Ryan Carpenter.
February 3, 2020 @ 11:29 am
It sounds like it would be really cool to go to the Mandela house!
February 5, 2020 @ 12:43 pm
Yeah, it would’ve been really interesting I’m sure! We avoided it because it was sooo busy, but I’d love to be able to go back and see it someday!
February 3, 2020 @ 8:29 pm
Sounds like there’s some major pros and cons to Johannesburg, but I’m glad you mostly experienced the pros. You got a heavy taste of history while visiting, and it seems like it was the perfect length of time too!
February 5, 2020 @ 12:42 pm
It was! 24 hours was PERFECT!
February 4, 2020 @ 8:28 am
This is good to know the pros and cons when travelling to Johannesburg to be safe. Sounds like a cool place to visit and looks like you had a wonderful time! ❤️
February 5, 2020 @ 12:41 pm
Yes! It was really good to know where to go and where to avoid. It was a such an enlightening trip!
February 4, 2020 @ 10:59 am
I’m glad that you felt safe overall in Johannesburg! I’ve never been but it sounds like a lot of history. I’m really saddened by the racism too 🙁
February 5, 2020 @ 12:40 pm
It’s just awful 🙁 I’m really thankful we were able to learn so much! There were definitely dangerous areas, but we felt comfortable since we knew where to stay away from.
February 4, 2020 @ 2:14 pm
That photo makes me so sad. It is awful that it is still going on today. Can’t we treat everyone with kindness regardless of color?
February 5, 2020 @ 12:36 pm
I know! Absolutely heart-wrenching. However, I think being aware of the reality is the best way to make a change. If we know better, we can (hopefully) do better!
February 4, 2020 @ 11:01 pm
I love that you were able to make it to the museum 🙂 What a fun trip to learn about culture and explore a new country 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
February 5, 2020 @ 12:35 pm
I’m so glad we did too! It was tough to see such devastating parts of (recent!) history, but such an eye-opening and educational experience.
February 5, 2020 @ 6:18 pm
South Africa is such a beautiful country with so much history. It is on my bucket list! You did a lot in 24hours. I can’t wait visit sometime soon
February 6, 2020 @ 3:59 pm
Yes! I feel like we got to experience so much in such a short period of time! It was honestly perfect.
February 9, 2020 @ 1:20 pm
Glad you managed to do quite a bit in 24 hours! Sounds like it’s a wonderful place to visit.
February 9, 2020 @ 7:44 pm
It really was! I felt like we were able to learn so much! Highly recommend.
February 10, 2020 @ 5:15 am
Sounds like you got to see a lot in 24hrs. I hope to visit soon.
February 10, 2020 @ 8:56 pm
Yeah! 24 hours was perfect. We really did get to see so much!
February 10, 2020 @ 6:32 pm
Johannesburg looks so great! I’ve been wanting to go there for awhile. Looks like you had a great 24 hours while you were there!
February 10, 2020 @ 8:54 pm
It was the perfect amount of time! I feel like we learned so much!
February 10, 2020 @ 9:28 pm
What an incredible place! It’s so cool you were able to see that much in such a short amount of time.
February 17, 2020 @ 9:19 am
Yes! We felt like it was a great amount of time and we really did get to see so much!