SOUTH AFRICA: Johannesburg City

When visiting Johannesburg, it is likely that you will need to find important information on one subject or another. That is why we’ve collected all the need-to-know information about the city of Johannesburg to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

Johannesburg is an extraordinary city, born just over 125 years ago – when one of the world’s richest gold-bearing reefs was discovered under the sweeping savannah plains. Ever since, Johannesburg has been a city of prospects, commerce and potential.

Even today Johannesburg continues to attract those looking for opportunity – it’s a city populated by people who have come to realise their dreams.

The area of Johannesburg began on a vast undulating grassy plain, interspersed with ridges and kopjes (small hills) in an area known as the Witwatersrand, named after the white water springs that coursed the land. It wasn’t until George Harrison, an Australian prospector, arrived here that the mineral wealth of the Witwatersrand became apparent. In 1886, after George had sold his gold claim for just £10, Johannesburg was born. He would never have envisaged the significant world history that would unfold here in the province of Gauteng, place of gold.

Within 125 years, Johannesburg grew into South Africa’s largest and most populous city. It is the world’s largest city not built on or near a major water source. However, it has a reputation as the world’s largest man-made forest, and aside from 10 million trees which make it so, is home to Africa’s tallest building, a large CBD and many smaller urban centres. Moreover, Johannesburg’s road and transport infrastructure, telecommunications, health care, shopping, visitor attractions, dining and nightlife are world class.

Johannesburg is lucky to have one of the world’s most pleasant climates, what is called a subtropical highland climate. The city enjoys a dry, sunny climate, with the exception of short late-afternoon downpours in the summer months of October to April, often accompanied by magnificent electric storms.

Temperatures are fairly mild, due to the city's high altitude, with the average maximum daytime temperature in January of 26 °C (79 °F), dropping to an average winter maximum of 16 °C (61 °F) in June. Winter is, perhaps surprisingly, the sunniest time of the year, with mild days but chilly nights.

Like most of South Africa, Johannesburg is malaria-free, so no precautions are necessary when visiting. The city boasts clean tap water (some of the cleanest in the world) and is safe to drink. However, for those who prefer, bottled water is readily available throughout the city.

Learn about the people who call Johannesburg home. Get insight into the customs and habits of the locals, trading hours in the city and what type of weather you can expect during your stay. There is also information on customs clearance, VAT reclaims, duty-free shopping and the local exchange rates.

“Essentials” lists the contact details and other important information on banks, embassies, cellphone rentals and tourism offices in Johannesburg. Here you will also find the correct emergency numbers to use in a crisis. For basic guidelines on getting around in Johannesburg and the rest of South Africa, click on “Travel Information”.