If you are fond of evolution thought, then Johannesburg is the best place for you. Tourists around the globe choose to visit this city for how it has transitioned from a racial society to a society that is egalitarian in nature. However, one might find certain racial elements in certain parts of Johannesburg but it is nothing that can stop this place as an emerging globally-conscious hub. Book flights to Johannesburg to tour around and indulge in its welcoming culture.
Johannesburg lies to a subtropical zone and therefore, the city witnesses a blend of high and low temperatures and varying showers from above. The Benguela current is responsible for heavy precipitation during summers and moderate temperatures in the west. Whenever you are planning a trip to explore Johannesburg to its fullest, there is this key aspect that you should consider and that is that the seasons are different in the South Hemisphere from the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, September to November marks the spring season, the summers follow spring in December and it ends in February whereas autumn lies in between March and May, and winter in between June and August.
Despite the strong winter winds, most visitors tend to visit Johannesburg during the winter months (from June to August) to explore the city when it is cooler and drier. However, if one wants to watch games, then he or she is advised to plan his visit between August and October. You can find inexpensive flights to Johannesburg in this time, and with that during this time of the year, the city is not packed with tourists.
Whilst there is no such thing as an off-season for tourists in Johannesburg, comparatively fewer people opt to go visit the city in the summer because of the hot climatic conditions involving high heat and high precipitation. Now, what that essentially means is that you can get cheaper rates to fly to Johannesburg.
An interesting thing that determines as to what time of the year you should choose to visit this city is ‘the whale watching’. You can whale-watch the best from June to October or from August to December. However, that depends on what sort of whales you are interested to watch. One can also enjoy water-related sports like diving and surfing in between April and September. The point being is that the best time to fly all the way to Johannesburg would largely depend on what you want to do there, and partially how you want to do what to do.
Getting cheap flights to Johannesburg are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. It is recommended to book your flight as soon as you have made up your mind to visit this stunning place because the earlier you book a flight; the chances of you getting economical flight rates are enhanced. If you just want to explore what the city naturally has to offer, then find cheaper flights will not be difficult for you. However, if you want to fly not only to visit Johannesburg but also to attend special events, activities, and festivals, then it is recommended to book as early as you can so that you do not have to splurge more than you need to on your flight.
Flight to Johannesburg can factually be a long one, no matter how you try to schedule it. Give or take; it takes around 20 hours to get to Johannesburg, if you are flying directly, non-stop from a few airports that provide you with a direct connection between the United States and Johannesburg. Generally, most of the air travel to Johannesburg are indirect particularly if you are looking forward to saving that extra bit of money. Such flights will have a stopover in Dakar, London, Frankfurt and other such cities that are in the route.
With South African Airways and Delta, you have the option to fly directly (i.e. non-stop) from the United States to Johannesburg. Many other airlines are also available that give you the route to Johannesburg with only a single stopover. In order to find the flight that is convenient for you, look for flights with British Airways, JetBlue, Emirates, United, and Lufthansa.
What you should pack for your trip to Johannesburg essentially depends on what you want to do there. Primarily, if you want to spend time pursuing outdoor stuff, get a mosquito repellent or insect repellent and you might want to get an antimalarial prescription when you leave the States. If you are planning to visit the city in extreme summers i.e. in between November and March, you must pack with you light breathable clothes and an umbrella. Likewise, you would want to pack warm clothes for the winter months. Furthermore, to make things easy, pack adapters and converters for all your electronic gadgets.
The most convenient means of travel around Johannesburg is a bus dedicated to safe and cheap traveling called the ‘Reya Veya’. You can find the Reya Veya transportation bus just outside the arrival terminal at the airport. Apart from this bus, there are multiple other bus options to choose from but the Reya Veya is the safest and the most reliable one. The bus routes in the city are everywhere, which means almost every corner, is accessible by bus. The ticket price depends mainly on the area. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, etc. can be a problem especially on the Johannesburg-Pretoria line, therefore, one is advised to stay alert against such crimes.
If you are not sure where you want to drop off, then taxis are the way to go. For taxis, it is advised that you negotiate the fare beforehand and use a metered taxi. Another great option is the rail links from the airports to the suburbs. Likewise, you can opt for airport shuttles, which can take you to many of the hotel's destinations.
For years, the racial segregation in South African had been a source of repelling tourists away from Johannesburg. However, things have changed and people have become more welcoming but that does not stop the locals from shying away from their past. They have learned how to evolve into modernity. Experience this transition by paying a visit to the Apartheid Museum, which is a place that gives you a non-distorted account of the past. Likewise, a trip to Liliesleaf Farm will make you feel as to how it would have in the struggle against the Apartheid. Interest for history can further take you to Nelson Mandela House where you get the opportunity to get to know about Mandela’s life. The city remembers Nelson Mandela through its Mandela Bridge and Mandela Square.
Shops and markets are other focal points for the tourists, Johannesburg features the best shopping centers and markets like the Neighbourgoods Market whereby you can find locally produced crafts and art pieces. You can collect them as souvenirs and reminders of your time there. Bryanston Organic Market is another such attraction as it sells artifacts, books along with locally produced farmed products.
Just on the outskirts of Johannesburg, you can find the Cradle of Mankind which gives you the opportunity to explore the remnants of the oldest humans. Places like Kruger National Park and Pilanesburg Nature Reserve take you to the adventures of wildlife safari trips.
As of general rule, you can find flights non-stop from Johannesburg to anywhere in the world. It serves as an excellent point where the world-travelers simply hop off to enjoy the city. If you plan to go to Europe, you can get a direct flight to Amsterdam, London, Madrid or Frankfurt. Besides, you also get the option to fly directly to Brazil, China, Australia or Seychelles. As for the African continent itself, Johannesburg is directly connected to places like Accra, Nairobi and so forth by air.
Going to Rambo Airport or Johannesburg International Airport is fairly easy through South Africa’s high-speed train called ‘Gautrain’. Minibusses, taxis and shuttle services can also be options for you to travel to the airports.
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