Johannesburg: in detail

Please note that Expert Africa doesn't offer holidays to the whole of South Africa – we focus only on the Cape!

However, as the main flight hub of southern Africa, we sometimes use Johannesburg for a nights' stopover en route to other destinations, including Cape Town, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia.

Hotels in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is probably not high on the list of destinations that travellers want to visit, but there are a few comfortable options that we can recommend, if staying in Jo'burg becomes part of your trip to southern Africa, including:

InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport

The upmarket InterContinental Johannesburg stands opposite the international arrivals hall at Johannesburg International Airport. It has 138 comfortable bedrooms plus a 24 hour reception and restaurant – ideal for an overnight stop between flights. (Read more about the InterContinental Johannesburg…)

Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International

A mere 500 metres from the airport you'll find the Southern Sun, a modern complex with 366 spacious rooms. It's perfect if you arrive late in the evening, departing again early in the morning. (Read more about the Southern Sun…)

City Lodge O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel

An easy five minute walk from the airport, along a covered concourse, takes you to the City Lodge O.R. Tambo. This 303 room hotel offers good value and convenience for an overnight stopover. Reception is open 24 hours to cater for all flight schedules. (Read more about the City Lodge O.R. Tambo…)

Safari Club SA

If you have a bit more time, and would like to stay somewhere with more character, then the Safari Club SA may be what you're after. This friendly guesthouse is set in Johannesburg's Kempton Park area, reached by a complimentary 10-minute road transfer from the airport. (Read more about the Safari Club SA…)

In-between flights

If you aren't overnighting in Johannesburg but you have at least three hours in-between flights we usually recommend you clear customs and collect your luggage before checking in for your next flight (to ensure your luggage travels safely with you to your next destination). Doing this often means waiting in the airports landside area before being able to check in for your next flight - South African Airways check-in counters usually open about five hours prior to departure and other airline counters about three hours prior.

In comparison to the airports airside area, being landside offers few cafes, shops and seats so waiting here can be tedious. To pass your time more comfortably you could pop across to the InterContinental Hotel who welcome day visitors to:

• The Quills Restaurant - open 24 hours daily.
• Camelot Health Spa – located on the hotel's top floor, offers massages and health spa treatments (note the adjacent pool and gym are for hotel guests only). Pre-bookings are recommended. Spa customers also have use of shower facilities. (Read more about the Camelot Health Spa at InterContinental…)