One day at JNB: What to do?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Gold, HH.
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One day at JNB: What to do?
I will be on a MR at JNB on May 13 for about 12 hrs. Is there anything worth seeing downtown? I can rent a car for a day if the public transportation not efficient or reliable. Or should I just stick to a *A lounge at the airport? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
#2
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Join Date: Jul 2003
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Did an MR here back in January. The Gautrain is quick, clean, and efficient from the airport. I wouldn't recommend getting a car. Once downtown, I took the City Sightseeing tour bus -- http://www.citysightseeing.co.za/joburg.php. The Apartheid museum was fairly well done and interesting. There's an amusement park next door, but it was closed the day I did the tour. James Hall transport museum was mildly amusing. Constitution Hill was interesting, but a bit spooky (I was pretty much the only person there at the time). Also did the SA Brewing tour which was pretty elaborate, but might be boring if you are not into the history of beer. Also somewhat weird as I was the only one on the tour. Overall, downtown Jo'burg is kind of sad and depressing. I stayed at a hotel in Sandton for a couple days which is considerably more upscale and has a large mall if you are into that.
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 2002
Location: YEG
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While I appreciate OP is on a MR as this is a destination specific query about sights in and around JNB I'll move it over to the Africa forum for further input.
tcook052
Mileage Run Forum Moderator
tcook052
Mileage Run Forum Moderator
#4
Ambassador
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Frankfurt
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Taking the Gautrain down to Sandton is easy enough. There's a large mall and lots of restaurants.
If I had just one day I would probably head up to the Cradle of Humankind and the game reserve there. It's about an hour or so from the airport.
If I had just one day I would probably head up to the Cradle of Humankind and the game reserve there. It's about an hour or so from the airport.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: BAEC Silver, SPG Gold
Posts: 465
One day at JNB: What to do?
I booked a private tour w/Chris of Cashan tours found on tripadvisor for the day. As it was Monday the museums were closed but felt my 9am-5pm tour of JNB well worth it - he picked me up at airport hotel and I told him to make the itinerary up as I was at the end of a one month visit to Botswana, safari, Capetown - great way to see the city
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Gold, HH.
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Thanks to all for great suggestions!
#8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: in transit
Programs: Delta DM, *A Plat
Posts: 322
Just saw this post and glad you had a good time. I would have recommended getting a car and visiting the Lion Park and the Crocodile Park (even cooler) -- I usually don't do touristy things when I travel (for business) but I sometimes stop by these two if I have some extra time before heading to the airport. Cheers.