10 hours at JNB
Aug 13, 2008 | 9:02 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: United Nations 193, UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 6,361
10 hours at JNB
Arriving at 08:50 from FRA on LH, departing at 18:55 back to FRA. With exactly 10:05 on the ground, is there anything to see/do that might be worthwhile?
I've been to Johannesburg a few times about 10 years ago, so I know the airport can be an hour out. By the time I got anywhere, I'd likely only have 4 or 5 hours.
On another note - does LH have any arrival facilities, or is there anywhere to shower? I had thought about heading to Sandton and just walking around/hanging out in a shopping mall, but without a shower....
I've been to Johannesburg a few times about 10 years ago, so I know the airport can be an hour out. By the time I got anywhere, I'd likely only have 4 or 5 hours.
On another note - does LH have any arrival facilities, or is there anywhere to shower? I had thought about heading to Sandton and just walking around/hanging out in a shopping mall, but without a shower....
Aug 13, 2008 | 9:06 am
#2
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Programs: AA EXP UA 2KMM AMB
Posts: 2,415
Curious when you are going because I have similar stop at JNB coming up. Of course I'm curious as well to what others might suggest. I've looked at hotel properties close by the aiport and the properties I'd be interested to spend half a day are quite expensive.
Aug 13, 2008 | 10:12 am
#3
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Programs: SAA, Virgin Atlantic, Kulula
Posts: 17
Go to The Wanderers Club, 21 North Street, Illovo (near Rosebank). Eat, drink, shower, check out the sports facilities, walk around the grounds, relax in the lounge... Say the Chairman (Adrian) invited you.
Aug 13, 2008 | 10:41 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: United Nations 193, UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 6,361
I've already booked up my 13 hour connection in FRA with a side-trip to Liechtenstein!
Aug 13, 2008 | 11:01 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,202
I am arriving in FRA on Wednesday morning at 9:45 AM on UA 900 and had been thinking about moseying around the Rhine a bit. I know of at least one other FTer who will be at FRA on Wednesday night and we plan to meet at one of the SEN lounges but have not worked out all of the logistics yet.
For JNB, I have booked a tour with Jimmy's Face to Face Tours, as have several other FTers who will also be trickling into JNB in late August. An FTer who lives in Joburg has also recommended use of his personal driver, which is quite tempting.
After returning to FRA on Friday morning, I'm then heading to IST.
Aug 13, 2008 | 11:10 am
#6
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Programs: AA EXP UA 2KMM AMB
Posts: 2,415
. I won't be flying out until the 28th on my way to Zurich. I will look into that Jimmy's Face to face tour since I would really like to get out of the airport and not waste this opportunity to see a bit of the JNB city/area.Have fun!
Aug 13, 2008 | 12:20 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: United Nations 193, UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 6,361
I'll be sure to find a disguise 
Where is Jimmy's taking you? I've already been to Soweto and most of the "usual" things, but again they would still beat hanging around the airport....
I'm off to HEL once I get back to Frankfurt....
For JNB, I have booked a tour with Jimmy's Face to Face Tours, as have several other FTers who will also be trickling into JNB in late August. An FTer who lives in Joburg has also recommended use of his personal driver, which is quite tempting.
I'm off to HEL once I get back to Frankfurt....
Sep 20, 2008 | 5:44 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Massachusetts
Programs: UA LT1K/3MM; Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 274
Interested in if you thought this was this worth it and did you feel rushed? I may be arriving at 11:00 and departing at 6:00 and wondering what there might be time to do. I'll be arriving from Nairobi so will need to clear immigration but my bags will be checked through....
Sep 21, 2008 | 7:06 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: United Nations 193, UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 6,361
Interested in if you thought this was this worth it and did you feel rushed? I may be arriving at 11:00 and departing at 6:00 and wondering what there might be time to do. I'll be arriving from Nairobi so will need to clear immigration but my bags will be checked through....