Johannesburg Vacation Rentals
Explore 40 rental homes and villas in Johannesburg for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Homes with Pools, Best Affordable Homes and Homes with Parking. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $36 per night with homes containing as many as 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
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Johannesburg Overview
Johannesburg, affectionately known as Jozi, is a treasure trove of experiences, seamlessly blending its rich historical tapestry with the allure of modern urban life. As the heartbeat of South Africa, this "City of Gold" not only alludes to its gold-mining heritage but also to the golden opportunities it offers for an unforgettable vacation.
Immerse yourself in the city's profound history at the Apartheid Museum, where the narrative of a nation's struggle and triumph is vividly brought to life. Constitution Hill echoes this sentiment, transforming from a site of incarceration to a beacon of hope and democracy. For a touch of artistic vibrancy, the Maboneng Precinct is a must-visit, boasting an array of street art, avant-garde galleries, and a pulsating culinary scene.
Venture a short distance to the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site that invites you to explore the very origins of humanity with its rich fossil deposits. It's a journey back in time that is both enlightening and awe-inspiring.
Johannesburg's natural beauty is on full display in its lush parks and gardens, with the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden offering a serene escape, complete with the majestic sight of Verreaux's Eagles soaring overhead. While Lion Park provides an intimate encounter with one of Africa's most iconic species, it's a prelude to the expansive wildlife experiences that await in the larger reserves.
For the discerning shopper, Johannesburg's retail landscape ranges from the opulent boutiques of Sandton City to the vibrant crafts and curios of the Rosebank Sunday Market. The city's food scene is equally eclectic, with a smorgasbord of flavors from the traditional to the contemporary, ensuring a culinary adventure at every turn.
Enhance your stay by indulging in the privacy and comfort of a rented private home, where you can savor the luxury of having your own space, often complete with a swimming pool to bask in the warm South African sun. Many of these homes are pet-friendly, ensuring that your furry companions can join in on the adventure. While Johannesburg is not known for its beaches, the city's waterfront areas, such as those around Emmarentia Dam, offer tranquil settings for leisurely strolls or picnics by the water.
In essence, Johannesburg is a city that promises an enriching and diverse experience, where the warmth of its people and the depth of its culture create a destination that is not just visited but felt. Whether you're seeking the pulse of city life or the tranquility of nature, Jozi extends an invitation to discover its many wonders, all from the comfort of a home away from home.
Cultural Attractions in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa is a lively city that presents a plethora of cultural activities for visitors with an interest in the arts, history, and local traditions.
The city's art scene is flourishing with countless galleries and museums. The Johannesburg Art Gallery boasts an impressive collection of African and European art, while the Goodman Gallery exhibits contemporary South African art. For those captivated by street art, the Maboneng Precinct is an essential visit with its numerous murals and graffiti.
For history buffs, Johannesburg has much to offer. The Apartheid Museum delivers a comprehensive view of South Africa's apartheid history through potent exhibits. Constitution Hill, formerly a prison complex, now functions as a museum and the location of South Africa's Constitutional Court.
Live music is plentiful in Johannesburg with venues such as The Orbit providing jazz performances while Bassline caters to more modern tastes. Newtown Music Centre is another favored spot for live music.
Visitors can immerse themselves in local customs through various cultural villages scattered around Johannesburg like Lesedi Cultural Village where one can learn about different South African tribes and their traditions.
Regarding walkability, due to its expansive nature, it's advised to utilize taxis or hire a car for transportation within Johannesburg. However, areas like Maboneng Precinct are pedestrian-friendly and ideal for leisurely walks.
To sum up, Johannesburg provides a variety of cultural experiences from its rich history to its dynamic arts scene making it an excellent destination for those desiring a culturally immersive travel experience.
Family friendly activities in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa, is a city brimming with engaging and enlightening attractions that cater to children of all ages. The city's rich history and diverse culture are mirrored in its numerous child-friendly activities.
Start your journey at the Johannesburg Zoo, where children can interact with a broad range of animals from across the globe. The zoo houses over 320 species of animals and provides educational programs that help kids understand wildlife conservation.
Next on the list is the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Southern Africa's largest science center. Here, children can engage with interactive exhibits covering topics from physics to biology. Regular workshops and events are hosted at the center to ignite a passion for science in young minds.
For an exhilarating outdoor experience, visit Gold Reef City Theme Park. This amusement park has thrilling rides for older kids and gentler attractions for younger ones. It also showcases an intriguing exhibit on gold mining history that offers insight into Johannesburg's past.
The Apartheid Museum is another essential destination. While it does have exhibits that delve into historical context suitable for older children and teenagers, it also features activities designed specifically for younger audiences to learn about apartheid in an age-appropriate manner.
For a day immersed in nature, visit the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Children can explore walking trails, spot local bird species - including African Black Eagles or Martial Eagles - and enjoy picnics by the waterfall.
Lastly, make sure to visit Montecasino - an entertainment complex with some decorative bird elements rather than a dedicated bird park or garden as previously mentioned.
In Johannesburg, there are limitless opportunities for family fun and educational experiences that will forge lasting memories. Whether your little ones are animal enthusiasts or budding scientists or thrill-seekers - they'll find plenty to enjoy in this vibrant city.
Outdoor activities in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa, is a bustling metropolitan city that also offers a selection of green spaces and outdoor activities for those who enjoy the outdoors.
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is worth a visit. This expansive garden hosts more than 600 plant species and a variety of wildlife. The Witpoortjie Waterfall within the garden is particularly popular, where visitors can often spot the resident pair of Verreaux's Eagles.
For those who enjoy hiking, the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve provides trails through grassland and savannah, offering views over the city. The nature reserve also doubles as an archaeological site with evidence of Stone Age habitation.
Lion Park gives visitors an opportunity to interact with some of Africa's most iconic wildlife in a controlled environment. Here you can embark on a self-drive tour to see lions, zebras, giraffes and other animals.
The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is another must-see. This site spans 180 square miles and includes complex limestone caves where many hominid fossils have been discovered. Visitors can explore the Sterkfontein Caves or visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre to learn about our human ancestors.
For bird watchers, Rietvlei Nature Reserve houses more than 200 bird species. Besides bird watching, visitors can also go on game drives or walks through this urban nature reserve.
Lastly, Johannesburg Botanic Garden at Emmarentia Dam offers beautiful green spaces perfect for picnicking or taking leisurely strolls. While motorized boats are allowed on the dam itself, please note that canoeing and sailing may be restricted.
In Johannesburg, whether you're interested in exploring nature reserves or archaeological sites or interacting with wildlife in controlled environments - there are opportunities available alongside its urban attractions such as shopping and dining.
Weather in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, located in South Africa, is characterized by a subtropical highland climate. The city is predominantly dry and sunny, with the exception of occasional thunderstorms that occur in the afternoon during the summer months, which span from October to April. During this period, temperatures fluctuate between a comfortable 15°C and 25°C.
The winter season in Johannesburg extends from May to September and is marked by cooler, dry weather. While night-time temperatures can drop significantly during these months, days remain sunny with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 20°C. It's interesting to note that despite being winter, snowfall is a rare occurrence in Johannesburg.
The city also experiences transitional seasons of autumn (from April to May) and spring (from September to October), both of which are characterized by mild weather conditions. These periods provide a welcome break from the summer heat without being as cool as the winter months.
Springtime in Johannesburg is particularly popular among visitors due to the blooming wildflowers that adorn the city's parks and gardens. However, each season has its own unique charm enabling visitors to engage in outdoor activities throughout the year thanks to Johannesburg's generally mild climate.
Transportation in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa, is a vibrant city that offers a range of transportation options for visitors. The majority of travelers arrive by air through O.R. Tambo International Airport, the busiest airport in Africa with connections to various global destinations. Upon arrival at the airport, visitors can reach the city center through several means such as taxis, shuttles, and the Gautrain - a modern rapid rail network.
Within Johannesburg itself, there are numerous ways to get around. While the Gautrain does connect parts of the city and is an efficient mode of travel, it does not cover extensive areas within Johannesburg itself. For more comprehensive coverage within the city, Metrobus and Rea Vaya buses are more commonly used.
For those who prefer private transportation options, car rentals are available both at the airport and throughout Johannesburg. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak hours. In addition to ride-sharing services like Uber which are widely used in Johannesburg, metered taxis also provide a reliable means of transport.
Certain parts of Johannesburg such as Maboneng and Braamfontein neighborhoods are quite walkable with attractions located close together for easy exploration on foot. However, even during daytime hours safety precautions should be taken when walking due to safety concerns in some areas.
For those interested in exploring beyond Johannesburg's borders, intercity buses offer services not only to Cape Town or Durban but also to many other major cities across South Africa.
In summary, whether you're flying into Johannesburg or planning on navigating around by train or bus once there; this city provides a variety of transportation options catering to different traveler needs. It's important though to note that while some neighborhoods can be explored on foot during daylight hours with caution due to safety concerns; for longer distances or night travel public transport or private vehicles would be more appropriate.