CITY OF GOLD
Commonly known as Jo’burg or Jozi, Johannesburg is the vibrant heart of South Africa, a rapidly changing city looking optimistically towards the future.
Let's be real - Johannesburg has a bit of a rap. Mention you're heading to Jo'burg and people will definitely have some thoughts (to put it mildly). If all you've heard about the city are the sensational news stories and wild tales, you'd be excused for picturing yourself dodging bullets and getting jacked every time you step outside. But here's the thing - those scary stereotypes don't tell the whole story. Jo'burg is a complex place with so much more going on than the hype. There's an amazing energy, a sense of luxury and an undeniable resilience to the city that you have to experience firsthand to really understand. So don't let the reputation psyche you out. Come with an open mind and get ready for an unforgettable ride.
Check out the below example itinerary - we can guarantee Jo'burg will surprise you!
Price: R8,000 per person based on two people sharing, or R10,000 for a single occupancy supplement.
Example Itinerary
We'll meet you at the agreed collection point and introduce you to your guide and driver, who will be with you throughout your tour.
We will then make our way to the apartment hotel that you'll be staying in for the next two nights. On our way we will give you an overview of the tour, a personalised itinerary with all of your activities (including any you've opted for) and a brief history and "lowdown" on the city.
For those of you have spent some time in South Africa already may have heard of Blackbrick - they are creating a network of culture-led apartment hotels where you can stay, work and play. Blackbrick has always been our recommended co-living option in Johannesburg as it is an exceptional choice for those looking for a balance between personal space, social interaction, and top-notch security.
Arrive in Jo'burg
Once everyone has settled in, we will head for Dinner at The Greenhouse where you can immerse yourself into our urban oasis in the heart of Sandton. Sandton is known as the "Richest square mile in Africa" and The Greenhouse is a restaurant/bar/club – open from lunchtime till late evening. It's a casual stop, but on busy nights the music ensures the dance floor is always packed.
Around 23:00 we will start to make our way back to the hotel. For anyone wishing to stay on and party the night away, we can reassure you that the area is perfectly safe, even at night, and whilst we would advise against walking anywhere at that time of night in South Africa, you can catch an Uber back to the apart-hotel, which is less than 5 minutes away.
Dinner at The Greenhouse
Melrose is our preferred spot for breakfast as it's street-side cafe culture and multiple co-working spaces has created a popular modern urban area designed around a live, work and play lifestyle.
Built around a series of piazzas and walkways dotted with sculptures, Melrose Arch is the ultimate walkable district with plenty of stores including premium label shops, entertainment venues, sidewalk cafes, premium gyms, restaurants and bars and all of your local and classic South African stores.
There is something for everyone – and the precinct is walkable day or night (with plenty of magical fairy lights dotting various walkways during the night).
Breakfast at Melrose
Following breakfast we will visit Nelson Mandela Square, a vibrant and exclusive precinct alive with energy. Originally called Sandton Square, the precinct is commonly referred to as the Nelson Mandela Square due to the large (20ft) bronze sculpture of Nelson Mandela which dominates the square. Alongside this statue, various other unique works of art, showcasing the history and culture of South Africa can be found throughout.
Visit Nelson Mandela Square
The afternoon will be spent at the luxurious spa in Fairlawns boutique hotel. Rejuvenate, relax and restore in the exquisite bamboo forest gardens of the Balinese-style spa. With a heated pool with rim-flow jacuzzi, steam-room, waterfall showers and relaxation pools this is the perfect place to unwind and relax. The Balinese Gardens are the perfect space to catch your breath after your revitalising treatment which is included in the cost of your tour package. Your choice of 60 minute treatment will be requested and booked in advance.
Relax at Fairlawns Spa
Montecasino, an award-winning entertainment destination – located in Fourways in northern Johannesburg – boasts international theatre, world-class dining, family fun, class-leading hotels, casino thrills, shopping, movies and much, much more.
We will dine at the Medeo restaurant at the Palazzo Hotel (inside Monte Casino). The restaurant offers a magnificent Italian experience in fine luxury dining. The restaurant’s large terrace and two wooden decks overlook the impressive Palazzo koi pond as well as the citrus trees and roses of the hotel’s landscaped Tuscan-style gardens.
After everyone has had their fill of fun and induldgence, we will head back to the apart-hotel around 23:00.
Enjoy Exploring Monte Casino
Rosebank Mall is the perfect host for a market which showcases the true expression of South Africa’s vibrancy and culture.
The Rosebank Sunday Market celebrates South Africa's diversity through its’ variety; offering something for everyone with a large selection of craft stalls, live music, antiques and gourmet food traders.
Every Sunday the rooftop parking space transforms into a premier, world-class marketplace offering stunning views of the Johannesburg skyline.
Shop at Rosebank Sunday Market
Now is your chance to explore one of Africa’s most luxurious shopping malls, Hyde Park Corner. This compact mall is one of Joburg's swankiest shopping destinations with a refined selection of stores offering up some of the most exclusive local and international labels. This is Jozi's place to people-watch and to be 'seen'.
We will have lunch at the award winning Olives & Plates restaurant and take the opportunity to indulge in a taste of sophisticated elegance, nestled amongst the pages of a thousand books, surrounded by breathtaking views.
Lunch at Olive and Plates
Sadly it's now time to say goodbye and we will ensure your safe arrival back at your chosen drop off point.
Until next time my friend, take good care!