The Most Unique Experiences You Can Have In Johannesburg

There’s much more to do in Johannesburg than what you’ll find when doing a quick web search. The massive city’s attractions are spread far and wide and every corner offers a unique experience, whether you’re after daytime activities, an adrenaline rush or an unforgettable night out.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Learn about the stars at the WITS planetarium in Braamfontein

Apart from experiencing the beauty of the night sky, visitors learn about the planets, their moons and much more

The WITS Planetarium opened in 1960 and was the first complete planetarium in Africa. Situated on the university’s grounds, the planetarium hosts many shows for both adults and children and each is an interesting educational experience, leaving you craving more knowledge of the universe. One of the most exciting parts of the show is when visitors are shown the stars above them in all clarity, something that seems unimaginable when viewing the sky from outside the planetarium.

Have a picnic in a row boat and spend hours lazing around on the lake

The beautiful Zoo Lake Park in the heart of Johannesburg is a popular picnic and dog walking spot, and also hosts fantastic music events, annual Christmas carols and more. The row boats, however, really are the main attraction. The quaint boats are rented from the Lions Boating Club (situated opposite Moyo restaurant) for a very small fee. Pack a picnic basket, a blanket and some books and make sure to book your row boat for a couple of hours; once you’re on the lake you’re likely to want to stay there for as long as possible.

Bounce around at the trampoline park in Fourways

Bounce Trampoline Park is an indoor activity park that will bring out the child in you as you spend hours bouncing off pretty much every surface. This is possibly the most fun you’ll have while getting a work-out at the same time, and, if your competitive side kicks in you can book a dodge ball or slam dunk tournament and really let loose.

Explore Johannesburg on an open-top bus

The Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour is the perfect way to see the city, without getting lost or losing track of time. The bus stops at the city’s main attractions like the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, and travels through interesting districts like Newtown – where visitors will see the vibrancy of Johannesburg’s local communities. There’s also an extension tour to Soweto, the country’s largest township.

Visit Mandela’s Shadow Boxer statue

Former president Nelson Mandela was an avid boxer and the photograph of him practicing the sport, taken by Bob Gosani, has become an iconic image. Opposite Chancellor House in Fox Street stands a steel statue modeled from the photograph and as the building housed the former offices of Mandela & Tambo Attorneys, the first black law firm in the country, it’s become a symbol of the freedom struggle.

Get an adrenaline rush at Gold Reef City

The springbok statues surrounding the fountain at the entrance to the park adds a South African feel

Gold Reef City, situated on an old gold mine, is a combination of the best entertainment available in Johannesburg. From world-class restaurants to a casino, and of course the theme-park, it’s an exciting day out for all ages. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or want to spend the day wining and dining, Gold Reef City offers it all, with a unique South African twist.

Visit the aviary at Montecasino, Midrand

The Bird Park at Montecasino is home to more than 60 species of birds, as well as small mammals and reptiles. In the walk-through aviary guests will see beautiful birds as well as small animals such as meerkats, blue duikers and bats. The bird park is an unexpected paradise hidden away in the city, and includes a frog room and a parrot gallery. The Bird Gardens are also associated with the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Conservation Project and all donations from the Bird Show goes toward the fund.

Catch a show at The Soweto theatre

The Soweto Theatre hosts a wide range of productions, from Soweto Fashion Week to musical performances and works by famous playwrights like Athol Fugard. The theatre has three performance venues and the striking architecture feels at home in the area, almost as if it has always been there. The theatre was, however, only established in 2012, but chances are that it will one day be recognised as an iconic South African building.

Eat at Pata Pata in Maboneng

Pata Pata in Maboneng is where all the cool kids hang out. The atmosphere is buzzing, the food is amazing and the locals are trendy. Then there’s the live jazz that dominates the cosmopolitan street and attracts people from all over the area. Maboneng is a gentrified area in the Johannesburg city centre and a great spot for having afternoon cocktails and mingling with the locals.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.