9 Best Day Trips from Johannesburg: Great Stuff Beyond the City

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Are you looking for the best day trips from Johannesburg?

Top rated ones that let you get to know more than just the city? Then you’re in the right place. There’s a lot out there, and you don’t have to go too far to find it.

Johannesburg is a cosmopolitan city full of historical sites and shopping, beautiful parks and green spaces. As South Africa’s largest city and its financial capital, it would take a while to run out of things to do here.

On top of the attractions within the city, there are many amazing day trips from Johannesburg that shouldn’t be missed.

TLDR? 👇

From exploring early human fossils sites to spotting African wildlife to soaring on hot air balloon flights over the veld, there are many day trips from Johannesburg for you to experience.

Keep reading for a list of 10 of the best day trip from Johannesburg and how to take advantage of them. We’ll also let you in on everything there is to see and do on your day trip to get the very most out of it.

➤ Note: All prices and conversions to US dollars quoted below are approximate, as prices and exchange rates can change quickly.

Let’s go!

🧳 Book your trip with the companies that I know and trust:
Accommodations – I use Booking.com​
​Flights – I love WayAway, and you can get 10% off with this link​
​Travel Insurance – I use SafetyWing. Never skip travel insurance!
​Tours/experiences – Viator is my favourite​
​Car rental – I use Discover Cars (always check reviews on a variety of sites, though)

Day Trips from Johannesburg

There’s a wide range of fantastic day trips that you can take if you’re staying in Johannesburg. Some of the best that South Africa has to offer is within just a few hours of the city.

These excursions can absolutely make your trip!

1. Pilanesberg National Park

If you’re interested in an incredible safari experience, I highly recommend a visit to Pilanesberg National Park. Located about 200 km (125 miles) from Johannesburg, it’s a bit of a drive for a day trip, but it’s very worthwhile.

And – it’s considered to be malaria-free.

This park is home to a huge variety of wildlife, including the famous Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.

You’ll also have the opportunity to spot giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and many other epic African animals.

Safaris in open-top or open-sided vehicles provide an excellent vantage point for viewing animals and appreciating the stunning scenery. Or take a self-drive safari in your own car!

Bush walks provide an even more immersive experience. Led by knowledgeable guides, these walks allow you to see signs of wildlife up close and learn about the local plants and trees.

Guides assist in identifying animal tracks and flora while making sure you stay safe throughout the excursion.

How to Get There

• If you’re driving, take the N4 highway > R556 > R510. The signage is good, and the 210 km trip should take about 2-3 hours, depending on time of day and traffic.
• If driving is not possible, you can take a shuttle to Rustenburg with Lime Time Shuttle Service. From there you can catch a taxi for the rest of the way. This can be about a 3 or 4-hour trip one-way, though.
• Taking an organized tour is a great, stress-free way to go.

2. Sun City

This popular complex sits right on the border of Pilanesberg National Park. Sun City is a luxury resort and casino, with a world-class golf course and a pretty spectacular water park.

It’s that water park, the Valley of Waves, that’s the biggest draw. It has waves, water and tube slides, and simple swimming and beach areas, as well as body surfing, a beach bar, and island cocktails. Who needs the ocean?

Sun City is also considered malaria-free!

In between dips, you can take a hike on one of the many beautiful paths around the Valley of Waves’ forests. Then have a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants before trying your luck at the casino.

There are also Go Karts, shops, bowling alleys, not to mention an escape room and a movie theatre. Something for everyone!

Check their website, too, before you go to find out if any epic concerts or special events are taking place while you’re in the area.

One caveat is that you’ll need to do a bit of pre-planning in order to visit. Tickets are required and must be booked online. It’s best to book as close to your time of entry as you can.

This way you can be sure the ticket won’t be wasted because of rain or other inclement weather. No refunds!

However, if you decide to spend a night at the resort, there is no need to book your activities in advance. The hotel will take care of all of that for you!

Hint: If you’re travelling with kids, stay at The Cabana. Your children will love their Kids’ Club.

You should be aware that the Valley of Waves closes for one month each winter (June-August) for maintenance. Check online before your trip to find out when.

*Keep in mind that only Valley of Waves ticket holders, hotels guest, or people with golf bookings can gain access to Sun City. This is to prevent exceeding its capacity. No walk-ins just to look around.

How to Get There

Options for reaching Sun City from Johannesburg are similar to those for going to Pilanesberg, as they sit adjacent to each other.

• If you’re driving, take the N4 highway > R512 > R556. The signage is good, and the 183km trip should take about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and time of day.
• If you’d rather not drive, you can take a shuttle to Rustenburg with Lime Time Shuttle Service. From there you can catch a taxi for the rest of the way. This is about a 3 or 4 -hour trip one-way, though.
• Get a quote for shuttle service from Jozie’s OR Tambo Airport to Sun City.
• Another option is to take a taxi for the entire trip, but this is pricey. You could spend up to R3500 (US $190).
• Again, a great option is to book an organized trip

3. Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located about 50 km (30 miles) from Jo’burg.

Some of the oldest hominid fossils that have ever been found, some dating as far back as 3.5 million years, were discovered right here.

There’s a lot to see in the Cradle area – you might find it hard to believe that this incredible spot is so close and accessible from Joburg!

➤ Sterkfontein Caves: This paleontological treasure trove boasts many limestone caves, including the renowned Sterkfontein Caves.

This is where the famous Australopithecus fossil Mrs. Ples and Little Foot fossils were discovered. This time period was up to 2 million years ago.

More than 9,000 stone tools have been found in these caves as well. They’re a really fascinating look at where we all came from.

You can take a self-guided, interactive tour, and marvel at our evolutionary history.

*Note: The caves have been known to close during periods of heavy rain.

➤ Nirox Sculpture Garden: Just a few minutes from the Maropeng Visitors’ Centre you’ll find this remarkable art installation.

In a lush green formal garden stands a collection of over 100 sculptures by both South African and international artists. You’ll find a different one around every corner.

A bit of a hidden gem for visitors, I strongly suggest making a stop here while you’re at the Cradle of Humankind.

How to Get There

• Driving from Joburg to Maropeng is about 57km, and will take about an hour, depending on the traffic and time of day. I advise you to use a GPS or Google Maps to get you there.
• Another option is to hire a taxi.
• There are several excellent, well-priced tours that will take care of transportation for you.

4. Lesedi Cultural Village Tour

Also located within the Cradle of Humankind, and less than an hour from Johannesburg, is the Lesedi Cultural Village. Lesedi is a tourist village, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything else.

If you’re looking for a quiet, authentic little African town, this probably isn’t for you.

What it is, is a really interesting display of African tribal cultures. Five different local tribes are represented, and you’ll get to see replicas of traditional dwellings and a glimpse of tribal living.

What’s unique about this tourist village is that families actually live in these dwellings. They care for livestock and give tours of their homes.

There are morning tours as well as late afternoon tours. The afternoon ones tend to be a bit more festive, and they carry on to the evening around a fire.

You’ll get to see traditional dancing and singing after an African buffet at the onsite restaurant.

If you decide to stay the night, one of the families will welcome you into their traditional home and act as your guide.

How to Get There

• The drive is about 60 km (38 miles) on Pelindaba and R512. As always, I recommend that you enlist the help of Google Maps or a GPS to get where you’re going.
• A taxi is an alternative, albeit a pricey one.
• There are several tour options if you’d like to see the village.

5. Magaliesburg

Located just an hour’s drive northwest of Johannesburg, this mountain range offers hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities, and adventure galore.

In fact, day trip though it may be, there’s so much to do in Magaliesburg, you just might end up staying.

Though it is a bit confusing, Magaliesburg is not actually in the Magaliesberg Mountains. Instead, it sits about 8km south, in the Witwatersrand range.

The activities seem endless. Many of these are easiest to enjoy if you book a tour ahead of time. I’ve included links to some great trips if you decide that’s how you want to go.

➤ Take a hot air balloon ride over the Magaliesberg and Witwatersrand Mountains.

Even if you’ve been lucky enough to have taken a balloon ride elsewhere, in Africa it’s an utterly unique experience. And a balloon ride in South Africa is much cheaper than in places like East Africa.

On this tour, you can sip champagne and enjoy the cool air and the unbeatable views. Post-flight, indulge in a delicious breakfast.

You can join your pilot at the launch site in Skeerport, west of Hartbeespoort Dam. Or you can have a driver pick you up at your Joburg hotel.

➤ Fly over Magaliesberg’s canopies on a zipline

Ziplining in the Magaliesberg Mountains is an exhilarating experience that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a whole new perspective.

You’ll zing through the air at speeds of up to 60 kilometres an hour, soaring over ysterhhout kloof. Also known as a gorge full of ages-old ironwood trees.

This Private Magaliesberg Canopy Zip Lining Adventure is a great choice for a trip to the top of the trees.

You’ll be anywhere from 20-140 meters high in the sky, with an experienced guide to make sure it’s done right.

There’s even a helmet thrown in for your use.

They offer pick-up from your Johannesburg hotel, or you can meet up at the Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa in the mountains. This is where your adventure will begin.

If you’d like to combine more than one trip into one day, work with Virgio Tours to make it happen!

If you’d prefer to zipline with other adventurers instead of on a private tour, this Canopy Experience might be more your style.

How to Get There

• If you’re driving, the route to the town of Magaliesburg is about 66 km (41 miles) on the R24. There are tolls on this road.
• Taking a taxi is an option for a very rough estimate of R1000 (US $55)
• There is a shuttle from Jozie’s OR Tambo Airport to Magaliesburg (JHB 6).

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6. The Hartbeespoort Dam

About an hour from Magaliesburg, this area is full of activities like abseiling, horse riding, and rafting. And if you run into wet weather, the Hartbeespoort Dam Aquarium is a great alternative.

There are some really amazing day tours available. Here are a couple of my own favourites:

➤ Ride the Harties Aerial Cableway (‘Harties’ is short for Hartbeespoort)

Travel to the mountaintop for the insane panoramic views. This is actually the longest mono-cableway in all of Africa, and the only cable car in South Africa.

As you travel up, be on the lookout for wildlife below. The cable car is a great vantage point for it!

At the top, there’s a pretty loop around the top that you can walk, and you can stop for a drink at the Lookout Bar before heading back down (cash only). Try and get one of the great bean bag chairs to lounge in while you sip.

There’s also a small playground for the kids.

Meet up with your tour group in Hartbeespoort.

• Combine a horse ride with the cableway with the horse-ride safari cable car tour. This one includes a 2-hour horse ride viewing wildlife – nothing that can eat you, though.

Then you get to ride the cable car up the mountain with the view and a cocktail as your reward. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Jozie, and drop you off at the end of your day.

• Or take advantage of this boat cruise, snake and animal park, and cableway tour. This full-day trip really lets you see the beauty of the Hartebeespoort area.

How to Get There

• If you’re driving, Hartbeespoort is about 86 km (53 miles) on the R512. There are tolls on this road.
• Taking a taxi is an option for a very rough estimate of R1622 (US $85)
• There is a shuttle from Jozie’s OR Tambo Airport to Magaliesburg (PTA 9).

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7. The Cullinan Diamond Mine

Just over an hour’s drive east of Johannesburg lies the town of Cullinan, home to the renowned Cullinan Diamond Mine. This is the world’s only diamond mine that offers tours.

The mine is famous for uncovering the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, known as the Cullinan Diamond. Found in 1905, the stone was a full 3106 carats.

The giant rock was cut into 9 gems and given as a gift to the British Royal Family by the South African government. But you will get to hold a replica on your visit.

The mine is also the world’s main source of the very rare blue diamond.

You can join guided tours of the mine to learn about the diamond mining process and view the shaft as they operate.

A tour includes an experienced guide who will fill you in on how diamonds were formed. They’ll show off the display room that holds replicas of the world’s most famous diamonds.

A life-size model of an underground tunnel has even been constructed so we can see how they’re built.

These surface tours are about 2 hours long. If you’d like to take an underground tour, you will need to allow for 4 and a half hours.

I haven’t had the chance to take the underground tour, but I’ve heard that it really is fascinating.

However, at the time of writing, the underground has been halted. Check the website before you go to find out if it’s available.

When you’re done, stop at the gift shop and treat yourself!

Notes: there are age limits for the tours. For a surface tour, you must be at least 10 years old. For an underground tour, you need to be 16. And no open-toe/heel shoes!

Also, be sure to book in advance, and to arrive at least 15 minutes early for the surface tour, and a half hour early for the underground tour. This is necessary so you can be outfitted with safety gear.

How To Get There

• If you’re driving, the 97 km from Jozie is the fastest on the N1 and R513.
  Once you get close, if you don’t have a GPS with you, you can follow the detailed directions given at the bottom of the Cullinan Mine booking page. They’ll take you right there.
• An organized tour takes the stress out of the day, and you won’t have to worry about getting there.

8. Soweto

Soweto, an acronym for “South Western Townships,” is a township located southwest of Johannesburg. Once its own entity, Soweto is now a suburb of the city.

It was to this area that black people were removed when whites-only residential areas were established in Johannesburg.

Soweto played a significant role during the apartheid era. It’s home to the famous Vilakazi Street, where both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu once lived.

You can explore the Hector Pieterson Museum, and Regina Mundi Church, and experience the energetic atmosphere of this historic community.

There’s a lot to see, and a lot of history to absorb.

How to Get There

• As a suburb of Joburg, Soweto is only about 25 km from the city centre, and there are several ways to get there. If you’d like to drive, I’d advise the use of Google Maps or GPS.
• A taxi is an easy way to go in the city.
• Take the Rea Vaya bus. Find a route schedule on their website.
• Take the Metrorail from the Johannesburg Park Station on Rissik Street, to Merafe in Soweto.

9. Vaal River

Approximately 3 hours drive south of Johannesburg, the Vaal River offers a terrific escape. You can choose between a relaxing day by the water, rafting over the rapids, or a lot of activities in between.

The Vaal is the second-longest river in South Africa, and it has a scenic spot for whatever suits your fancy. Joburgers flock here on weekends, so if you can visit during the week, even better.

The river is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and kite surfing. The Vaal Dam is your spot if these are what you’re looking for.

White water rafting is best between the towns of Parys and Christiana. Though Vaal River is a year-round destination, rafting is best and November through January.

EARTH Adventures is a great local tour company to book a rafting trip with. They can also set up abseiling, quad biking, and all sorts of other activities for you.

Or you can enjoy a day on the water, picnicking along the riverbanks, or even taking a scenic river cruise. Try the Upper Vaal for a leisurely day, around the high-end resort towns of Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging.

The so-called Vaal Triangle comprises the area bordered by Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging, and Sasolburg. Here you can find the best shopping, dining, and accommodations in the Vaal River area.

The Vaal Mall is a large shopping mall, with all of the most popular South African stores. Be sure to venture out of the mall, though, to the many other small shops in the Vaal Triangle.

It’s easy because they’re all right there.

There is a great selection of restaurants as well, for whatever you might be in the mood for. I highly recommend the Gas Monkey Pub and Grill!

How to Get There

• Driving is the best way to get to the river. If you take the N1 out of Johannesburg and merge onto the R59, the signs will take you right there. If you’re aiming for Parys for some rafting, the 111km drive should only take about an hour and a half.
• You have the option of taking a taxi from Johannesburg, but again this can be costly.
• A public bus is a good, inexpensive option, but a bus ride usually takes a bit longer.

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The Best Time to Visit Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a great city to visit year-round, but there are definitely some times that are better than others. Here’s a quick rundown of the best times to visit Johannesburg, based on weather and crowds:

March to May: This is the shoulder season in Johannesburg. The weather is still warm and sunny, but the crowds have started to thin out. This is a great time to visit if you’re looking for a more affordable and less crowded experience.

September to November: This is spring in Johannesburg. The weather is mild and perfect for exploring the city, especially its parks and gardens.

December to February: This is the summer in Johannesburg. The weather tends to be hot and humid. This is not the best time to visit if you’re not a fan of heat.

> Here are some other things to keep in mind when planning your trip to Johannesburg:

The rainy season: Johannesburg’s rainy season is from November to April, but it’s not usually a heavy rain. Check the forecast if you’re planning on doing any outdoor activities.

The bushfire season: The bushfire season in South Africa is from November to March. If you’re planning on visiting any national parks or game reserves, it’s important to check the fire conditions before you go.

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Staying Safe in Johannesburg

Johannesburg has a higher crime rate than some other cities in South Africa. However, as long as you take the usual precautions, you should be fine.

✔️ Simple, common sense things are your best defences. Measures like not carrying valuables with you and being aware of your surroundings will go a long way toward keeping you safe.

✔️ Being aware means staying conscious of where you are and who is around you. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, trust your gut and move on.

✔️ Also, don’t walk around alone at night, and be careful when taking taxis.

✔️ Some neighbourhoods are more safe than others, so it’s important to do your research before you go. The Johannesburg section of this Safest Cities article will let you in on the parts of the city that require the most caution.

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Getting To Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and a major international hub. There are many ways to get to Johannesburg, depending on your starting point. Here are some of the most popular options:

By plane: Johannesburg is home to OR Tambo International Airport, which is the busiest airport in Africa. There are direct flights to Johannesburg from many major cities around the world.

By train: There are also a number of train services that travel to Johannesburg from other parts of the country. Actually, South Africa’s is the best rail system in Africa.

The most popular train service is the Shosholoza Meyl, which runs from Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria to Johannesburg. It’s a well-kept secret, but a great way to travel!

By bus: There are also a number of bus services that travel to Johannesburg from other parts of South Africa. The most popular bus service is Greyhound, which runs from Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria to Johannesburg.

By car: Driving to Johannesburg is a good option depending on where you are. The drive from Cape Town is about 1,200 km (746 miles), and the drive from Durban is about 800 km (497 miles).

Day Trips to Johannesburg: Frequently Asked Questions

Summing It Up: Day Trips from Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a great city to base yourself for exploring South Africa, and there are plenty of great day trips to choose from. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, there’s something for everyone.

So, whether you want to learn about the city’s apartheid history, see some of the earliest human remains ever found, or go on a game drive in a wildlife reserve, you’re sure to find a day trip that’s perfect for you.

Happy travels!

Read More About South Africa:

➵ 21 Best Things to Do in Johannesburg – The City of Gold
➵ Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in Johannesburg: Bucketlist Adventures
➵ The Best Airport Transfers in Johannesburg in 2023
➵ Discover the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in South Africa

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