An afternoon/evening in Joburg

[Thomas1212]

Hi all, we are a family of 5 travelling to SA in january 2025. The kids will be aged 15, 11 and 6.





Unfortunately, the way the flights work out we will land in Joburg at 13:00 and only fly on to Vic Falls the following day. What can we do during our free afternoon/evening in Joburg? Does the city really shut down at 17? What areas, if any, are ok for a family to walk around?





Also, I'd appreciate any recommendations for a nice place to stay.





Maybe we should go to Pretoria? Any suggestions appreciated.





Thank you!

 

[sgt_zim]

Having just been there 2 weeks ago...stay the night at Africa Sky, and enjoy the pool, beverages, food, and hospitality.

 

[sgt_zim]

Nights in Jo'burg, even now, are going to be chilly. Pour yourself an adult beverage, open a book, and sit in front of the wood-burning stove for a relaxing evening.

 

[JimP]

Nights in Jo'burg, even now, are going to be chilly. Pour yourself an adult beverage, open a book, and sit in front of the wood-burning stove for a relaxing evening.

View attachment 632037

Kind of rough on the kids when they are along.

 

[SETH RINGER]

I PRIDE MYSELF IN NOT LIVING SCARED BUT I DON'T THINK I WOULD SPEND MY FIRST EVENING IN JOBURG OUT WALKING MY FAMILY AROUND.
AFRICAN SKY IS A GREAT IDEA, YA'LL ARE GOING TO BE TIRED FROM THE TRAVEL AND I'M PRETTY SURE THEY HAVE WIFI FOR THE KIDS ELECTRONICS. ANOTHER IDEA IS CITY LODGE, RIGHT AT THE AIRPORT, GET CHECKED IN AND THEN HEAD BACK INTO THE AIRPORT TO LOOK AT THE SHOPS.

 

[WAB]

I PRIDE MYSELF IN NOT LIVING SCARED BUT I DON'T THINK I WOULD SPEND MY FIRST EVENING IN JOBURG OUT WALKING MY FAMILY AROUND.
AFRICAN SKY IS A GREAT IDEA, YA'LL ARE GOING TO BE TIRED FROM THE TRAVEL AND I'M PRETTY SURE THEY HAVE WIFI FOR THE KIDS ELECTRONICS. ANOTHER IDEA IS CITY LODGE, RIGHT AT THE AIRPORT, GET CHECKED IN AND THEN HEAD BACK INTO THE AIRPORT TO LOOK AT THE SHOPS.

Africa Sky will not disappoint.

 

[sgt_zim]

Kind of rough on the kids when they are along.

In Jo'burg, there won't be much for them to do safely outside the confines of Africa Sky anyway. And besides, they'll either be sleeping or playing on their cell phones. They won't care.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

@Thomas1212 July is SA is the dead of summer, think July in the US. Also, waterflow at Vic Falls is likely to be quite low and somewhat disappointing in January.

 

[sgt_zim]

@Thomas1212 July is SA is the dead of summer, think July in the US. Also, waterflow at Vic Falls is likely to be quite low and somewhat disappointing in January.

View attachment 632199

Ermmm...July in RSA is their peak winter

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Ermmm...July in RSA is their peak winter

My mistake, I meant January, which is when the OP is traveling. January in SA is summertime. Water is low at Vic Falls

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

My mistake, I meant January, which is when the OP is traveling. January in SA is summertime. Water is low at Vic Falls

No i doubt that
Its mid summer when the rains have started
Vic falls flow should be good
Mid summer in jhb so evenings twmps are great

Op Send me a mail stuart@tallyho.co.za
There are any number of things you could do safely with kids in tow no problem
We all dont lock our doors at 5 pm

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Vic falls flow should be good

Vic Falls flow (Zambezi River) in January looks a lot like August flowrate. I visited the Falls in August and barely a trickle going over in places. We actually walked out onto the falls. It was a good experience, but everyone said you need to view the falls at different times of the year to fully appreciate it.

 

[Borderer]

Hi all, we are a family of 5 travelling to SA in january 2025. The kids will be aged 15, 11 and 6.





Unfortunately, the way the flights work out we will land in Joburg at 13:00 and only fly on to Vic Falls the following day. What can we do during our free afternoon/evening in Joburg? Does the city really shut down at 17? What areas, if any, are ok for a family to walk around?





Also, I'd appreciate any recommendations for a nice place to stay.





Maybe we should go to Pretoria? Any suggestions appreciated.





Thank you!

It will probably be mentioned soon but I would have a good look at Afton Lodge. There is a pool there and it is a small friendly place, more like staying with friends than in a hotel.

They will organise trips out if you want to go elsewhere as well.

There were families staying when we went a few years ago. I really enjoyed it and I generally hate hotels, but as I said, it doesn’t feel like a hotel.

 

[sgt_zim]

Africa Sky also has a nice pool, but it's still a little cool in August to take advantage of it.

 

[Paul Raley]

In my opinion not a lot of interesting things to do for just an afternoon in Johannesburg , but that also depends on what one finds interesting. Whether it is a week day or a weekend will also have an impact , such as what is open and how much traffic there is , also depends on the weather , January is our rainy season .
As already suggested maybe spending time at a good guest house / hotel is an option , maybe visiting a good restaurant for lunch / supper to experience good SA food is another option . ( There are a few in easy driving distance from the airport area - all depends where you stay )
For some travellers visiting the Sandton business area and Mandela square seems popular , lots of good restaurants in that area - can easily be done in an afternoon but if a week day traffic can be an issue if you are driving during peak traffic time . Apart from visiting shopping centers and restaurants there is not a lot to do in an afternoon in Johannesburg .