It can be daunting landing in the sprawling metropolis that is Johannesburg city. Increasingly, the city is being rated more and more favourably by tourists for having a host of fun and interesting activities to explore, even if in the city for just a short while.
Be sure to book your airport transfers from Johannesburg International ahead of time. There are many private shuttles and taxi services that will compete for your attention,
so it’s best to find out about competing fee structures, routes and rates ahead of time. Airport transfers from Johannesburg International are also regulated in the sense that taxis are not allowed to dock at the pick-up-and-go area. Arrange a collection point with your taxi in the car park or somewhere else at the airport where it would be easy to see you and for you to hop in.
Due to the sprawling highways and byways that make up Joburg, even local travelers from other cities and provinces would opt to be shuttled around, rather than explore things on their own. Airport transfers in Johannesburg are handled by a number of independent, private companies that are happy to taxi you to wherever you may need, and are happy to take care of your tourism needs.
Airport transfers from Johannesburg Airport to Soccer City
Arrange for one of your airport transfers in Johannesburg to take you to, past or via Soccer City to your destination – don’t miss the chance to snap a pic in front of Africa’s largest stadium. The stadium is also called The Calabash, thanks to being shaped like a traditional African pot. Soccer City was specifically upgraded for the 2010 World Cup, and is now a world-class stadium with a capacity of more than 94 000.
Airport transfers to Soweto
Soweto township is an acronym for south-western districts. It is a world-famous township that has now undergone a contemporary urban make over and is home to the big Maponya Mall. Along with Alexandria, it is the biggest township in South Africa.
Soweto is a stone’s throw away from Soccer City, so factor this in along a possible route to your mini-tour or destination when booking your airport transfers in Johannesburg. It goes without saying that Vilikazi Street is a huge highlight, especially if you’re a history fan. At one point, this street was home to both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who would both go on to be distinguished leaders on the world stage and win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Sample the inviting street culture and sample the local food while you are there – there is no better way than to get a ‘real’ taste of South Africa than when in the township. Township barbeques are different from anywhere else: the rustic open fire, the cuts of meat often shied away from in other touristy spots, the relish – usually chakalaka, a miner’s favourite of tomato, cabbage, carrot and onion – and pap, instead of bread. This is the local maize meal ground to a fine tasting and usually infused with butter or gravy.
If you’re brave enough, try a smilie. This is typically in the form of a sheep or cow head, slow-brazed over an open fire, teeth in tact. Those who have tried this township favourite say that it is the most tender cut of meat they have ever had.
Explore the history of Johannesburg’s Gold Rush
Gauteng, the province housing Joburg, literally means ‘Place of Gold’ in the local Sotho languages. Sotho is spoken in the region and in Botswana and has many dialects. Joburg was founded on
the gold rush which started in the late nineteenth century, and still today it is a city characterised by high density, mine heaps and square miles of vast wealth. Get one of the companies handling airport transfers in Johannesburg to take you to Komdraai mine, which is specifically open for touring. It is one of the oldest mines and preceded the Gold Rush. Driving here using one of the transfer companies in Johannesburg will take you about forty minutes. The conditions for these early miners were beyond rudimentary – no helmets or shoes – and digging by hand in candlelight, using donkeys for transportation. You’ll get to explore some of the mine’s tunnels which were blasted open by dynamite and simulate the experience of being an early miner. The mine is only open between 9am and 3pm so don’t leave this interesting excursion for too late in the afternoon.
The Cradle of Humankind
The Komdraai gold mine is very near to the historic Cradle of Humankind so when you go to Komdraai using one of the transfer companies in Johannesburg, ask that same company to take you to the Cradle. So well known is the place though, that you won’t struggle in the least to get airport transfers in Johannesburg directly to or via this scenic site.
UNESCO has recognised this as a world heritage site. The Sterkfontein caves are considered to be the birthplace of humanity and from an anthropological point of view, things don’t get more exciting than visiting these caves, crammed with rock paintings and remains from early man. Getting here via one of the airport transfers in Johannesburg is a straightforward one hour’s drive.
Airport transfers to Pretoria
There are no shortage of airport transfers to Pretoria, a city well worth seeing. Airport transfers to Pretoria will get you from Johannesburg to the administrative capital in just over one hour,
depending on the traffic. Compared to Joburg, this is like being in another world. It is slower, quieter and comes with a completely different spirit – you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d crossed the border into another country.
When booking airport transfers to Pretoria, make sure they’ll take you to all the major sightseeing points. Pretoria is not a big city, so you’ll be able to lap up everything in one morning. Hop from the Union Buildings to Freedom Park and the botanical gardens and Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve without any fuss.
