Backpackers in Johannesburg
Why go backpacking in Johannesburg?
Backpacking in Johannesburg is a must for any die-hard backpacker(s) in Johannesburg. Johannesburg has more famous sights, it more than makes up for it in jaw-dropping wilderness and vibrant cities for backpackers in Johannesburg.
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Located in South Africa, Johannesburg is the second largest city in South Africa and a prime backpacking destination. Because of its incredible size, much of the Johannesburg landscape has been left untouched, creating some of the most beautiful places in the world. For backpackers in Johannesburg a gap year in Johannesburg is an essential entry on any travel bucket list.
Here are interesting things backpackers in Johannesburg can do
Johannesburg in South Africa is the second largest city in Africa, in 2016 there were 4.94 million people living in the City of Johannesburg. Joburg, or Jozi as some prefer to call it, offers backpackers in Johannesburg an experience as unique and diverse as the city itself. Whether you are on business, in search of a cultural encounter, an adrenaline rush or simply want to relax and unwind for a few days, the city of Johannesburg has everything you’re looking for and more!
Backpackers in Johannesburg Travel Gautrain
The revolutionary high-speed Gautrain is electrifying Jo’burg travel – hop on, join people on the move! 12 minutes from Kempton Park to Sandton!
Gautrain is an 80-kilometre mass rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province, South Africa, which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo International Airport
Gautrain has commenced operations and so Jo’burg, Africa’s business hub, takes yet another step towards realising the ideal of a world-class city.
Backpackers in Johannesburg can Explore Emperors Palace
Emperors Palace is a sensational resort that combines timeless classical elegance and sheer excitement. Conveniently located next to the O.R. Tambo International Airport and is easily accessible from most parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The resort offers a unique experience with luxurious accommodation, leisure facilities, a magnificent casino with unparalleled gaming enjoyment, the finest in dining and entertainment and a children’s paradise with an indoor themed entertainment centre. Emperors Palace has been voted ‘Africa’s Leading Casino Resort in South Africa’ by the World Travel Awards for two years in a row.
Backpackers in Johannesburg at Festival Mall
Festival Mall offers a feast of variety when it comes to fashion and accessories, music, sporting equipment, home decor and motoring stores etc. It’s home to five of the major anchor stores, Checkers Hyper, Pick ‘n Pay, Game, Woolworths and Edgars. One visit is all that’s required to fulfill your shopping needs.
The entertainment section is unique, offering the thrill of ice skating, day or night complete with an in-house DJ and lights to set any mood. The fun does not stop there; skateboard enthusiasts are able to perfect their style at the in-house Boogaloos skate ramp. And watch the latest movies at the new Ster Kinekor centre.
Backpackers in Johannesburg can Enjoy McGinty’s Irish Pub
McGinty’s – how can you call it an Irish Pub when it’s not a pub in Ireland? What is the one essential ingredient that sets the Irish pub apart from any other pub? It is the essence, the spirit, that indefinable quality, that mystical something – we call the “Craic”. The Craic – an old Celtic word, meaning the aura of well-being, the ambience of good cheer, the sense of belonging, of being at home away from home. McGinty’s has got the Craic!
Tips for Backpackers in Johannesburg
Before you go
- Do your research
Although a large aspect of the backpacking experience should be spontaneity, this doesn’t mean that a bit of prior research should be avoided completely. Not only will having a flick through the guidebooks give you a bit of inspiration on how to structure your trip, it will get you well and truly excited about embarking on your forthcoming travels.
- Pack sensibly
Besides beating the usual airline baggage charges, you also must bear in mind that your load will be on your back for longer than the average traveller. So, pack sensibly. Do you really need 40 pairs of socks? 10 books? Nine bottles of sun cream? Remember that even though you are abroad you can still wash clothes and buy toiletries, so save that space for more necessities. And although you may be working on a budget, certain pricier purchases such as an e-reader could save you a lot of space!
Similarly, the way you pack could save a lot of hassle. Have essential items such as sunglasses and travel documents near the top and things that you won’t need straight away, like bulky items of clothing or shoes, at the bottom of your rucksack.
- To pre-book or not to pre-book, that is the question
Back to that issue of spontaneity – do you plan your travel and accommodation in advance or leave your agenda wide open? The answer to this is down to timing. Are you doing on a three-week trip around Johannesburg? If you are going on a short backpacking holiday (think two months and under) then maybe having a bit of an itinerary will help you make the most of your short time on the road. However, if you have months and months ahead of you it will be almost impossible to make any concrete plans. Maybe book your first two or three destinations in advance but then give yourself the opportunity to let wanderlust take over.
While you travel
- Save money on attractions
Once you’ve hit the road you may notice money disappearing quicker than you anticipated. But do not fear – there are many ways to save money without sacrificing all the top tourist attractions that you’ve always dreamed of visiting. If you have a student ID remember to flash it as much of possible, it could be your key to free entry and massive discounts on some big attractions, also remember to see if the places you are visiting have free days or evenings.
- Eat local = save money
You are going to be visiting many new places and wanting to try many new things. How do you set a budget for all that yummy world food? As nice as it would be to eat in amazing restaurants every day, it’ll begin to put a bit of a dent in your budget. Allow yourself one good meal per location but other than that try some street food or sample interesting things from the local supermarket and cook in the hostel, which is a good way to get talking to fellow travellers.
- Don’t waste long journeys
It can be easy to waste long train journeys zoning out, but these are the ideal places to make some fantastic travel memories. If the person sitting near you is friendly get chatting to them, if they are local they might give you some fantastic advice. If not, get doodling, whether it be making a note of things you want to do or things from your previous destination that you want to remember.
Make the most of a destination
you will spend a lot of time stuck in trains and buses watching beautiful scenery pass by. When you finally reach your destination make the most of being your own boss. Avoid public transport where possible and walk everywhere. You’ll discover things you would never have found otherwise like amazing street art, quirky shops and cool cafes. Or rent a bike for the day and venture out into the country. Take in as much of the location as you can before you must move on.