Johannesburg is a great city -- don't believe all the horror stories you hear! If you follow local advice you will enjoy this city and have a safe and wonderful trip.
Johannesburg … One of the ugliest and most dangerous cities in the world -- avoid if at all possible.
Johannesburg … One thing I'd recommend beyond a doubt is taking a 'walking safari'. Camping in tents and huts with no restrictions for the animals to stroll into camp. An experienced tracker leads the way following paw prints. Because of his knowledge of the animal's instincts, we didn't feel threatened at any time. It makes for good close up photography and videos.
HI - Johannesburg - The Backpackers Ritz Hostel in Johannesburg … Friendly helpful staff. Bar, pool table, swimming pool, tv room. Easy walk to shops. Met some interesting people there.
North South Backpackers Lodge in Pretoria … I've been here three times in three years and it is always a home away from home.
1322 Backpackers International in Pretoria … Safe area and a lovely place, very clean. They get the best possible prices/quality for car hire, tours locally and to Kruger and other places. Staff were very friendly and helpful. It has everything you want/need. Great showers with hot water all day! It's very close to the embassies. It's the best backpackers I have stayed in during six months in South Africa.
Brown Sugar Backpackers in Johannesburg … Staying in the Brown Sugar feels like being home far from home. Heinz's brownies rule!!
Pretoria Backpackers in Pretoria … This was a welcome place to rest our tired feet in 2001! Benzi was most inspirational, the yellow weaver industrious, and Pretoria Backpackers was where our daughter learned to walk :-)). Thanks for everything!
HI - Johannesburg - Mbizi Backpackers Lodge Hostel in Boksburg … I love this place! The owner Patrick is so helpful and friendly. The rooms and facilities were brand new, clean, and colorful. The area is safe -- a pool, bbq, and bar in the back. Shuttle rides to wherever you need for free. Internet was great. If you are staying in JoBerg stay here, you wont regret it. I have been traveling for five weeks in South Africa, and this place was great after a long trip. This will be one of the top hostels in South Africa soon. It's new so lots of people haven't heard of it yet, but we heard about it from a woman off our safari. After moving hostels after one night because it was so bad (I wont mention names, but it was by the airport) this was a godsend.
Rockey's of Fourways Backpackers in Johannesburg … This hostel is very good. It is chilled and in a good location. I especially like the hammocks around the pool. I would definitely return. Really friendly staff who make you feel at home.
In Africa Lodge in Johannesburg … Quiet, homey, friendly, and helpful!
Diamond Diggers Backpackers in Johannesburg … This hostel is a great place to stay. The staff are really friendly and the hot tub in the bar provides much entertainment!! Food is available, as are shuttles to nearby Eastgate Mall, the Apartheid Museum, and the airport/bus station, for a very small fee. Free pickup is also available from where you are arriving.
Inchanga Ranch Hotel in Johannesburg … Due to a closed road it was a bit hard to find the hotel and once we got there we were told that our bed had been double booked, but the manager did everything to sort the situation out. The hotel is located in a very good area of Johannesburg and the site is huge. It has a paintball court, a big pool, an even bigger pond and very nice staff who did everything to make our stay in Joburg worthwhile. All the rooms are little huts with ensuite bathrooms. Security is on site almost all of the time. We enjoyed our stay! If you stay there, take a chance to visit Montecasino!
Africa Centre Airport Guest Lodge & Travel Centre in Johannesburg … We especially enjoyed hanging out in the bar - Trooper is an excellent bartender. All of the staff made us feel at home. The only complaint I can think of is the lack of bathrooms, but I know they are working on that.
Africa's Zoo Lodge Backpackers in Johannesburg … We've been at the Zoo Lodge on and off over the last five years and love it. We have recommended it to HEAPS of people and will continue to do so. Thanks to Greg and all the staff there for making our stay enjoyable. Love it...keep it up.
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