1. Hotel art collections and gallery hopping

The work of legendary artist Sam Nhlengethwa is now writ large on the walls of Radisson RED Rosebank. The brand-new installations were unveiled on Sat, Apr 5, 2025. Radisson RED is a well-known art-focused hotel, and this collaboration with Nhlengethwa furthers its ethos around celebrating local voices. 

Nhlengethwa is a pioneering figure in modern South African art: his bold collages and paintings are both visually striking and intellectually engaging.Throughout his longstanding career, he has told stories around Joburg's evolution as a city, the jazz scene, and celebrated the lives of everyday people. The artworks in Radisson RED's common areas are updated every nine to 12 months.

Before Nhlengethwa, Tafadzwa Tego's larger-than-life works lit up the walls, which have previously also featured work by Zanele Muholi and Prince Gyasi. When you stop by, don't forget to take a selfie with the iconic red wings outside of the building sculpted by Usha Seejarim – while Marlene Steyn's permanent sculpture sits atop the signage to the hotel's main entrance. We'll be sharing more on Nhlengethwa's current works on display; stay tuned for the full story.

A NEW ART EXPERIENCE AT THE LEONARDO

For a different kind of art experience, join Thabo Jacob Modise – also known as Thabo the Tourist – for one of his gallery-hopping tours around the city. Modise has been hosting these popular outings since 2021, and they're refreshingly accessible thanks to his personable nature and relatable insights. He offers both half and full-day tours, as well as a collab art tour with the City Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off Red Bus. We've joined a number of these over the years and have always found them fun and immensely worthwhile. Book here. 

2. Sterkfontein Caves re-open for public tours

July 2022 saw the closure of the Sterkfontein Caves, part of Maropeng – the official visitor's centre for the Cradle of Humankind. This was due to heavy rainfall and subsequent safety concerns, with little reported on the matter since. So we were pleased to hear that the Sterkfontein Caves will reopen on Tue, Apr 15, 2025, allowing the public to once again visit this important heritage attraction. We'll be attending a media launch ahead of this – follow us on Instagram @johannesburginyourpocket for a peek inside the caves on the day. 

Take a guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves (a five-minute drive down the road from Maropeng), where the remains of Little Foot, Mrs Ples, and other famous fossils were found. Tours of the caves take around 45 minutes but are not recommended for the unfit as there are numerous steps and some places where you are required to kneel or crawl.

A perfect accompaniment to the cave tour is a visit to the extensive exhibition at the Maropeng Visitor Centre. The exhibition takes an interactive approach to the history of life, from the Big Bang to the evolution of humankind, the discovery of fire, and the spread of people across continents.

The Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Visitor Centre, both situated in the Cradle of Humankind, are an approximately 30-minute drive northwest of Sandton on the R400, just off the R563 to Hekpoort. The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site (declared so in 1999) where some of the world's most significant hominid discoveries have been made. Fossils continue to be found here, with the latest significant discovery made in 2013. Visit maropeng.co.za for more information and to make bookings. 

3. South Africa first among 10 African countries redefining tourism in 2025

The continent of Africa is a beauty. With destinations like the Serengeti, Victoria Falls, and Mount Kilimanjaro, an article published by The African Exponent names 10 African countries that are redefining tourism worldwide. They are: Mauritius, Zambia, Uganda, Morocco, Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and, last but not least, South Africa. In fact, our home country is number one on the list – here's why.

South Africa may still be on the road to full recovery – with international tourism numbers 12,8% below pre-pandemic levels – but in 2025, the country has emerged as a global leader in redefining what tourism looks like in an ever-changing world. According to Tourism 2024, a report released by Statistics South Africa, a total of 8,9 million tourists arrived in the country last year, marking a 5,1% increase from 2023. While this figure still lags behind the 10,2 million visitors recorded in 2019, South Africa’s dynamic offerings, resilient sector, and evolving travel culture have positioned it as a trendsetter in global tourism.

JOBURG AND CAPE TOWN LEADING THE CHARGE
Joburg and Cape Town, the country's major urban hubs, have played an outsized role in driving this growth. In Joburg, the intersection of culture, history, and innovation continues to attract experience-seeking tourists. Visitors flock to places like the Maboneng Precinct, the Apartheid Museum, and Vilakazi Street in Soweto – not just to tick off sightseeing boxes but to immerse themselves in stories of resilience, creativity, and transformation. The city’s flourishing food and arts scenes, paired with new boutique hotels and lifestyle experiences, have repositioned Joburg as more than a transit point – it's now a destination in its own right.

Cape Town, meanwhile, remains one of the world’s most visually striking cities. From the iconic Table Mountain to scenic beaches and the coastal Kalk Bay village, the Mother City offers a blend of natural beauty and cosmopolitan energy. The Cape Winelands, Robben Island, and thriving culinary scene draw millions, but what sets Cape Town apart in 2025 is its strong focus on sustainable and community-led tourism, giving travellers a more conscious and connected experience.

DIVERSE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s edge also lies in the diversity of its travel experiences. While 96,9% of international tourists arrived for leisure, there has been notable regional variation in travel purposes. A growing number of visitors from elsewhere on the continent are arriving for business and education, particularly from countries outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Cities like Durban, Bloemfontein, and Pretoria are seeing increased traffic linked to conferences, universities, and specialist medical care – expanding the definition of who a tourist is and what they come for.

Despite an overall 0,8% drop in traveller numbers in 2024 compared to 2023, South Africa saw a 15,2% increase in transit visitors, signalling its growing role as a regional hub. These nuanced shifts highlight how the country is not just recovering, but reshaping tourism through inclusion, diversity of purpose, and cultural authenticity.

4. 48 hours in Johannesburg with Jetset Janine

Having visited Joburg 11 times in just over the past decade, Jetset Janine (the moniker of San Francisco-based travel blogger Janine Lee) is no stranger to the diverse experiences the city offers – which keep her coming back for more.

Lee is a globetrotter of note: she has a frequent flyer card for six continents and 100 countries – and counting. By day, she’s a lecturer at University of California Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, leading MBA students on a whirlwind tour of South Africa’s socioeconomics (this will be her 10th year). And when she’s not working or travelling, she’s living her best foodie life, having ticked off 100 Michelin Star restaurants and everything from food trucks to fine dining. She shares her experiences via her Instagram page @jetsetjanine and website, created as a resource for new travellers and female solo adventurers.

We helped her plan her itinerary on a recent visit to the city, which we'll be sharing in full soon. During her time, she joined a tour of Braamfontein, Newtown, and Maboneng with City Skate Tours, visited Embarc restaurant, spent a morning at 44 Stanley, indulged in high tea at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, and enjoyed some market shopping at Rosebank. Ahead of the full article, here's a taste of why Lee says she loves the city: 

You've been to Joburg 11 times now. What keeps you coming back?
I keep coming back because of the beauty of the country, the resilience of its people, food scene, and the rich and immersive culture. 

What strikes you about the culture of the city itself and the people who live here?
The city is a big melting pot of multiple cultures. You can see that in the food, clothing, and the diversity of experiences and locations. The people are incredible – positive, friendly, hospitable – and always wanting to share their love for their city.

5. The World Travel Market Africa comes to Cape Town and global tourism challenges

IGNITING AFRICA – WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM?
In the context of these challenges, the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2025 event, themed "Ignite Africa," holds significant importance for the continent's travel market and tourism industry. Scheduled from Wed, Apr 9 – Fri, Apr 11 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), WTM Africa 2025 aims to provide actionable insights and strategic networking opportunities to bolster African tourism. 

The event will feature a content-rich programme focusing on critical themes relating to aviation, responsible tourism, LGBTQ+ tourism and marketing. Curated by industry experts, sessions are designed to deliver practical solutions and tangible strategies. The "Brain Box" part of the programme will offer interactive workshops and discussions. WTM Africa will also launch an updated trend report packed with the latest industry statistics and insights.

As part of the event, the Africa Tourism Investment Conference on Thu, Apr 10, 2025 will focus on unlocking intra-Africa tourism investment, building long-term sustainability, and resilience. Register for WTM Africa 2025 here.

HOW WILL THE VAT HIKE IMPACT TOURISM?
The South African government has announced a VAT increase in the 2025 Budget, from 15% to 15.5% in May, and to 16% in April 2026.  The increase has sparked mixed reactions from economists, businesses, and the public alike, with the travel sector weighing in. From an article published by Getaway Magazine, FEDHASA (an association for the hospitality industry) Chairperson Rosemary Anderson says, "If the money is spent appropriately, we hope to see significant improvements in service delivery and in the towns welcoming tourists."

CHALLENGES TO TOURISM IN THE UNITED STATES
In January this year, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government." This order mandates that federal agencies recognise only two immutable sexes – male and female – defined at conception. This raises many questions for transgender and non-binary tourists wanting to travel to the United States. 

With this, on Wed, Apr 2, 2025, the Republican President announced sweeping tariffs. These measures have led to a significant market downturn. The tourism sector is particularly affected, with a projected 9.4% decline in international travel to the U.S. this year. This decrease is attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with U.S. trade policies and controversial incidents involving foreign visitors.

The resulting global economic slowdown and increased travel costs due also to a stronger U.S. dollar may also deter South African tourists, further reducing tourism.

6. Walking tours we love in Joburg: birds, books, and looks

While international travel faces hurdles, perhaps it's time to embrace the joys of staying local. Instead of wrestling with fluctuating exchange rates, you can take a tour with Raymond Rampolokeng, Soweto’s first trained BirdLife South Africa guide, who offers bird-watching tours in the township's wetland areas, including Orlando and Moroka dams.

Or you can join Griffin Shea of Linden-based indie bookshop Bridge Books for a guided walk through the City Centre's Literary District, tracing Joburg’s informal book trade and rich reading culture. 

Those on a fashion quest should link up with Sebo Marobela, founder of Caraci Clothing in Marshalltown, for the Caraci Experience. This exclusive tour takes you through Johannesburg’s fashion district, where you’ll select fabric from an array of African prints. Back at the Caraci studio, Marobela’s team will craft a custom bomber jacket, dress, jumpsuit, or clothing item of your choice. In between, you’ll break for lunch in Maboneng or another city spot while learning about the art of garment-making.

See our full list of the best guided tours in Joburg here.

7. Explore the country's green spaces with an annual SANBI membership

A South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) annual membership offers unlimited access to South Africa’s breathtaking National Botanical Gardens, making it the perfect way to immerse yourself in the country’s diverse plant life year-round.

Beyond the well-known gardens like Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town and Joburg's own Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden members can explore lesser-known gems such as the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden in Worcester, where arid-adapted succulents thrive, or the Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Mbombela, defined by the two primary rivers that run through it (the Crocodile and Nels Rivers). For those seeking coastal beauty, Harold Porter National Botanical Garden in Betty's Bay, renowned for its waterfalls and amber pools in the heart of the fynbos region, features diverse landscapes – from mountain slopes and deep gorges to marshes and beachside dunes.

A SANBI membership includes unlimited access to all South African National Botanical and Zoological Gardens, plus 10% off at Kirstenbosch’s gift shop, bookshop, and Happy by Nature nursery, making it even easier to bring nature home. With options for families (R1,600), couples (R1,200), adults (R800), pensioners and students (R600), and kids (R400), there’s a membership for all. Get your membership here. 

For more info, check out our guide to exploring SANBI's gardens around the country here. 

8. What's driving travel trends in 2025?

An article published by American Express Travel suggests four key trends that are shaping how people book their travel. Find our summary below. 

REDEFINING SOUVENIRS
Today’s travellers  Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are gravitating toward one-of-a-kind items that capture the essence of their journey, and reflect the culture of the destination, allowing them to share stories once they’re home.

MODERN FAMILY TRAVEL
Family travel is evolving into a collaborative experience, with Millennial and Gen Z parents often letting their children take the lead in trip-planning. These multi-generational getaways are about togetherness, with 89% of younger parents stating quality time as a main reason for including extended family, and 81% of global respondents preferring destinations that cater to all ages. 

MAXIMISING TRAVEL REWARDS
A growing number of travellers are making their money work harder by stacking travel perks and rewards. Millennials and Gen Z lead the way, with 75% saying it feels like a win when they use credit card points to book travel. They're not just collecting points – they’re leveraging them strategically.

TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED TRAVEL
Tech is playing an increasingly important role in streamlining the travel experience. From smart itinerary planning to real-time recommendations, 83% of Millennials and Gen Z find at least one aspect of Gen AI helpful when booking trips – with personalised activity suggestions topping the list at 40%. Apps and social media also factor heavily into their planning process, with 80% using them to map out their journeys. 

9. News and special offers: R1 Gautrain parking and budget-friendly stays at Curiocity

PARK FOR JUST R1 AT ALL GAUTRAIN STATIONS
With the normal parking rate ranging from free for 0–15 minutes to R134 a day, Gautrain is offering a fantastic parking special from Tue, Apr 1 – Thu, Jul 31, 2025 where you can park at any station for just R1 per day, for up to 10 days. To qualify, simply park at a Gautrain station and complete a return train journey, using the same Gautrain Card for both parking and train travel.

Note: After 10 days, standard parking fares will apply. You must exit the parking facility within one hour of tagging out of the station, or standard non-rail user rates will apply. This promotion is available at Gautrain parking facilities, subject to space availability, and all standard Gautrain rules must be followed.

See here for a guide on how to explore Gauteng with the Gautrain.

LONG WEEKEND SPECIALS AT CURIOCITY
From Maboneng to the Mother City, those seeking a budget-friendly yet adventurous stay in either Joburg or Cape Town will love these discounts on accommodation for the long weekend in April (Fri, Apr 18 – Mon, Apr 21, 2025) thanks to Curiocity – a network of hybrid hotels and hostels in South Africa. They're known for offering affordable, design-forward accommodations with a strong focus on community and local experiences – we highly recommend them. Find out more here.

10. Recent reviews, from Sandton to Steyn City

VISITING STEYN CITY – LUXURY ESTATE LIVING

Joburg is no conventional city. It’s a city of many worlds – or many centres. Today, Joburg is distributed along different axes, the monumental Steyn City development being one of them. Located between Fourways and Lanseria, it’s a place we’ve been curious about for some time. It’s also a place you can only visit by invitation or booking, so our stay at the Steyn City Hotel by Saxon gave us the unique opportunity to explore. What’s clear from the start is that this is a different way of life, a gated community built around an immense shared space. Read about our visit here. 

WORK AND PLAY AT THE MASLOW SANDTON
 

Looking for a productive retreat with a side of poolside lounging? While The Maslow Sandton hotel is primarily tailored to business travellers, there’s plenty of leisure to balance the hustle. From the Africology spa to lounging poolside and enjoying the lush garden, we had the chance to explore the hotel’s playful side during our recent visit. We snoozed like royalty in our luxury queen suite (blackout curtains included). For lunch, we sipped on cocktails and tucked into the perfect beef burger at Lacuna Bar. Dinner of Durban-style prawn chicken curry and steak with veggies at Lacuna Bistro almost had us rolling back to our hotel room. Breakfast the next morning was as much of a treat. Read our full review here. 

Subscribe to our free weekly Johannesburg In Your Pocket newsletter for all the latest news and reviews about what's new in Joburg!