Johannesburg: A Stylish Urban Pause Between Safaris Johannesburg often acts as the first or last chapter in an African adventure. With world-class hotels, excellent food, and easy connections, it’s the perfect place to recharge or explore a little before your next flight.

Below are our favourite places to stay in Johannesburg. Each one brings something special, depending on how long you plan to stay and how you like to travel.

1. Best Hotels at OR Tambo Airport (For Short Layovers) 🛫

If you have a short layover or an early morning flight, convenience is everything. These two airport hotels make travel easy and stress-free.

✨ InterContinental Johannesburg Airport Located right next to the terminal, the InterContinental is as easy as it gets. Step off the plane, walk straight to your room, and settle in for a smooth night’s rest. The hotel offers a full-service spa, a modern restaurant, and quiet luxury designed for travellers in transit.

✨ City Lodge Hotel OR Tambo Just a few minutes’ walk across a skybridge, this City Lodge is simple, friendly, and ideal for a quick overnight stay. To make your arrival completely seamless, especially after a long flight, we can arrange a personal meet-and-greet service. When booking with us, we will meet you as you enter the arrivals hall, assist with your luggage, and guide you directly to the hotel check-in. It removes all guesswork and is the perfect way to start your trip with value and convenience.

2. Best Boutique Hotels in Melrose & Rosebank 🌿

If your stopover lasts a bit longer and you want to enjoy a little of Johannesburg’s charm, these smaller boutique hotels in the city's safer, leafy suburbs are our favourites.

✨ The Peech Hotel This eco-chic boutique hotel sits in the leafy neighbourhood of Melrose. The Peech Hotel is peaceful, elegant, and filled with thoughtful touches. The highlight is the on-site restaurant, The Pot Luck Club, an acclaimed dining experience created by Chef Luke Dale Roberts. It’s one of our favourite dinner spots in the city.

✨ Park Hyatt Johannesburg Located in the stylish district of Rosebank, this new property combines heritage architecture with modern design. The rooms are bright and beautifully finished, and the courtyard garden is perfect for morning coffee. It’s elegant without feeling formal, and a wonderful base for travellers who want a refined city stay.

✨ Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Perched on a hillside above the city, this hotel is all about views and atmosphere. The lush gardens, wide terraces, and tranquil pool make it feel like an oasis. It overlooks the treetops near the Johannesburg Zoo, creating the perfect mix of nature and urban sophistication.

3. The Best Luxury Retreat in Sandton

✨ Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa Set on ten acres of manicured gardens in Sandhurst (near Sandton), the Saxon is one of Johannesburg’s true icons. Everything here feels private and serene. The suites and villas are beautifully designed, the spa is exceptional, and the fine dining options are among the best in South Africa. It’s the ultimate choice for travellers who want to start or end their safari in complete comfort.

4. Making the Most of Your Time in Johannesburg

🦁 While Johannesburg may not be the main safari attraction, it has a rich cultural heartbeat worth exploring. To make this effortless and truly insightful, we arrange private, guided tours for our guests. This is the best way to experience the city, as you are not bound by a large group's schedule. We can book a dedicated local expert to guide you through Soweto, sharing powerful stories of Nelson Mandela’s early life, or provide a deeply moving tour of the Apartheid Museum.

We’ll handle all the logistics, from seamless and safe transfers in a private vehicle to timing your return perfectly. If you’re in the city for only one day, we can easily arrange a fascinating half-day tour that gets you back to your hotel or the airport without any stress.

Why These Hotels Made Our List ✈️

At Sundowner Safaris, we know that every moment of travel counts, even the nights spent between adventures. The hotels we recommend combine comfort, service, and thoughtful details that make a short stay memorable. We have personally visited or vetted these locations to ensure they meet our standards for safety, quality, and service.

Whether you need a quiet room after a long flight, a glass of wine with a view, or a full night’s sleep before heading into the bush, Johannesburg delivers the perfect pause in your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Is it safe to stay in Johannesburg during a stopover?

A: Yes, it is very safe, provided you choose the right area. The airport hotels are in a secure precinct. For city stays, we recommend secure, "bubble" neighbourhoods like Melrose, Rosebank, and Sandton, which have excellent security, walk-in restaurants, and shops. We advise against walking alone in the city centre (CBD) and always recommend using a pre-booked transfer or vetted ride-share app.

Q: What is the best area to stay in Johannesburg for a short visit?

A: It depends on your flight times. For layovers under 18 hours or with very early departures, staying at an OR Tambo Airport hotel is the most convenient. For longer stays (1-2 days), Rosebank or Melrose offer a wonderful, safe, and vibrant experience with great dining and shopping.

Q: What can I do on a one-day layover in Johannesburg?

A: With a full day, you can easily take a half-day tour to the Apartheid Museum or Soweto. If you prefer to relax, you can explore the art galleries and cafes in Rosebank or enjoy the world-class spa facilities at a hotel like the Saxon.

Q: What should I pack for my Johannesburg stopover?

A: For the city, casual attire is fine. If you plan on a nice dinner, "smart casual" is perfect. Remember to also check our complete safari packing list so you're prepared for the next leg of your journey!

📩 Get in touch with us to include a Johannesburg stay in your tailor-made safari itinerary.

We’ll make sure your time in the city feels effortless, elegant, and exactly what you need before heading into the wild.

Contact us today!

The 7 Best Johannesburg Hotels for a Safari Stopover