By Jackson Oboth
I recently visited South Africa and pleasantly discovered that Johannesburg, better known locally as Joburg or Jozi, is one of the most affordable cities in the world in terms of cost of living.
Compared to other towns like Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, Joburg still offers a better deal to a traveler in terms of cost effectiveness.
Joburg is South Africa’s economic and cultural hub, and the most visited city in Africa. It is indeed a highly affordable destination, where your currency will not only cover everything you’d like to do or see, but leave you with extra to spend.
Like any international city, everything you can think of is available at the tap of a laptop or cellphone in this energetic, friendly metropolis. More than that, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the amazing value-for-money offerings in the city, which is in the midst of an exciting urban renaissance thus constantly spawning new entertainment and shopping attractions.
Hunt around and you will find highly affordable accommodation in Johannesburg, especially during low season. Seven nights in a charming, clean hotel or guesthouse can easily be booked for about R5600 (US$442), while a small car can be hired for seven days at about R1692 (US$133). For the dollar wielding traveller, that is a week’s accommodation and transport for less than US$600.
A morning visit to Johannesburg Zoo (R75), followed by lunch at the popular Moyo’s restaurant (R250), then a full body massage at one of the city spas (R620), would cost less than R1000. A full day of activity, a good lunch and some pampering –all for less than US$80!
A full day Mandela Heritage Tour, including travel and lunch, costs about the same, while a day out at Gold Reef City theme park – including rides, a bite to eat and two local beers –for between R300 and R400 (US$23-31).
In the midst of an exciting cultural and technological renaissance, Johannesburg is life in the fast lane, but with plenty of time dedicated to downtime, reflected in its thriving sidewalk café culture and energetic nightlife. For less than $30 you can immerse yourself in the best of these offerings for hours, dining at a trendy eatery, paying the entrance fee for a club like Katzy’s in Rosebank (R100 or US$8) and slaking the local beer at less than US$2 per beer. Spend R500 (US$39) and you will experience an unforgettable night of world-class jazz and excellent dining at The Orbit jazz club.
Central to South Africa’s colonial history and the struggle against apartheid, the city is full of iconic historical landmarks and museums. These enriching visits will make hardly any impact on your budget. The National Museum of Military History costs only R30 (US$2) entrance, while the Apartheid Museum costs only R70 (US$5). The Origins Centre in Braamfontein charges only R80 (US$6) entrance fee, and you can climb to the top of Africa at the Carlton Centre for just R15.
Jozi is also the most forested city in the world, enjoying the best climate on the planet, so there is a wealth of outdoor activities on offer, from hikes to day outings to flower shows to boat rowing. Many of these are free – you can simply walk into the beautiful Emmarentia Botanical Gardens for no cost – or the cost is minimal. A day hike up the Melville koppies is only R40 (US$3), for example, and the entrance to the award-winning Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens is only R35 (US$2).
Not least, Johannesburg also has a fast-growing spa industry, to cater to increasing demand by both business and leisure travellers. As a result the prices for pampering are highly competitive. You can enjoy a 60-minute full body deep tissue massage for R620 (US$48) at the Life Day Spa in Rosebank, for instance, or a facial treatment for just over R300 (US$23).
So there is no need to stint. A million experiences are awaiting your discovery in value-for-money Johannesburg.