City of Gold
THE best point of arrival and departure for a Southern African Safari is Johannesburg, as the city is in the economic heartland of South Africa, but is within a short flight of the best wildlife reserves of the region. This bustling and dynamic city is little more than 100 years old, but its growth was fuelled by the abundance of gold which lies in seams deep below the modern skyscrapers, luxury homes and shanties of this prosperous area.
The luxury hotels we have selected make a perfect place to start or end a tour, or to take a day or two to unwind and rest between destinations - remember that a safari can be a fairly exhausting experience for even a seasoned traveler.
Johannesburg's affluent northern suburbs have an abundance of fashionable shopping malls, boutiques and superb restaurants, so a night or two in this dynamic city is not without its merits.
Johannesburg's modern airport connects to cities in the Americas, Europe, the Middle and Far East and Australia, with daily arrivals from major cities like New York, London and Frankfurt.
Scheduled and charter flights to all the best destinations in Southern Africa are available from Johannesburg, including the prime destinations of the Okavango, Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls.
Within a short drive of Johannesburg are the Magaliesberg - an island of undulating quartzite ridges, mountain streams and forested gorges, and the nearby Haartbeespoort Dam, an ideal area for paragliding or hot-air ballooning.
