AI Travel Planner LogoaiplannerBrowse All

Johannesburg 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Johannesburg Trip - Jul 7, 2026 to Jul 18, 2026

Jul 7 - Jul 18

Embark on a thrilling 12-day adventure to Johannesburg, South Africa, from July 7-18, 2026, tailored for four adults. This moderate-budget journey blends exciting hunting expeditions with immersive cultural site visits, nature walks, photography, and vibrant local market explorations. Enjoy comfortable business class travel with brief sightseeing stopovers in Doha and Paris.

Johannesburg view
1

Departure from Omaha

Tuesday, July 7
1.1
Evening

Depart Omaha

Begin your journey to Johannesburg with a business class flight from Omaha.

Enjoy the premium services and comfort for your long-haul travel.

Arrive at the airport early to enjoy the business class lounge facilities.

Eppley Airfield (OMA), Omaha

Private car service or taxi to the airport is recommended for convenience with luggage.

2

Doha Stopover & Exploration

Wednesday, July 8
2.1
Morning

Arrive in Doha

Land in Hamad International Airport (DOH) for your planned stopover.

After clearing customs, you'll have approximately 6-8 hours for sightseeing.

Most nationalities can obtain a free visa on arrival for up to 30 days. Confirm requirements prior to travel.

Hamad International Airport (DOH), Doha

Utilize the airport's taxi services or Uber for efficient travel into the city.

2.2
Morning - Afternoon

Explore Souq Waqif

Immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Souq Waqif, a traditional market.

Wander through labyrinthine alleyways, browse spices, textiles, and traditional crafts. Grab lunch at one of the many authentic Qatari restaurants.

Bargaining is expected. Try some local Karak tea. It's best to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat.

2.3
Afternoon

Museum of Islamic Art

Visit the iconic Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.

M. Pei. Explore its stunning collection of Islamic art spanning 1,400 years and enjoy panoramic views of the Doha skyline.

Check opening hours in advance. Dress modestly out of respect for local culture.

2.4
Late Afternoon/Evening

Depart Doha for JNB

Return to Hamad International Airport for your connecting business class flight to Johannesburg.

Enjoy the business class lounge before your next flight segment.

3

Johannesburg Arrival & Relaxation

Thursday, July 9
3.1
Morning

Arrive in Johannesburg

After your flights and stopover, arrive at O.

R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Clear customs and immigration, then transfer to your upscale hotel.

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Johannesburg

Private airport transfer is recommended for ease and safety, especially with luggage. This can be pre-booked with your hotel or a reputable local service.

3.2
Late Morning

Hotel Check-in & Rest

Check into The Residence Boutique Hotel, a highly-rated upscale property.

Take time to settle in, refresh, and relax after your long journey.

Enjoy the amenities of your boutique hotel, perhaps a light snack or coffee.

3.3
Evening
USD 200-300 for 4 people

Dinner in Houghton Estate

Enjoy a relaxed dinner near your hotel in the upscale Houghton Estate area.

Explore local fine dining options offering a taste of South African cuisine.

Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations on nearby restaurants. Consider booking in advance.

4

Johannesburg History & Heritage

Friday, July 10
4.1
Morning
USD 40-50 for 4 people

Apartheid Museum Visit

Gain profound insight into South Africa's history at the Apartheid Museum.

This powerful museum chronicles the rise and fall of apartheid through a series of thought-provoking exhibits, artifacts, and personal accounts.

Allow ample time for reflection. The museum can be emotionally impactful. Photography may be restricted in some areas. Book tickets online in advance.

4.2
Lunch
USD 60-80 for 4 people

Lunch Near Soweto

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local restaurant or cafe, perhaps near Soweto, before your afternoon activities.

Your tour guide for the afternoon can suggest a good spot for authentic local cuisine.

4.3
Afternoon
USD 30-40 for 4 people

Constitution Hill Tour

Visit Constitution Hill, a former prison complex that once held Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.

Today, it's home to South Africa's Constitutional Court and a museum dedicated to human rights.

Consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking.

4.4
Evening
USD 180-250 for 4 people

Dinner in Melrose Arch

Dine in the vibrant Melrose Arch precinct, known for its stylish restaurants and shops.

It's a safe and lively area for an evening out.

Many restaurant choices available, from casual to upscale. Reservations are recommended for popular spots.

5

Soweto Township Experience

Saturday, July 11
5.1
Morning - Afternoon
USD 200-300 for 4 people

Soweto Township Tour

Embark on a comprehensive tour of Soweto (South Western Townships).

Visit key historical sites like Vilakazi Street (where both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu lived), the Hector Pieterson Memorial, and learn about the local community and its resilience. This can be done via a local tour company like MoAfrika Tours.

Choose a reputable tour operator for a safe and informative experience. Many tours include lunch at a local 'shisa nyama' (braai/BBQ) or restaurant.

5.2
Late Afternoon
USD 10-20 for 4 people

The Workers' Museum

Discover the lives of migrant workers during the industrial revolution and apartheid eras at The Workers' Museum.

This museum offers a glimpse into the challenging living and working conditions of the time.

A poignant experience that complements the Apartheid Museum and Soweto tour.

5.3
Evening
USD 150-200 for 4 people

Dinner in Newtown

Enjoy dinner in the lively Newtown cultural precinct, home to theaters, art galleries, and restaurants.

It's a great spot to experience Johannesburg's artistic side.

Newtown comes alive in the evening. Check for any live music or performances happening.

6

Transfer to Hunting Grounds & Safari Briefing

Sunday, July 12
6.1
08:00 - 09:00

Breakfast in Johannesburg

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your Johannesburg accommodation before departing for the hunting grounds.

Ensure all personal items are packed and ready for transfer.

6.2
09:30 - 13:30

Private Transfer to Hunting Grounds

Travel by private vehicle from Johannesburg to your hunting lodge.

This journey will take you through scenic South African landscapes.

Various hunting concession areas (e.g., Limpopo, North West Province)

Private transfer arranged by hunting outfitter.

6.3
13:30 - 15:00

Lodge Check-in & Lunch

Arrive at your hunting lodge, settle into your accommodation, and enjoy a welcoming lunch.

Take some time to relax after the drive and familiarize yourself with the lodge.

6.4
15:00 - 17:00

Hunting Orientation & Rifle Check

Meet with your professional hunters for a detailed briefing on safety, hunting protocols, and species. Conduct rifle checks and ensure all equipment is in order.

This is a crucial session for understanding the ethics and practicalities of the hunt.

6.5
19:00 - 21:00

Dinner & Hunt Discussion

Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, discussing the upcoming days and planning the hunt strategy with your guides.

7

Full Day Hunting Expedition

Monday, July 13
7.1
06:00 - 12:00

Morning Hunting Session

Embark on your first full hunting session, tracking and spotting game with your professional hunters.

Weather conditions will influence the specific hunting approach. Dress in layers.

7.2
12:00 - 13:00

Bush Lunch

Enjoy a packed lunch or a light meal prepared in the bush, taking a break from the hunt.

A chance to rest and refuel amidst nature.

7.3
13:00 - 18:00

Afternoon Hunting Session

Continue your hunting expedition, focusing on specific game or exploring different areas of the concession.

7.4
18:30 - 21:00

Sundowners & Lodge Dinner

Celebrate the day's successes with sundowners (drinks at sunset) followed by a delicious dinner and conversations at the lodge.

8

Morning Hunt & Return to Johannesburg

Tuesday, July 14
8.1
06:00 - 11:00

Final Morning Hunting Session

Enjoy one last hunting session or a morning game drive for observation, depending on your hunting goals and success.

8.2
11:00 - 12:30

Brunch & Lodge Departure Prep

Indulge in a final brunch at the lodge, followed by packing and preparing for your transfer back to Johannesburg.

8.3
13:00 - 17:00

Private Transfer to Johannesburg

Travel back to Johannesburg by private vehicle.

You'll check into your hotel upon arrival.

Johannesburg

Private transfer arranged by hunting outfitter or tour company.

8.4
17:30 - 18:30

Check-in The Leonardo

Check into The Leonardo, a highly-rated hotel in Johannesburg, and settle into your rooms.

8.5
19:30 - 21:00

Dinner in Melrose Arch

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the upscale restaurants in the vibrant Melrose Arch precinct, close to your hotel.

9

Johannesburg History & Soweto Tour

Wednesday, July 15
9.1
09:00 - 12:00
USD 40 for 4 people

Apartheid Museum Visit

Explore the Apartheid Museum, an architecturally interesting museum packed with thoughtful and often brutal reminders of South Africa’s history.

Allocate ample time for this immersive and educational experience. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312578-d313843-Reviews-Apartheid_Museum-Johannesburg_Greater_Johannesburg_Gauteng.html

9.2
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch in Soweto

Enjoy a traditional South African lunch at a local restaurant within Soweto, experiencing the local flavors.

9.3
14:00 - 18:00
USD 480 for 4 people

South Western Townships Tour

Take a guided tour of the historic South Western Townships (Soweto), visiting iconic sites like Vilakazi Street, Nelson Mandela's House, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.

You will be guided by MoAfrika Tours.

This tour offers deep insights into South Africa's struggle for freedom and its vibrant contemporary culture. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312578-d7181912-Reviews-MoAfrika_Tours-Johannesburg_Greater_Johannesburg_Gauteng.html

9.4
19:30 - 21:00

Dinner in Newtown

Dine in the cultural precinct of Newtown, known for its arts and entertainment, offering a variety of dining options.

10

Johannesburg Art & Heritage

Thursday, July 16
10.1
09:30 - 11:00

Standard Bank Gallery

Visit the Standard Bank Gallery, a prominent art gallery showcasing contemporary and historical South African art exhibitions.

Check current exhibition schedules as they change regularly.

10.2
11:30 - 13:00

Wits Art Museum

Explore the Wits Art Museum (WAM), home to a significant collection of African art, including traditional and contemporary works.

The museum is part of the University of the Witwatersrand.

10.3
13:00 - 14:00

Lunch in Braamfontein

Enjoy lunch in the trendy Braamfontein neighborhood, known for its cafes and creative vibe.

10.4
14:30 - 16:00
USD 20 for 4 people

The Workers' Museum

Gain insight into Johannesburg's industrial past and the lives of migrant laborers at The Workers' Museum, housed in a former municipal compound.

10.5
16:00 - 17:00

Mary Fitzgerald Square

Take a stroll through Mary Fitzgerald Square, a historic public space in Newtown dedicated to notable figures in the anti-apartheid struggle.

10.6
19:00 - 21:00

Farewell Dinner in Sandton

Enjoy a final dinner in Johannesburg in Sandton, offering a wide array of fine dining experiences.

11

Last Day in Johannesburg & Farewell

Friday, July 17
11.1
09:00 - 11:00

Relaxed Morning & Packing

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take time to complete any final packing and preparations for your departure.

Check out of your hunting lodge (if applicable) and head into central Johannesburg.

Ensure all hunting gear and trophies are properly packed and documentation is ready for international transport.

11.2
11:00 - 15:00
USD 400 for 4 people

Guided Johannesburg City Tour

Embark on a customized city tour with MoAfrika Tours, exploring the vibrant history and culture of Johannesburg. Options include historical sites, bustling markets, or a deeper dive into local life.

Discuss your interests with the tour guide to tailor the experience. Book in advance. You can specify a focus on history, culture, or city highlights.

11.3
19:00 - 21:00

Farewell Dinner in Sandton

Enjoy a final, celebratory dinner in the upscale Sandton area, known for its excellent restaurants.

Savor South African cuisine and reflect on your incredible journey.

Consider dining at a restaurant offering traditional South African dishes or international cuisine. Reservations are recommended for popular spots.

12

Departure, Paris Stopover & Return Travel

Saturday, July 18
12.1
06:00 - 07:00

Transfer to Johannesburg Airport

Arrange for a private transfer from your accommodation to O.

R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) for your business class flight.

Allow ample time for check-in and security for your international business class flight. Most international flights require arriving 3 hours prior to departure.

12.2
09:00 - 20:00

Flight to Paris (Business Class)

Enjoy your business class flight from Johannesburg to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

Relax and prepare for your Parisian stopover.

12.3
21:00 - 05:00

Paris by Night Stopover

Make the most of your 10-hour stopover with a whirlwind tour of Paris's illuminated landmarks. See the iconic Eiffel Tower sparkling, drive past the Arc de Triomphe, and stroll along the Champs-Élysées. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the 'City of Lights' by night.

Utilize express airport transfer services (RER train to city, or taxi/ride-share) to maximize your time. Focus on exterior views given the late arrival and limited time. Grab a quick Parisian snack before heading back to the airport.

12.4
06:00 (July 19th) - 11:30 (July 19th)

Return Flights to Omaha

Continue your journey with a business class flight from Paris (CDG) to Detroit (DTW), followed by your final connecting flight to Omaha (OMA).

You will arrive back in Omaha on the morning of July 19th, 2026.

Clear US customs and immigration upon arrival in Detroit before your final domestic connection. Remember to adjust to Central Time.

This 12-day itinerary for Johannesburg can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.