Flights to Johannesburg with Air France from CAD 1,164*

Johannesburg, fascinating city in South Africa

Air France offers reasonably priced flights to Johannesburg, the famous South African megalopolis. Plan on at least twenty hours in travel time. For example, flights from Montreal to Johannesburg, handled by Air France or one of our partners such as KLM or Delta, include a stopover in Amsterdam in the Netherlands or Minneapolis in the United States.

Founded in 1886, Johannesburg has a population of 3.8 million. It is a fascinating city that is as attractive as it is little known. The greater area also includes the city of Pretoria, the country's administrative capital (contrary to the false idea that Johannesburg is the capital of South Africa).

Johannesburg is the current capital of the Gauteng province, the wealthiest in South Africa.

Today, the economy in Johannesburg is no longer based only on mining activities. Service industries are booming, and the construction of the city's international airport, O.R. Tambo has made Johannesburg a hub for African business.

The country has greatly evolved since the end of Apartheid (separation of whites and blacks), in the early 90s. There has been a strong increase in tourism and important urban development (boosted by the Rugby World Cup in 1995 and the FIFA World Cup organized in 2010).

Johannesburg: many interesting sites

Johannesburg is a city with a rich touristic heritage and Air France offers regular flights to the South African metropolis. The city's center includes over one hundred art deco style buildings, dating back to the 30s and 40s, especially on Main Street and on Commissioner Street.

Johannesburg also has many museums, such as the Joburg Art Museum, the Africa Museum and the Apartheid Museum, which will help you understand South Africa's complex history. You may also learn at the Origins Centre, a museum which presents the origins of humanity and rupestrian art in South Africa, or visit the Museum of Military History.

Some of the majestic must-see buildings are: the Johannesburg Post Office on Rissik Street, the Johannesburg Supreme Court of Appeals, or the Ponte Tower which has been extensively renovated over recent years.

You may also visit Soweto (South Western Township), which was one of the main areas where the anti-Apartheid revolt took place during the 70s and 80s. The Hector Pieterson Museum commemorates the event.

The legendary, world-renowned zoo, Lion Park: you can feed the giraffes and zebras. You can shop in the large Rosebank market where you will find local handcrafts, paintings, rugs and typical foods.

If you like fauna and flora, you must stop at the Walter Sisulu National Botanic Gardens that covers over 300 hectares along the Crocodile River.

Travel to Johannesburg: practical information

The best time to book your flight to Johannesburg, is in the spring because the temperatures are pleasant and there is little rainfall. The city is in the southern hemisphere so winter is during the months of June through October.

To travel to Johannesburg and in general to South Africa, Canadian citizens need a passport that is valid at least 30 days beyond the expected date of departure from that country. However, it is recommended to have a passport that is valid at least six months beyond the date of return and not to have all of the passport pages filled.

The currency in South Africa is the South African rand (ZAR). You may exchange currency and traveler's checks easily in large banks and exchange offices.

If you rent a car, your Canadian driver's license is sufficient.