The Best Airbnbs in Johannesburg For First-Time Visitors

Founded as recently as 1886, Johannesburg went on to become the largest city in South Africa. It was the long-time home of the country’s first Black president and is now a burgeoning student hub with a progressive mindset. Nelson Mandela’s House and the Soweto township along with the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill are vital components of any Jo’burg itinerary before heading to Kruger and beyond.

Johannesburg does cause concern among travelers but there’s no need to miss out provided you plan your trip and choose where to stay carefully. Maboneng, Braamfontein, and Newtown are the safest Downtown JHB neighborhoods close to attractions, dining hotspots, and pulsating nightlife. The suburbs north of the city offer a calmer and overall safer experience than the Central Business District. Melrose, Rosebank, Parktown, and Northcliff are peaceful communities near green spaces while jacaranda trees bloom on the sidewalks from September.

Shelf any worries and check into one of these top-rated Airbnbs in Johannesburg’s downtown and suburban neighborhoods.

Traveling to South Africa? Check out Matador’s South Africa accommodations guides:

• These Cape Town Airbnbs Offer Views of the Coast and Luxury Amenities
• The Top Cape Town Hotels To Experience Beaches, Hikes, and Cuisine
• Enjoy the Beauty of Cape Town in This Colorful Art Studio Airbnb

We hope you love these Airbnb Johannesburg vacation rentals! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Rosebank condo with Johannesburg views

 

See more photosOne walkable block from Rosebank Mall, this 10th-floor apartment provides a tantalizing perspective of South Africa’s largest city. The kitchen is fitted with all the mod-cons you could think of including a washing machine and dishwasher while each bedroom has an en suite bathroom. The property’s generator kicks in during load-shedding times to safeguard your trip from interruptions, All in all, this is one of the best Johannesburg Airbnbs for a long stay or workstation.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $101 per night

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Scenic Houghton Estate home on the mountain

 

See more photosThis gorgeous Jo’burg Airbnb perches on a ridge near Rosebank and the Wilds Nature Reserve. Access is via a private, guarded road and the lush setting will have you believing you’re miles from the CBD. Sparingly dressed with art from local creatives, the light-filled lounge opens out onto a gigantic deck overlooking the silhouette of Sandton. Head out there with a book or the home gym equipment or simply bask in the silence.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $156 per night

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Luxurious family-friendly Jo’burg Airbnb with a pool

 

See more photosThis recently revamped villa wraps around a secluded courtyard with a pool and patio set up for a DIY braai. From the shiny new kitchen appliances to the premium furnishings, the interiors are beautifully equipped for travelers seeking the comforts of home. Little Chelsea is an upscale enclave in Parkhurst near the botanical garden and zoo. The property has backup power during load shedding and there is one off-street car parking space.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $181 per night

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Family-friendly “tree house” Airbnb near Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

 

See more photosThis three-story cottage is located in a former farming precinct in Ranburgh’s Northcliff enclave. Wooden and rattan furnishings, oak beams, and rogue branches contribute to a treehouse feeling. Step out of the loft onto the private patio where you’ll get a view of the courtyard and its koi pond as you fire up the braai. Children are warmly welcomed although you’ll need to keep a close eye on them when bathing in the semi-wild shared pool.

Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $45 per night

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Tranquil Airbnb near Johannesburg Airport

 

See more photosSix miles from the O.R. Tambo International Airport, there’s no better place to touch down than this stunning lodge-style rental in Kempton Park. The rental opens onto a serene backyard with a private pool bounded by flora with space aplenty for rustling up your own braai night. Whoever claims the loft bedroom will enjoy sipping coffee on the balcony as birds chirp. The spa tub comes at an additional fee but you’d be crazy not to book a session.

Five guests, three bedrooms
Price: $53 per night

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Sub(urban) sanctuary in Melville

 

See more photosThis artsy Airbnb in Johannesburg captures the spirit of the bohemian neighborhood of Melville from where you can easily plan an excursion to Soweto. Wood, concrete, and steel were recycled during a major conservation project on the original house. The loft suite’s private balcony gazes across the trees toward the city skyline while another bedroom is installed in a detached glass cabin. There’s even a guitar to see you through any planned or unexpected power outages.

Six guests, three bedroom
Price: $99 per night

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Downtown JHB penthouse with rooftop hot tub

 

See more photosRetreat to the 18th floor of this Newtown residential block where you’ll score a bird’s eye view of the entire city as well as the Sentech Tower. The wraparound deck and Jacuzzi tub are fully private while the bedrooms and living quarters are shockingly spacious. It’s about as central as you’ll find in Johannesburg with museums right on the doorstep and the nightlife and markets of Braamfontein and Maboneng an Uber ride away.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $223 per night

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Idyllic Melrose cottage with pool

 

See more photosThis quaint guest suite in Johannesburg’s jacaranda-lined suburb sits in a picturesque garden teeming with plants, trees, and birds. The pool is shared only with the friendly host couple who resides in the main house although you’ll pretty much have it to yourself – bar the occasional visit from the homeowners’ dog! The cottage has a simple kitchenette, a wood burner, and a clawfoot tub that’ll see you through all seasons.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $41 per night

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Industrial-style penthouse Airbnb in Maboneng

 

See more photosDivided into residences, hotel rooms, restaurants, stores, and lifestyle pursuits, Main Street Life is the coolest destination in the hip and happening Maboneng. This Johannesburg loft is located on the hotel-managed penthouse floor and comprises an open-plan den with your very own swing. The master bedroom has an irresistible subway-tiled tub and a matching shower while all windows grant an epic view. It’s a lively part of town so do pack earplugs if you like your beauty sleep.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $44 per night

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Designer Johannesburg pool villa in Parktown North

 

See more photosSleep among the greenery at this stylish Airbnb in Jo’burg’s first suburb north of the CBD. The double-height concrete lounge is awash with art and plants while both bathrooms contain ultra-luxe soaking tubs. The two bedrooms have separate entrances to and from the poolside and there’s a secondary power system during scheduled power outages. Pick up a bottle of Shiraz to sip on the rooftop as the sun sets over the skyline.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $170 per night

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Duplex loft with terrace and hot tub in Braamfontein

 

See more photosStay in Johannesburg’s cultural hotspot where bars and galleries swarm with students and young creatives. This two-story penthouse in Braam is lashed with sunshine while insane views skim over the cityscape. Once you tire of sights and tours, there’s a movie projector and PlayStation that’ll persuade you to have a night in. The apartment is also equipped with gear to reduce the impact of load shedding although these power outages do render the elevator unusable.

Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $76 per night

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Where is Johannesburg?

Johannesburg is located in the Gauteng province in northeast South Africa. The inland city sits 35 miles southwest of Pretoria, the country’s administrative capital. O.R. Tambo International Airport – the largest on the continent and gateway to Kruger National Park – is 13 miles northeast of the Central Business District.

What time zone is it in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg follows South Africa Standard Time (SAST). As with Cape Town and Durban, the Gauteng province is two hours ahead of UTC/GMT and does not observe daylight savings time.

Is Johannesburg safe?

Johannesburg and its surrounding townships offer a culturally rich and electrifying experience for travelers. As crime does affect the city’s safety rating, it is important to clue up and follow travel safety advice. These are some tips to adhere to during the day as well as at night.

• Stay informed with load shedding (scheduled power outages) updates and check how your hotel or Airbnb in Johannesburg mitigates these. Crime can spike during load shedding, especially at night.
• Pre-book an airport shuttle or transfer rather than taking a metered taxi. Hotels and Airbnb hosts are able to recommend a reputable service.
• Uber is reliable and safe to use for getting around in Jo’burg.
• Stick to the main tourist areas and avoid wandering in neighborhoods where crime is high. Maboneng, Braamfontein, and Newtown are the safest areas in the CBD to search for accommodation although the suburbs are safer (and quieter) on the whole.
• Consider hiring a local guide or joining a tour when visiting outlying townships such as Soweto.
• Keep valuables out of sight and limit smartphone use in public in the CBD – be discrete when hailing Ubers.
• Stow bags under the table near your feet in restaurants and bars to minimize the risk of theft.
• Never walk alone at night or during the day in neighborhoods where crime is common.
• Always lock car doors while driving, keep the windows closed, and do not leave valuables in your rental.
• Stay clear of protests and political demonstrations.

What is load shedding in South Africa?

Load shedding refers to strategic blackouts or planned power outages in Johannesburg and other cities in South Africa. It occurs if there is a shortage of electricity supply and as a means of preventing power lines from becoming overloaded. Load shedding may span just a couple of hours or even exceed six hours in some areas.

These power cuts can affect private accommodations, vacation rentals, and hotels as well as public amenities such as stores, ATMs, elevators, security systems, traffic lights, and petrol stations. Many Airbnbs in Johannesburg have backup generators and the host should detail how they mitigate load shedding on their listing and via the messenger service.

It’s useful to pack a portable power bank to charge your phone in case you are caught out. And remember to stay in touch with family and friends back home and keep them informed about times you might not have service.