Arrival time in Johannesburg and hotel booking

Hello, I’ve got a little doubt about our arrival in Johannesburg and would love your advice. We’re landing at 2:20 PM with Rwandair from Kigali on Sunday, July 27th. We need to pick up our rental car and head toward the Drakensberg. I’ve booked accommodation about an hour from Johannesburg Airport in Heidelberg. It seemed doable to drive for an hour, but considering customs, baggage claim, picking up the car, potential traffic jams (?), and the early sunset at that time of year, I’m worried about driving at night. What do you think? Should we stick with the plan or book a place closer to the airport and hit the road the next morning? Thanks so much in advance for your help.

Hi Sophie. I don’t have any specific info on the Afs, but what would I do in your situation? Nothing. 😄 Let me explain: you don’t make reservations upon arrival. Yeah, I know, it’s stressful…

Scenario 1: you’re feeling good, everything went smoothly, you set up your GPS and pick a spot to book accommodation on the go (1 hour, 2 hours, or more of driving). Scenario 2: everything’s a disaster, you’re still at the airport at 8 PM (I really hope that’s not the case for you…), so you book a room on the spot.

I did the same as you in 2016 and struggled to find the guesthouse I’d booked in Dullstrom (2 hours from the airport).

Thanks for the feedback. It makes me anxious not to book, especially with two kids with us. Everywhere says you shouldn’t drive at night. That’s what worries me. It’s not an easy decision! But I might go for safety and book something near the airport. It seems really uncertain.

Hi there,

Did you rent just a car or a car with roof tents? Because if you went for the option with roof tents and camping gear, you’ll need to budget a good 2 hours for paperwork!

Oh no, no roof tent for me.

Even if everything goes smoothly, you should book a hotel near the airport, ideally one with a restaurant and a garden. The drive to Heidelberg the next day won’t be a hassle. And most importantly, you’d be on vacation from tonight. 😉

Even if everything goes smoothly, you should book a hotel close to the airport, ideally with a restaurant and a garden. The hour-long drive to Heidelberg won’t be a hassle the next day. And most importantly, you’d be on vacation from tonight. 😉

That’s not wrong. But... she’s leaving in July, not tonight. [;]

I’ll follow this great tip. That’s definitely wiser! Now I just need to find that hotel. But I’ve got time until July 😊 Thanks so much for your feedback. Have a great evening

Hi, The easiest way is to book a hotel or an Airbnb 5 minutes from the airport. That’s what I did last time, and it let me pick up the car stress-free the next day. Best regards

Hi there, I’m sharing tips from people who responded to your request. You should avoid driving at night in Johannesburg, so as a precaution, book a hotel near the airport. Without advertising, I’d recommend Touwn Lodge (great value for money), and they’ll pick you up from the airport. After such a long flight, you’ll be tired and not always thinking clearly, so take your time, rest, and head out calmly in the morning. It’ll be a rush, especially with kids, so don’t take any risks. Best regards, Roberto

Thanks! We’ve booked an Airbnb 10 minutes from the airport. We’ll pick up our car and head straight there. Hitting the road the next morning. Have a great day! !

Hi there, For exchanging euros to rand at cost price: "Mukuru" near the airport, in Cape Town and Durban. Shop 6a, 12 Pretoria Rd, Kempton Park Cbd, Kempton Park, 2001, South Africa (next to Johannesburg Airport). Shop G7, 102 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa. 43 Beatrice St, Durban Central, Durban, 4000, South Africa. Best regards, JPBRIERE