Aerial view of central Johannesburg high-rises with the Hillbrow Tower on the skyline

Cheap hotels in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is South Africa’s biggest city and the hub for flights to the safari lodges. Most visitors stay in the northern suburbs or near the airport for a night before or after safari.

Finding cheap rooms in Johannesburg is easier when you know where to look. We compare live hotel rates across the top booking sites and point you to the neighborhoods where hotels are cheap but the location is still great.

Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport is the main gateway for safaris in Kruger, Botswana and Victoria Falls.

Where to find cheap rooms in Johannesburg

Sandton

The upscale business district with malls, restaurants and the Gautrain to the airport.

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Rosebank

Leafy and walkable, with galleries, markets and a Gautrain station.

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Near O.R. Tambo Airport

Airport hotels for late arrivals and early safari flights.

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Melville

A bohemian area of guesthouses, cafés and bars.

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Map of cheap hotels in Johannesburg

Zoom and pan the map to compare hotel prices by neighborhood; rates come live from the booking sites.

Photos of Johannesburg

When to book a cheap hotel in Johannesburg

May–September is the dry winter safari season; rates in Johannesburg are often lower on weekends when business travel drops.

See all Johannesburg hotel deals

Frequently asked questions

Where should I stay in Johannesburg before a safari?

Near O.R. Tambo Airport for an early connecting flight, or Sandton and Rosebank for dining and shopping.

How do I get from the airport to Sandton?

The Gautrain rapid rail links O.R. Tambo Airport with Sandton and Rosebank.

Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?

Stick to well-reviewed hotels in areas like Sandton and Rosebank, use registered taxis or rideshares, and follow local advice.