1. Africa's third Park Hyatt touches down in Joburg
Housed in a meticulously restored 1930s colonial mansion originally influenced by Sir Herbert Baker, Park Hyatt Johannesburg opened its doors (July 2025) in the leafy Melrose Estate, steps away from the Rosebank district. While having a bite at the hotel's restaurant, Room 32, we were surprised by how compact it is, learning later on that this boutique property features only 31 guest rooms. One standout detail is the sound of birds continuously played in the open-air courtyard, designed to encourage local birdlife to return to the ecosystem disrupted during construction. Additionally, the heated pool offers a unique experience by playing music underwater – ever dreamed of swimming alongside whales? Now you can. We look forward to a stayover soon! Interested? Book here.
2. Sustainable seasonal tourism on South Africa's west coast
From Fri, Aug 22 – Sun, Sep 14, the Namaqua Flower Beach Camp invites you to experience the breathtaking Namaqua wildflower bloom on South Africa's West Coast. Designed to protect the region's incredible biodiversity, this SANParks-sanctioned seasonal camp, managed by Chiefs Tented Camps, operates for just four weeks each spring and features zero permanent structures and operations, designed to leave the delicate ecosystem undisturbed. When the flowers fade, the camp packs up, letting nature recover completely for the rest of the year.
Keen to learn more about this bloom during your camp amongst the wildflower profusion? Between Fri, Sep 5 – Fri, Sep 12, two familiar faces in South African gardening media, Tanya and Izolda Visser, will spend time at the Namaqua Flower Beach Camp hosting informal garden chats and leading guided wildflower walks. Visit the website www.flowercamps.co.za for all booking enquiries.
3. A map lover’s treasure: James Findlay at The Cape Town Club
Photo: @thecapetownclub.
In the business of buying and selling rare and collectable books for more than two decades, James Findlay is one of South Africa's foremost book traders. His store, James Findlay Collectable Books & Antique Maps, which you'll remember from its time at Joburg's historic Rand Club, has moved to The Cape Town Club at 18 Queen Victoria Street. Next time you're in the Mother City, pop in for a visit.
4. Be a tourist in your own city
AUTHENTIC NEIGHBOURHOOD STORIES WITH JOZI MY JOZI WALKS
We're thrilled for the return of #JoziWalks as Jozi My Jozi Walks – a series of free, citizen-led walking tours around the city on the weekend of Sat, Sep 27 – Sun, Sep 28, 2025. This much-loved initiative led by Jozi My Jozi in collaboration with Gauteng Tourism and Johannesburg In Your Pocket is back after a four-year hiatus, and seeks to connect Joburgers with the people and places that make this city of ours so unique. The full lineup of this year's tours will be announced soon – stay tuned.
CONTRA.JOBURG COMES OUT TO PLAY
Photo: Ogorogile Nong and Siyabonga Vilakazi © CONTRA.Joburg.
Back for its fourth edition, CONTRA.Joburg is South Africa’s biggest artist open-studio event, connecting spaces that feed the city’s restless and dynamic art community. For one weekend, these studios throw open their doors. Shuttle loops crisscross the inner city, drawing new lines on the map, linking rooftops and courtyards, warehouses and heritage buildings, the familiar and the almost-forgotten. This year’s theme is art as interruption – work that stands in your way, cuts across your route, and catches you off guard. It’s Joburg at its most avant-garde, unapologetic, and alive. We think you’ll see Johannesburg differently after. Discover 10 reasons to buy your tickets for CONTRA.Joburg here.
A WEEKEND IN SOWETO
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
We recently spent the day in Soweto, a popular day-trip destination for first-time visitors to Joburg or locals looking to experience the city beyond the usual spots. Our take: To truly tap into the township’s unique spirit, we recommend making a weekend of it. Whether you’re planning your very first visit to South Africa's most famous township or are returning to dive a little deeper, we've put together a guide to some must-visit Soweto stops. There's art, fashion, great food, history, heritage, and a whole lot of community love.
FIVE FANTASTIC WITS ATTRACTIONS
Affectionately known as "Wits", The University of the Witwatersrand enjoys an illustrious reputation as one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. Established in 1922, it tops the 100-year mark, with roots that go all the way back to 1896. Yet today, Wits is far more than an academic institution – it's a cultural and historical landmark in the heart of Joburg that spreads its influence beyond the city's limits, too. From the Wits Art Museum (WAM) in Braamfontein, host to consistently excellent, museum-grade art exhibitions, to the Wits Sterkfontein Caves in the Cradle of Humankind – an awe-inspiring day trip we think every Joburger should take at least once – we share a guide to five must-see historical and cultural attractions at Wits.
4. Ocean awareness and action
SAVING SOUTH AFRICA'S SEAS
A short film titled SPOILED, produced by WILDTRUST and The Green Connection, reveals that 90% of South Africa’s oceans are at risk due to offshore oil and gas activities. Filmed along the Northern Cape and Wild Coast, it features voices from affected communities and experts calling for the protection of marine heritage. The campaign also includes an interactive platform at stopthespoil.co.za to support public action. Watch the film online here.
MAPPING MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
As part of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, the Oceanographic Research Institute launched easy-to-use digital maps showing all of South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas within 40 nautical miles of the coast. Created by Drs. Bruce Mann and Ryan Daly and available on Google Earth, the colour-coded maps clearly outline zones, rules, and restrictions. They help protect marine biodiversity, support sustainable fishing, and enable the public to better understand and contribute to the conservation of vital coastal ecosystems. Download them here.
6. Recent stays, near and far
DISPATCHES FROM THE GROOT AND KLEIN KAROO
A week-long escape in the magical Karoo was just what the doctor ordered. We never pass up an opportunity to visit the charming town of Nieu-Bethesda, a happy halfway point on our road trip, where we renewed our annual membership to Helen Martins' Owl House (following in the footsteps of a friend of Johannesburg In Your Pocket, @2Summers, who also made a pilgrimage of late). From our base at Die Waenhuis we explored this storybook town, walking along the water furrows, stocking up on reading material at Dustcovers Bookshop (easily one of our favourite second-hand bookstores in the country), and slotting in with the locals for drinks at Boetie's Pub. Follow @nieubethesdatourism on Instagram.
Next, we made our way towards the gateway village of De Rust. Nearby, nestled in the Swartberg mountains, is Numbi Valley, where we checked into a cosy cob house for the remainder of our trip. Pared-back and perfect is all we can say. The seasonal veggie basket, garden tour, and pizza oven are a must. (When you visit, say hello to the chickens for us.) Book a stay at Numbi Valley here.
FUN IN THE SUN
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
We packed our bags for a winter break from the city and checked into a freshly refurbished, self-catering unit at The Reserve. Just two hours from Johannesburg, it’s well within weekend getaway territory. Part of Sun Vacation Club, The Reserve’s laidback, family-friendly units offer the best of both worlds: you’re close enough to dip into Sun City’s world of fun, food, and adventure, but can just as easily slip into safari mode thanks to exclusive access to the neighbouring Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. This was a major drawcard, and a perk we made use of more than once during our stay. Post-safari bubble baths, wandering around the lush resort grounds, sundowners by the braai were a few other highlights of our stay. Read our review.
7. The annual SATSA Conference touches down in Joburg
The SATSA Conference 2025 is heading to Joburg from Tue, Sep 9 – Thu, Sep 11, 2025, hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. This year’s theme, "Spread the Love," focuses on building regional tourism and shining a light on under-explored parts of South Africa – Johannesburg included. Expect practical discussions, networking, and a look at what’s really working in the tourism space. The programme includes curated local experiences and some sharp insight, including a talk from Johannesburg In Your Pocket editor Laurice Taitz-Buntman. Register here.
8. Great escape: Where to go for a weekend getaway
From the Dinokeng Game Reserve Big Five in the north to the great expanses of the Vaal in the south, there's more to the country's smallest province than its two main cities, Johannesburg and Pretoria. If you are craving a getaway from the urban sprawl, your next break is loading: we’ve made you a list of great weekend getaways in Gauteng.
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