Clothing: layers, not one season

Because of Johannesburg's elevation (roughly 1,750 meters) and continental climate, the gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures is large even within the same day, especially in winter (June-August), when the afternoon can be sunny and warm while the night turns bitterly cold. The golden rule: pack in layers (light t-shirt, mid-weight jumper, a warm outer layer you can easily remove) rather than relying on one type of clothing. In summer (November-March), pack light clothes but bring a light rain jacket, since sudden, heavy afternoon showers are an almost daily feature of this season. Don't forget sunglasses and strong sunscreen — the elevation means stronger sun exposure than the apparent temperature suggests.

Essentials not to forget

A power adapter for Type M outlets (three large round pins), comfortable walking shoes for Soweto tours and museums, a camera or phone with enough storage — the safari alone deserves hundreds of photos — and a photocopy of your passport and flight tickets kept separately from the originals. If your trip includes Kruger, pack neutral-colored clothing (khaki, brown, olive) rather than bright or light colors, which can attract insects or even animal attention in some cases.

Budget: what do you actually need per day?

Johannesburg is noticeably cheaper than most Gulf capitals and most European destinations. As a rough guide (this varies with exchange rates, so always check before you travel): a mid-range traveler might spend the equivalent of $80-150 a day, including a mid-tier hotel, meals, and local transport, while a traveler seeking luxury can easily spend several times that at Sandton's upscale hotels and restaurants. Extra activities like guided Soweto tours or Kruger trips are added as separate costs, and a multi-day safari trip is often the largest single line item in the whole budget.

Save without cutting the experience

Book tours (Soweto, Kruger, the caves) online in advance, often at better rates than booking on the spot through your hotel; eat lunch at major malls, where prices are cheaper than tourist restaurants; and use Uber instead of pricier hotel-arranged cars for short trips within Sandton and Rosebank.

Before you zip your bag

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months, print or save a digital copy of your bookings and return ticket (it may be requested on entry), and tell a family member your rough itinerary — a simple, sensible precaution for any long-distance trip.