Business Travel to Johannesburg

Business travel to Johannesburg made a joint tenth place entry (alongside Cape Town) in our Your Travel Corporate Most Booked Destinations of 2022 list.

Why might Johannesburg appeal to business travellers? Well, there are many reasons, but most notably Johannesburg is the financial capital of South Africa. It is also a major economic centre in Africa, home to numerous local and international businesses including major banks, corporations and investment firms. Whilst a financial capital, Johannesburg is also known for industry diversity, with many operating in mining, telecommunications, media and technology. The city also has an excellent range of world-class conference and exhibition centres, bringing together companies all across the globe for major business events.

Whatever the reason for your business travel to Johannesburg, rely on our business travel experts and this handy guide! Explore our most booked airlines and hotels to and within the city, as well as suggestions for your spare time.

How to Get There

From the United Kingdom you can fly direct to Johannesburg from London Heathrow. The flight is approximately eleven hours. At Your Travel Corporate we most commonly booked business travel to Johannesburg with either British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic offer a single daily flight and British Airways offer two daily. If cost is of priority, factoring in a stop can help. For example, from a London airport you could be looking at an additional two to four hours journey time if you factor in a stopover. Potentially in France with Lufthansa, Zurich with Swiss or Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines. All information correct at time of writing, May 2023.

Let’s focus on that seamless direct journey. Arguably, Virgin Atlantic offer a better service and more enjoyable experience, particularly in upper class. Although there are still clients who favour British Airways, despite their business class cabin generally ranking as less impressive. Virgin Atlantic A350’s operating the route benefit from a social area for upper class passengers as well as comfortable individual seating with privacy. You can explore Virgin’s options more in this 2019 blog post Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350s. You can learn more about British Airways seat options via our Airline Hub here. Alternatively, explore the Club Suite, the updated British Airways business class product which has rolled out across much of the fleet since this 2019 Club Suite blog post.

Where to Stay

Sandton Sun

The Sandton Sun is a luxurious hotel in the heart of Sandton, one of the most prestigious business and shopping districts in Johannesburg. It is an ideal accommodation for business travel to Johannesburg due to its close access to corporate offices, financial institutions and other commercial establishments. The hotel boasts 326 comfortable rooms and suites all tastefully decorated with modern furnishings and amenities. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout. Well-equipped meeting and conference rooms are available to business travellers as well as a business centre able to cater to all business requirements. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool and sun deck, a fully equipped fitness centre and on-site restaurant offering international cuisine and South African specialities.

Voco Johannesburg Rosebank

South Africa’s first Voco hotel is the recently opened Voco Johannesburg Rosebank, conveniently placed just a two minute walk from a metro train station. The upscale rooms are beautifully designed in shades of flamingo and navy with floor-to-ceiling windows, high-speed Wifi and large screen smart TV’s. Fine dining can be enjoyed on-site at the stylish Proud Mary restaurant and bar. A fully equipped gym, valet parking and extensive business facilities thanks to the partnership with Workshop17 complete the hotels offerings. Workshop17 provides 24 hour work facilities for day or night eventing, with a café and bar on the first floor, more than 60 private offices, meeting rooms and lounges.

Four Seasons Hotel the Westcliff

The Four Seasons Hotel the Westcliff is a luxurious five-star hotel in the prestigious suburb of Westcliff, Johannesburg. The hotel boasts 117 stylish and spacious rooms and suites, all elegantly designed with modern amenities. Many rooms offer panoramic views of hotel’s lush gardens or Johannesburg’s skyline. On-site you can expect to find a relaxing outdoor infinity pool, a fully equipped fitness centre and a luxurious spa. Guests can indulge in culinary delights at Flames restaurant or the Westcliff Deli. The Cellar Door provides an intimate setting for wine tastings and private events. Business travellers have access to well-equipped meeting and event spaces, business services and a dedicated events team.

What to do with your spare time in Johannesburg

After a busy trip of meetings and networking, make sure you have a day to yourself built in to your business travel to Johannesburg itinerary. Balance work with some leisurely activities or sight-seeing to build mindfulness and enhance productivity. Here are some of our business travel experts top suggestions, from the downright touristy to off the beaten track experiences.

Museum lovers will surely be keen to explore Johannesburg history at the Apartheid Museum or Lindfield Victorian House Museum. If nature and serenity are more your style a visit to the Johannesburg Botanical Garden or the beautiful Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden are a must. Adrenaline junkies should certainly consider a hot air balloon ride to experience breath-taking views of the city and surroundings. Alternatively, visit the Cradle of Humankind, just a little outside of Johannesburg. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of fascinating caves and snippets of human ancestry. If time is limited consider exploring the Neighbourgoods Market or touring the street art in Maboneng.

Do you have an upcoming requirement for business travel to Johannesburg? Rely on our dedicated business travel experts to help you piece together the perfect itinerary. Get in touch with us on 0203 805 4599.