Johannesburg may be known as the economic engine of South Africa, but just beyond the city limits lies a whole world of incredible day trips waiting to be explored. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, grandparents, or multigenerational groups (like we often are!), Joburg is the perfect home base for unforgettable adventures. From mini safaris to ancient caves, playful monkeys to panoramic views, there’s something for everyone within a short drive of Jozi. These are our family’s favorite day trips from Johannesburg, each one offering a chance to get out of the city and experience the wild beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality that South Africa is known for.

Johannesburg, lovingly known as Joburg or Jozi, stole our hearts during our nearly six-month stay in South Africa. As a family of four living abroad for the first time, we discovered just how incredibly welcoming, vibrant, and kid-friendly this city truly is. Whether you're planning a short visit or an extended stay, this guide features our top 18 must-do activities in Johannesburg, complete with travel tips for families and the best kid-friendly experiences. We’ve also included top dining spots for all ages and day trip ideas to help you make the most of your South African adventure.

If you’ve landed here, chances are adoption has tugged on your heart, and if so, welcome to one of the most life-altering journeys you’ll ever walk. International adoption is layered with paperwork, delays, emotional highs and lows, and plenty of unknowns. But it’s also lined with indescribable joy, fierce love, and a deep sense of purpose. Whether you're just beginning to explore adoption or deep in the trenches, I want to offer not just encouragement, but help based on our personal experience navigating international adoption in South Africa during a global pandemic and a surprise pregnancy. I’ve been in your shoes… overwhelmed, confused, and wondering what comes next. So here’s our story, step-by-step, along with insights I hope will guide you.

If you’re planning a trip to South Africa and looking to add something thrilling, unforgettable, and truly bucket-list-worthy, then shark cage diving in Gansbaai should be at the top of your list. Known as one of the Great White Shark Capitals of the World, Gansbaai is a coastal fishing village just over two hours from Cape Town in the Western Cape. But it’s not just about the sharks, it’s the kind of adventure that mixes adrenaline, awe, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.

If South Africa isn’t on your travel bucket list yet, it should be, and this epic coastal drive from Cape Town to Gansbaai is the perfect reason why. Whether you're craving scenic drives, marine wildlife, or breathtaking national parks, this route is packed with iconic stops like Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point, Boulder’s Beach, and Gansbaai (famous for shark cage diving!).

If you've followed our family's greatest adventure yet, you know all about our whirlwind six-month journey abroad in South Africa, and the joy of welcoming not one but two perfect daughters during that time. One of the highlights? Hosting my amazing mother-in-law, Connie (aka Nana), for her first international trip. After months apart, there was nothing more magical than watching her finally hug her grandbabies for the very first time. As a thank you for her endless love and support, we surprised Nana with an unforgettable experience: her very first African safari. As a travel agent specializing in family-friendly adventures and custom safari planning, I knew exactly how to make it extra special.