Accra | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Product Updates | Experiences
Best AirBnB’s in Africa: Johannesburg
Continuing on our “Best of AirBnB’s in Africa” series we’re onto Johannesburg, South Africa. It can be tricky deciding where exactly to stay in “Jozi” as it’s colloquially called. Traditionally travelers flocked to Sandton but with urban revitalization happening across the Central Business District (CBD) and nearby neighborhoods, you can choose a place based on your own personal style and needs. Here are our picks:
For Solo Travelers or Friends That Want to Share
Feel like you’re walking into an Italian vineyard when you enter the doors of Danielle’s Greenside home. The neighborhood main’s strip is great for bars and open-air places to chill. You may not ever want to leave the house though, you’ll feel very royal sitting at the table and if you’re lucky Dani and Meg will host you for dinner.
The pros: elegant, unique style in Joburg
The cons: Not for those that’ll be partying the night away — the host prefers it quiet
Paradise is probably one of the most overused words in the travel industry but Bev’s home cooking definitely takes you there. A gorgeous home that feels more like a boutique hotel, Bev’s house is situated in the heart of Parkhurst.
The pros: Bev’s cooking (again — paradise), location
The cons: Nada.
Traditional Meets Modern in Illovo
Illovo has seen tons of life over the past few years, with a super cool new container store development, an amazing range of restaurants, and just about all the boutique shopping you need — this neighborhood is definitely a good starting off point. This cozy little cottage has a very homey feel to it which we love in a city where modern decor dominates.
Another Maboneng location (when you visit you’ll see why), this studio is artfully decorated and has everything you need, including a discoball-esque reindeer head.
The pros: location, stylish
The cons: not enough room to bring your newfound homies
Melville is a super trendy suburb of Johannesburg that’s currently having a moment with “creative professionals” (not to be confused with starving artists). About 10–20 minutes from pretty much anywhere you want to be in Johannesburg, this poolside room is a perfect place to catch some rest while you’re in town.
The pros: Host is super responsive and lives on site, free wifi, tons of stuff to do nearby
The cons: If the person you’re traveling with is just a “friend” prepare to get real cozy.
Couples, Small Groups
The fact that Kamini’s place is located just minutes from our favorite Asian food spot in Joburg (outside of it’s not-so-well-known Chinatown) is just one of the reasons we love this artists loft. With access to a pool, braai, and other communal spaces you can totally set up shop here.
The pros: Near 44 Stanley, awesome shared spaces
The cons: none
Maboneng is hands down one of the best urban vibes on the planet — yes, the planet. Main Street, one of the main thoroughfares is the artery into the awesome. Meagan and Earl’s super modern apartment is the perfect place to setup an HQ
The pros: location, well-connected hosts
The cons: none
Senzo’s loft is artfully done, it’s calming, beautifully designed, and the view of Johannesburg is amazing. Step out onto the balcony to get the full buzz of the Maboneng Precing and do spend time in the amazing kitchen.
The pros: lots of open space, amazing kitchen
The cons: the bed is a bit small
Just down the street from the Rosebank mall — where the Sunday craft market is better than any airport souvenir shop — Lolo’s sunny apartment is perfect for people that want the coziness of home. It’s in one of our favorite apartment buildings in the city and also close to the Gautrain station (pronounced HOW-train).
The pros: location, comfy, great host
The cons: none
Debbie’s open plan cottage is the perfect place for people who want a little hideaway with easy access to the city. Don’t envision Hansel and Gretel here, cottage in this sense means modern amenities with a cozy home-y vibe right near Melrose Arch.
The pros: thoughtful host, outdoor space
The cons: UBER will need to be on speed call, no public transport
If you don’t mind a bit of grit in a neighborhood that’s going through a renaissance, Braam is the place to be. Fun, hip, exciting — you don’t have to stroll far to get it in, whether you want epic Braai from the Smokehouse or late night dancing at GreatDane, it’s all within steps from this loft.
The pros: space is large, centrally located
The cons: none
Ball So Hard — Amazing Spots for Groups of 6 or more
Ade might have one of the best city view’s in Johannesburg. Paired with a rooftop braai pit and pool it is one of our favorite listings. It is also cozier than one would expect in such a huge space — pillows, rugs, and throws have you feeling like you’re Marcus Graham.
The pros: Gorgeous, location
The cons: You really want to throw an epic party here, but you cant :(
Your “Mama I Made It” moment will arrive as soon as you walk in this modern mansion just between Rosebank and Melrose. It has James Bond-esque fingerprint access, is solar heated and Miele kitchen appliances. Go ahead and splurge with your friends.
The pros: Close to Gautrain, epicness all around
The cons: Not exactly “hosted” but Debbie will ultimately make sure you’re taken care of
Angela has literally created a vibe in her house. Africa masks overlooking the pool, a built in braai, quirky quotes, and stacks of books make it easy to fall in love with her place. Half a block from 4th Ave you won’t have to stumble far with your friends from a long night out.
The pros: thoughtfully designed, amenities
The cons: you’ll need a car or lots of UBER
Sometimes you need an actual retreat when you’re traveling or maybe you had to do a family vacay this go round. Either way, this place has everything you need.
The pros: massive and beautiful
The cons: neighborhood is verrrrrrry quiet
The pros:
Stay tuned this week as we release our picks for other cities. Got suggestions? Email them to hello@tastemakersafrica.com or post in the comments.
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