Johannesburg, South Africa
5 essential things to see and do in Johannesburg this winter
Here’s what to see and do in Johannesburg during winter
Winter in Johannesburg isn’t a season for hibernation, this is when the city is alive with activity. The mornings are crisp, the skies are impossibly blue and there’s a buzz that runs through the city with a cultural calendar that’s anything but boring. While the chill settles in, Joburg’s art galleries, design hubs and food markets turn up the heat, offering a mix of texture, taste and rhythm. If you’re in town for a few days and wondering how to make the most of it, we’ve rounded up the essential things to do that really capture winter in Johannesburg. Some are indoors, others ask you to brave the chill, but all of them are worth it. Grab a scarf and let’s get into it.
01
Explore the art scene
Johannesburg has no shortage of exceptional art galleries, but one of our favourites is Berman Contemporary in Rosebank. They bring together artists whose work digs into all kinds of themes – identity, culture, and the ups and downs of life – in a way that feels honest and real. The gallery’s vibe is welcoming and relaxed, with natural touches like flowers and plants that add a soft, ever-changing feel to the space. This gallery invites you to slow down, think, and maybe even have a good conversation about the stories behind the art. If you’re an art lover, Berman Contemporary is definitely worth popping into to experience something fresh and meaningful.
Berman Contemporary
223 Jan Smuts Ave
Rosebank
Johannesburg
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Berman Contemporary
02
Go for a game drive and spot the big five
Just about an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, Dinokeng Game Reserve is Gauteng’s only big five, malaria‑free park – and winter is an ideal time for a guided game drive. Early morning departures at around 07:00 am (winter schedule) bring fresh air, soft lighting and excellent visibility of wildlife during cooler temperatures. Hop aboard the open-air Land Rover and experience the beauty of the South African landscape and wildlife. The three‑hour guided drive also includes freshly baked muffins and coffee, enjoyed under the acacia groves. Beyond lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos, the reserve is also home to a diverse bird population and the bird life flourishes during winter here.
Dinokeng Game Reserve Game Drive
N1 North
Hammanskraal
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Dinokeng Game Reserve Game Drive
03
Wander through the sculptures
Located in the Cradle of Humankind just outside Johannesburg, Nirox Sculpture Park spans some 30 hectares of lawns, wetlands and pathways that display over fifty permanent installations and rotating exhibits. Visiting their annual Winter Sculpture Fair is a must in the winter, but the sculpture park is fascinating all year round. Even outside fair days, winter afternoons are crisp and clear, making it ideal to wander and gaze at the sculptures that seem even more vivid against a high, clear sky. We love the contrast of art and landscape and how the sculptures look different in cooler light. When hunger calls And Then There Was Fire – the onsite bistro – serves wood-fired pizzas and artisanal pastries beside a crackling hearth.
Nirox Sculpture Park
R540 Kromdraai Rd
Kromdraai
Krugersdorp
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Nirox Sculpture Park
04
Enjoy a high tea experience at Just Teddy
Just Teddy offers a Signature High Tea experience in winter that feels like a little indulgent escape from chilly days. Take a seat on the plush velvet sofa and let the scent of freshly baked scones wrap around you. Just Teddy is a chic patisserie that serves a menu with Parisian flavours and Middle Eastern influences. We love the ambience at Just Teddy – the luxurious setting is just perfect for sipping a steaming hot cup of tea and indulging in the flavour‑packed high-tea treats. Is there any better way to spend a cold winter day than with rose-scented macarons, pistachio baklava and za’atar-spiced pastries?
Just Teddy
Corner William Nicole Drive & Jan Smuts Ave
Hyde Park
Sandton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Just Teddy
05
Get cooking at Food Jams
Don your apron and dive into Food Jams’ kitchen at Feastivity. Taking part in the South African Heritage Cooking Class, you’ll not only learn how to cook up some of the best traditional meals but also learn about South Africa’s culinary history and influences – all while laughing and having fun with the hosts and your neighbouring chefs. Under Rachel Dally’s guidance, you’ll grind coriander for bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), stir chakalaka (vegtable relish) until it sparkles with chilli heat and braid dough for syrup-soaked koeksisters (fried dough infused in syrup). Taste as you go, snapping photos of saffron-yellow curries and sharing laughter over bubbling pots. It’s a lively, interactive celebration of South Africa’s culinary identity and a fun way to heat up in the winter.
Food Jams
Emperors Palace
64 Jones Rd
Kempton Park
Johannesburg
South Africa
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