Gay Johannesburg Johannesburg City Guide

Veering out from the shadow of its bigger sister city, Cape Town, the ever-developing, energetic Johannesburg is ready for your undying attention. Masterfully planned yet spread wide, Johannesburg is both a city break and a road trip in one, where at each pit stop you’ll experience the boundless warmth of the South African people as they introduce you to a diverse city of intoxicating Pan-African dining experiences and unique local stylings fused with sleek modern architecture and boutique shopping experiences. Despite lagging social acceptance of LGBT rights and some ongoing safety issues across the nation, metropolitan Joburg continues to surprise with tolerant and progressive attitudes. The annual Pride of Africa festival, the continent’s biggest pride celebration, exemplifies this and ensures the local LGBT scene brims with colour and confidence all year round. Looking for the ultimate Johannesburg gay guide? Mr Hudson has got you covered.

The best hotels in Johannesburg

Let’s start this gay Johannesburg travel guide with a roundup of the best hotels in Johannesburg. Home to a whole heap of boutique hotels, Johannesburg has something to cover any queen’s needs. Those looking to fill their sights with lush landscaped gardens should look no further than Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, providing guests with themed rooms in an intimate atmosphere on vast acreage. The Peech is a small eco-chic boutique hotel, set in the suburb of Melrose providing privacy, pool views and plush settings. Offering bountiful peace and sanctuary to its small roster of guests, The Residence is a one-of-a-kind boutique oozing warm luxuriousness across its 18 designer suites. Its multitude of on-site amenities, such as a spa, tennis court and pools plural, make this the ultimate space to unwind.

For a unique blend of rich cultural history and contemporary five-star service, Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa is situated on ten acres of indigenous gardens, making it a peaceful retreat within the city. Monarch Hotel, located in the city’s Rosebank area, takes an interesting approach by combining antique furniture with modern South African art in its spacious suites – the property also has its own garden. For something completely different, try the Cradle Boutique Hotel, located in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and providing guests with unobstructed views of the Highveld and surrounding valleys. The luxury hotel is set on a 7000-hectare private game reserve where guests can book private safaris to fossil exploration sites. In this Johannesburg guide, we also couldn’t resist a mention of the city’s most iconic hotel, the newly reborn, Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, a truly urban resort, located on a lush green hillside with panoramic views across the Johannesburg Zoo and prestigious neighbourhoods of The Parks. The hotel also provides exclusive services and options for their guests, such as private helicopter experiences that can be set up through the concierge.