When visiting southern Africa, Johannesburg is where most international flights land and many safaris start. Johannesburg is an incredible, busy city with loads to see – history, culture and plenty of shopping. In this blog we list ten spots to stay, that won’t break the bank.
Johannesburg, colloquially known as Jozi, is the coolest city in South Africa. This is something that’ll be argued about – for eternity – between inhabitants of Jozi and those of Cape Town (and those in Durban, too)!
While Cape Town and Durban have incredible things to offer, they’re not as vibey and cosmopolitan as Jo'burg. Jo'burg is South Africa's commercial centre, and people are brought together by their commitment to hustle. People are funky, progressive and friendly, and there’s something cool happening every minute of the day.
OR Tambo Airport is Africa's busiest and best-connected airport, serving over 20 million passengers a year. Most of our safaris to the iconic Kruger National Park start and end in Johannesburg. If you’ve got some time to spare, we’d highly recommend a couple of days in this city – it’s rich in history, culture, and it has an incredible vibe that you won't find anywhere else in Africa.
In this post, we’ve listed our ten favourite budget accommodation spots in Jozi. There are plenty of them, so it was hard to pick just ten, but we did … and here they are:
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The best way to truly experience a place is to stay with the locals. At the Authentic African Tours and Backpackers in Soweto, you can do just that. Owner and tour guide, Lungi, grew up here and now he’s opened it up to visitors.
Accommodation is in private rooms, either twin or double and the house has a communal TV lounge, shared kitchen and garden with braai facilities.
The best part of this place is Lungi himself. He's a mine of information on the area. He offers walking, bicycle and car tours around Soweto, filled with both historical and personal stories.
An added bonus, if you’re a football (we call it soccer) fan: it’s close to Orlando Stadium, home to one of South Africa’s top soccer teams, Orlando Pirates. If your timing is lucky, you may even be able to witness a local derby.
Wanting to entertain your inner adrenaline junkie? You can bungee jump or just climb the nearby Soweto Towers for incredible views. When you’re done, enjoy some local food and cold brew at the fabulous Chaf Pozi.
Cost: From R530 per room. Check prices and book here.
Location: Mbele Street, Soweto.
Room types: Single, double, twin.
Cool factor: There’s nothing cooler than experiencing a place like a local.
Accommodation type: Backpackers.
The Maboneng Precinct has fast become Joburg’s creative centre and Curiocity sits perfectly in its middle. The building itself has an interesting history having originally been the premises of Pacific Press during apartheid. Here, material for the ANC and Black Sash was printed and is said to have sheltered struggle heroes Nelson Mandela and Joe Slovo.
Rooms range from shared dorms to private and premium rooms. There’s a chill lounge, a balcony from which to watch the world go by and the Hide Out Bar which is open all day, providing your first coffee to your nightcap. They also offer loads of activities, both in the area and further afield.
While there, go on a walking tour with Main Street Walks or One Day Africa to see the incredible street art in the area and get the inside scoop, or watch a classic film at The Bioscope (or enjoy a pizza and a craft beer at The Chalkboard).
Cost: From R220 per person per night (dorm-style). Check prices and book here.
Location: Fox Street, Maboneng Precinct.
Room types: Dorm rooms, private and premium rooms.
Cool factor: Maboneng is just cool – it needs no further explanation!
Accommodation type: Backpackers.
Melville is known to be bohemian. With its beautiful tree-lined avenues, it’s one of those places that thrives on street life. Pavement cafes interspersed with antique shops, bars and galleries make it an ideal spot to walk around.
Life on Third is a beautiful guesthouse set in green gardens, with the price tag on the upper end of 'budget'. It’s a stylish place offering a variety of room types, all en-suite with breakfast included. Life on 3rd is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet, upmarket spot that has reasonable rates.
There's plenty to do in the area: stop in at De Le Creme – a great little family-run deli and cafe.
While you’re there, be sure to check out 27 Boxes, an innovative shopping centre constructed from recycled shipping containers that showcase fashion, design, and artisanal foods.
Cost: From R580 pppn. Check prices and book here.
Location: Third Avenue, Melville.
Room types: Single, double, luxury, family.
Cool factor: It’s in Melville. Melville is cool.
Accommodation type: Guesthouse
Lebo’s is a Soweto institution. Located in Orlando West, an area rich in history and culture, it’s the perfect place from which to explore Soweto’s plethora of attractions.
Accommodation offered ranges from camping to backpackers’ accommodation to a self-catering guesthouse and Lebo’s prides itself on an interactive community experience. Home-cooked meals are served and walking, bicycle and Tuk Tuk tours of the area are offered.
Just ten minutes away lies Vilakazi Street, where both Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu lived. Mandela’s house is now a museum near the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, commemorating the Soweto Uprising of 1976.
Cost: From R250 pppn (dorm-style). Check prices and book here.
Location: Pooe Street, Orlando West, Soweto.
Room types: Camping, dorm rooms, twin/double rooms, family rooms, self-catering rooms.
Cool factor: The cool kids hang out here, and it has a fantastic community vibe.
Accommodation type: Camping/Backpackers/Guesthouse.
Pablo House is a little on the pricey side of budget, but, if you are going to splurge, Pablo House is a good place to do it.
This boutique hotel is situated at Melville's highest point and boasts gorgeous views across the Melville Koppies and greater Johannesburg. Ideally located for exploring Melville's 7th Street entertainment district with trendy bars and restaurants, Pablo House is dubbed as 'affordable luxury' and combines comfort and elegance with a friendly atmosphere that is as good as being home.
Enjoy the nearby suburb of Linden with a red cappuccino at The Whippet, or enjoy lunch under the trees at Paputzi’s.
Cost: From R2,150 pppn Check prices and book here.
Location: 4th Ave Melville
Room types: Standard and deluxe rooms.
Cool factor: There’s free Wi-Fi and unusual pets are allowed.
Accommodation type: Boutique Hotel
One of the most popular backpackers in Jozi, is Brown Sugar.
Just 6 km from the CBD, close to Melville, and Linden, Brown Sugar has options that will suit all sorts of travellers from solo travellers to family vacationers, there are a variety of options from dormitories to family rooms.
With Jo'burg's reputation, Brown Sugar aims to provide safe and affordable accommodation in a friendly environment that represents the best of Johannesburg's creative spirit.
Brown Sugar, in business since 1998, has an interesting history as an ex-mafia mansion. Looking a little like a castle, Brown Sugar is roomy and comfortable with breathtaking views, big trees, and a swimming pool.
Talk to the friendly staff about local attractions and transport options from this fantastic Johannesburg location.
Cost: From R250 pppn (dorm-style). Check prices and book here.
Location: 75 Observatory Avenue
Room types: Camping, dorm rooms, singles, double/twins, triples, family.
Cool factor: It doesn't get more atmospheric than an Ex-Mafia Mansion
Accommodation type: Backpackers.
The Melville Turret Guesthouse is a charming B&B in the heart of Johannesburg’s vibrant Melville suburb.
This historic 1906 landmark, built by Erik van den Berg, has been meticulously renovated, blending traditional and contemporary styles while preserving its original splendour. Offering clean, safe, and affordable en-suite rooms, including self-catering and budget options, the Melville Turret Guesthouse is ideally located near the city’s universities and popular neighbourhoods, making it a perfect choice for both leisure and business travellers.
The Melville Turret is conveniently located near OR Tambo International Airport, Rosebank and its Gautrain station, the University of Johannesburg, the University of Witwatersrand, Melville, and Linden.
Cost: Budget rooms from R475. Check prices and book here.
Location: 118 Second Avenue Melville
Room types: Self-catering, budget, and standard rooms
Cool factor: It’s a hop, skip and jump to the Gautrain and Or Tambo Airport.
Accommodation type: Guesthouse.
So, there you have it – ten of our favourite budget places to stay in Jozi. Perfect for a couple of days before or after your dream safari. Contact one of our knowledgeable travel consultants and book that safari now!
For more about the types of accommodation to expect on safari see African Safari Accommodation.
Related to Johannesburg: Big 5 Game Reserves near Johannesburg and Top Things to Do in Johannesburg on a Budget
This post was updated in August 2024
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