Accommodation
We are encouraging our participants to arrive in South Africa a day or so before the meeting starts i.e. on the 12 or 13 October.
A coach transfer from the Johannesburg region will be organised for mid-morning on the 14 October to the Cradle Boutique hotel for participant check-in prior to the start of the conference that afternoon. Coach transfers from the Cradle Boutique Hotel to the Johannesburg region will also be organised on 19 October following the conclusion of the meeting. More information will be available closer to the meeting.
Here are some accommodation and transportation recommendations for Johannesburg.
Sandton, Rosebank, and Melrose Arch are generally considered the best and safest accommodation areas in Johannesburg for visitors, offering great walkability, upscale dining and world class shopping.
Melrose Arch is a secure mixed-use urban precinct nestled between Sandton and Rosebank, and it functions as a ‘city within a city’.
Sandton and Rosebank each have their own Gautrain train stations providing easy commuting and access to OR Tambo International Airport. Melrose Arch is immediately adjacent to the M1 Highway and offers secure and controlled walkability day or night.
Sandton
(The Financial Hub)
Best for: Business travellers, luxury shoppers, and first-timers wanting high-end skyscrapers.
Vibe: Busy, corporate, and modern with heavy commercial development.
Highlights: Home to Sandton City Mall and Nelson Mandela Square, plus direct Gautrain train links to the airport.
Rosebank
(The Trendy & Walkable Choice)
Best for: Tourists, art lovers, and people who like walking to cafes and markets.
Vibe: Creative, vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, and relaxed compared to Sandton.
Highlights: Connected via walkways to Rosebank Mall, rooftop bars, and its own Gautrain station.
Melrose Arch
(The Alternative Urban Village)
Best for: Travelers who want a secure, self-contained lifestyle precinct. It is a highly secure, gated environment featuring private security and 24-hour surveillance.
Vibe: European-style outdoor pedestrian streets, very clean and modern.
Highlights: Upscale restaurants, numerous al fresco cafes, bars and vibrant nightlife just minutes from Rosebank.
Houghton Estate
(The Quiet & Historic Estate)
Best for: Travelers seeking quiet luxury, privacy, and deep political history.
Vibe: Leafy, residential, tranquil, and upper-class, but less walkable for casual nightlife.
Highlights: This was the home of the late president, Nelson Mandela, now Sanctuary Mandela, a boutique hotel and event venue, and it also features good examples of art deco architecture.
Recommended hotels
Hotel in Sandton | DAVINCI Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Johannesburg Melrose Arch | Locally Inspired Hotel
Sanctuary Mandela | Boutique Hotel & Event Venue in Houghton
Peermont Mondior Emperors Palace, OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
Peermont D'oreale Grande | 5-Star Hotel, Emperors Palace OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
Peermont Metcourt | 3-Star Hotel at Emperors Palace OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
Relax at City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport 3-star Hotel
Gautrain links
General information; Gautrain | For people on the move-general information
Schedules, station information, trip details and real time information; Gautrain | For people on the move-main page
Ticket vending machine information; Gautrain | For people on the move-purchasing a Gautrain card
Travel Consultant
For assistance in booking hotels, transfers etc, please contact
Max Saidy, Sabi Sands Game Reserve bookings & reservations
T: +27 216 969 615 / +27 606 191 220
E: [email protected].
M: +27 686 966 020 (WhatsApp)
W: www.sabisandslodges.com
