3 Hour Layover at OR Tambo: Time for Excursion?
 

I can't believe I leave in a week for my first trip to South Africa! The Africa forum helped immeasurably in the planning stages, and I do plan to create a trip report upon my return.

My final day in South Africa is a Monday. I'll be flying from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg, landing at 2:55 PM. My international flight back to New York departs at 8:35 PM. If I include the standard two hours ahead for check-in and security, I will have about three hours to kill in the airport.

Would you recommend a brief excursion given the time I have, or to just stay in the airport? I'm perfectly fine to finish a book, wander, and write in my journal (or start drafting a trip report) in the airport. But I won't be spending any time in Johannesburg during my holiday, and if I could even get a brief glimpse of another aspect of this country before I go, I'd love to take advantage of it.

I was thinking about either taking the train to Sandton and walking round, or by contrast, visiting Alexandra township (the Mulaudzi bike tours seem to get good reviews).

Any thoughts?

I would suggest staying put at the airport. The traffic out of the city is horrendous from 16h30 onwards, so you'll have just about got to where you want to be before turning around to get back to the airport.

Ah meant to add that, if you were simply going to wander the Sandton Mall for an hour, that your option to take the Guatrain in and out could well work.

Thanks mkhonzo! I think in either case (Sandton or Alexandra), I would take the Gautrain. The Alexandra tour departs from Marlboro station, which is the station immediately preceding Sandton. But good heads up on the road traffic: will definitely avoid any car travel!

I would have ideally gone to the Apartheid Museum, but to my disappointment it's closed on Monday. With traffic in consideration, it's good to know it wouldn't be feasible anyway.

I'd stay at the airport to avoid any unforeseen problems. JNB has a lot of great shops, so you won't be bored. It's one of my favorite airports for that reason. You can do any last-minute shopping there, but keep in mind the restrictions for carry-on bags.

I would take the Gautrain to Sandton and walk around the mall. The train journey is only about 20 mins and in peak time departs every 12 mins.

The Joberg airport has fantastic shopping -- I mean really good. I am in country once a year and try to ensure time to shop when I depart. I would not leave to go to a mall to shop. Going to Sandton Mall will not give you a good feel of Joberg either -- same shops as New York. Plus lines are long departing back to the US and passport control can be super long!

I make it a point to shop for gifts at at JNB. It is actually my favorite airport. When I had a five hour layover, time flew by. Some years have been better than others as far as the selection when shopping, but it's aways nice to browse.

We were very impressed with the shops at JNB. It is a very nice airport and very easy to quickly spend time there.

Make sure not to skip the book shop. Plenty of good safari/nature-related reads that are not available on Amazon. ;-)

Perfect! I will enjoy my airport exploration. Thanks pixel power for the book shop recommendation! That could eat up my entire layover by itself!

The point about going to Sandton Mall is to walk around in the open instead of being inside an airport building for 3 hours. It's not supposed to be a feeling of Joburg although I was not aware that NY had Woolworths and the other Sandton mall shops. Additionally the restaurants in the mall eg the Butchers Shop is worth an excursion in it's own right. And Sandton Mall has a good book shop.
The shops at JNB airport are indeed very good however rather expensive esp those selling African souvenirs. I did not notice many restaurants airside as I go to the VS Club House however there are probably some.

I agree with staying in the airport. 3 hrs is just not much time in case something caused you a delay in getting back. Plenty of shopping and browsing at JNB once you go through the security gates. Agree with Odin though that restaurant options are somewhat limited compared to most large airports.

I agree with Pixelpower re: the bookshop. Also, I go to the music store and find CDs that I can't get in the US, as well. The "Out of Africa" store is good for last minute gifts. There are a few places to eat, but nothing extra as noted. However, if you're on an evening flight, you'll most likely get a meal on that flight... no need to eat much at the airport.