According to forum posts, during a layover in Johannesburg, travelers have several activity options. Some travelers suggested visiting major sites like the Apartheid Museum, which requires around 2 to 3 hours, or Constitution Hill, which also takes about 2 hours. However, these places close by 5 pm, which should be kept in mind when planning the visit.

For those preferring organized short tours, some users recommended arranging tours through accommodation providers or finding tour desks at the airport that offer private, customizable tours of the city. These can be convenient for exploring key highlights without the hassle of public transport.

Travelers have called out the convenience of using the Gautrain to visit nearby areas like Sandton or Rosebank for dining and shopping. The Grill House in Sandton was mentioned specifically for a good dining experience. For a more relaxed layover, staying near the airport and enjoying hotel amenities like pools and spas is also a popular choice.

Lastly, for culture enthusiasts, options like the Johannesburg Red Bus tour provide an overview of the city with the flexibility of hop-on-hop-off service, allowing visitors to explore multiple attractions according to their interest and available time.

According to forum posts, travelers highly recommend taking the hop-on-hop-off bus tour to explore Johannesburg's top attractions conveniently. Additionally, many users have praised tours in Soweto, highlighting visits to Mandela's home and the Apartheid Museum as must-do activities.

Some travelers suggested exploring the Cradle of Humankind for those interested in archaeology and history. For a more local experience, the street markets and the Lipizzaner horse show were recommended as enjoyable weekend activities.

For art and culture enthusiasts, forum posts highlighted walking tours of Johannesburg's city center to admire street art and historical buildings. The Maboneng Precinct is mentioned as a vibrant area to experience local culture and arts, although some users cautioned about visiting at night due to safety concerns.

For those looking for outdoor activities, the Bryanston Market is recommended for experiencing local crafts and foods, primarily on weekends.

Some travelers have recommended the Intercontinental OR Tambo for its luxury and convenience, being located directly across the street from the airport. This hotel offers upscale amenities and has been positively reviewed for its quality service.

For those looking for more budget-friendly options near the airport, the City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo has been mentioned. It's described as basic but clean and comfortable, ideal for short stays. The hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance from the airport terminals.

The Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo is highlighted by travelers as a good option for families or larger groups, offering family rooms at approximately $200 per night. It is less than a mile from the airport and provides a cost-effective yet comfortable stay.

Travelers seeking a unique or more localized experience suggested various guesthouses such as the OR Tambo Guest House and Blue Mango Lodge. These offer a more personalized service and often include amenities like pools and shuttle services to the airport.

Some travelers mentioned that for international to international transfers at JNB, passengers are advised to stay airside and follow the signposted transit route between terminals, which avoids the need for immigration and additional security checks. This process is particularly straightforward if passengers do not have checked baggage.

For passengers arriving internationally and connecting to a domestic flight, it is typically required to go through immigration, collect any checked baggage, and proceed through customs. After these steps, passengers need to re-check their baggage for the domestic flight. This process appears to be standard across various airlines and flight routes through JNB.

According to forum posts, for travelers looking for a more streamlined process or who have tight connection times, options like VIP services are available. These services can assist in faster navigation through passport control and other formalities. Some users have successfully used transit desks for collecting boarding passes and sorting out transfer logistics without having to pass through main immigration areas.

According to forum posts, travelers have explored various routes to visit neighboring countries from Johannesburg. Common routes include taking long-distance coaches to Maputo or using a combination of buses and minibuses to reach border towns near Eswatini and Lesotho. Some travelers opt for flights from OR Tambo International Airport to reach these countries more quickly.

For many users, popular travel routes within South Africa start from Johannesburg to destinations like Sun City or the Kruger National Park. Travelers often drive these routes. Additionally, some forum posts discussed road trips incorporating multiple locations, such as driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town via the Kruger National Park and the Garden Route, or flying between major cities like Port Elizabeth and Durban to fit in both the Garden Route and Midlands Meander within a limited time.

Some travelers mentioned rejigging their itineraries to include countries like Botswana, which wasn't initially considered. This suggests flexibility in travel plans, depending on new information and travel conditions encountered along the way.

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend renting a car and driving from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, describing the drive as straightforward on well-maintained roads. The journey can take between 4.5 and 8 hours depending on the entry gate used.

Some travelers have called out the option to fly from Johannesburg to Nelspruit, followed by a car rental for the remaining journey, which is about a 1.5-hour drive to Kruger. This is suggested as a time-saving alternative, especially useful if arriving from a long-haul flight.

There is no direct mention of a bus or train service from Johannesburg to Kruger in the forum posts. Hence, public transportation may not be a viable option for this route according to the available information.

According to forum posts, travelers have options like Avis and Bushlore for renting vehicles for self-driving in Johannesburg. Bushlore is noted for being better equipped for off-road driving but is more expensive than Avis. Some travelers mentioned that for city driving and visits to places like Kruger Park, a standard car is sufficient, while for rougher terrain like Khutse and Mapungubwe, a 4x4 is recommended.

Travelers have called out that driving in Johannesburg is comparable to that of other big cities, with precautions necessary at intersections and avoiding driving after dark. It is advised to keep doors locked and valuables out of sight. For those unfamiliar with the area, using navigation aids like Google Maps is recommended to assist with route planning.

Some posts highlighted that certain roads, especially towards rural areas, can be rough, and a 4x4 might provide a more comfortable experience with better visibility for game viewing in parks.

According to forum posts, Garden Court OR Tambo offers a complimentary shuttle service that operates 24/7 every 30 minutes, without the need to book in advance. The pick-up point is at the bus terminal at the airport.

For travelers looking for transportation to nearby hotels after midnight, some hotels provide shuttle services for a fee, such as R400 for late-night pick-ups. Alternatively, Aero Guest Lodge offers a free 24-hour airport shuttle, as mentioned by a traveler.

Travelers have mentioned the Gautrain as a convenient public transportation option. It connects OR Tambo Airport to various destinations like Sandton, providing a quick and efficient service.

Taxis and private transfer services are available, with costs ranging between US$40-$60 for short distances. Some travelers prefer using these services for convenience, despite higher prices compared to other options.