Welcome to Johannesburg!

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, known as as ‘Joburg’ or ‘Jozi’. It has all the amenities of a large metropolitan region, with cultural, sporting and shopping facilities. South Africa has 11 official language, but English is most commonly spoken. 

Johannesburg is in the UTC (+02:00) time zone.

The summer climate is usually hot and dry, with occasional brief thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Daily temperatures range between 15-27ºC. 

Accommodation

We have secured special rates for Sunnyside Park Hotel, which has a restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness centre and more. The hotel is pictured at the top of the page! To receive the discounted rate, book your LCT5 accommodation at the link here. You can arrange your airport transfers at the same time by sending an e-mail with your flight details to this email: info@hijoburgssph.co.za. We have arranged free shuttle services between the Sunnyside Park hotel and the conference venue. If you plan to stay somewhere else, then you need to organise taxis or other shuttle services to get to the conference venue. We do not advise walking between hotels and the conference.

Transport

You will fly into O.R. Tambo Airport. If you stay at Sunnyside Park Hotel, you can arrange your transfers when booking. If you stay somewhere else, arrange a shuttle, taxi or Uber (which is widely used here).

Communication

Mobile phone coverage is good. There are three mobile providers (Vodacom, MTN and Cell C). Local sim cards and airtime can be purchased at the airport and retail outlets.

Personal safety

South Africa has high levels of unemployment and poverty. People of Johannesburg are generally friendly but there are criminal elements who seek opportunities for petty theft. You need to be vigilant at all times:

  • Ensure you have a lock on your check-in luggage.
  • Keep valuables out of sight and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
  • Do not leave your bags, mobile devices or laptop unattended.
  • Lock vehicle doors when travelling.
  • Avoid walking in the streets at night. When you need to, walk in a group. 
  • Shopping malls are safe spaces but keep your bags on you at all times.

Emergency contact numbers:

  • Ambulance: 082911 or 10177
  • Fire brigade: 10177
  • Police: 10111
  • 24 helpline for international calls: 10903