So, where next?
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With direct, daily flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg, your South African adventure couldn’t be closer.
Flight info
Climate
Travel requirements
Local info
11 hour flight time
Planning a trip? We're here to make sure everything goes smoothly from the start. From passports and visa rules to the latest travel news, here's everything you need before you go.
For full entry requirements, visit our Help Centre.
Handy hints to help you hit the ground running in Johannesburg.
Before you set off, take a look at our Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport guide.
Most use Jo’burg as a starting point for a fantastic safari or beach holidays. But we love exploring this energetic city with its emerging hipster hubs, such as Braamfontein and Maboneng, a vibrant arts scene and some fabulous food and wine to boot.
Choose Economy Delight for extra legroom with its 34” seat pitch, so you can really stretch out on the 11-hour flight.
Trade the buzz of Johannesburg for birdsong and waterfalls at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Just a short drive from the city, this lush escape is home to wild cliffs, colourful blooms and the iconic Witpoortjie Waterfall, where black eagles nest above. Whether you’re hiking, picnicking or just soaking up the sunshine, it’s Jo’burg at its most peaceful.
At the heart of Johannesburg, Constitution Hill tells South Africa’s story of struggle, justice and hope. Once a prison that held political icons like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, today it’s home to the country’s Constitutional Court and a powerful museum experience. Wander through historic cells, stand where history was made, and feel the pulse of a nation that turned pain into progress.
Get your thrills with a side of history at Gold Reef City, Johannesburg’s legendary theme park built on a real gold mine. From high-speed coasters and 4D cinemas to underground mine tours and vintage charm, it’s a full day of fun for families and adventure lovers alike.
Just an hour from Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is where evolution comes to life. Start with an underground boat ride at Maropeng, then explore hands-on exhibits and ancient fossils that tell the story of our earliest ancestors. Nearby, the Sterkfontein Caves invite you to go deeper through the underground world where history was uncovered.
Once a stretch of abandoned warehouses, Maboneng is now Jo’burg’s cultural heartbeat. This buzzing precinct blends art, fashion, food and street energy into one unforgettable neighbourhood. Think indie galleries, rooftop bars, weekend markets and walls splashed with bold murals, all wrapped in effortless cool.
Our seats have been carefully designed to help you fly in total comfort during the flight, no matter which cabin you're in. Find out how our Upper Class, Premium and Economy seats measure up.
Whichever cabin you're travelling in, you'll enjoy exciting inflight entertainment and delicious food and drinks throughout the flight.
We reward your adventures with Virgin Points. Whether you're taking off, doing the weekly shop or splashing out on an exclusive stay, points make it all more rewarding.