48 hours in joburg: culture, food, and fun
Joburg is a city that pulses with energy and our recent weekend trip proved just that. It was a whirlwind of laughter, discovery, and adventure that perfectly showcased why this city is such a gem for travellers looking for an amazing getaway.
Day 1: Wine Tasting and Neon Dreams
Stop 1: We kicked off our weekend with a visit to Gerakaris Wine Farm, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Johannesburg. This boutique wine farm offers a tasting experience that feels both sophisticated and laid-back. Surrounded a warm, welcoming ambiance, we sampled an impressive selection of local wines paired with decadent cheese platters.
Each sip revealed distinct notes, from crisp whites that evoked fresh citrus to full-bodied reds with rich, velvety undertones. The cheese pairings complemented the wines beautifully, enhancing the experience with a delightful mix of creamy and sharp flavours.
Stop 2: As the sun set and the city lights began to twinkle, we headed to Babylon the Joburg Bar. That evening the theme was “neon” so we dressed for the occasion. With neon face paint and splattered clothing, we hit the dance floor. The DJs spun a perfect mix of old-school hits and modern bangers, ensuring everyone was on their feet and reveling in the energy of Joburg’s nightlife.
Day 2: Crafting Spirits and Singing Loud
Stop 1: Day 2 was all about exploration and hands-on fun! We headed over to Rocket Distillery for their “Make Your Own Alcohol” experience. The distillery started in lockdown and offers firsthand distilling experience in creating spirits like Gin, Whiskey, Brandy, Rum or Tequila, allowing guests a unique chance to learn about the art of distillation and create their own custom drink.
Guided by the amazing Kabelo, we picked out our favourite flavours and worked through the process of crafting our own unique alcohol. The session ended with a tasting that showcased Rocket’s signature spirits of brandy, whiskey, rum, and gin—a perfect way to appreciate the craftsmanship and flavours.
Stop 2: No weekend adventure is complete without a bit of unabashed singing, so we found ourselves at Karaoke Kong that evening. The place was vibrant, filled with groups ready to belt out tunes from every genre imaginable. We took the stage and gave it our all with some Bublé, Vanilla Ice, and even Black Eyed Peas’s ‘My Humps’.
Day 3: Fine Dining and a Great Escape
Stop 1: Our final day started late after a weekend packed with activities, so we decided to treat ourselves to a hearty dinner at George’s Grill. The restaurant, known for its perfectly cooked steaks and extensive menu, DID NOT disappoint. Each dish was meticulously prepared, offering rich flavours that were just what we needed to refuel. The staff were friendly and super attentive, especially in ensuring our champagne glasses were always full.
Stop 2: Prison Break at Hashtag Escape With full stomachs and spirits high, we made our way to Hashtag Escape for their thrilling prison escape room challenge. The setup was super immersive, starting with us being chained to the wall and having very limited use of our arms unless we could find a way to unlock ourselves… AND FAST! The props were super realistic, and the clues definitely put our problem-solving skills to the test. It was a race against the clock as we deciphered codes, unlocked cells, and pieced together all the clues. In the end, we managed to break out with just 6 minutes to spare, celebrating our narrow victory with triumphant cheers.
Final Stop: Board Games and Chats To wind down, we spent our last evening playing board games and chatting late into the night. It was the perfect way to close out an action-packed weekend, filled with laughter and friendly competition. Joburg, thank you for having us, and we can’t wait to see you again real soon!
Chante JVR 
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