Spotting Johannesburg

[rlhietbrink]

Dear all,

In a couple of weeks I will visit Johannesburg for a business trip and I decided to stay a couple of more days to do some spotting and airplane photography.

Although I already went through some forums I still can use help in deciding where to go. My main worry is safety as I'm traveling alone, so any tips for safe spotting locations would be very welcome.

In addition all the forums are talking about the necessity to go out together with a "buddy" and definitely not alone. So therefore if any one has tips around that, such as tourguides/taxidrivers etc I really would like to know.

Thanks for your help.

Greetz
Roderick

[CJ]

Roderick, have been to ORTambo, Rand and Lanseria quite a few times the last 6 years or so. Never felt uneasy. Being just by myself I always rent a car, but never felt the need to use it as an escape car:-)

The various spots on the Scramble site are pretty much ok and do not represent a safety hazard.
Happy hunting !

[Bennie]

Roderick, have been to ORTambo, Rand and Lanseria quite a few times the last 6 years or so. Never felt uneasy. Being just by myself I always rent a car, but never felt the need to use it as an escape car:-)

The various spots on the Scramble site are pretty much ok and do not represent a safety hazard.
Happy hunting !

Just returned from South Africa today. Only visited Swartkop AFB.
The museum is closed due to major construction on base, but I happened to run into the base commander and SAAF Chief of staff who granted me access. The base was preparing for an airshow this Saturday.
Don't go out into obscure places in the dark, otherwise the country is friendly and safe!

[redcan]

Hi Roderick,

Just returned this morning from South Africa and I can assure you spotting at JNB is really easy and safe, despite all the stories you've heard before. For JNB, landside the airport has got two viewing areas from which you'll be able to see all movements having the two runways in front of you.
If you can choose your own hotel, I would say 'The Aviator Hotel' is a good choice. It's not that expensive and if you ask for a room facing the airport/runways you'll be able to see some movements depending on the runway usage. By the way, the room comes with a complimentary breakfast which is rather good.
Sitting in the viewing areas at J'burg all day will result in people setting up a conversation with you but that's just because they are curious and like to make small talk. In no way I've ever had the feeling that they were suspicious towards our hobby.

I´ve been to J´burg a couple of times now and I can assure you that it´s a great place to spend some time. The locals are familiar with the hobby and security doesn´t care if you´re playing around with a big pole or a camera.

If you do need information regarding some of the other airports in the J´burg area, please don´t hesitate to contact me.

Cheers,
Chris