Johannesburg - O.R. Tambo Intl

1Observation areas

The terminal buildings have three viewing decks. One is in the International Terminal (Terminal A). It has a narrow field of view though as it is between two nodes that jut out either side. If no aircraft is parked on bay A5, you can get excellent shots of aircraft taxying by. Photography best after 12.30 hours, as the sun is into your face in the morning. The only problem is the glass has a slight brown tint, but is not too detrimental to photography.
The best viewing area is in between the international and domestic terminal. It can be reached via stairs behind the domestic check-in desks. The third (and better) viewing deck is further south in the domestic terminal, Terminal B. It is just above the third floor past the airline check-in desks. It has floor to ceiling (clear) glass and is airconditioned... a real bonus in summer! This allows photography of most of the domestic aircraft! Like the other observation areas, best photography is in the afternoon.

2Eastern hangars

Although this area has a security check point it is usually not a problem to gain access to some of the non-scheduled carrier's hangars on the eastern side of the field. Just say where you want to go and always ask permission before just taking photos. You will almost always be allowed in anycase. The exception will probably be Safair. Look here for old 727s and DC-9s, as well as stored BAe748s.

3Soccer field

The famous soccer field next to Safair also allows some great shots to be taken of aircraft taxying on taxiway H. This is where most of the freighters go and some of the aircraft going to Jo'burg's D Apron. Traffic just depends on how the ground controller feels that day. It is either very quiet or very busy! The fence separating you from the taxiway is somewhat lower than you are standing, so photographing over the fence is not a problem. Also the sun is in your back nearly all day, as the sun transits by the north (note the southern hemisphere)!

This vantage point is also good for reading aircraft parked on the other side, either at the terminal or at the cargo ramp. A 15-20x scope is recommended as are mornings and late afternoons to limit the heatwaves. Finally you could walk up the fence of the Safair apron. However, this is not possible anymore due to walls in the way, and unsafe lower ground between soccer parking area and fences.

4Finals 21L

For taking landing shots of aircraft landing 21L continue the Bonaero Drive to the south, and find yourself a spot in the neighbourhood of the approach lights.

5Denel

While the Denel facility is fenced off, when you ask it may be possible to view the aircraft storage. However, photography appears to be not allowed.

6Finals 03R

For an afternoon with northerly winds this is the best place to go. It is best reached via exit Rondebult Road (M41) from the N12 motorway and then heading north. At the T junction turn right and then first left. Position yourself just around the turn of the road. Local taxi driver know this point as "Jones Road". From here with a 200 mm lens everything up to small regional jets can be photographed full frame. It is also possible to stay on the other side over the centreline, for morning shots.
Warning: avoid being alone here, for your personal safety and that of your car and camera equipment.

Just south of spot 6 and south of the N12 highway, on the east side of the centreline, you can stay in the relatively cheap Birchwood Hotel for safe spotting.

7Finals 03L

Runway 03L has two spots for the afternoon, one of which is right next to an access gate. It is a bit remote and well hidden, and security sometimes objects to you standing there.

8SAA hangars

A wall is limiting views on the aprons of SAA maintenance facilities. Occasionally you can get a glimpse by taking a road to the right.