When most travellers think of South Africa, images of Cape Town’s scenic coastline or the wildlife-filled Kruger National Park usually come to mind.
But according to Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France–KLM, Johannesburg shouldn’t just be seen as a stopover—it’s a vibrant city that deserves to be a destination in its own right.
Johannesburg: Start here
Johannesburg’s biggest advantage? Its unbeatable connectivity. With direct flights to key destinations across South Africa, the city makes the perfect springboard for travellers eager to explore everything the country has to offer.
Here’s what Tauro had to say about this:
“Johannesburg is the heartbeat of South Africa. It’s the perfect starting point for any traveller wanting to experience South Africa’s diversity, energy, and soul,” said Tauro.
The launchpad to South Africa’s wonders
Tauro points out that within just a four-hour radius of Johannesburg, travellers can discover an array of world-class escapes. From the scenic Hartbeespoort Dam and the wildlife-rich Pilanesberg, to the fly-fishing haven of Dullstroom, the lush landscapes of Mpumalanga, and the awe-inspiring Drakensberg mountains—which Tauro calls “a personal favourite”—these easily reachable destinations offer far more variety than sticking to South Africa’s usual tourist hotspots. For him, this makes Johannesburg the perfect launchpad for anyone wanting to experience the full richness of the country.
A respected figure in travel and aviation, Tauro has led Air France-KLM Southern Africa as Country Manager for four years. He believes that seeing Johannesburg as just a business hub doesn’t do justice to its vibrant cultural and lifestyle scene.
A personal take on South Africa
Having spent several years in South Africa, Tauro speaks not just as a business leader, but as someone who has grown to truly appreciate the country and its people.
“South Africa has made a lasting impact on me. Its warmth, its diversity, and its spirit of perseverance are unlike anywhere else in the world. Yes, the country faces its challenges, but its beauty, creativity, and sense of possibility continue to inspire me every day. It’s a place that truly gets under your skin, in the best way,” said Tauro.
The vibrant pulse of Johannesburg
But Johannesburg isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s a city pulsing with culture, cuisine, and entertainment that can rival any major metropolis. From its vibrant nightlife and buzzing restaurant scene to iconic spots like Gold Reef City, the Maboneng Precinct, and the Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg is a city that’s constantly reinventing itself.
“It’s a place where history and innovation meet, where you can visit a world-class art gallery in the morning, enjoy authentic township cuisine for lunch, and end your day at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline,” said Tauro.
Experience South Africa from its heart
With global travel bouncing back, Tauro believes that international visitors who make Johannesburg their base will experience a richer, more authentic side of South Africa.
“If you start your journey here, you are starting at the centre of South Africa’s heartbeat, surrounded by its people, its stories, and its energy,” said Tauro.
Air France–KLM puts Johannesburg on the map
For Air France–KLM, which links South Africa to the world with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to major European hubs via Amsterdam and Paris, promoting Johannesburg as a must-visit destination is at the heart of its mission.
“We see travel as a bridge, one that connects cultures and communities. By inviting visitors to experience Johannesburg, we are helping the world see South Africa as the multifaceted, inspiring destination it truly is,” said Tauro.
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