[wp-review]

The South African Airways Arrivals Lounge Johannesburg is a nice treat when arriving on an international flight.

It’s not a Star Alliance lounge, so you can only use it if you’re arriving in Johannesburg on South African Airways in Business Class, or if you’re a Gold/Platinum elite on South African Airways arriving on a SAA flight.

After you’ve cleared customs, but before the doors that take you into the arrivals hall, keep an eye out for the small signs pointing to the lounge.

The lounge is one floor up via the elevator.

Although small and unassuming, the South African Airways Arrivals Lounge has everything you need to freshen up after a long overnight flight to Johannesburg. Lounge hours are 5am to 1pm.

There’s a small seating area where you can catch up on email and enjoy a light breakfast of cheeses, cold cuts, cereals and fruits. A small hot food bar was stocked with French toast and potatoes.

A smoking area and small computer lounge with printer facilities was also available. I had to snap pictures on the sly as the reception staff totally sassed me out for taking photos as if I was some sort of criminal.

You can also enjoy a hot shower. There were four showers in total, and I waited about 15 minutes for one to become available.

I was originally planning on staying in the lounge for a few hours while waiting for my boyfriend to arrive at 1pm, maybe even taking a nap there, but I didn’t end up staying for long.

The lounge has no windows so it was depressing to hang out in, and there were no facilities for taking a nap, just a few tables and chairs. Instead I picked up the rental car early and headed to the Apartheid Museum for a quick visit.

The South African Airways Arrivals Lounge in Johannesburg is nice welcome to South Africa, but once you’ve chowed down and taken a shower, it’s time to move on.