If you want a bird’s-eye view of Johannesburg, the 50-storey Carlton Centre is the place to go. Rising 223 metres into the skyline, it offers visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of the City of Gold from its top floor, fittingly called the Top of Africa. On a clear day, this observation deck reveals not just the dense urban sprawl of Johannesburg but sweeping vistas across the Highveld and beyond.
Once the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and Africa’s tallest skyscraper for 46 years (1973–2019), the Carlton Centre remains a landmark of architectural ambition and urban identity. Though now out-ranked by newer towers, including The Leonardo in Sandton, it continues to hold symbolic and cultural significance.
A Landmark of South African Modernism
Construction of the Carlton Centre began in 1967 and was completed in 1974, although the centre officially opened in 1973. At the time, it was a marvel of engineering — designed by renowned U.S. architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, known for their work on the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) in Chicago.
Today, it remains one of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere outside of Australia.
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The Golden Age of the Carlton Hotel
The Carlton Centre complex once housed the luxurious 30-storey Carlton Hotel, which opened alongside the tower. For over two decades, it served as a glamorous hub for diplomats, celebrities, and heads of state.
Notable guests included:
- Henry Kissinger (former U.S. Secretary of State)
- François Mitterrand (former French President)
- Margaret Thatcher (former UK Prime Minister)
- Hillary Clinton
- Whitney Houston and Mick Jagger
The Carlton Hotel was once the epitome of five-star hospitality in Johannesburg, with direct links to the shopping and business areas of the complex. However, as the inner city began to experience urban decline in the 1990s, the hotel struggled to maintain its prestige and closed its doors in 1997. The building remains vacant to this day.
A New Era Under Transnet
In 1999, the entire Carlton Centre complex was acquired by Transnet, South Africa’s state-owned freight and logistics company. Today, Transnet occupies several upper floors of the tower, while the lower levels operate as a retail shopping mall serving daily commuters and shoppers.
The mall remains busy — linking Johannesburg’s commuter transport routes with dozens of local stores and services. The entrance to the Top of Africa viewing deck is located within the mall.
Visiting the Top of Africa – What You Need to Know
Despite the Carlton Centre’s age, the Top of Africa observation deck continues to attract local and international visitors looking for a panoramic perspective on Johannesburg. It’s a must-visit for architecture buffs, photographers, and anyone interested in the city’s urban history.
Admission
- Adults: R15
- Children under 10: R10
Visiting Hours
- Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00
- Saturdays: 09:00 – 17:00
- Sundays: 09:00 – 14:00
Note: Hours and access may vary during holidays or special events. It’s advisable to call ahead or check online for current information.
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Carlton Centre in Context
The Carlton Centre is more than a skyscraper — it’s a mirror of Johannesburg’s transformation. From its glittering heyday in the 1970s to the turbulence of urban decay in the late 20th century, and now as a mixed-use hub in a rejuvenating CBD, it remains a testament to the city’s resilience and reinvention.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Joburg or a long-time local rediscovering the city, the Carlton Centre — and the view from the Top of Africa — remains a powerful reminder of Johannesburg’s scale, ambition, and story.
