Review: Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo Airport

Visited December 2015

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo

Where is it?

Shongololo Lounge is located in the international transit hall at the airport. The lounge is located after the shopping areas towards gates A7-A18. The entrance is on the left side after the escalator.

How do I get in?

The Shongololo Lounge has been contracted by several airlines like Qantas, Swiss and Etihad. It is also possible to enter using for example Priority Pass and Diners Club.

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
The entrance
Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Airlines, lounge cards and credit cards giving access

What’s it like?

The Shongololo Lounge is one of several third-party lounges at Johannesburg O R Tambo airport and generally they all keep a good standard with a good selection of food and drinks and a nice and modern interior.

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
The entrance and reception desk

The Shongololo Lounge is no exception. After passing the circular well-lit reception desk you enter the main lounge with its very unusual but sophisticated design. Although the lounge has no windows and no natural light the lighting effects create an interesting atmosphere.

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Inside the lounge with the special lighting effects

There are several seating area with a combination of blue and grey rather comfortable armchairs with an extremely high seat back, wide white sofas and wine-red lounge chairs. The tables are low, much lower than the seats, and in the design of stubs.

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Interesting sofas

The lounge has seating for approximately 120 guests. Most of the design is in white and dark wood.

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Different seating areas

Food and drinks

The self-service buffet offers a wide selection of hot food, sandwiches, vegetables, fresh fruits, bread rolls, instant noodles and to finish cookies and desserts. Interestingly there is also a microwave oven in the buffet area.

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Self service buffet and dining aera

Next to the buffet is a dining area with tables and bar stools.

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Dining area with bar stools
Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Hot food, sandwiches and vegetables
Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Good selection of hot food
Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Coffee and tea

The drinks selection is decent and includes several South African red and white wines, beer and a standard selection of spirits. A large selection of mineral water, juices and sodas are available from four large fridges and there are also two coffee machines.

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Drinks selection with wine and spirits

Facilities

Both restrooms and showers are available in the lounge. There is a business centre with work stations and internet computers and free wireless internet is available throughout the lounge. Newspapers are available from a rack at the reception desk

Anything else not to miss?

Make a visit to the cinema room featuring the world’s first 55-inch OLED TV in front of a large white sofa.

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
Cinema room

And do not miss the photo collection on the wall next to the reception desk. No matter what you think of the lounge and the final result of the design, at least they have made a serious effort with it.

Shongololo Lounge, Johannesburg O R Tambo
The photo wall

Final impression

This is a very different lounge with a sophisticated design. Some people probably love it, others probably find it odd. But it does stand out and they have made a serious effort with the design to create something different. Excellent selection of food with both hot food and snacks and a good selection of drinks.

About MorePremium.com 1018 Articles
My interest in premium travels and frequent travels started in the 90’s, so to date I have over 20 years of premium travel experience. MorePremium.com will mostly be about my own experiences, based on my own knowledge and my travel history, but you will also find news items, analyses, tips and tricks and reports from events.

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