Bells HardingstoneFinding the best escape room in Johannesburg can be a puzzle in itself, with many venues offering unique themes and varying levels of challenge. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned escapologist, this guide compares the top options based on their prices, locations, difficulty ratings, and player reviews to help you plan your next adventure.
Best Escape Rooms Johannesburg Prices, Locations And Reviews: Complete Guide With Difficulty Comparison
What Is An Escape Room?
An escape room is a live-action game where a team of players is locked in a themed room and must solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and complete tasks to escape within a set time limit, usually 60 minutes. It is a test of teamwork, logic, and observation.
Top Escape Rooms In Johannesburg: A Comparison
Here is a breakdown of the leading escape rooms in the city, including their specific room difficulties to help you choose your challenge.
Hashtag Escape
Location: Bedford Centre, Bedfordview
Price per Person Estimate: R295
Room Difficulty Levels:
Hack Out: 9.5 out of 10
Rebel: 8.5 out of 10
Red Moon: 7.0 out of 10
Closure: 6.0 out of 10
Time Chambers: 7.0 out of 10
What Players Say: Hashtag Escape boasts South Africa’s largest selection of rooms. Players consistently praise the wide variety of themes and the well-crafted, immersive puzzles. It is a top choice for groups of all sizes and experience levels.
HintHunt
Location: Central Johannesburg area (exact location given upon booking)
Price per Person Estimate: Approximately R300
Room Difficulty Levels: Not specified individually, but the venue is known for its tricky, cerebral riddles.
What Players Say: HintHunt was the first escape room in Africa. It offers five themed rooms and a bar, with a strong focus on high-quality production and storytelling. It is a great option for those seeking a classic, well-executed escape experience.
Escape Room Randburg
Location: Corner Jan Smuts Avenue and Bompas Road, Randburg
Price per Person Estimate: Approximately R300
Room Difficulty Levels: General difficulty is described by players as really challenging.
What Players Say: This venue offers a bit of a hit-and-miss experience. While many find it challenging and fun, others report that some facilities can feel run-down and there may be occasional technical issues. It is best suited for those who are primarily seeking a difficult mental challenge and are less concerned about high-end frills.
The Gr8 Escape
Location: Pineslopes Office Park, Fourways
Price per Person Estimate: Approximately R300
Room Difficulty Levels: General difficulty is described as advanced and challenging, particularly for rooms like Asylum and Nightmare.
What Players Say: The Gr8 Escape receives near-perfect reviews. Players rave about the well-thought-out mechanics, immersive thematic props, and friendly, enthusiastic staff. If you are looking for a top-tier, highly-rated experience, especially for horror-themed rooms, this is an excellent choice.
Alchemy Theatre
Location: The Links Bridge Club, Parkview
Price per Person Estimate: R350
Note: This is not a permanent escape room venue. It hosted a unique, one-off artistic installation called Jar of Hearts for Valentine’s Day 2026. It is included here as an example of the creative and temporary experiences that sometimes pop up in the city.
Choosing Your Challenge: A Difficulty Guide
To help you pick the right room, here is what the numbers generally mean, based on the scale used by top venues like Hashtag Escape.
Beginner (6 out of 10 or lower)
Rooms rated around 6 out of 10 are perfect for first-timers or smaller groups. The puzzles are logical and serve as a great introduction to the escape room experience. Hashtag Escape’s Closure at 6.0 out of 10 falls into this category.
Intermediate (7 out of 10)
This is the sweet spot for most players. A 7 out of 10 room offers a balanced challenge that requires good teamwork and observation skills without being overly frustrating. Hashtag Escape’s Red Moon and Time Chambers are good examples.
Advanced (8.5 out of 10 and above)
These rooms are designed for experienced players seeking a serious mental workout. They require sharp logic, excellent communication, and a willingness to think outside the box. Hashtag Escape’s Rebel at 8.5 out of 10 and the notoriously difficult Hack Out at 9.5 out of 10 will push even the most skilled teams to their limits.
Tips For Your Escape Room Adventure
Before you book, here are a few pointers to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Communicate And Work As A Team
The most important skill in any escape room is communication. Share your discoveries with your teammates and do not be afraid to ask for their input on puzzles you are stuck on.
Book In Advance
Popular times, especially weekend evenings, fill up quickly. Booking ahead is essential to secure your spot.
Check Age Restrictions
Some rooms have age restrictions due to intense or scary themes. For example, Hashtag Escape’s Red Moon has a 16 and older age restriction. Others may welcome children as young as 7 when accompanied by an adult. Always check before booking if you are planning a family outing.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This allows you to check in, use the facilities, and receive the game briefing without cutting into your escape time.
Use Hints Wisely
Most venues have a hint system. Do not let pride get in the way. If you have been stuck on a puzzle for a while, a hint can be the key to getting your momentum back.
Summary: Which Escape Room Is Right For You?
| Venue | Location | Price Est. | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hashtag Escape | Bedfordview | R295 | Widest variety of rooms and difficulty levels |
| HintHunt | Central Joburg | R300 | Classic, high-production-value experience |
| The Gr8 Escape | Fourways | R300 | Consistently excellent, highly-rated horror rooms |
| Escape Room | Randburg | R300 | Pure mental challenge, less focus on frills |
Final Warning: Verify Details Before You Book
Escape room themes, prices, and availability can change. It is always a good idea to check the official website of your chosen venue for the most up-to-date information before booking.
Official Venue Websites:
Hashtag Escape: www.hashtagescape.co.za
HintHunt: www.hinthunt.co.za
The Gr8 Escape: www.thegr8escape.co.za
Escape Room Randburg: www.escaperoom.co.za
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Information is subject to change without notice. Always verify current details with the venues directly.