Discover Johannesburg and Soweto’s rich history and vibrant culture. Visit iconic sites, meet locals, and experience the lively atmosphere on this half-day tour.
Discover Johannesburg and Soweto’s rich history and vibrant culture. Visit iconic sites, meet locals, and experience the lively atmosphere on this half-day tour.
- Johannesburg - Begin with a hotel pickup, offering a general introduction and overview of the area.
- Houghton Estate - Known as one of Johannesburg’s most affluent suburbs, Houghton Estate was home to Nelson Mandela, its most famous resident. Visitors can see the house where Mandela lived during his presidency and where he passed away in…
- Johannesburg - Begin with a hotel pickup, offering a general introduction and overview of the area.
- Houghton Estate - Known as one of Johannesburg’s most affluent suburbs, Houghton Estate was home to Nelson Mandela, its most famous resident. Visitors can see the house where Mandela lived during his presidency and where he passed away in December 2013.
- Munro Drive Viewpoint - This national monument, constructed by Italian prisoners of war during World War II, offers a stunning view of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs and the world’s largest man-made subtropical forest.
- Hillbrow - Hillbrow showcases the effects of urban influx. Often referred to as the “New York of Africa,” Johannesburg is home to a diverse population of immigrants from across the continent and beyond. Driving through its neighborhoods feels like traveling between different countries.
- Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct - Once a notorious prison, this site now hosts tours and exhibitions on local history and houses the country’s highest court. It serves as a living museum, narrating South Africa’s journey to democracy. Notable figures like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela were once imprisoned here.
- Nelson Mandela Bridge - A striking and iconic landmark in Johannesburg, this relatively new bridge has quickly become a symbol of the city. The tour includes a drive over the bridge en route to New Town, with a guide highlighting historic sites and heritage buildings.
Johannesburg’s CBD, once the heart of the gold rush in the late 1800s, is rich in history. Situated on the continental watershed in a highveld grassland, it is a cosmopolitan city with a history of exclusion, segregation, and resistance against apartheid, as well as a hub of creativity.
- Mining District - Discover the city’s early mining history, with relics from the gold rush era like mining headgear, stamp mills, and carts, along with informative boards detailing the mining past.
- Standard Bank Ferreira Mine Stope - Located in the basement of Standard Bank’s headquarters in downtown Johannesburg, this site was one of the city’s first prospecting locations. The long-forgotten mine entrance was uncovered during the bank’s construction and is now preserved as a small museum.
- Maboneng Precinct - Once abandoned, this revitalized area now features a mix of restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, and studio spaces, drawing people back to the inner city.
- FNB Stadium - Pass by this iconic landmark, the largest football stadium in Africa, which hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup’s opening ceremony, matches, and final.
- Diepkloof Park - Divided into sections, Diepkloof Extension is an upscale part of Soweto, home to many professionals. It features large, owner-built houses and has higher-than-average property prices compared to other Soweto suburbs.
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital - This public hospital, one of the world’s largest, spans about 173 acres with approximately 3,200 beds and 6,760 staff members. The tour includes a drive-by view and interesting stories about the hospital.
- Orlando Towers - These two cooling towers are a notable Soweto landmark, now serving as an entertainment center with a famous bungee jump and a barbecue restaurant.
- Sakhumzi Restaurant - Located on Vilakazi Street, one of South Africa’s most famous streets, Sakhumzi Restaurant offers a Soweto-style buffet with traditional South African dishes like umngqusho, mogodu, and dombolo. Vilakazi Street is renowned for having housed two Nobel Laureates, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and is vibrant with the stories of its current residents.
- Mandela’s House - Take a guided tour of the exhibits and artifacts in Nelson Mandela’s former home, now a significant heritage site that shares stories through sound, film, interpretive panels, and guided tours.
- Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial - This self-guided museum tour chronicles the 1976 Soweto student uprising and is named after a 13-year-old victim. Today, it stands as a symbol of resistance against apartheid’s brutality.
- Johannesburg - Conclude the day with a return to the starting point or your accommodation in Johannesburg after an enriching experience in Soweto.
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- English speaking Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- English speaking Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Personal Purchases
- Lunch
- Personal Purchases
Explore and learn about Johannesburg, a city marked by a history of exclusion and segregation, yet known for its cosmopolitan resistance against apartheid. Discover a land of contrasts and encounters that will leave you inspired and enriched.
Visit Soweto, the former home of two Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Experience the rich…
Explore and learn about Johannesburg, a city marked by a history of exclusion and segregation, yet known for its cosmopolitan resistance against apartheid. Discover a land of contrasts and encounters that will leave you inspired and enriched.
Visit Soweto, the former home of two Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Experience the rich cultural heritage of South Africa’s townships on a day trip. Meet friendly locals, delve into the vibrant history, and immerse yourself in the colorful atmosphere of these fascinating communities.
Music and dance on Vilakazi Street in Soweto showcase a lively blend of traditional rhythms and modern fusions, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural influences and creative spirit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.