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Our most recommended Johannesburg Small group activities

From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

1. From Johannesburg: Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Game Safari

Visit Pilanesberg Game Reserve on a full-day safari from Johannesburg, where over 7000 animals roam freely. Have the chance to see big 5 game animals (elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalos, and lions). Enjoy 2 extensive game drives in a jeep with a guide and a delicious lunch. Be picked up from your hotel in Johannesburg in the early morning and relax on the 2.5-hour drive to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Follow your guide on a drive to encounter animals like zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, jackals, antelopes, and over 300 species of birds. A total of 4.5 to 5 hours are spent on Game Drives. During the heat of the day, sit down for an hour-long delectable lunch at one of the many rest camps in the Game Reserve. After lunch, depart on an afternoon safari drive in an open vehicle. Ask your guide any questions you might have about the animals and the natural environment. Leave Pilanesberg in the late afternoon to get back to your hotel in Johannesburg before sunset.

Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Optional Soweto Tour

2. Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Optional Soweto Tour

Enjoy the most fantastic views, safely and with flexibility to experience the atmosphere of Johannesburg aboard an open-top double-decker sightseeing bus. Choose between a bus ticket or choose to include a small group tour to Soweto, to visit the former home of Nelson Mandela in Vilakazi street and lots more by choosing the Bus/Soweto Combo option. This open top bus tour stops at all the iconic Johannesburg attractions like Melrose Arch, the Mandela's Foundation, Mandela's Homes, Constitution Hill, downtown Johannesburg, the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City Theme Park, The Zoo, and Military Museum. The Main bus stop and Branded Tour office with Departure point is in Rosebank. Look for the City Sightseeing Tour office in the main pedestrian part of the "The Zone Mall", Oxford Road, Rosebank. It’s easy to find, between the “Holiday Inn Rosebank” and “Hamleys”. The Tour office is easily and safely accessible by free branded City Sightseeing shuttle bus, rented car, Gautrain or Uber (Detailed instructions for each of these options are on your tour voucher). You can also check Google maps for the “City Sightseeing Johannesburg Visitor Center”. The Hop-On Hop-Off Tour visits and stops at Melrose Arch, the Mandela Foundation, passes Mandela's Homes in Houghton, we make a scenic Photo Stop at Munroe Drive, Constitution Hill, the Mining District in central Johannesburg, the Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City Casino Hotel. We have a tour office here to ensure that you can join the optional Soweto extension tour. (See details of this extension tour below) From there, the hop on hop off tour also stops at Newtown to visit the Sci Bono or Museum Africa, Braamfontein to visit the Neighbourhoods Market (open on Saturdays only), before we stop at the Johannesburg Zoo and the Military Museum from where the tour returns to Rosebank. The 2 hour, small group tour of Soweto is accessed whilst on the hop on, hop off tour at the “Gold Reef City” Bus stop. There are staff on duty to make sure this is safe and easy for you. Described as the “New York of Africa", this small group tour is live guided by a Soweto resident guide. Reconnect with Nelson Mandela's past, and get an understanding of where he started his fight against apartheid at his family home in Soweto. Now a museum, Mandela House follows the story of the legendary leader in the single-story matchbox house is located at number 8115 Vilakazi street. A short distance up the road is Tutu House, the home of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. This tour includes visits and Stops at the Fnb Stadium, a photo stop at the famous "Welcome to Soweto" sign, Chris Hani Baragwanath, the Orlando Stadium and Hector Pieterson before we arrive at Mandela's Vilikazi street House. Return to Gold Reef City and re-join the open top bus tour back to Rosebank.

Jo'berg in 1 Day: Soweto, Apartheid Museum & City Tour

3. Jo'berg in 1 Day: Soweto, Apartheid Museum & City Tour

After collecting you from your hotel or residence in Johannesburg, your guide will give you a quick pre departure tour briefing before departing to Soweto (South Western Township). On your way to Soweto you pass by the National Football Stadium City, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the World Cup 2010. You enter the Diepkloof area, where you will take a walk past vendors selling just about anything. In Orlando West you visit Vilakazi Street - drive past the former home of Nelson Mandela and past the home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. You will have an opportunity to read about the Soweto uprising on 16 June 1976. On that tragic day an innocent little boy called Hector Pieterson gave up his life and kick-started the liberation of South Africa. During this tour you will pass by the Mandela House. A visit into the museum is optional. You continue your tour driving into one of the shanty towns where you get to interact with some of the locals. By now you will have seen the good, the bad and the ugly facets of Soweto. You drive past the Soweto Campus of the Johannesburg University and end your tour with a stop at the largest hospital in the world: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. After Lunch on your own account, you will arrive at the world famous Apartheid Museum. Here you will learn about the history and struggle of South Africa during apartheid. Once you are done with the Apartheid Museum, you head into Johannesburg City and start with the view of the impressive 269 metre Telkom Tower, as seen on many postcards of Johannesburg. You then enter the inspiring Constitution Hill – and Court (when not in session) Political activists like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were once held here. During a tour inside you will learn about some of the legal history of Johannesburg. On your way to Newtown you pass by the longest southern African bridge, named Nelson Mandela bridge. At Mary Fitzgerald Square you can walk on the Jazz Walk of Fame. In short, this tour offers you a unique Johannesburg experience at an affordable rate.

Johannesburg and Soweto: Half Day Tour

4. Johannesburg and Soweto: Half Day Tour

Depart from your hotel, heading to the southwest township of Johannesburg. Take a route through Johannesburg's southern suburbs and see the sleek cars and spacious freeways. Next, discover Johannesburg city with its tall buildings, most of them built during the apartheid era, while you make your way to Soweto. Watch the beautiful scenery disappear as you enter Soweto. Pass by 2 iconic landmarks that used to generate power in the township of Soweto and are now normally used for bungee jumping. Drive through Soweto heading to the famous Hector Pieterson Museum with its dark history about the youth uprising in 1976. From here, drive through the township for sightseeing, and finally, head to Mandela House Museum on Vilakazi Street. In the museum, you will learn about the father of the nation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who became a world icon. Finally, hop back into the tour vehicle returning to your hotel. On route, you will pass by FNB stadium also known as Soccer City or The Calabash, which hosted the opening and closing matches of the 2010 World Cup finals.

Soweto: Walking Tour with a Local Guide and Lunch

5. Soweto: Walking Tour with a Local Guide and Lunch

Discover the history of Soweto, where political icons lived during Apartheid, fighting against the regime. Explore the everyday life, meet the locals, taste local cuisine and get an authentic experience with a Sowetan native guide. Start at the Hector Pietersen Museum and hear about the Soweto uprising that transpired in 1976, which was one the turning point of Apartheid. Be introduced to the famous house of Nelson Mandela in Vilakazi Street, built in 1945, where he lived until he was imprisoned for 27 years. Have a conversation about Arch bishop Desmond Tutu in the famous street in Vilakazi Street. Continue through Orlando East, the first formal settlement of Soweto and Orlando Stadium, Soweto football giants, the Orlando Pirate and ride a minibus taxi to the last stop at the Orlando Towers. Listen to the many personal stories about the family's generations, how apartheid had an impact in each and everyone of them and how Soweto has changed today. Enjoy a traditional, local lunch of Kota (Local burger) or Braii (Barbecue).

Johannesburg: Taste of Africa Food Tour

6. Johannesburg: Taste of Africa Food Tour

Our Taste Of Africa is offered in 2 of the most Afro-cosmopolitan areas in Joburg rich in African cuisine. Yeoville (3pm)-one of the most diverse suburbs in South Africa, known for being highly Afro-cosmopolitan with many African nationals found in one square mile and a rich history due to the migration into South Africa. Maboneng-(12pm & 5pm ) a new suburb in Johannesburg which is home to Art, Culture,graffiti and a variety of African foods The experience will offer guests the ability to try a variety of different African foods from - South African meals - Ghanaian - Nigerian - Cameroonian - Zimbabwean - Congolese Each food tasting will include at least 4 dishes we will be trying on the day. You can also include African beer tasting with your booking to enjoy the beers on the continent.

From Johannesburg: Lion & Safari Park Half-Day Tour

7. From Johannesburg: Lion & Safari Park Half-Day Tour

On this half-day tour, your tour guide will collect you from your accommodations in Johannesburg and take the Lion Park, a natural habitat located not far outside of Johannesburg.  Upon arrival at the Lion Park, you will enjoy 1-hour open vehicle safari drive where you will have the opportunity to view these wonderful animals up close and personal. You will then be driven back to your accommodations in Johannesburg.

Soweto: Guided Bicycle Tour with Lunch

8. Soweto: Guided Bicycle Tour with Lunch

Embark on a fun and unique tour experience as you explore the urban complex of Soweto on a bicycle. Get to experience the township like a local. Get a glimpse of Hector Pietersen Museum, Mandela House and Tutu House. Start your cycling tour in Killarney, an up-and-coming tourist destination in Soweto. Learn how this township was created in 1904 and share the history of these neighborhoods. Ride to Mzimhlophe and visit Mzimhlophe Women's hostel. Continue to Mama Lilian Ngoyi's house, an anti-apartheid activist. Cycle to Hector Pietersen Museum where the Soweto uprising transpired which was one of the turning points of apartheid. This tour will get you closer to all the highlights of Soweto. See the Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962. Imbibe a slice of authentic history on the world's most famous former prisoner. Then, pass by Tutu House on Vilakazi Street, where Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his family once resided. Talk about the Nobel Laureate's contribution to apartheid's downfall in South Africa. Give your feet a break by stopping for lunch. Taste South African sandwiches called kota before cycling back to the starting point.

Johannesburg: Maboneng Street Art Tour

9. Johannesburg: Maboneng Street Art Tour

Discover why Johanessburg’s artistic hub is recognized worldwide as a booming creative center on this 2-hour guided walking tour. You’ll see some of the best street art from around the world and even meet some of the artists themselves. Hit the streets of Maboneng Precinct and Jewel City to see why South Africa has long been recognized for its exciting modern art. Your guide will take you to meet the locals and explore Joburg subcultures, learn about the artists, their motivations, and the different techniques they use.  You’ll walk through individual pieces and get an overview of these colorful pieces, experiencing first-hand just how street art is changing the perspective in these local communities.

Soweto: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, City Tour and Apartheid Museum

10. Soweto: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, City Tour and Apartheid Museum

Join a 2-hour small group tour of the township of Soweto, described as the “New York of Africa", guided by a Soweto resident guide. Take in the sights of the city where Mandela once lived and Mahatma Gandhi started his legal career. Complete the day and see the sights of Johannesburg at your own pace with a trip on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Learn the history of Johannesburg from the audio commentary on board the double decker sightseeing bus. Ride through the city's historic neighbourhoods and see fascinating attractions, many related to the struggle against apartheid. Get on and off as much as you like. City Tour visits: - Main Departure Point: Rosebank: Tour office at the @The Zone Mall, next to “Hamleys” - Melrose Arch - Mandela Foundation - Pass Mandela's Homes in Houghton - Scenic Photo Stop at Munroe Drive - Constitution Hill - Mining District - Gold Reef City Casino Hotel (Switch to the Soweto small group tour here) - Apartheid Museum  - Newtown - Neighbourgoods Market (Saturdays only) - Johannesburg Zoo - Military Museum  Small group tour of Soweto includes: 1. Fnb Stadium 2. Welcome to Soweto sign 3. Chris Hani Baragwanath 4. Soweto Towers 5. Orlando Stadium 6. Hector Pieterson 7. Mandela House 8. Soweto Brewery Ubuntu Kraal. Easy to join this tour with the Free Hotel Shuttle bus from Sandton: The Southern Sun Sandton: 09:00 AM The Maslow: 09:08 AM The Hilton: 09:12 AM The Raddison Blue Gautrain: 09:18 AM Da Vinci Hotel: 9:25 AM Melrose Arch: Outside Fire & Ice: 09h12 (17h25: Return shuttle from Rosebank to Sandton) Reconnect with Nelson Mandela's past, and get an understanding of where he started his fight against apartheid at his family home in Soweto. Now a museum, Mandela House follows the story of the legendary leader in the single-story matchbox house is located at number 8115 Vilakazi street. A short distance up the road is Tutu House, the home of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Encounter the eclectic atmosphere of the markets and memorabilia stands. Soweto is home to thousands of South Africans and the site of some of the most iconic events in the nation’s history. Get a fascinating look into kasi living, and hear the history of South Africa’s freedom struggle. Stop at Soccer City on the outskirts of Soweto before going to Diep Kloof. Discover the renowned Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the largest hospital in the world in 1997. Pass the Orlando Towers to see the site of the world’s highest Suspended Catch Air Device (SCAD) Freefall. Enjoy a drink or some braised meat at the Chaf Pozi shisa nyama and shebeen. Drive past Orlando Stadium, the 1st ever sports facility built for black South Africans in a residential area.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg

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What people are saying about Johannesburg

Exploring Johannesburg's historical and contemporary contrasts offers a unique insight into South Africa's heart. The tour, led by an exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly guide, covered key sites like the Constitutional Hill Museum, Mandela House, Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, and the striking Johannesburg Center. This area highlighted the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, underscored by numerous vacant skyscrapers, providing a vivid illustration of ongoing socio-economic challenges. The guide's expertise and engaging storytelling brought these sites to life, transforming the tour into a profound educational journey. Through his eyes, we delved deep into South Africa's tumultuous history and its aspirations for the future, making this day tour an unforgettable experience.

What a great tour! Highly recommend if you are looking to experience the major Soweto landmarks, enjoy favored local spots, sample great Soweto street food, and engage in casual friendly conversation. It was just my daughter and I with three guides. The pace of the ride was comfortable. We had several historical/cultural stops interspersed with food and beer stops. Really enjoyed the street food (and beer) and it was a lot of fun to be able to sit and chat with our guides about life in Soweto, politics, the economy, education, cultural traditions. If you can, consider arriving with a favorite children’s book or two - the bike shop also serves to support the primary schools, conducting one or more book drives every year.

Guy was an excellent tour guide, who stayed with us throughout the tour. He gave us good time to explore the thought provoking museum and lots of interesting information. He was friendly and answered all of our questions about South Africa as first time visitors. Would definitely recommend this trip!

Very knowledgeable guide who shared insights not only about the history of Soweto and its events, but also spoke about modern-day life there and shared his own personal experiences of growing up there. The tour was also quite tailored to my interests. I can only recommend it!

The rangers are excellent and knowledgable. The staff at the lodge is kind and professional. We had a great time and memories will last long. Thank you very much and hakuna matata!