Get to know the enthralling life of the locals in Johannesburg with the help of a well-informed guide. A city that has a captivating history and a people with different cultures, there is much to learn. Whichever way you prefer to get to know Johannesburg, be it by foot or by bicycle or by open deck bus, it is a guarantee that it will be a good time for you and your family. Explore this list of 9 of the best tours in Johannesburg:
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1. Cradle of Humankind Tour from Johannesburg
Cradle of Humankind; what comes in mind when you hear that statement? Well, I was wonderfully surprised by this tour and I would advise everyone to make a point of taking it when they are in Johannesburg. You will have an all-round humankind roots lesson at this magnificent place which also houses the Sterkfontein Caves. When there, you will go to Maropeng visitor center where you will get an in-depth evolutionary look of the local history. This tour also includes a game drive to see lions and other animals.
Tip from tour guide
I was out with Bill from the USA on the Cradle of Humankind tour. It’s one of the world's most important fossil sites. Inside, you’ll find various exhibits, including a human skull which was found in 1947, and the skull of a common dinosaur that lived in South Africa around 200 million years ago.
2. Day Kruger Experience Tour from Johannesburg
It definitely is a must to have a tour of the largest national park in South Africa, Kruger National Park, when you get to Johannesburg, no questions asked. This park is so huge it is home to the big five. You will definitely get to see the many different animals and contrasting nature; from mountainous landscapes, endless savannas, a kaleidoscope of wildlife, archaeological sites and a hotbed of culture; there is a lot to be explored in Kruger National Park.
To know how contrasting Kruger National Park can be, you will tour the Blyde River which prides itself as the world’s largest canyon and home to remarkably Instagrammable waterfalls. You will then take a drive to Pilgrim’s Rest in Dullstroom with its ravine forest and highland moorlands. Kruger National Park is so huge, you might need to make another plan to come and tour it again. Its wonder, beauty and charm have seen many make comebacks just to relive its serenity and contrasting terrains.
3-Day Kruger Experience Tour
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
Website:
3. Private Tour of Soweto in Johannesburg
Soweto had a huge significance to South Africa’s independence and democracy. Your guide will let you know that the straggly Soweto Township is a cluster of townships and was started in the 1930s with the sprout of Orlando. The apartheid rule saw the divide of the whites and blacks down to where they all lived, thus an influx of black South Africans came to the Soweto Township in the 1950s. During this time, a Soweto political uprising was growing and solidifying its presence. It became the hotpot of political movements to overthrow the apartheid government.
Your tour will take you to the largest hospital in Africa (yep, you read that right), Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital whose elevated position in Soweto will give you an bird’s eye view of the whole township. Your guide will take you to several iconic places in the townships such as the Hector Pieterson Museum, a memorial of the many students who died at the uprising in 1976. South Africa’s stalwart leader, the late Nelson Mandela, had a home in Soweto which is now a Museum in Orlando West known as the Mandela Family Museum. You’ll walk through the same doors he did and get a feel of his life in his humble home. Many South African political visionaries had homes in Soweto and your guide will take you to them as they narrate their history and significance to South Africa.
Private Tour of Soweto in Johannesburg
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
Website:
4. Day Guided Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains from Johannesburg
Boot up and get ready to hike the Drakensberg Mountains, a World Heritage Site, all you have to do is bring yourself. When booking for the hike, all the necessary equipment will be provided. For breathtaking nature scenes and a tasking climb to its summit, you will have three days on its terrain to have a worthwhile view. If you love nature and being active, do not waste more time, book this breathtakingly wonderful hike.
Guided Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
Website:
Johannesburg Tour Guide
Thabang Molefe
My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchangin... Read more
Tours by Thabang
Johannesburg Tour Guide
Jakes
Jakes is registered and accredited with FET Certificate Tourist Guiding. He is competent to advise clients on all essential aspects of travel in South Africa having passed the SA Specialist course from South African Tourism. As a good story teller, he makes any historical situation or site come to life; and this is what makes him to stand out as a knowledgeable and exciting guide. “I’m always ... Read more
Tours by Jakes
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5. Pretoria Sightseeing Day Trip from Johannesburg
The ‘Jacaranda City’ as it is lovingly called by its resident is a city worth visiting, especially in spring when the trees lining the streets bloom into lavender flowers that adorn them. There is a lot of historical significance in Pretoria. This is where you get Church Square, where Nelson Mandela got his life sentence that catapulted him into the darling of resilience, love and forgiveness he was well known for around the world. Ironically, Union Building, where he was sworn in as the president of South Africa is just a few meters away from Church Square. A Boer stronghold, this is where their leader Paul Kruger called home and where you will get to see the Voortrekker Monument.
Book Tours : Pretoria Sightseeing Day Trip from Johannesburg
6. Full-Day Lesedi Cultural Village Tour from Johannesburg
This is as far as you will get to seeing, living and having a full South African village life. Lesedi Cultural Village Tour affords you the chance to see the many diverse cultures that make up South Africa and what their daily life is like in their villages. You will experience the full cultural experience of the tribes such as their traditional principles on paying dowry, preparing and eating the delicious food and also the home makeup of the tribes.
Tip from tour guide
Visit Lesedi Cultural Village if you’re looking for an authentic experience when visiting Johannesburg. Here, you will learn about the different South African cultures. Watch the dance show performed by the locals donning beautiful attires with animal prints and vibrant colors, followed by a delicious meal.
7. Johannesburg City Walk: Half-Day Guided Tour
In my opinion taking a walk around the city is the best way to get to learn about it. This Johannesburg half day city walk will have you strolling the city as you get the feel and pace of the city and experience the ground atmosphere of the Johannesburg people. Check out the Old City Hall, Gandhi Square, Guild Hall, Carlton Center, Chancellor House and so much more in your city walk. Your guide will make sure to give you a background history of the places you visit. You will learn about their significance to Johannesburg and South Africa as a whole. Oh, did I mention you will have several thrilling rides in the Johannesburg taxi vans? That will be fun, a full experience indeed.
Book Tours : Johannesburg City Walk: Half-Day Guided Tour
8. Walking Tour of Maboneng Arts and Crafts Markets from Sandton
If you are all about your art and craft then this tour is for you. Maboneng has transformed to be an artist’s paradise thanks to its flourishing art galleries, restaurants, artists, entertainment spaces and so much more. This is where you will meet local urban artists at their best, browse the art shops and buy to your heart’s content. Your guide will give you a brief history of Maboneng which was transformed into the artist hub that it is now thanks to a collective effort by the artists, local government and entrepreneurs. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy some artisan food at one of the many restaurants peppered in the area.
9. Johannesburg Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
A half day tour for two where you get to see the main touristy attractions of Johannesburg is a nice way to start off your Johannesburg visit. This is especially good for those that are actually in the city for only a day or two and would like to capitalize on the little time they have. Drive in a comfortable coach bus that will drive through the city and take you to Hillbrow Tower, Nelson Mandela Bridge and have great panoramic views of Johannesburg on Carlton Center.
You have heard a lot about the political events of Johannesburg, but see for yourself where most of the democratic transitions happened at Constitution Hill. To end your tour, you will make a stop at the Botanical Gardens at Emmerentia Dam for some peace and tranquility.
Book Tours : Johannesburg Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
A Johannesburg history lesson tour
These tours are designed to give a visitor a quick and educative look of Johannesburg. When you come to Johannesburg and you want to feel like you got to know the people and their culture, a tour is the best way to go about it.
History
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