There is a myriad of things to see and do in Johannesburg, for it is the largest city in South Africa. Affectionately referred to as “Jozi” and “Joburg” by locals, this lively region is home to more than four million people. The following are some notable tourist favorites. The Cradle of Humankind Sterkfontein Caves is a UNESCO-listed archaeological area that you have to check out, for it showcases primate fossils and rich wildlife. The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill are teeming with exhibits that will shed light on South Africa’s tumultuous past and how the apartheid system was abolished. Gold Reef City is a theme park that sits on an old gold mine. It is reminiscent of the gold rush of 1886 and it is filled with thrilling rides as well as employees in period costumes. Of course, you also ought to check out the numerous nature reserves and safaris in the city! You don’t even have to worry about where to stay as there are plenty of boutique hotels and vacation rentals available.
Whether you wish to get up close and personal with the locals, immerse yourself in nature and wildlife, learn more about the history and culture of South Africa, or embark on an interesting indoor activity, Jozi has it all. With the following 10 things you can do in Johannesburg, your solo trip in this city is sure to be fruitful and exciting! Find out more below.
1. Find out more about the history of South Africa
In just six hours, you will be enlightened about South Africa’s rich history, from its turbulent transition to democracy to the apartheid. The places that you will visit include the Constitutional Hill and the Apartheid Museum. Learn about the injustices of the South African Pass and understand how freedom was won and how democracy is protected today. Tales about rebellious Boer soldiers who fought with the British soldiers, the Soweto Uprising and the building of South Africa’s constitutional court will give you a glimpse of what the apartheid was like for the locals. Be sure to sign up for this tour if you’re looking to expand your general knowledge.
Book Tours : Constitutional Hill & Apartheid Museum Half Day Tour
2. Experience a customized guided tour
Walk around Joburg with a local who would customize a guided tour for you. The passionate and friendly guide will be more than willing to tailor the tour to your interests and share tips and tricks about traveling in the city. You will know the most convenient ways to navigate the city through public transport and be aware of which hidden gems you ought to check out. Don’t miss the chance to get all the information you need to make the most of the rest of your stay!
Book Tours : Johannesburg Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour
3. Experience the unique Lesedi Cultural Village
This tour will take you to Lesedi Cultural Village, which proudly showcases the various indigenous tribes and their cultures. Discover more about the Zulu’s fondness of fighting sticks, the Xhosa’s trademarks blankets and the Pedi people’s affection for drums and whistles. You will be able to view the homesteads in their historical and original designs. You will find out how much dowry each tribe asks for in terms of the number of cows. To end the tour with a bang, you will get a taste of the delicious traditional local cuisine!
Visited this place?Book Tours : Lesedi Cultural Village Half-Day Tour
4. Embark on a diamond mine tour
Source: www.getyourguide.comChoose between a surface mine tour or an underground mine tour at the Cullinan diamond mine, where a diamond of 3106 Carats was once discovered in 1905. The former will take approximately one and half to two hours while the latter would last for about four hours. You will get to explore an underground workshop along with the mine shaft, the hoist room and the “big hole”. Visitors will be provided with safety equipment and clothing like overalls, socks, safety shoes and helmets. For the final installment, you get to shop for jewelry at the exquisite Cullinan diamond mine market.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Cullinan Diamond Mine Tour
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
5. Bike through the iconic streets of Soweto
Source: www.getyourguide.comGo straight into the heart of South Africa when you cycle through the iconic streets of Soweto. Seize the opportunity to learn the history of this vibrant region and visit sites like the Hector Peterson memorial and learn about what happened on the tragic day of 16 June in 1976, when Peterson was shot dead by the police during the student protest. Check out Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela once called home and where Bishop Desmond Tutu currently stays. Also, don’t forget to bring some cash so you can buy local products along the way to help boost the local economy.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Soweto: Bike Tour with a Local Tour Guide
6. Enjoy a game drive at Pilanesberg National Park
Source: www.getyourguide.comFor some fun things to do, discover Pilanesberg National Park in the company of a knowledgeable and registered guide! Embark on an exciting game drive all day, where you will get the opportunity to spot elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, buffalos, giraffes or zebras. Have your lunch in a restaurant right next to a watering hole and take in the stunning views of the park. This is certainly a great pick for animal lovers who wish to feel closer to nature!
Visited this place?7. Immerse yourself in nature and learn more about fossils
Source: www.getyourguide.comIf you’re looking for a fruitful day tour, this is it! First, you’ll visit the Lion and Safari Park, where you can get up close and personal with a vast selection of indigenous species such as giraffes, ostriches and various other antelope species. There are great food options and you may get your lunch here. With the animals roaming freely, photo opportunities await around every corner in the park.
Next, head over to the Cradle of Humankind Sterkfontein Caves, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, where you can find the oldest hominid fossils from the cradle. These fossils are more than 3 million years old! There is also an exhibition center with interactive exhibits, where you will gain greater knowledge about geology.
Visited this place?8. Indulge in rejuvenating spa packages
Vacations are always a time to treat yourself and this Aronia day spa is the perfect pampering session that you deserve! Sandton Johannesburg offers facials, massages, tanning services and manicures. Lunch and a glass of champagne will be included in the package. You will be spoilt for choice when choosing the facilities you wish to enjoy; the steam room, hot tubs, heated outdoor swimming pool, Turkish Rhassoul chamber as well as a unique floatation pool. Book this now and an entire day of relaxation awaits.
Visited this place?Book Tours : SPA Day at Sandton Johannesburg
9. Attend a cocktail masterclass
Have a blast at cocktail masterclass and learn skills like preparing a drink, stirring, shaking, layering, muddling, straining, smashing and drinking. This is an introductory class that will provide you with a foundation in the mechanics of mixology and cocktail preparation. These skills are sure to impress whether you are at work, at a social event or at home. You will prepare a range of classic and contemporary cocktails such as Collins, margaritas, daiquiris, caipirinhas, sours, mojitos, martinis and much more.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Cocktail Masterclass in Johannesburg
10. Soak up the sights and sounds of the city
A city tour is what you need to find out more about the bustling city of Johannesburg. Take a drive on Mandela Bridge, the longest bridge in Africa, and visit the top of Africa too! Enter the Old Fort Prison, which is renowned for holding Gandhi and Mandela, and check out the unique designs of the Constitution Court. Then head over to Maboneng Precinct where you will find local artists’ fruits of labour and innovative building designs due to urban regeneration. You will also get to explore the upmarket Houghton area before heading back to your hotel.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Johannesburg City Tour
Try it all at Johannesburg
This bustling city offers everything that you could possibly dream of, including awesome theme parks and food markets. We hope that this interesting selection of activities in Johannesburg will help you plan the best itinerary for your solo trip ahead!
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