Explore and learn about Johannesburg, the city of history of exclusion and segregation, a cosmopolitan resistance against apartheid. You will discover a land of contrasts and encounters that will leave you inspired and enriched.
Visit Soweto, once home to 2 Nobel price winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Experience the rich cultural heritage of South Africa's townships on a day trip. Meet friendly locals, learn about the vibrant history, and immerse yourself in the colorful atmosphere of these fascinating communities.
Music and dance in Soweto on Vilakazi Street showcase a vibrant blend of traditional rhythms and modern fusions, reflecting the country's diverse cultural influences and creative spirit.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ Bottled water
✔ English speaking Guide
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✖ Lunch
✖ Personal Purchases
Pickup Locations
1. La Casa Greeff Guesthouse
2. Lalala Hotel
3. Kassaboera Lodge
4. Stay Ulo at Atholl Gate
5. MINT Express Sandton View
6. Black Owl Lodge
7. Joy on Joyce
8. Danrit Guest house
9. 76 Darwin Guesthouse
10. Black Brick Hotel Sandton
11. Umnotho We Afrika House
12. One O Eight Boutique Hotel
13. Habesha Hotel
14. 37 On Anderson
15. Prestige Apartment Sandton at Westpoint
16. Sandton Black Brick Apartment
17. The Signature Venue
18. The Hide in Randburg
19. Sky View Guest House
20. 54 on Bath
Additional Info: Travelers to meet the guide at Hotel concierge or communicate on What's app to specify pick up point
Itinerary
1
Johannesburg
Pick up at your hotel, general introduction and overview of the area
Duration: 10 minutes
2
Houghton Estate
Houghton Estate is one of the most affluent suburbs of Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela lived in neighborhood and he is most famous resident of Houghton Estate. A surprise house can be seen, the house of Nelson Mandela where he lived during his presidency and he died in this house on December 2013.
Duration: 20 minutes
3
A national monument built by Italian prisoners of war captured during the Second World War, The Munro Drive is overlooking the northern suburbs of Johannesburg with a beautiful scenic view of world's largest man made subtropical forest.
Duration: 10 minutes
4
Hillbrow is where the results of influx are foreseen. Johannesburg has been the New York of Africa a home to a huge population of immigrants, if not from foreign shores then from elsewhere in the continent or at least elsewhere in South Africa. As you drive through the different neighborhoods, the contrast makes you feel like you are driving from one country to another.
Duration: 20 minutes
5
Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct
Infamous century-old prison, now a center with tours and exhibitions on local history and a home to the highest court in the land. Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past.
Nelson Mandela Mahatma Gandhi, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and other political leaders where once incarcerated in this prison.
Duration: 60 minutes
6
Nelson Mandela Bridge
One of the most striking attractions and famous landmark of Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela Bridge is a relatively new addition to the Johannesburg skyline that has already gained an iconic status.
We drive on Nelson Mandela Bridge on the way to New Town. Your guide gives you an orientation tour of Johannesburg, pointing out historic sites and heritage buildings.
Johannesburg CBD was once the epicenter of the gold rush era in the late 1800s and is rich in history. It lies atop the continental watershed in a highveld grassland environment, a cosmopolitan metropolis and a city of history of exclusion and segragation, a cosmopolitan resistance against apartheid, a centre of creativity and a thirsty city.
7
Explore the city's early mining history. Old relics of the gold rush such as mining headgear and stamp mills and carts lining up the way, complemented by information boards detailing mining history.
8
Standard Bank Ferreira Mine Stope
In the basement of the Standard Bank headquarters in downtown Johannesburg, is the Ferreira mine stop. One of the very first prospecting sites in the city. The long forgotten mine entrance was discovered during the construction of Standard Bank building and it has since been preserved as a small museum.
Duration: 20 minutes
9
Maboneng Precinct
This is a newly rejuvenated part of town that was once an abandoned place. With a mix of restaurants, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries and retail and studio spaces, the Precinct draws the public to the inner city bringing life back into the city.
Duration: 20 minutes
10
FNB Stadium
Drive past this iconic landmark which is currently the largest football stadium in Africa. The stadium hosted the opening ceremony, other matches and the final of 2010 FIFA World Cup.
11
Diepkloof Park
The area is divided into different sections. Diepkloof Extension is recognized as an upmarket part of Soweto with the most professionals living in the section. It is characterised by formal, owner-built, large Houses, owned by the Black lower and upper middle class. Presently, Diepkloof is characterised by higher than average House Prices as compared to the other Suburbs of Soweto.
Duration: 20 minutes
12
The Chris Hani Baragwanath is a public Hospital considered to be the 3rd largest hospital in the world, occupying around 173 acres (0.70 km2), with approximately 3200 beds and about 6'760 staff members. See the hospital view as we drive past and learn about interesting stories about the hospital.
13
Orlando Towers
The two cooling towers are a prominent landmark in Soweto. Now used as an entertainment center housing a famous Bungee jump and a barbecue restaurant
14
The thriving heart of Soweto is one of the most well-known streets in South Africa, Vilakazi Street.
While Vilakazi Street may be the only street in the world that can claim to have had two Nobel Laureates as residents - the late Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. The true electricity of this street comes from those who now call it home, each with their own beautiful stories.
Sakhumzi Restaurant is located on Vilakazi Street near the Mandela House Museum. Sakhumzi, which means “building a house”, is popular for its Soweto-style buffet - a variety of proudly South African traditional cuisine such as umngqusho (samp and beans), mogodu (tripe) and dombolo (steamed bread). Travellers can also feast on the range of self-styled signature dishes named after various Soweto locations.
Duration: 40 minutes
15
Explore in a guided tour the exhibits and artefacts in a previous house of the nation's revered former president Nelson Mandela. This house been entrenched as one of South Africa's most significant heritage sites, it tells the tales and stories in sound, film, interpretive panels and guided tours.
Duration: 20 minutes
16
Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial
A self guided tour this Museum chronicling the 1976 Soweto student uprising and named after one of its victims a thirteen year old boy. The museum today is a symbol of resistance against the brutality of the apartheid regime
Duration: 30 minutes
17
Johannesburg
After a fascinating day well spent in Soweto, you will be dropped back at the starting point or your accommodation in Johannesburg
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional info
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
