Johannesburg & Soweto Full-Day Tour: Journey through Africa's Historic Locations
5.0
15 Ratings
Johannesburg
Embark on a full-day tour of Johannesburg and Soweto, exploring Africa's historic locations. Discover the city's rich tales, from the gold rush to the era of Apartheid, and visit the township that was home to iconic figures like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct - This National Heritage Site reveals the ills of the Apartheid regime and embraces the new democratic South Africa at the same time. The old part of the prison was demolished to give birth to the Constitution Court that protects our democracy and human rights.
  • Braamfontein - After spending time at Constitution hill we will drive through Braamfontein and pass through the famous Nelson Mandela bridge. While we proceed into the inner part of Johannesburg city. A tour around the mining district and we get to learn more about the city of gold ‘’Jozi’’
  • FNB Stadium - Our last stop for the Johannesburg tour before we proceed to Soweto is at FNB Stadium. Built out of the shape of an African calabash this is the biggest stadium in Africa.
  • Diepmeadow - There is no way we can do a Soweto tour without taking pictures with the ‘’welcome to Soweto sign’’ really it’s a must you need people to actually believe you that you were in Soweto
  • Diepkloof Park - As we drive through Soweto one can not help to notice the major lifestyle contrast next to a big mention you would see a really small house. This just shows that the life of Sowetens is very diverse from one’s family income to another to the culture and heritage. As we drive through Diepkloof you will notice the beautiful fancy houses we have actually nicknamed this part of Soweto ‘’ the Beverly Hills of Soweto’’
  • Baragwanath - We are now passing through the biggest hospital in Africa Baragwanath hospital. Initially built as a military hospital today Baragwanath hospital is a public hospital that is funded by the South African government, it is one of the best hospitals in Africa definitely not a fancy hospital but it has some of the best specialists in the country.
  • Elias Motsoaledi Street - As we get deeper with our Soweto tour we take a quick detour to the informal settlements. The aim of our Soweto tour is to show you the good, the bad and the ugly of the township. One can call the informal settlement ‘’the ugly of the township’’. The informal settlements are the worst living conditions in the township but so rich in love the best smiles I have seen are from the children that live in this informal settlement.
  • Orlando Towers - Definitely one of the major highlights of Soweto. These 2 beautifully painted tower draws attraction to the township. It’s a must that you stop by and take a picture. They also offer bungee jumping at these towers so if you are an adrenaline junkie this is your place.
  • Vilakazi Street - By now we have crossed over to one of the most famous streets in the world. Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world that has had 2 Noble Prize Peace Winners living in it namely Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu.
  • Mandela House - Definitely a tourist hotspot. The former home to father of the nation Nelson Mandela.
  • Sakhumzi Restaurant - By this time you are definitely hungry. Let’s enjoy African cuisine at its best !!!!!!
  • Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial - Another museum that portrays the horrors of the Apartheid regime. However, Hector Peterson museum remembers the school children of June 16 1976. A sad history indeed but it definitely has shaped our future lest we foget
  • Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial - After the museum tour, you can enjoy exploring the street markets, curio shop that sells really amazing souvenirs.
What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • On-board WiFi
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Carbonated beverages
Additional Information

Embark on a journey that traverses the most historic sites in Africa, from the wealthiest city, the ‘city of gold,’ ‘Johannesburg,’ to the renowned township of Soweto. The city of Johannesburg carries an array of stories, from the 1886 gold rush, through the bleak period of Apartheid, to a democratic South Africa abundant in cultural diversity. Meanwhile, the Soweto township has been the residence of notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Winnie Mandela, James Mpanza, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, among others. This township is bursting with life and steeped in rich African culture and heritage.

  • Please note Apartheid Museum doesn’t open on Monday and Tuesday, Hector Petersen Museum doesn’t open on a Monday
Location
Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct
11 Kotze Street
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
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Miguel_p
May 12, 2023
Emma, our guide, made the whole difference. - Oh, my God! What a tour! Our guide, Emma, was amazing! She had a lot of knowledge about the history of South Africa and we spoke about everything. We went to everywhere around the city, but the most memorable experience was when we went to Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum. I recommend this tour wholeheartedly!
Review provided by Viator
Lodeymart
Feb 24, 2023
Superb way to see some of Johannesburg's highlights in a day - Full day tour with Emmah was just wonderful. Picked up on time and shown around the city by someone who knows it inside out - no better way to learn about a new place. The highlights of central Johannesburg were given time for exploration, then on to Soweto, seeing both the highs and lows of the township. Moving and sobering at times, but never less than an honest experience of the township's people and history - capped by a visit to the Hector Pieterson Museum, to learn about the events of the Soweto uprisings. Challenging at times, but an excellent way to learn about the truth of apartheid and its consequences. Emmah was simply superb - friendly, honest and fun throughout the day - I can't thank her enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kaj594
Feb 22, 2023
All around successful - Emmah was amazing. She knows all the most important facts and takes care about her guests. She is very humorous and she does everything to please her guests, even if they want to get street food. It was a great day for us. We felt safe, welcome and admired her patience with us.
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1vdr_doc493
Dec 26, 2022
Johannesburg and Apartheid Museum and Soweto Guided Full-Day Tour - This was a very informative tour that provides you with a detailed blueprint of the historical atrocities of the black South Africans. The tour guide Letlhogonolo “Lawrence” Mabasa was very friendly, patient, accommodating and extremely knowledgeable. Lawrence provided additional tidbits of informative insights for each location associated with the tour. I highly recommend this tour and especially Lawrence as the #1 tour guide for a true authentic experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jide
Dec 20, 2022
Jo'burg, Soweto and Apartheid Museum Day Tour Review - The tour was excellent especially so with the Tour Guide assigned to me namely Lawrence Mapasa. He was patient, knowledgeable, friendly and courteous. I will recommend him to be assigned to me or friends for any future tour. Areas for improvement: 1, Calls to the company's phone numbers need to be picked as much as possible as most of my calls were not picked up until the last minute. 2, Company's call receivers need to be courtesous. I was not impressed with the response I got from the call center. 3, Information needs to be provided as to the days of the week that museums are opened so customers can decide on days to do tours. Overall, the tour was great considering the servuce provide by Lawrence my special tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C5800zfjoya
Dec 17, 2022
Jo-burg Tour Experience. - It was really an interesting and informative experience. She's knowledgeable about the culture of South Africa and also got show me places as a local as well. Emma was very patient and caring as I was a little bit under the weather and made me feel comfortable.
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Inspiration731823
Nov 15, 2022
Pretoria Soweto adventure - Emma is a top draw, we had a day to do Soweto, Pretoria and Johannesburg. She hastily drafted our itinerary and what an experience we got. She’s so knowledgeable about everything corner in the township and the way she relates with everyone. Her rapport gives you what you can’t see in the pictures and videos about South Africa. Good job Emma!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Audetr
Oct 14, 2022
Great day with nice people. - It was a wonderful day. I've seen a lot of interesting things. But the most important was my guide Emma and her nice student, Barung. She give me a lot of information, and even tough the topics or the situation could be dramatic, it was always with fun. I loved my journey with Emma, Barung and the 2 others guys with us. The most important for is to meet nice people. So thank you very much Emma. Thank you for your time, your open minded and your humour. En français : Merci pour tout. Magnifique journée.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J1877rkannem
Sep 25, 2022
SA heritage day - It was amazing! Emma was a very well informed and made the tour interesting. We got a good feel of South African heritage
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Harveyh403
Sep 9, 2022
A day in Johannesburg - This tour was amazing we started in Johannesburg city and the Constitution Hill was so sad to hear the history, Apartheid Museum is definitely a must see if you are in Johannesburg. Soweto was great the people are so warm and friendly the lunch at some local pud was so tasty.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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