Pretoria , South Africa

Ultimate Johannesburg Tour

Active

(255 reviews)

7h - 9h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Covering 3 of greater Johannesburg’s most famous places, the Ultimate Johannesburg Tour is a deep dive into the city’s turbulent history and the strides it has taken since.

This intense tour takes you around the City of Johannesburg, South Africa’s financial capital; Soweto, the country’s largest township; and the Apartheid Museum, a ground-breaking museum illustrating the rise and fall of apartheid.

Revealing its history one story at a time, Stephenson Adventures gets you up-close to the vibrant streets of Jo’burg.

Available options

Ultimate Johannesburg Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Nelson Mandela Square is a popular attraction around Johannesburg and home to an iconic statue of Nelson Mandela.

Houghton Estate Nelson Mandela house.

Scenic viewpoint of Johannesburg

Stop 4

Constitution Hill represents South Africa's dark past and its bright post-apartheid future
Constitution Hill tells the fascinating, often tragic, story of the real South African history; a history in which injustices abounded on social, cultural and political levels

Braamfontein is the oldest recognized suburb of the city of Johannesburg. One of Johannesburg's top destination for entertainment, restaurants, fashion and loft-style living.

The largest cable=stayed bridge in Southern Africa and famous land mark of Johannesburg.

Public historic square in Newtown Johannesburg

Home to mining headquarters and outdoor mining museum.

Mahatma Gandhi square is an Icon of how South Africa should be, as visualized by Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. See the statue of Gandhi and brief history of him.

The Carlton Centre is in the precinct, once the tallest building on the African continent and home to one of the largest malls in Johannesburg.

Stop 11

A ground-breaking museum illustrating the rise and fall of apartheid.

Please note that currently, the Apartheid Museum opens from Thursday to Sunday

The largest football stadium in Africa and the main stadium for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

South Africa’s largest and most famous township.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Soweto has transformed from an oppressed and segregated township into an iconic international destination.
• Diepkloof
• Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital
• Orlando towers
• Freedom Square
• Squatter camp tour
• Vilakazi Street
• Nelson Mandela’s house
• Desmond Tutu’s house
• Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum

What's not included

Dinner

Coffee and/or Tea

Alcoholic Beverages

Breakfast

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

28 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

227 reviews

5★

224

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Pretoria

Pretoria, known as the Jacaranda City for its beautiful purple-blossomed trees, is the administrative capital of South Africa. It offers a blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Union Buildings

The Union Buildings are the official seat of the South African government and a significant historical landmark. The buildings are an excellent example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

This botanical garden is home to a diverse range of indigenous plants and offers beautiful walking trails, picnic spots, and a variety of wildlife.

Nature 2-3 hours R50 for adults, R25 for children

Voortrekker Monument

This monumental structure commemorates the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony in the 19th century. The monument offers a museum and a tower with panoramic views of Pretoria.

Historical 1-2 hours R30 for adults, R15 for children

Melrose House

Melrose House is a historic home that served as the headquarters of the British military during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Today, it houses a museum and a tea garden.

Historical 1 hour R50 for adults, R25 for children

Pretoria Zoo

The Pretoria Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species. The zoo offers educational programs and conservation initiatives.

Nature 2-3 hours R120 for adults, R60 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Braai

Braai is a traditional South African barbecue, featuring grilled meats such as boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, and steak.

Dinner Contains meat, can be adapted for various dietary preferences

Bobotie

Bobotie is a sweet and spicy minced meat dish topped with an egg-based custard. It is often served with yellow rice and chutney.

Dinner Contains meat and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for vegetarians

Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, beef, or beans.

Lunch Contains meat, can be made with vegetarian or vegan fillings

Melktert

Melktert is a traditional South African milk tart, featuring a sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy, custard-like filling.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for dietary restrictions

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Game drives Picnicking Tea at Melrose House Visiting botanical gardens Museum visits Historical site tours

Best Time to Visit

Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)

Spring and autumn offer mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is also less crowded during these seasons.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho
Widely spoken: English, Afrikaans
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution

Pretoria is generally safe for travelers, but it is important to exercise caution, especially in certain areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Keep valuables secure

Getting there

By air

OR Tambo International Airport • 45 km from city center
Lanzeria Airport • 30 km from city center

By train

Pretoria Station

By bus

Park Station, Pretoria Station

Getting around

Public transport

The PBS offers an affordable and reliable way to get around the city. Buses are frequent and cover most major areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Pretoria Central Hatfield Menlo Park Sunnyside

Day trips

Cullinan Diamond Mine

40 km from Pretoria • Half day to full day

The Cullinan Diamond Mine is famous for being the source of the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about its history and the diamond mining process.

Hartebeestpoort Dam

60 km from Pretoria • Full day

Hartebeestpoort Dam is a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and hiking. The dam is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers a variety of outdoor activities.

Pilanesberg National Park

150 km from Pretoria • Full day to overnight

Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria-free game reserve offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) and a variety of other animals.

Festivals

Pretoria Jazz Festival • September Aardklop National Arts Festival • October Pretoria Open-Air Arts Festival • November

Pro tips

Visit the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in the spring for the best blooms
Explore the city's cultural and historical sites, such as the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument
Experience a traditional South African braai (barbecue) at a local restaurant or with a host family
Take a day trip to the Cullinan Diamond Mine or Pilanesberg National Park for a unique and memorable experience
Attend a local festival or event, such as the Pretoria Jazz Festival or the Aardklop National Arts Festival