Full-Day Soweto, Apartheid Museum and City Tour from Johannesburg

Pretoria , South Africa

Full-Day Soweto, Apartheid Museum and City Tour from Johannesburg

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About this experience

Discover the city center of Johannesburg; whose geometrical design and high skyscrapers irresistibly bring Manhattan Island to mind. Continue towards Soweto (Johannesburg’s South Western Township) a symbol of the fight for freedom. Finally, we visit the Apartheid Museum dedicated to recounting the history of the rise and fall of Apartheid in 20th century. (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

This tour will begin by discoverying Johannesburg's beauty and wealth by discovering its urban environment. You will then visit the inspiring Apartheid Museum dedicated to recounting the history of the rise and fall of Apartheid in 20th century South Africa. The exhibits are from film footage, photographs, text panels and artifacts illustrating the events and human stories of Apartheid. Thereafter you will get the opportunity to discover the former south-african president's house, in which you will hear about the Mandela family's history and times spent in Soweto.

Available options

Private tour

Private tour<br/>Pickup included

Full-Day Soweto, Apartheid Museum and City Tour from Johannesburg

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001. The Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. The museum is a superb example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience.

Stop 2

Mandela House is the house where Nelson Mandela lived until he was forced underground in 1961. It is located on the corner of Vilakazi and Ngakane Street. He moved there in 1946. In 1999 it was declared a National Heritage Site.

Stop 3

The Hector Pieterson Museum, situated in Soweto, commemorate the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid. The commemorative site is just a few blocks from where 12-year-old Hector Pieterson was shot in 1976.

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, by population and is also known as Jozi or Joburg. There are plenty of historic and attractive sites in Joburg like the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill or the Hector Pieterson Museum.

What's not included

Lunch

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

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