Johannesburg: Private Cultural Full-Day Tour

Johannesburg , South Africa

Johannesburg: Private Cultural Full-Day Tour

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About this experience

This is a private full day Cultural Tour so there will not be any other passengers in the vehicle with you. Although there will be other customers present on the guided tours.

This tour takes you deep inside the dark Apartheid past, giving you a first hand account of how it was to live under the old Apartheid Government, and then gives you a glimpse into the future under the new South African Constitution.

You will experience the old and the new business centre’s, we will drive into SOWETO and experience a local restaurant with locals. You will visit Nelson Mandela’s house (South African iconic President) to see where and how he lived and then you will drive by the 2010 Soccer World Cup Stadium where the soccer World Cup final was held, before being dropped off back at your hotel.

Available options

Public Holidays

Cultural Tour<br/>Pickup included

Private Cultural Full Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Entrance to Constitutional Hill Precinct

Bottled water

Entrance to Mandela House Museum

Air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance to Apartheid Museum

Detailed itinerary

Pick up from the location stipulated in the booking, and then a drive through the Sandton Central Business District, the new business Centre of Johannesburg

Stop 2

You will have half an hour free-time before the guided tour starts to go into the Ladies Prison to witness what life was like for women behind bars.

You will then have a guided tour of the Number 4 Mens Prison with an experienced guide who will give you a detailed account of what it was like to be imprisoned at the prison, as well as the history around the times.

You will then be taken into the Constitutional Court and see how the Constitution of South Africa has changed the landscape of the country.

Johannesburg Central Business District, the old business Centre of Johannesburg

Stop 4

You will be transferred to the Apartheid Museum, where you will have 2 hours to explore the precinct in your own time.

The museum is set up in such a way that you can walk through from one end to the other via a guided pathway which is set in date chronological order, which makes it easy to follow the sequence of events.

Transfer from Apartheid Museum to Soweto, including passing by Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto Taxi Rank and Soweto Towers (landmark)

You will then be transferred to SOWETO (South Western Township) for lunch with the locals. This is a culinary experience and you will have free time to relax and enjoy the ambiance and cuisine of local South Africans.

All food and drinks will be for your own account.

Stop 7

After lunch you will take a short walk up the road to Nelson Mandela's house where you will see the very house that he stayed in with his wife at the time (Winnie Madikizela Mandela)

This will be a short 20 minute guided tour and you will then have 20 minutes free time to enjoy the museum and take pictures.

You will then be transferred back to the original pick-up point in Sandton.

On the way back, we will pass by the Orlando Stadium (home to Orlando Pirates Soccer team) and the FNB Stadium (2010 Soccer World Cup Stadium and the home to Kaizer Chiefs Soccer team)

What's not included

All food and drinks at Sakhumzi Restaurant (approx $20)

Items of a personal nature

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Johannesburg

Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and bustling urban energy. The city's nickname, 'City of Gold,' originates from its roots in the gold-mining industry, and it offers a unique blend of modern attractions and historical landmarks.

Top Attractions

Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum is a powerful and moving experience that chronicles the history of apartheid in South Africa. It's a must-visit for understanding the country's past.

Historical 2-3 hours R95 (Adults), R75 (Children)

Gold Reef City

Gold Reef City is a theme park built on the site of a former gold mine. It offers a mix of thrilling rides, historical exhibits, and entertainment.

Entertainment Full day R350-R500 (Adults), R250-R350 (Children)

Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its significant paleontological and archaeological discoveries, including some of the oldest hominid fossils.

Historical Half day to full day R200-R300 (Adults), R150-R200 (Children)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, originally created by Indian immigrants. It's a popular street food in Johannesburg.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Braai (BBQ)

A traditional South African BBQ, featuring grilled meats like boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, and chicken.

Dinner Meat-based, vegetarian options limited

Bobotie

A Cape Malay dish made with spiced minced meat and topped with an egg custard. It's a unique and flavorful South African specialty.

Dinner Meat-based, vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Cradle of Humankind Game drives in Pilanesberg National Park Hot air ballooning over the Magaliesberg Spa treatments in Sandton Picnicking at Zoo Lake Wine tasting in the nearby wine regions Visiting the Apartheid Museum Exploring Soweto

Best Time to Visit

September to November and March to May

These months offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and lower rainfall. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Zulu, Afrikaans, Sotho, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Ndebele, Southern Sotho
Widely spoken: English, Zulu, Afrikaans
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220-240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Johannesburg has a reputation for high crime rates, but many visitors enjoy safe and rewarding experiences by taking necessary precautions. Stick to well-populated areas, avoid walking alone at night, and be cautious with valuables.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

OR Tambo International Airport • 22 km from city center
Lanseria International Airport • 35 km from city center

By train

Park Station, Johannesburg Station

By bus

Park Station, Ellis Park

Getting around

Public transport

Rea Vaya is the city's public bus system, offering affordable and efficient transport. It has dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Sandbox Rosebank Braamfontein

Day trips

Pilanesberg National Park

250 km from Johannesburg • Full day

Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria-free game reserve offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo).

Soweto

20 km from Johannesburg • Half day

Soweto is a historic township known for its role in the anti-apartheid movement. It offers a unique glimpse into South Africa's past and present.

Cradle of Humankind

50 km from Johannesburg • Half day to full day

The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its significant paleontological and archaeological discoveries, including some of the oldest hominid fossils.

Festivals

Johannesburg International Film Festival • Late October to early November Johannesburg International Motor Show • Even years, typically in October Africa Day Celebrations • May 25