Johannesburg
is an urban renaissance
Welcome to Johannesburg
Commonly known as Jo’burg or Jozi, this rapidly changing city is the vibrant heart of South Africa. After almost 20 years of decline and decay, Johannesburg is now looking optimistically towards the future. Its centre is smartening up and new loft apartments and office developments are being constructed at a rapid pace. The hipster-friendly neighbourhood of Maboneng is considered one of the most successful urban-renewal projects in the world. However, the wealth divide remains stark, and crime and poverty haven't been eliminated.
Top experiences in Johannesburg
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We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
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Johannesburg activities
Soweto Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
After pickup from your hotel in Johannesburg's Sandton or Rosebank district, drive 12 miles (20 km) southwest of the city center to Soweto. The name of this urban settlement is derived from the acronym 'South Western Townships,' a cluster of townships created by the South African government in the 1930s during the apartheid movement. Get an overview of Soweto's complex apartheid history as you drive around and see some of its most famous sights. Sprawling across a vast area bordering Johannesburg's mining belt, Soweto served as a workforce for the South African capital, until civil unrest broke out against the apartheid regime. Gain insight into these pivotal moments at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, honoring the victims who died during the Soweto Uprising of 1976. See the former houses of two Nobel Prize winners — the Mandela House and Tutu House — and learn about the leadership that Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu took against the racial segregation of South Africa. You'll also see the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the world, occupying 173 acres (70 hectares) and containing nearly 3,200 beds. At the end of your tour, you'll be dropped off back at your hotel.
Full-Day Soweto City Tour with Apartheid Museum
Start your day with a pickup from your accommodation by your guide then begin the journey to Soweto. On the way, you will pass by the famous National Football Stadium City, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the Soccer World Cup 2010. From there, enter the Diepkloof area, where the vendors are located, selling just about anything you can imagine. In Orlando West, you will visit Vilakazi Street and drive past the Mandela House where a visit into the museum is optional as well as past the home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.Next, read about the Soweto uprising on June 16, 1970 in South Africa. For you to truly experience the full history and heritage of this famous township, the guide will take you into the depths of the shanty towns where you get to interact with some of the locals and see how they live. Drive past the Soweto Campus of the Johannesburg University before lunch and make a stop at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. After your buffet lunch, visit the world famous Apartheid museum where you will learn about the history of South Africa and the struggle of its people during the apartheid era for approximately 2-hours before returning you back to hotel
Johannesburg Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Carlton Centre, Johannesburg, Greater Johannesburg, GautengThe Carlton Centre is a skyscraper and shopping centre located in downtown JohannesburgDuration: 30 minutesStop At: Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, Greater Johannesburg, GautengConstitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. Duration: 45 minutes
Private Johannesburg Airport Arrival Transfer
When making a booking for this private transfer service, you will need to advise your flight details and your Johannesburg City, Pretoria, Sandton or Sun City hotel details. 24-48 hours prior to your transfer, you will be required to call the supplier directly (the contact number will be provided on your travel voucher) to reconfirm exact pick up times and places. It's that easy! Pricing is per vehicle per transfer with prices depending on number of guests.Don't forget to book your Johannesburg Airport Departure Transfer. At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details: Airline Flight Number Departing City / Arrival City Arrival Time Hotel Name Hotel Address
Johannesburg Highlights: Guided Day Tour
After collecting you from your hotel or residence in Johannesburg, you guide will give you a quick tour briefing before departing to Soweto (South Western Township).On your way to Soweto you will pass by the National Football Stadium City, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the World Cup 2010. Enter the Diepkloof area, where you will take a walk past vendors selling just about anything.In Orlando West you will visit Vilakazi Street- drive past the former home of Nelson Mandela and past the home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. You will have an opportunity to read about the Soweto uprising on 16 June 1976. On that tragic day an innocent little boy called Hector Pieterson gave up his life and kick-started the liberation of South Africa. During this tour you will pass by the Mandela House. A visit into the museum is optional.Continue your tour driving into one of the shanty towns where you get to interact with some of the locals. By now you will have seen the good, the bad and the ugly facets of Soweto. Drive past the Soweto Campus of the Johannesburg University and end your tour with a stop at the largest hospital in the world: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.Apartheid museumAfter Lunch on your own account on arrival at the world famous apartheid museum. Here you will learn about the history and struggle of South Africa during apartheidContinue on to Johannesburg and start your introduction to Jozi with a view of the impressive 269 metre Telkom Tower, as seen on many postcards of Johannesburg. Enter the inspiring Constitution Hill – and Court (when not in session) Political activists like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were once held here. During a tour inside you will learn about some of the legal history of Johannesburg.On your way to Newtown you will pass by the longest southern African bridge, named Nelson Mandela bridge. At Mary Fitzgerald Square you can walk on the Jazz Walk of Fame.End this tour with a visit to the Carlton Centre, also known as the ‘Top of Africa’. There a lift will elevate you 50 stories for an amazing and total view over the city. In short, this tour offers you a unique Johannesburg experience at it's best!
Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Safari and Sun City Day Trip
In the morning you'll go game viewing in the immense Pilanesberg Game Reserve. With over 7,000 animals in the park, your search for Africa's "Big Five" - elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards and African buffalo - is sure to be eventful. Pilanesberg Game Reserve has over 124 miles (200 kilometers) of good-quality roads, making it one of the best game reserves in South Africa to navigate. Anything is possible on an African safari, so keep your eyes and ears open! In the afternoon you'll travel to the world's most unique resort, Sun City, deep in the rugged bushveld in the heart of an ancient volcanic crater. Spend the afternoon at Sun City, "the Kingdom of Pleasure", with a guided tour of the famous resort. Sun City is not only a luxury international entertainment, golf and casino resort but is also a flagship structure associated with times during the Apartheid South Africa. It's a glamorous oasis with its world-class bars and restaurants and there will be time for you to explore and enjoy the many attractions this resort has to offer. Other attractions include Butterfly World, Cultural Village, and the wave and swimming pools (for own account).