The 8 Best Guided Tours to Take in Johannesburg

No visit to Johannesburg is complete without a tour of Constitution Hill, a former prison and fort saturated with history. Today, the hill is the seat of South Africa’s Constitutional Court, which houses an array of impressive local artwork. There are a wide range of guided tours on offer, from a one-hour highlights tour to a full tour and even night tours, the popular Walk with Madiba Tour, the Art and Justice Tour, and more. Guests on the full tour (which shouldn’t take more than two hours) will see the Old Fort, the Women’s Jail, Number Four, and the Constitutional Court.

As far as culinary tours go, this one tops the list when visiting Johannesburg. takes guests into the cultural heart of the city, Yeoville, and combines history and architecture with the most interesting dishes you’ll ever taste. You’ll visit a Congolese village, a West African inspired market (where you can taste mopani worms if you’re up for it), and a Cameroonian eatery, to name only a few of the highlights.

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is situated on the outskirts of Johannesburg where you can be guided through both Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves. On the tour, you’ll visit the largest public display of hominin fossils, view footage of the inside of the caves where excavations took place, all while learning about this valuable site and the insight it continues to provide on the early stages of human development.

Cycle and explore the most vibrant parts of Johannesburg. The township of Soweto, once a byword for oppression, had a major role in overturning apartheid. Cover more ground than you would on a walking tour while remaining close to the city streets on this half-day guided bicycle tour, complete with a traditional kota sandwich lunch. You’ll learn not only about Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Hector Pieterson but about the women who helped topple apartheid, such as Liliian Mgoyi.

A visit to Lesedi Cultural Village promises to be unforgettable. You will be guided into five traditional African villages, from Xhosa to Ndebele, where you’ll experience music, arts and crafts, and cuisine. After a vibrant traditional dance, visitors head to Nyama Choma restaurant, where a feast awaits. If African cuisine is what you’re after, this is where you’ll find it, as the eatery specialises in North-, East-, and South African meals—you can even taste crocodile.

Take an unforgettable tour of Soweto on either a bicycle or Tuktuk, explore South Africa’s most famous township. Explore a Soweto Guided cultural experience on a bicycle and an optional guided walking tour in a Shantytown. This tour offers a wide variety of entertainment for both young and old. Cycle on Vilakazi Street, once home to two Noble Prize winners the late Nelson Mandela and late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Experience welcoming traditional dances on this street. Visit the Hector Peterson Museum and Mandela House. Experience the rich cultural heritage of South Africa’s townships on this tour. Meet friendly locals, learn about the vibrant history, and immerse yourself in the colorful atmosphere of these fascinating communities. Lunch at the Boma & Outdoor Restaurant at the Backpacker’s Lodge is a unique cultural experience. Stews, known as “potjie” in Afrikaans, and curries are prepared on a fire and served with traditional steamed bread. An alternative to bread is “pap” or maize porridge buffet served with various stews, a traditional barbeque, referred to as a “braai”, and side salads

On this tour you will be immersed in Johannesburg’s dynamic street art scene by exploring the downtown neighborhood of Maboneng with a guide. This trendy area is known for its murals, art, and diverse galleries—but it can be hard to know the personal stories and inspiration behind the art without insider knowledge. During the tour, see a variety of artwork and find out inspirational local stories, such as how street art is changing perspectives in local community groups. Get a shortcut to Johannesburg’s coolest street art with this specialty tour Learn more about local artists and the meaning behind their work Explore Maboneng Precinct with a guide so you don’t get lost See a variety of different artwork—such as murals and graffiti. You’ll leave feeling culturally and artistically inspired with new stories about Johannesburg’s art history.