Tours and Excursions

There are a range of tours and excursions in and around Johannesburg and South Africa that you can chose to book in you spare time. This page will continue to be updated with recommended tours and excursions in and around the city.

Suggested excursions, top attractions, and cultural experiences in and around Johannesburg

● For general information on Johannesburg, refer to the In Your Pocket City Guide, a comprehensive travel resource offering insider tips on the city's best attractions, restaurants, accommodation, and cultural experiences. Designed for both locals and visitors, it provides up-to-date recommendations on exploring Joburg’s vibrant neighbourhoods, historical landmarks, and dynamic arts and nightlife scenes.

● National Museum of Military History: This museum features an extensive collection of military artefacts, including weapons, uniforms, vehicles, aircraft, and exhibits. It also serves as a memorial and aims to educate the public about South Africa’s military heritage and the broader implications of warfare on society.

● Mandela House: Located at 8115 Vilakazi Street in Soweto, it is the former home of Nelson Mandela, now a museum preserving his legacy and offering insight into his life, struggle against apartheid, and enduring impact on South Africa.

● Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation (JCAF): JCAF is an academic research institute, a platform for museum exhibitions and an innovative technology laboratory.

●Inside Out Centre for the Arts: The Inside Out Centre for the Arts in Johannesburg's Forest Town was founded in 2023 by Roger Ballen. The centre combines art exhibitions which explore African themes with educational talks and programs.

● Liliesleaf Farm: Liliesleaf is one of South Africa’s foremost national heritage sites. Between 1961 and 1963, Liliesleaf served as the secret headquarters and nerve centre of the ANC, SACP, Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Congress Alliance.

●Cradle of Humankind: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour's drive from Johannesburg, known for its fossil sites.

● Monkey Sanctuary: Situated inside a beautiful natural forested area in Hartbeespoort where rescued monkeys and lemurs are free roaming.

●Lesedi Cultural Village: Located in the heart of the African bushveld amidst the rocky hills within the Cradle of Humankind. Discover the fascinating cultures and traditions of the people of Africa.

● Maboneng Precinct: A revitalised urban neighbourhood known for its street art, trendy cafes, and creative spaces.

● Market Theatre: Catch a play or performance at this iconic theatre, known for its role in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement.

● Johannesburg Botanical Garden: A peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, featuring diverse plant species and scenic walking trails.

● Johannesburg Zoo: Located within walking distance of the Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre, this is a historic 55-hectare zoo home to a diverse range of animal species, offering conservation, education, and recreational experiences in the heart of the city.

● Gold Reef City: A theme park and casino complex that offers fun rides for the whole family, and a glimpse into Johannesburg's gold mining history. The Apartheid Museum is situated in the same precinct.

●Johannesburg Pride, also known as “Pride of Africa”, is an annual event that takes place in Sandton Central on West Street in October. The 2025 event will be held on Saturday the 25th of October.

Experiences to book through travel agencies:

o Aerial Cableway Private Tour from Johannesburg;

o Soweto half day Tour;

o Johannesburg City Tour(Half-day);

o Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria;

o Safari Flight (about 20-35 minutes from the city);

o Half Day Lion Park tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria;

o Half-Day Tour of Soweto Tour;

o Wine Tasting Experience in Johannesburg;

o Horseback Small-Group Trail Rides in Muldersdrift;

o Sun City Day Tour From Johannesburg;

o (Meet the Artist) Art Gallery & Street Art tour with lunch.

Experiences in Pretoria (approximately 1 hour drive from Johannesburg):

Freedom Park: This is a heritage site and memorial that honours South Africa’s diverse history, struggles for freedom, and cultural heritage through symbolic architecture, storytelling, and a panoramic view of the capital city.
Voortrekker Monument: The Voortrekker Monument is a towering granite structure commemorating the Voortrekkers' journey and heritage, featuring intricate historical friezes, a striking cenotaph, and panoramic views of the city.
Palace of Justice: Historic courthouse in Pretoria known for its grand architecture and as the site of the Rivonia Trial, where Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Union Buildings: The Union Buildings are an iconic government landmark, serving as the official seat of South Africa’s presidency and symbolising the country’s democracy and unity. They house the President’s offices and play a central role in national governance and state affairs.

Holiday destinations to be booked via

Hospitality Afrika Safaris

The following tours can be arranged by delegates via Hospitality Afrika Safaris (Diana Smullen at info@hospitalityafrika.com):

PLEASE NOTE: all hotels and lodges are subject to availability, it is advised that guests book early (at least 2 months in advance to avoid disappointment).

CAPE TOWN:

The Portswood Hotel: 2 nights; R14,340 for two people sharing; R22,680 for single person. The package includes daily breakfast buffet, full-day Cape Peninsula Tour (with an English-speaking driver/guide), and transfers from Cape Town International Airport to the hotel. All other expenses are excluded (for example beverages, lunches and dinners.)
The Commodore Hotel: 2 nights; R16,320 for two people sharing; R26,340 for single person. The package includes daily breakfast buffet, full-day Cape Peninsula Tour (with an English-speaking driver/guide), transfers from Cape Town International Airport to the hotel. All other expenses are excluded (for example beverages, lunches and dinners.)

SAFARI:

Bakubung Bush Lodge or Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge: 2 nights; R16,440 for two people sharing; R25,620 for single person. The package includes all meals, return road transfers from Johannesburg Hotel to the Pilanesberg National Park, two game drives daily (morning and afternoon). All other expenses are excluded.
Black Rhino Game Lodge: 2 nights; R20,220 for two people sharing; R32,760 for single person. It I includes: all meals (brunch , afternoon tea , dinner, selected teas, coffees, & juices), return road transfers from Johannesburg Hotel to the Pilanesberg National Park, two safaris per day. All other expenses are excluded.
Sediba Rock Lodge: 2 nights; R28,740 for two people sharing; R44,340 for single person. The package includes: welcome drinks on arrival, return transfers from Johannesburg Hotel to Welgevonden Game Reserve, two game drives daily (morning and afternoon), all meals, snacks and drinks on game drives, free wifi, gymnasium and sauna facilities. All other expenses are excluded.

CAPE TOWN & SAFARI:

Sediba Rock Lodge & The Commodore Hotel: 4 nights: R42,960 for two people sharing; R67,980 for single person. The package includes 2 nights at Rock Suite at Sediba Rock Lodge, return road transfers from Johannesburg hotel to Welgevonden Game Reserve, two game drives daily (morning and afternoon), all meals, snacks and drinks on game drives, free wifi, gymnasium and sauna facilities, 2-nights accommodation in a Standard Room at The Commodore Hotel, return road transfers from Cape Town International Airport to the hotel, daily breakfast buffet, full-day Cape Peninsula Tour (with an English-speaking driver/guide). All other expenses are excluded.

Other suggested holiday destinations

●Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve: This reserve is situated in the Cradle of Humankind, where you can explore South Africa’s diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes on a guided game drive or on a self-drive.

●Rietvlei Nature Reserve: Another reserve that is excellent for game viewing, surrounded by beautiful open grasslands and hills filled with indigenous trees.

● Pilanesberg National Park and Game Reserve: A great option for a safari experience, located about two hours from Johannesburg.

●Mabula Game Reserve: this is a private wildlife reserve in Limpopo, South Africa, known for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, including the Big Five. Offering luxury safari experiences, it features stunning bushveld landscapes, guided game drives, and conservation initiatives dedicated to protecting endangered species.

● Dullstroom: a charming village nestled in the Mpumalanga Highlands, is a mere 2.5 hours drive from Gauteng and conveniently situated halfway to the Kruger Park. Given its altitude at 2100m above sea level, it is the highest village in South Africa.

●Kruger National Park: this is one of Africa’s largest and most renowned game reserves, spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres in northeastern South Africa. Home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), it offers a rich safari experience with breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and exceptional conservation efforts.

●Cape Town: Cape Town is a vibrant coastal city in South Africa, known for its iconic Table Mountain, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Blending natural beauty with a dynamic urban atmosphere, it offers world-class cuisine, historic sites like Robben Island, and a gateway to the Cape Winelands.

Tours with photojournalist Ilan Ossendryver

Ilan Ossendryver has been a photojournalist for over 40 years and has covered important historical events throughout Africa and South Africa, including the release of Nelson Mandela and life during apartheid.

Ilan uses his photography as a social activism tool helping community projects such as kindergarten, vegetable gardens and the general upliftment of communities.

If you are a photographer, video photographer or have an interest in South Africa's social fabric, Ilan’s trips to Soweto are an eyeopener to experience.

To book, contact Ilan at ilan@ic-creations.com or visit www.toursoweto.com