Or Jozi, as the locals call it.
I’ll bet you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Welcome to our vibrant, exhilarating, broken-but-beautiful city with its short, rich history, people of every colour and creed, plenty of trees and outdoor spaces, museums, galleries, shops and restaurants – and a buzzing night life, too.
So get ready to explore on foot or by car; take in the sights, sounds and smells – and let Africa sink into your soul.
Come and explore the surprising collection of art & artifacts to be found in and around Johannesburg and celebrate the cultural diversity of this city. You will view an eclectic mixture of art; from Street Art in Newtown and Braamfontein to the oldest original art on earth at the Wits Origins Centre.
Listen to the story of Johannesburg. Of how the discovery of gold led to her rapid economic growth and of how the migrant labour system gave birth to Soweto and sowed the seeds of apartheid. Explore the most culturally diverse city on the African continent and experience her many contradictions.
Even although Nelson Mandela was born in the Eastern Cape, he spent much of his life in Johannesburg both before and after his 27 years in prison. We will visit his various homes in Johannesburg and Soweto, his offices and his prison cell, and celebrate this extraordinary man’s life.
Experience the Cradle of Humankind on this exclusive tour which affords guests the unique opportunity of experiencing first-hand two active fossil dig sites. The extraordinary geology of the area tells not only the story of ancient mankind, but also the tale of how our planet evolved into the beautiful blue globe which supports all life.
Pretoria is known as the “Jacaranda City” due to the thousands of purple trees which line its streets. It is also the administrative capital of South Africa, with the Union Buildings housing the offices of the President of South Africa. It is the traditional seat of the Afrikaner nation, and we will visit the Voortrekker Monument which pays homage to this.
The Pilanesberg National Park is home to over 7000 animal and 300 bird species, and is situated just 3 hours out of Joburg. Wildlife lovers can view all of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) and a myriad other game – including zebra, hyena, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, crocodile, antelope, springbok and many other types of Southern African buck
The Wilds was established in 1938 as a national botanical garden. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers in recent years, it’s a safe haven again, and the 8kms of stone pathways make it easy to navigate this glorious 40-acre site.
Troyeville was once the home of artists, architects and activists, and it’s a suburb with a rich history dating back to 1889. Nowadays it’s inhabited by residents from a wide variety of African countries, each bringing with them a distinctive flavour.
Braamfontein is home to galleries and an art museum, public art and graffiti, a beautiful church, the Nelson Mandela Bridge and numerous coffee shops. The Playground (formerly Neighbourhoods) is open every Saturday from 10am, but other days are great to visit too.
Get an insight into the important hominid finds in the Cradle of Humankind, and hear the tale of how world renowned paeleontologist, Lee Burger and his son stumbled upon one of the most exciting paeleo finds ever. Visit Motsetse cave and experience the thrill of finding fossils in the cave breccia. Discover how mining in the area is closely intwined with the discoveries of fossils.
This walking tour takes place in the Cradle of Humankind. Guests will be given an insight into the Iron Age era in the Magaliesberg Biosphere as well as the important hominid finds in the area. They will learn the history of Mzilikazi, the rogue Zulu general who prosecuted the Difequane and reigned over the Sotho & Tswana residents in the region until the arrival of the Voortrekkers in 1836.
4 night getaway
N’Takabusi is a retreat in the Umbabat Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. A pretty little “island” camp on the Soyhebele River. An ideal getaway for those of us that like to immerse ourselves in the African bushveld. No connectivity or buzzing of electricity.
Peter was born and bred in Johannesburg and has been sharing his love and knowledge of the city with visitors since 2017. His easy-going nature and natural charm make him popular with guests, and his genuine interest in the people and history of South Africa shines through in the stories he tells.
Adam was born and raised in Soweto and has been sharing his insights and intimate knowledge of the area with guests for the past 25 years. He has personal experience of some of the most iconic events in Soweto’s history, and his tours are peppered with his anecdotes of these.
Nthato is well-spoken and has a real talent for storytelling. His love of people and guiding is apparent in his fresh enthusiasm for each tour and his keen intuition gives him the ability to curate each tour to his guests interests and needs
An American in quirky Johannesburg
Peter Geach
Adam Mokoke
Howard Geach
Hugh Fraser