City Experience

Constitutional Hill

After pick-ups, we make our way to Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein for a guided tour of this iconic institution.

Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past. Today, it’s home to the country’s Constitutional Court which endorses the rights of all citizens.

Mandela Bridge and Johannesburg CBD

We cross over the striking Mandela Bridge on our way into Johannesburg CBD. Named in honour of Nelson Mandela, the 284-metre long bridge is the largest cable-stayed bridge in South Africa and links two significant business districts.

Your guide gives you an orientation tour of Johannesburg, pointing out historic landmarks and buildings which includes Newtown Precinct, Mary Fitzgerald Square, Gandhi Square and Luthuli House.

Carlton Centre

First stop in Johannesburg for a tour of the impressive Carlton Centre. The 50-storey, 223-metre tall skyscraper and shopping centre is the second-tallest building in Africa. From the top, you have a panoramic view of the city of Johannesburg and the northern suburbs.

Apartheid Museum – currently closed on a Monday and Tuesday due to COVID 19 regulations

Next stop is the Apartheid Museum. It’s a one-of-its-kind museum that showcases South Africa in the turbulent years of the apartheid era.

The museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid through a series of 22 individual exhibitions that take you on an emotional journey from the heartbreaking struggle for freedom and equality to the ultimate climax of the election of Nelson Mandela, the first Black president of South Africa.

It’s mid-day by the time we visit the Apartheid Museum. You can get something to eat and drink at the Truth Café (own cost).

Soweto

We leave the museum at about 14h00 and make our way to Soweto, driving past famous landmarks such as the FNB Soccer Stadium, Baragwanath Hospital and the massive Soweto Towers.

The afternoon tour covers the important heritage sites in Soweto that commemorate the city’s struggles during the apartheid era, and the popular streets and markets that showcase the vibrant, multi-cultural lifestyle of Soweto.

Our first stop is at Motsoaledi informal settlement, where we go on a walk-about and visit a community centre that MoAfrika sponsors (time permitting).

Our next stop is the Hector Pieterson Museum which was built in honor of the young boy and other school children who died in the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

You also have the option of walking through the Regina Mundi Church and Nelson Mandela Museum (own cost) as we make our way to the cultural hub of Vilakazi Street and the historic suburb of Orlando West.

At the end of a fascinating day, your guide drives you back to your accommodation in Johannesburg.