Soweto & Johannesburg history tours
Johannesburg
1 tour
Johannesburg & Soweto
The city that tells South Africa's story.
The Apartheid Museum, Soweto's Vilakazi Street, and an energetic art and food scene in Africa's economic heart.
Explore the tours
Johannesburg
Ways to build a Johannesburg trip
Most international flights land in Johannesburg, and too many travellers treat it as a transit stop. Give it a night or two and you'll find the most powerful history in the country, alongside galleries, rooftop bars and vibrant neighbourhoods like Maboneng, Rosebank and Parkhurst.
In Soweto, local guides take you to Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Pair it with the Apartheid Museum for a day that stays with you.
Soweto day
Vilakazi Street, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and lunch at a local favourite.
Museums
The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill with an expert guide.
Cradle of Humankind
Fossil sites and the Maropeng visitor centre, an hour from the city.
When to go
Best time to visit Johannesburg.
Joburg's highveld climate is sunny year-round: dry, crisp winters and warm summers with short afternoon thunderstorms.
- JanGood
- FebGood
- MarGood
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGood
- DecGood
Seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere.
- Cape Town’s winter rains fall June to August
- Kruger’s dry season (May to September) is peak game viewing
- Summer rains fall November to March in the north and east
- Whale season on the Cape coast runs June to November
Highlights
- The Apartheid Museum
- Soweto with a resident guide
- Constitution Hill
- Maboneng and Braamfontein art and food
- Cradle of Humankind day trip
Practical tips
- Explore with a guide or private driver rather than on foot between areas.
- One night works for the highlights; two is better.
Experiences
Things to do in Johannesburg.
Is it worth staying in Johannesburg?
Absolutely, for at least one night. The Apartheid Museum and Soweto give essential context to everything else you'll see in South Africa.
Tailor-made trips
Tours including Johannesburg.
Duration
Budget
1 of 1 tours
9 days · Johannesburg · Panorama Route · Kruger & private reserves
Johannesburg, Panorama & Kruger
Breakfast daily, all meals on safari · 7 activities · Private road transfers
- Soweto and the Apartheid Museum with a local guide
- Blyde River Canyon and God's Window
- Four nights of game drives in Greater Kruger
- No domestic flights needed
From
$3,600
per person, complete package
From $7,200 for two · international flights excluded
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