Discover Johannesburg— Top Things to Do in the City of Gold
Image Name: The City of Gold
Johannesburg, also known as Jo’burg or “The City of Gold,” is a busy city in South Africa that offers a unique mix of history, culture, and excitement. Whether your interests lie in its rich past, vibrant marketplaces, or neighboring nature reserves, Johannesburg presents a wealth of events to fit every guest. From taking in views of the Magaliesberg Mountains to exploring local wine culture, this city promises both excitement and relaxation. Viator offers a wide array of carefully curated tours to help you explore Johannesburg’s best attractions with ease. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Johannesburg, showcasing the top tours and excursions that capture its diverse spirit.
Immerse Yourself in Cultural Heritage at Lesedi Cultural Village
Discovering the legacy of some of Africa’s most famous tribes, like the Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele, at Lesedi Cultural Village—where one of the most enriching experiences in Johannesburg—is quite fascinating. This interactive tour gives you an authentic insight into the daily lives, customs, and artistic traditions of these groups. From the vibrant attire to the traditional drumming performances, Lesedi is a sensory experience that brings Africa’s rich tribal history to life. With Viator, you can book an immersive tour at Lesedi Cultural Village and get hassle-free hotel pick-up and drop-off, making the experience seamless and enriching.
Highlights of the Lesedi Cultural Village tour include:
- A lively African drumming and dance performance, showcasing each tribe’s unique rhythm and artistry.
- An enormous buffet meal comprising real African food with a range of traditional items for your taste.
- Easy hotel pick-up and round-trip travel from Johannesburg will free you to concentrate totally on the experience.
Explore the Scenic Beauty of Hartbeespoort Dam and the Magaliesberg Mountains
A private tour of the Hartbeespoort Dam and the breathtaking Magaliesberg Mountains is the ideal choice for people wishing to spend a day outside the city. Just a short drive from Johannesburg, this neighborhood offers distinctive activities alongside calm scenery. Cruise along Hartbeespoort Dam and take in amazing aerial cableway ride views of the surroundings. Viator’s private trips to Hartbeespoort Dam provide you the opportunity to enjoy wildlife encounters at your speed and comfortable travel in air-conditioned vehicles.
What makes this tour special:
- Perfect for nature lovers, wildlife spotting chances abound including giraffes, zebras, and Cape vultures.
- Ideal for getting amazing pictures, an overhead cableway trip provides panoramic views of the dam and mountains.
- Hotel pick-up and air-conditioned private transportation guarantee a hassle-free, pleasant travel.
Experience a Balloon Safari Over Magaliesburg with Breakfast
Set out early morning hot air balloon safari across the Magaliesberg Mountains and the ancient Cradle of Humankind for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Flying for one hour from above South Africa’s unspoiled countryside offers a different viewpoint of the breathtaking scenery. Through Viator, book a memorable balloon safari over the Magaliesberg Mountains, complete with a sparkling wine breakfast for an experience unlike any other.
Reasons to try this balloon safari:
- Breathtaking views of one of South Africa’s most important archaeological sites.
- A calm meal following a flight can help you to consider the beauty you recently saw.
- A unique gift from your trip, a certificate of flight will make memories.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Stops at Soweto and the Apartheid Museum
From the Apartheid Museum to the vibrant township of Soweto, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a great opportunity to see Johannesburg’s most famous landmarks in an all-around view. This tour allows you to customize your itinerary, exploring each location at your own pace. Viator’s Hop-On Hop-Off tours give you the freedom to explore Johannesburg’s historic sites with a customizable itinerary, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
Highlights of this tour include:
- Flexible stops, giving you the freedom to explore Johannesburg’s top attractions on your schedule.
- A two-hour small group extension tour of Soweto, where you can visit landmarks like Nelson Mandela’s former home.
- Complimentary shuttle service between selected hotels, making it convenient to start your adventure.
Witness the Big Five on a Pilanesberg National Park Safari
Experiencing South Africa’s wildlife completes any trip to Johannesburg. Just a few hours from Johannesburg, the renowned Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo calls the Pilanesberg National Park home. Viator’s safari packages include guided drives through Pilanesberg, giving you access to expert wildlife spotters and a lunch experience overlooking a waterhole.
What to expect on this safari:
- Two guided game drives in an open safari vehicle, with an experienced guide to help you spot wildlife.
- A great lunch with a view of the animals and peace is offered from a waterhole.
- Easy mobility from your Johannesburg accommodation guarantees a flawless wildlife experience.
Half-Day Pretoria City Tour
Anyone fascinated by the architectural wonders of South Africa or its colonial past should visit Pretoria, Johannesburg’s neighbor. This half-day tour takes you through Pretoria’s tree-lined avenues, past notable monuments and historical sites. Book a Viator tour to Pretoria and enjoy round-trip transport and knowledgeable guides who’ll provide you with historical insights as you visit this neighboring city.
Key attractions on the Pretoria tour:
- Visits to the Voortrekker Monument and Union Buildings, both significant landmarks in South Africa’s colonial history.
- Air-conditioned minivan transport and knowledgeable guides for an insightful experience.
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off from Johannesburg, making it easy to include Pretoria in your trip.
Johannesburg Wine Tour: A Luxurious Getaway
Should you enjoy wines, Johannesburg’s wine tour is the best treat. Start your morning with a picturesque drive to the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway for panoramic views of the Magaliesberg Mountains, then enjoy a sophisticated wine-tasting experience in the Tasting Room of the Indaba Hotel. Viator’s wine tour includes round-trip transport and a scenic drive, letting you relax and enjoy a luxurious day out at the best spots around Johannesburg.
What sets this tour apart:
- A cableway ride with magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Ideal for a laid-back day out, a guided wine-tasting session in a classy environment
- Expert guide and means of transportation so you may savor the experience free of anxiety.
Conclusion
For visitors, Johannesburg presents an exciting fusion of natural beauty, history, and culture. From investigating the city’s past at the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill to planning picturesque excursions and wildlife safaris, Johannesburg has something for everyone. Whether it’s a cultural village, a thrilling safari, or a wine-tasting adventure, Viator’s extensive selection of tours and experiences will enhance your Johannesburg journey with convenience and quality. Plan your next journey to Johannesburg and experience the City of Gold in all its vibrant glory.