16°C
16°C
Day 1 – City Sightseeing Red Bus
08h00 – 09h30
Breakfast at hotel or the Bread Basket in Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square.
09h25
Hop on the Red Bus Sandton shuttle at the Da Vinci Hotel.
09h40
Arrival at Melrose Arch to start the tour.
Traverse red tour route across the city, featuring the following 12 top attractions/stops:
The Zone Rosebank, Melrose Arch, Nelson Mandela Foundation, Munro Drive (viewpoint), Constitutional Hill, Mining District, Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City Theme Park, Newtown, The Playground (Braamfontein), Johannesburg Zoo and Museum of Military History.
10h29
Bus arrive/departs every 40 minutes.
Recommended stop No.5
Visit Constitution Hill for one hour tour – 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 and, today, is home to the country’s Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens.
Bus arrive/departs every 40 minutes
Recommended stop No.6 (2 hours)
Hop off at Mining District – Main Street Mall runs along the heart of Johannesburg’s corporate mining district. It’s home to the offices of some of the world’s largest mining companies and along the street is an informative outdoor museum that portrays the history and legacy of mining in South Africa.
Recommended lunch venue:
Rand Club, within a walking distance from the Mining District Stop, has a wonderful restaurant located on the ground floor Main Bar.
The restaurant is open to both members and outside guests (with a reservation).
Bus arrive/departs every 40 minutes.
Recommended stop No.9
Visit in Newtown: Hop-Off at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and walk across to Museum Africa. Situated in the heart of the Newtown Cultural Precinct, it is Johannesburg’s leading history museum. Originally constructed in 1913 as South Africa’s first purpose-built fruit and vegetable market, the building stood as a showcase of modern industrial architecture for its time. In 1990, it was imaginatively transformed into the home of Museum Africa -a cultural institution that officially opened in 1994, coinciding with the country’s first non-racial democratic elections.
Within Museum Africa resides the South African Hip Hop Museum, a compelling tribute to the nation’s vibrant music culture. Through an array of artefacts and memorabilia, it chronicles the evolution and impact of South African hip hop. The museum uses cutting-edge technology, including interactive screens, to immerse visitors in the rhythms, visuals and stories that define the genre – because to truly appreciate hip hop, you must hear it, see it and feel it.
17h32
Hop on the shuttle bus back to Sandton.
Day 2 – Cradle of Humankind
05h00 – 07h00
Begin your morning with a breathtaking two-hour hot air balloon experience hosted by Air-to-Air Africa, a premier ballooning company located in Muldersdrift within the renowned Cradle of Humankind. The journey lifts off from Glenburn Lodge, a tranquil private game reserve offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Situated near Lanseria and just 35km from Johannesburg, this unforgettable adventure blends serenity, natural beauty and aerial wonder — setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.
07h30 – 09h00
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Cradle Restaurant, located at the Cradle Boutique Hotel in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, the restaurant offers more than just a morning meal – think relaxed lunches, tempting afternoon bites and indulgent dinners, all complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring selections from South Africa’s finest boutique estates.
09h30 – 11h30
Explore the awe-inspiring Maropeng Visitor Centre, an award-winning, world-class exhibition dedicated to the story of human evolution. This immersive experience traces the journey of humankind and our ancestors over the past several million years through dynamic displays and fascinating discoveries.
Marvel at ancient fossils, examine stone tools that date back over a million years and uncover the mysteries of early human life. The self-guided, interactive tour offers visitors the freedom to engage at their own pace, making it a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s shared origins.
12h00 – 14h00
Guests can embark on exhilarating guided game drives at the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, where the majesty of the African wilderness unfolds in all its splendour. From the comfort of open game viewers, visitors experience the heart-pounding thrill of encountering apex predators, all under the expert guidance of seasoned field specialists. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, this adventure offers an unforgettable immersion into South Africa’s untamed beauty.14h15 – 15h00 Guests can enjoy a relaxed and delicious lunch at The Thatch Café, a welcoming family-friendly spot located at the Cradle Welcome Centre. Surrounded by lively attractions including the Cradle Bike Park and The Little PidiPidi Play Park, and just a short stroll from the scenic Chobe Deck, the café offers a delightful setting for both families and explorers to unwind and recharge.
Contact Details
Bread Basket Sandton City
Telephone: +27 83 777 6644
Website: https://themelrosegallery.com/
City sightseeing Red Bus Johannesburg
Telephone: +27 10 009 0095
Website: https://citysightseeing.co.za/
Hip-hop Museum
Telephone: +27 11 833 5624
Museum Africa
Telephone: +27 11 833 5624
Air to Air Africa
Telephone: +27 64 922 4990
Website: www.airtoairafrica.co.za
The Cradle Restaurant
Telephone: +27 87 353 9599
Website: https://cradlehotel.co.za/
Maropeng Visitor Centre
Telephone: +27 14 577 9000
Website: https://www.maropeng.co.za/
Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
Telephone: +27 11 957 0349
Website: https://www.rhinolion.co.za/
The Thatch Café Restaurant
Telephone: +27 11 957 0109
Website: https://www.rhinolion.co.za/
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