Three-Day History and Heritage Tour

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Day 1

Minimum 2 hours
Begin the tour with a visit to the Maboneng Township Art Experience, where guests will be welcomed by Sphiwe Ngwenya, founding director of the initiative, along with his dedicated team. They curate immersive art tours for travellers, guiding them through local homes that have been transformed into vibrant galleries, museums and creative spaces. This unique experience offers visitors a rare opportunity to engage directly with both the artists and homeowners, gaining personal insight into the community’s cultural heartbeat and artistic expression.


Minimum 1 hour
Visit Liliesleaf Farm, tucked away in the leafy suburb of Rivonia. This site was once the clandestine nerve centre of South Africa’s liberation movement and a place of refuge for its visionary leaders. Today, it stands as one of the country’s most acclaimed heritage sites, preserving the powerful legacy of the struggle against apartheid and honouring the nation’s path to democracy through compelling exhibits and historical storytelling.


Minimum 1 hour
Step into the lively and eclectic Prison Break Market, a creative hub located beneath the Sandton skyline. Featuring nine distinctive sheds, each with its own curated offering, the market invites visitors to break away from the everyday and explore an immersive world of artistry and flavour. Enjoy browsing a variety of craft stalls, savouring appetising artisanal foods and participating in hands-on activities like crockery painting and interactive photo experiences. One of the sheds is dedicated to distilling and wine tasting, adding a sophisticated twist to the adventure. Cap off the visit with a delicious lunch at one of the market’s vibrant eateries – a perfect blend of culture, creativity and culinary delight.


Day 2

Minimum 2 hours
Begin your morning with a captivating two-hour Ponte City Apartment Experience, guided by the dynamic team at Dlala Nje. This immersive tour takes visitors through the towering brutalist icon that has long loomed over Johannesburg’s skyline. Known as one of the city’s most misunderstood landmarks, Ponte City’s complex history – from notoriety to revitalisation – is revealed through powerful storytelling and first-hand encounters. With Dlala Nje as your guide, prepare to challenge preconceived notions and discover the beating heart of a community within the concrete shell of an urban legend.


Minimum 1 hour
Journey to Constitution Hill, a profound heritage site that unveils the complex and often painful story of South Africa’s past. Once the location of the notorious Old Fort Prison Complex – infamously known as Number Four during apartheid – it held many political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. The site brings to light the harsh injustices experienced on social, cultural and political levels, while today serving as a beacon of transformation, housing the Constitutional Court and honouring the nation’s enduring pursuit of justice and equality.


Minimum 1 hour
Enjoy a lively lunch at Pata Pata in the heart of the dynamic Maboneng precinct – Johannesburg’s trendsetting hub for art, food and urban culture. Celebrated for its authentic South African cuisine, Pata Pata showcases local favourites such as morogo, idombolo and potjie, all made from fresh, proudly South African ingredients. A standout on the menu is the bobotie spring rolls – an inventive twist on a classic dish, featuring the comforting flavours and spices of traditional bobotie wrapped in crispy pastry and served with a tangy sweet chili sauce.


Minimum 1 hour
After lunch, join a walking tour of the Maboneng Precinct with Curiocity Joburg to explore one of Johannesburg’s most inspiring urban transformations. Meaning “Place of Light,” Maboneng is a fully integrated neighbourhood situated on the east side of the city’s central business district. What was once a neglected part of the inner city has evolved into a thriving cultural hub – where striking street art, cutting-edge creative businesses, buzzing jazz clubs and an eclectic food scene combine to create a sensory-rich experience. The tour offers an immersive look into the vibrant pulse of Joburg’s contemporary urban renaissance.


Day 3

Minimum 1 hour
Begin your day with a visit to the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, one of Soweto’s hidden gems and a captivating destination for those eager to explore the rich tapestry of African traditions blended with contemporary thought. This unique outdoor exhibition space, styled with elements of a museum, showcases the visionary works and enduring legacy of Credo Mutwa – an acclaimed artist, author and traditional healer, whose evocative creations have spanned decades. The village offers a spiritual and cultural journey that reveals Africa’s ancestral wisdom through sculpture, storytelling and symbolic architecture.


Minimum 2 hours
Continue your adventure with Lebo’s Bicycle Tours, a shorter yet insightful journey through Soweto’s rich history and bustling neighborhoods. This immersive ride takes guests to several key heritage sites, starting with a visit to a former migrant workers’ hostel, where they’ll gain firsthand understanding of the living conditions endured by male mine workers and meet the families who now call it home. The tour winds through the lively streets of Meadowlands, offering a glimpse into the local spirit, concluding at the poignant Hector Pieterson Memorial – a powerful tribute to the students who led the 1976 uprising.


Minimum 1 hour
After parking the bicycles or tuk-tuks, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at Sakhumzi Restaurant, nestled along the iconic and historic Vilakazi Street in Orlando West. Renowned for its authentic African township cuisine, the restaurant serves traditional dishes in a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates South Africa’s vibrant heritage. With its close proximity to cultural landmarks and its heartfelt connection to local history, Sakhumzi offers not just a meal – but a flavourful reflection of Soweto’s spirit.


Minimum 1 hour
After lunch, explore the Nelson Mandela Museum – commonly known as Mandela House – located at 8115 Vilakazi Street in Orlando West. This modest residence served as Nelson Mandela’s home from 1946 until 1962 and stands as a powerful testament to his humble beginnings and enduring legacy. Just a short walk from Tutu House, the former home of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Mandela House offers deep insight into the life of South Africa’s iconic leader. On 1 September 1997, Mandela donated the property to the Soweto Heritage Trust, to be developed into a museum. Officially declared a National Heritage Site in 1999, it now welcomes visitors from around the world to connect with history in an intimate and meaningful way.

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