1 Day Ultimate Johannesburg, Soweto & Apartheid Museum

Overview

A full-day tour that offers an exciting blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy as you venture through the streets of Soweto & Johannesburg.

Highlights

  • Explore vibrant Soweto & its rich culture
  • Reflect on South Africa's past at Hector Pieterson Museum
  • Walk through the iconic Vilakazi Street.
  • Experience an informal settlement walking tour
  • Visit Constitutional Hill, South Africa's living museum
  • Learn about South Africa's journey to freedom at the Apartheid Museum

Description

Explore Johannesburg’s rich history and dynamic energy on this immersive day tour.

Begin your journey in the centre of Johannesburg, the economic powerhouse of Africa. Explore the city’s bustling energy, where contemporary developments meet historical significance. From towering skyscrapers to vibrant markets, you’ll witness firsthand the city’s role as a major financial hub.

Delve into the history of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Visit key political and historical sites, including the Apartheid Museum, where powerful exhibits detail the country’s journey to freedom. Discover the resilient spirit of Soweto, a township that played a pivotal role in the fight against apartheid. Explore its diverse neighborhoods, from informal settlements to more developed suburbs, and learn about the people and stories that shaped this iconic area.

Throughout the day, you’ll encounter various memorial sites that stand as reminders of the past while highlighting the progress and hope for the future. This tour is not just a sightseeing experience; it’s an educational journey through South Africa’s complex and inspiring history.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

  • Pick-up & drop off from any location in Johannesburg
  • Qualified guide
  • Transport in air-conditioned 12 seater mini bus
  • Filtered water
  • Included activities:
  • - Constitutional Hill entrance fee- Apartheid Museum entrance fee- Informal settlement walk- Hector Pieterson Museum entrance fee- Walk through Vilakazi Street

Exclusions

  • Meals & drinks
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas
  • Gratuities / Tips
  • Add-on activities:
  • - Nelson Mandela House Museum

ITINERARY

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Your day starts with a morning pickup from your hotel in Johannesburg.

Our first stop is Constitution Hill, a fascinating site in Braamfontein. Once a prison and military fort, it now serves as a powerful reminder of South Africa’s journey to democracy. Today, it’s also home to the Constitutional Court, which protects the rights of all South Africans.

From there, we’ll cross the Mandela Bridge, a striking 284-meter structure named after Nelson Mandela. This bridge links two key business districts and is the largest cable-stayed bridge in South Africa.

As we head into the heart of Johannesburg, your guide will point out historic landmarks such as Newtown Precinct, Mary Fitzgerald Square, Gandhi Square, and Luthuli House, giving you a deeper understanding of the city’s history.

Next, we’ll visit the Carlton Centre, one of Africa’s tallest buildings. From the top of this 50-story skyscraper, you’ll get a sweeping view of Johannesburg and its surrounding areas.

After that, we’ll make our way to the Apartheid Museum, where you’ll explore South Africa’s difficult past through 22 powerful exhibitions. This emotional journey showcases the fight for freedom and the rise of Nelson Mandela as the country’s first Black president.

We’ll take a break for lunch (at your own cost) at a nearby restaurant before continuing our tour.

In the afternoon, we head to Soweto, passing by notable spots like the FNB Soccer Stadium, Baragwanath Hospital, and the famous Soweto Towers. Here, we’ll explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Soweto, starting with a visit to the Motsoaledi informal settlement, where we can take a walk and visit a local community center (if time allows).

Our next stop is the Hector Pieterson Museum, a deeply moving tribute to the students who stood up against apartheid during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. Named after 12-year-old Hector Pieterson, one of the first children to be shot and killed by police during the protests, the museum tells the story of the brave young people who fought for their right to equal education.

You’ll also have the option to visit the Regina Mundi Church and Nelson Mandela Museum (entry at your own cost) as we continue to Vilakazi Street and the historic neighborhood of Orlando West.

After an unforgettable day of exploration, we’ll drop you back at your hotel in Johannesburg

Meals

None

Accommodation

None

Included Activities

Constitutional Hill entrance fee
Apartheid Museum entrance fee
Informal settlement walk
Hector Pieterson Museum entrance fee
Walk through Vilakazi Street

Add-on Activities

Nelson Mandela House Museum

TOUR MAP

IMPORTANT INFO

What to Expect

  1. Flexibility is Key: Your itinerary should be used as a guide because, well, this is Africa! Expect changes due to the vast distances and evolving circumstances. Rest assured, every adjustment is made with the group’s best interests in mind.
  2. Embrace Diversity: Get to know your fellow travellers! With a mix of ages, nationalities, and cultures, everyone has a unique story. Take this chance to connect and learn from one another.
  3. Road Conditions: Please be mindful that road conditions can vary significantly. While some routes may offer smooth travel, factors like weather, road quality, and traffic congestion can influence our travel time.
  4. Comfortable Travel: This small group tour usually attracts 2 to 12 passengers. You will travel in comfortable air-conditioned SUVs or Mini Buses, depending on group size.
  5. All-Weather Adventure: Our tours operate year-round, so be prepared for any weather conditions, from scorching heat to chilly nights. Pack accordingly!

Start & End Point Information

We provide pick up and drop off at the following locations:

  • O.R Tambo Airport
  • Hotels located within a 10 km distance from O.R Tambo Airport
  • Hotels in Pretoria CBD

The pick up time for this tour is between 5:30 am and 7:00 am. We will let you know your exact pick up time when your booking is confirmed.

We drop clients off in Johannesburg around 6 pm.

Ensure a smooth start to your African adventure by arriving at least one day before your scheduled tour departure date. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of unexpected challenges. Additionally, for a stress-free end to your journey, we strongly advise booking your return flights for the day after the official tour end date.

Pre & Post Tour Accommodation

Detour Africa is here to arrange a seamless experience, including pre and post-tour accommodation, as well as convenient airport transfers. Please ask your consultant for assistance.

Emergency Contacts

If you have an emergency (for eg. your flight has been delayed, you are running late for your tour departure or you missed your incoming flight), you can call the emergency number listed on your confirmation document or you can get in touch with us via:

WhatsApp message: +27 60 018 6293
Call us: +27 21 424 1115

Passport & Visa Requirements

PASSPORTS

Ensure your passport has sufficient pages for all required visas, with a minimum of 2 clear pages for each country you’ll be visiting. Note that South Africa requires 2 clear pages upon entry, especially crucial if you plan to fly home from South Africa after touring multiple African countries.

Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your departure date from Africa. It’s wise to keep a copy at home or with friends. Consider taking a photo of your passport and its contents, and emailing it to yourself for added security.

Using more than one passport (to avoid visa payments) is not advisable. For example, when entering Namibia, the immigration official must see the exit stamp for South Africa in the same passport for entry clearance.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

It is your responsibility to secure any necessary visas for your upcoming trip. Visa requirements differ based on your nationality and destination so please contact the various embassies or visa service agencies to check visa requirements. We also advise that you recheck visa requirements at least four weeks before departing for your tour as regulations can change.

Detour Africa will not be held responsible for clients being denied entry should they not be in possession of the relevant visas.

Ensure a smooth journey by having a valid onward or return flight or proof of alternative transportation to depart from the country where your tour ends. Alternatively, show proof of sufficient funds, such as a credit card, enabling you to purchase an air ticket for your departure.

Here is a useful link to check your visa requirements. Travel Visa Checker

Medical & Health Requirements

VACCINATIONS

To ensure a healthy and worry-free adventure, we recommend considering the following vaccinations for your journey through Africa: Hepatitis A (Havrax), Cholera, Yellow Fever, Tetanus Booster Shot, and Rabies.

It is crucial to note that this is only a general recommendation. For the most accurate and up-to-date vaccination requirements, we strongly advise consulting with your doctor or a travel clinic. They can provide personalized guidance based on your health history, ensuring you receive the most relevant and current information to stay protected during your travels. Your well-being is our priority, and we want you to embark on your African adventure fully prepared and in good health.

COVID-19

Detour Africa and our suppliers have implemented stringent COVID-19 protocols to prioritize your health and safety. While we diligently adhere to guidelines, it’s essential for clients to actively comply with each visited country’s requirements. Clients bear responsibility for their documentation, and we will not be liable if you are denied access to a country due to non-compliance.

In the unfortunate event of a client contracting COVID-19 during the tour, it’s important to note that all associated expenses, including testing, medical costs, hospitalization, and quarantine accommodation, will be the client’s responsibility. Additionally, no refunds will be issued for unused tour nights and services in such cases.

To maintain a secure and enjoyable experience for all, any guest not adhering to the established protocols may face expulsion from the tour. We emphasize the importance of securing adequate travel and medical insurance before arrival, ensuring comprehensive coverage for your peace of mind throughout your journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement. Your guide will request your policy number before the tour begins so please keep your insurance details handy when starting your tour. Ensure that your travel and medical insurance covers both cancellation and emergency evacuation in case of serious illness or injury, especially considering our tours often venture far from well-equipped hospital facilities. It’s important to note that credit card insurance might not offer sufficient coverage, so we strongly recommend obtaining a separate travel insurance policy for comprehensive protection.

Many of our customers opt for World Nomads Travel Insurance and highly recommend their services. While we’re not directly affiliated with World Nomads, we do encourage you to explore their offerings to secure a reliable insurance solution for your journey.

What to Pack

Please be advised that Africa experiences varying weather patterns, and conditions on your tour may differ. It’s important to check and monitor the specific weather for your destination, as temperature shifts can be significant.

If your tour includes a visit to a game reserve, please keep in mind that early morning and late evening game drives can be chilly during certain times of the year. Some game drives take place in open 4×4 safari vehicles for extended periods, potentially the entire day. Considering this, it’s recommended to have clothing that provides protection against wind chill and keeps you warm.

Here are some suggested items to pack:

  • Comfortable clothing for all weather conditions
  • Waterproof jacket (rain season from Nov to Mar)
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Swimwear (depending on the tour you do)
  • Hat or cap
  • Beanie and gloves for winter travels

Additional suggested items for your packing list:

  • Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
  • Insect and mosquito repellent (if visiting game reserves)
  • Suntan lotion, sunblock, and after-sun lotion
  • Sunglasses
  • Small basic First Aid kit including painkillers, band-aids, after-sun lotion, eye drops, and anti-diarrhea tablets.

Transport

Transfers from Johannesburg are provided in comfortable, air-conditioned SUVs or minibuses (depending on group size).

If your tour visits a game reserve then please read below:
Game drives take place in open safari vehicles. Open vehicles are usually 9-seater 4×4 safari vehicles, though some may accommodate more passengers.

Money & Currencies

Money can significantly impact your tour experience, so it’s essential to budget wisely. Africa isn’t known for being inexpensive, so prudent spending is key.

CASH

It’s advisable to have local currency for smaller purchases and to check the current exchange rates before traveling to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding currency exchange and acceptance.

In South Africa, the official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). It is widely accepted throughout the country for transactions and purchases.

Safeguard your cash in a flat money belt worn close to your body, while keeping a small amount readily accessible for convenience.

CREDIT CARDS

Card facilities are available in major cities, though some establishments may impose surcharges. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, whereas Diners and American Express may have limited acceptance. Remember to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any card access issues while abroad.

ATM’S

ATM’S provide a convenient means to withdraw local currency upon arrival in a new country, although availability may vary. Ensure your cards feature chip and pin technology for secure transactions.

DEPARTURE TAX

This may be applicable in various countries when departing on international flights. Typically, these taxes must be paid in cash currency, with US Dollars often preferred. Departure tax amounts can range from US$10 to US$60, depending on the departure point. Be sure to account for these expenses when planning your travel budget.

TIPPING

Tipping is a customary practice in most African countries, particularly in restaurants where around 10-15% is considered standard for good service. Feel free to adjust this based on the level of service – more for exceptional experiences and, of course, no obligation if the service falls short.

When it comes to taxi drivers, tipping is discretionary and not always expected. If uncertain, your guides are excellent resources. They can advise you on local norms and suggest appropriate amounts in the local currency.

For our exceptional crew, tipping is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their hard work or those instances where they’ve gone above and beyond. To streamline the process, we recommend appointing one person in your group to collect contributions. Place the collected amount in an envelope and present it to your guide(s) at the end of the trip.

A suggested amount is 10 – 15 USD per person per day. Remember, tipping is a gesture of appreciation for outstanding service and is by no means obligatory. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities throughout your journey.

Travelling with Children

Certain African countries require travelers entering or leaving the country with a minor (under the age of 18) to present an unabridged birth certificate that includes details of both parents. In some cases, if a child is traveling with only one parent or without both parents, additional documentation such as a parental consent affidavit may be required. This affidavit typically needs to be notarized. Travel regulations, including those related to documentation for minors, can change. Governments periodically review and update their travel policies, so it’s crucial to check with the relevant embassies, consulates, or official government websites for the most current information.

Please ask your consultant for more information on age restrictions.

DATES & PRICES

NOTES:

This tour departs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (Due to Apartheid Museum opening days)

Please note that the price for this tour is in ZAR. If you convert the prices to another currency, keep in mind that exchange rates can fluctuate and will affect the final cost.

Price Per Person
2024 Departures ZAR1,225 ZAR1,750
2025 Departures ZAR1,350 ZAR1,925