Johannesburg, Apartheid Museum & Soweto Tour: 8 hours with guide

Four sites that shaped South Africa's history, one morning and afternoon

A full-day guided tour of Johannesburg and Soweto covering Constitutional Hill (where Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were imprisoned), Mandela House on Vilakazi Street, the Hector Pieterson Memorial marking the 1976 Soweto Uprising, and the Apartheid Museum. Hotel pickup is included, the guide speaks English, and all entry fees and transport are covered. The day runs eight hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Constitution Hill1h · entry included
2. Mandela House30m
3. Soweto30m · entry included
4. Apartheid Museum2h · entry included

Johannesburg and Soweto full day tour

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive past Nelson Mandela's house in Houghton
• View Northern suburbs from Munro Drive
• Visit Constitutional Hill former prison and court
• Drive through Braamfontein and Nelson Mandela Bridge
• Explore Johannesburg Central Business District
• Visit Mandela House on Vilakazi Street in Soweto
• Stop at Hector Pieterson Memorial in Soweto
• Visit Apartheid Museum

The experience

Your guide picks you up at your hotel and drives past Nelson Mandela's house in Houghton before heading to the Northern suburbs for a view across Johannesburg from Munro Drive. The route then moves through the city's Central Business District, crossing the Nelson Mandela Bridge to show what makes the city unique, before heading to Soweto. A qualified guide with expert knowledge provides context on Johannesburg's history and the current state of the city, and answers questions on a range of topics throughout the day.

Constitutional Hill is the former prison known as Number Four, where both Mandela and Gandhi were held. It now houses the highest court in South Africa. From there, you move to Mandela House on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, a World Famous street where Archbishop Desmond Tutu also has a residence. The Hector Pieterson Memorial marks the site of the June 16, 1976 Soweto Uprising, a pivotal moment in South African history. The Apartheid Museum, which opened in 2001, is the world's pre-eminent museum on 20th-century South Africa and illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid through its design across a seven-hectare site.

The vehicle is air-conditioned throughout, and bottled water is provided. Children from age eight are welcome on the tour. All entry fees, taxes and transport are included in the price.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• all entry fees to Constitutional Hill, Mandela House, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the Apartheid Museum.
• air-conditioned transport throughout.
• bottled water.
• a live guide in English.
• all taxes.

Before you book

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Soweto Visits and Beyond

Is this one for you?The tour runs eight hours with walking at each of the four main sites, so plan for a full day. The pace is set by the guide and the group, making it suitable for all fitness levels, and children from age eight can join.

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Top questions

What is Constitutional Hill and why does it matter in South African history?

Constitutional Hill is the former prison Number Four, where Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and many activists who shaped South African history were imprisoned. It now houses the highest court in the land and stands as a symbol of the country's transition from apartheid to democracy.

Where is Mandela House and what can I see there?

Mandela House is located on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, a World Famous street where Archbishop Desmond Tutu also has a residence. The house is a key site in understanding Mandela's life and the township's role in the anti-apartheid movement.

What does the Hector Pieterson Memorial commemorate?

The Hector Pieterson Memorial marks the site of the June 16, 1976 Soweto Uprising, a pivotal moment in South African history when students protested against apartheid policies. The stop helps visitors understand the event that changed the course of the country's history.

What will I learn at the Apartheid Museum?

The Apartheid Museum, opened in 2001, is acknowledged as the world's pre-eminent museum dealing with 20th-century South Africa. It illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid through architecture, design and landscape across a seven-hectare site, offering a comprehensive South African experience.

Is this tour suitable for children, and what's included in the price?

Children from age eight are welcome. Specialized infant seats and prams are available for younger children. The price includes hotel pickup, all entry fees and taxes, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and a guide in English for the full eight hours.