Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Soweto Option

Summary

See Johannesburg’s stories unfold by bus from Rosebank to Soweto

You’ll ride through Johannesburg’s neighborhoods on a hop-on hop-off city tour with stops like Constitution Hill and Gold Reef City. Listen to stories on board or from locals in Soweto if you add that option. Expect hotel pickup from Sandton and time to explore at your own pace—with plenty of room for surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the red double-decker in Rosebank was how the city felt—sort of humming, a bit raw, but open. There was this faint smell of diesel and street food mixing in the air. We’d barely pulled away before our driver, who introduced himself as Sipho, started waving at someone on the sidewalk—everyone seems to know everyone here. The audio guide kicked in (I picked English, but you could choose Zulu or even German if that’s your thing), and it was actually pretty good at filling in the gaps between what I saw out the window and what I thought I knew about Johannesburg.

We jumped off at Constitution Hill, which honestly hit harder than I expected—there’s this silence inside those old walls that kind of sticks to your skin. You can just wander at your own pace; nobody rushes you back onto the bus. Later, outside the Apartheid Museum, a group of kids were selling little beaded bracelets. One girl grinned when I tried to greet her in isiZulu (I probably butchered it). The museum itself is heavy—I mean, you feel it—but then you’re back outside and the sun feels different on your face. That contrast is something I still think about.

I added the Soweto extension because I figured when else would I get to hear these stories from someone who actually lives there? Our local guide, Thabo, had this way of weaving his family memories into every stop—he pointed out where he played as a kid near Vilakazi Street and laughed about how tourists always take photos by Mandela’s house but miss the best chicken just around the corner. It wasn’t polished or rehearsed; it just felt real. We ended up sharing a Coke at a roadside stall while minibus taxis honked past—so yeah, not fancy, but honest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Johannesburg hop-on hop-off tour

• Take free hotel shuttle to start
• Board bus at City Sightseeing office
• Visit Melrose Arch
• See Nelson Mandela Foundation
• Stop at Munro Drive View Point
• Explore Constitution Hill
• Visit Apartheid Museum
• Stop at Gold Reef City Casino Hotel
• Explore Newtown Precinct
• Visit Braamfontein Playground Market
• See Johannesburg Zoo
• Visit Holocaust & Genocide Center
• See Johannesburg Military Museum
• Return to City Sightseeing office

Top questions

How many stops are there on the Johannesburg hop-on hop-off tour?

There are 16 stops covering major sites like Constitution Hill, Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City Casino Hotel, and more.

Does this Johannesburg city tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, there’s a free hotel shuttle service from select Sandton hotels to the main starting point in Rosebank.

Is there an audio guide on board?

Yes, onboard audio commentary is available in 8 languages including English, Zulu, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch.

Can I add a guided Soweto tour to my ticket?

Yes, you can upgrade to include a live-guided small group Soweto extension tour led by a local expert.

Is this hop-on hop-off bus wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Where does the bus start and end?

The main starting point is at "The Zone" shopping center pedestrian mall in Rosebank; buses return there as well.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is lunch included in this Johannesburg city tour?

No lunch is included as standard; however there are opportunities to buy food during stops or in Soweto if you add that option.

What’s included

Your day includes free onboard Wi-Fi so you can share photos right away; audio commentary in eight languages; use of headsets (or bring your own if you prefer); plus free hotel shuttle service between select Sandton hotels and the main starting point. If you choose it, there’s also a live-guided small group Soweto extension before returning to Rosebank.