Johannesburg Sandton Pretoria city tour: History sites

Walk through South Africa's political and cultural landmarks in a single day

A full-day guided tour of Johannesburg, Sandton and Pretoria covering six major historical and government sites, with hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, lunch and an English-speaking guide included. The itinerary moves between the luxury Sandton district, the Constitutional Court at Constitution Hill, the Voortrekker Monument's perspective on Afrikaner history, Paul Kruger's 1883 residence, and the Union Buildings, where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first democratically elected president. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Constitution Hill1h · entry included
2. Voortrekker Monument1h · entry included
3. Kruger Museumpass by
4. Union Buildings45m

Explore Johannesburg and Pretoria highlights

• Visit Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton
• Tour Constitution Hill and Constitutional Court
• Explore Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria
• See Paul Kruger House residence
• View Paul Kruger Statue in Church Square
• Walk around Union Buildings and terrace garden

The experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup and heads to Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, a stylish public space centered on a prominent statue of the anti-apartheid leader. From there, the route moves to Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, the site of a notorious prison complex where political prisoners were held during the struggle for freedom. The Constitutional Court now occupies the grounds, representing the country's transition to democracy and its commitment to human rights and justice.

The day then shifts to Pretoria's historical landmarks. The Voortrekker Monument stands at the Old Fort Schanskop and examines South Africa's complex history through the lens of the Great Trek and Afrikaner heritage. The Paul Kruger House, built in 1883 and occupied in 1884, was the residence of the Boer leader and president of the South African Republic. Exhibits inside trace his political life and his role in the struggle for Dutch independence from British rule. Church Square in central Pretoria holds the Paul Kruger Statue, surrounded by significant buildings that reflect the city's development.

The final stop is the Union Buildings, the seat of South Africa's government and the official residence of the head of state. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1913, the complex is set on terraced gardens where a statue of Nelson Mandela marks the spot of his 1994 inauguration. A lunch break is built into the day, and the tour ends with hotel drop-off. The vehicle is air-conditioned, bottled water and WiFi are provided, and all entrance fees are covered.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• English-speaking guide.
• entrance fees to Nelson Mandela Square, Constitution Hill, Voortrekker Monument, Paul Kruger House and Union Buildings.
• lunch break.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• WiFi on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Nhlalala Travel

Is this one for you?Eight to nine hours allows you to move through six major historical and government sites without rushing, though it leaves little room for extended exploration at any single stop or for other activities later in the day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What is Constitution Hill and why does it matter to South Africa's history?

Constitution Hill was a notorious prison complex where political prisoners were held during the struggle against apartheid. It now houses the Constitutional Court, South Africa's highest court, symbolizing the country's transition to democracy and its commitment to human rights and justice.

Can I visit the Paul Kruger House and see his personal residence?

Yes, the Paul Kruger House is included as a stop on the tour. Built in 1883 and occupied in 1884, it was the residence of the Boer leader and president of the South African Republic, and exhibits inside document his political life and role in the struggle for independence.

What will I see at the Union Buildings?

The Union Buildings are the seat of South Africa's government and the official residence of the head of state. The complex, completed in 1913 and designed by Sir Herbert Baker, sits on terraced gardens where a statue of Nelson Mandela marks the location of his 1994 inauguration as the first democratically elected president.

Does the tour include lunch and entrance fees?

Yes, all entrance fees to the sites visited are included in the tour price, and a lunch break is provided during the day. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also included at no additional cost.

How long does the full tour take?

The tour runs for eight to nine hours, covering six major sites across Johannesburg, Sandton and Pretoria with a lunch break included in the day.