Johannesburg Skateboarding Tour with Local Guide & Lesson

Summary

Skate & Walk Johannesburg: Street Art, History, and Local Life

This is your chance to see Johannesburg from street level: learn basic skateboarding in Maboneng, roll past historic sites like Gandhi Square and Fox Street with a local guide, and soak up real Joburg energy between art-covered walls and city sounds. Includes all gear and return transport — plus those small moments you’ll remember long after your legs stop shaking.

What’s the experience like?

“Shap shap!” That’s how our guide greeted us in Maboneng — I’d barely stepped off the curb and already felt like I was in on something. The air smelled faintly of fried dough from a nearby stall, and there were bursts of color everywhere: murals, shopfronts, even someone’s shoes. We started with a skateboarding lesson right there on the sidewalk. I’ll admit, standing on the board felt wobbly at first (my knees did this weird thing), but our guide just laughed and showed me how to push off without looking like a baby giraffe. There was music drifting from somewhere — maybe a bar? — and people waved as we practiced turning in slow circles.

We skated (and sometimes walked — not every street is made for wheels) through Joburg’s streets, stopping when our guide pointed out old brick buildings or bits of graffiti that actually meant something if you knew where to look. At Gandhi Square, he told us about Gandhi’s years here — I didn’t expect that part to hit me, but it did. The city feels different when you’re this close to the ground; you notice things like the way sunlight bounces off glass or how everyone has their own rhythm crossing the street. My favorite bit was rolling past Mandela & Tambo’s old law office on Fox Street. It’s just a building now but… you can almost feel the weight of history hanging around it.

By the time we reached Newtown, my legs were jelly and my shirt stuck to my back (Joburg sun doesn’t mess around), but I didn’t want it to end yet. There was this moment where we all just sat on our boards watching some kids try tricks near an old warehouse — nobody said much, but it felt good. Our guide taught us some slang (“Ekse!”) and teased me about my pronunciation; I probably butchered every word but whatever, it made him laugh. Afterward they sorted out transport back to Maboneng for us — honestly, I was grateful not to have to skate uphill again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Skateboarding Tour in Johannesburg

• Skate lesson in Maboneng
• Skate and explore Maboneng neighbourhood
• Skate and walk to Gandhi Square
• Learn about Gandhi's time in Johannesburg
• Skate through Marshalltown
• Learn about Johannesburg's early history
• Pass Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo's old law firm
• End tour in Newtown arts and culture area

Top questions

Do I need any skateboarding experience for this tour?

No experience needed — it starts with a beginner skate lesson so anyone can join.

Is safety gear provided?

Yes, helmets and pads are included for everyone taking part.

How long does the Johannesburg skateboarding tour last?

The experience usually takes about 3 hours from start to finish.

What if I get tired or can’t skate certain parts?

No problem — there’s plenty of walking mixed in where skating isn’t possible or comfortable.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the whole tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a beginner-friendly skateboarding lesson in Maboneng with all safety gear provided (helmet, knee/elbow/wrist pads), guided skating and walking through key Johannesburg neighborhoods like Marshalltown and Newtown, stories from your local guide about history and culture along the way, plus return transport back to the starting point after the tour ends.