Johannesburg city tour and skateboarding lesson in Maboneng

You'll skate past Nelson Mandela's old law firm and learn Johannesburg's history from the ground up.

This three-hour skateboarding class and walking tour in Johannesburg starts with a beginner lesson in Maboneng, then combines skating and walking through four neighbourhoods (Maboneng, Gandhi Square, Marshalltown and Newtown), while a local guide shares the city's complex history from 1886 onward. No prior skateboarding experience is needed. All protective gear and skateboards are provided, and transport back to the meeting point is included.

The experience

The experience opens in Maboneng with a skate lesson covering how to stand, push, turn and stop on a board. Once you have the basics, you'll skate around this neighbourhood (named one of the world's 12 coolest by Forbes in 2018), and move through its street art, hangout spots and street life on your own board. The pace alternates between skating and walking depending on the terrain and what the guide wants to show you.

From Maboneng you skate and walk to Gandhi Square, where the guide explains Mohandas Gandhi's time in Johannesburg between 1903 and 1913, then continue through Marshalltown learning about the city's origins from 1886 onward. You'll pass the site of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo's old law firm on Fox Street. The route ends in Newtown, where the guide covers Johannesburg's arts and culture scene and its role in South Africa's development. A local perspective on the city's complicated history runs through the whole three hours.

All protective gear (skateboards, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and helmets) is supplied. The guide speaks English and the experience is designed for all skill levels. Children from age 8 can join if accompanied by an adult for the full duration. Transport back to Curiocity Backpackers, the meeting point, is included at the end.

What’s included

• Skateboard, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and helmet for the full three hours.
• beginner skateboarding lesson covering stance, pushing, turning and stopping.
• English-speaking local guide leading you through Maboneng, Gandhi Square, Marshalltown and Newtown.
• transport back to Curiocity Backpackers at the end.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by City Skate Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to learn skateboarding basics while moving through the city with a small group and a local guide: the combination of hands-on instruction and walking history means you're not just sightseeing, you're actually riding the streets and hearing them explained as you go.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to know how to skateboard before I book this?

No. The experience starts with a skate lesson for beginners covering stance, pushing, turning and stopping. It's designed for all skill levels from complete beginners to experienced skaters.

What neighbourhoods will I skate through?

You'll start in Maboneng, then move through Gandhi Square, Marshalltown and Newtown. Each stop connects to a different period of Johannesburg's history, from the city's founding in 1886 through its cultural development.

What's included in the price?

The experience includes all skateboarding gear (board, protective pads, helmet), the beginner lesson, the guide, and transport back to the starting point at Curiocity Backpackers when the tour ends.

How long does the whole thing take?

The experience runs three hours total, combining skating and walking depending on where you are and what the guide is showing you.

What will I learn about Johannesburg?

The guide covers the city's complex history from its founding in 1886, Gandhi's presence between 1903 and 1913, the early development of Marshalltown, and the arts and culture scene in Newtown. You'll also pass significant sites like Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo's former law firm.