Johannesburg Tour: Soweto, Apartheid Museum & Cradle

Two days uncovering Johannesburg's history, from the Apartheid Museum through Soweto to the Cradle of Humankind

A two-day guided tour of Johannesburg exploring the city's complex history through the Apartheid Museum, Soweto's landmarks including Mandela House on Vilakazi Street, and the Cradle of Humankind with visits to Maropeng and Sterkfontein. Hotel pickup is included both days, as are all museum and site entry fees. A qualified English-speaking guide leads the tour, which covers the discovery of gold in the area, the Afrikaner history, and the legacy of apartheid.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Soweto and Apartheid Museum Tour

• Visit Apartheid Museum
• Explore Hector Peterson Museum
• Walk Vilakazi Street
• Visit Mandela House
• See Orlando Tower
• View local hospital and neighborhoods

Day 2: Cradle of Humankind Visit

• Visit Maropeng
• Explore Sterkfontein Caves

What’s included

• Hotel pickup both days.
• private tour with a qualified English-speaking guide.
• entry to the Apartheid Museum, Maropeng, and Sterkfontein Caves.

Times

• Every day 08:00 12:00 13:30

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Before you book

Group Private 4 group tours ›

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup included. You can choose from 34 pickup points.

Book up to Start time

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Accessible transport Stroller-friendly Infant seats available Pets welcome Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Virgio Tours

Prices and times updated yesterday

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The experience

Day one starts at the Apartheid Museum, where you move through exhibits on the 1976 Soweto uprising and the Hector Petersen Museum. From there the tour heads to Soweto's Vilakazi Street, where you can visit Mandela House, the former home of Nelson Mandela. You'll also see the Orlando Tower and pass the 4th biggest hospital in the world, which was built with three distinct sections reflecting the class divisions of the era.

Day two takes you to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site northwest of Johannesburg. You visit Maropeng, a visitor center built into the landscape, and Sterkfontein Caves, where some of the world's oldest human remains have been found. The guide provides context on the archaeological significance of the sites and the geological history of the region.

Hotel pickup is arranged both mornings, and all entry fees to the Apartheid Museum, Maropeng, and Sterkfontein are covered. The tour runs roughly nine hours each day. A qualified guide speaks English throughout and leads the commentary on the city's history, from the gold rush to the apartheid era and its aftermath.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What is the Hector Petersen Museum and why does the tour visit it?

The Hector Petersen Museum is a memorial to the 1976 Soweto uprising, when student protests against apartheid education policies turned violent. The tour includes it to explain this pivotal moment in South African resistance history.

Can I visit Mandela House on Vilakazi Street, or is it just a drive-by?

Mandela House is included as a stop where you can visit the former home of Nelson Mandela. The tour gives you the option to go inside and explore the house where he lived during his time in Soweto.

What exactly is the Cradle of Humankind, and what will I see there?

The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing some of the world's oldest human fossil sites. On day two you visit Maropeng, a modern visitor center, and Sterkfontein Caves, where archaeologists have uncovered remains dating back millions of years.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. All areas and surfaces at the sites are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are also wheelchair accessible. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available.

What does the guide explain about Johannesburg's history?

The guide provides commentary on the discovery of gold in the area, Afrikaner history, and the apartheid era. The tour is designed to go in-depth into the city's history and culture by uncovering the truth of the past through these key sites and museums.