Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 67 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour worth booking?
Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour is a 5-hour experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, from $57 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 67 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (67)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $57 per person
Join a 2-hour small group tour of the township of Soweto, described as the “New York of Africa", guided by a Soweto resident guide. Take in the sights of the city where Mandela once lived and Mahatma Gandhi started his legal career. Complete the day and see the sights of Johannesburg at your own pace with a trip on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Learn the history of Johannesburg from the audio commentary on board the double decker sightseeing bus. Ride through the city's historic neighbourhoods and see fascinating attractions, many related to the struggle against apartheid. Get on and off as much as you like. Reconnect with Nelson Mandela's past, and get an understanding of where he started his fight against apartheid at his family home in Soweto, 8115 Vilakazi street. A short distance up the road is Tutu House, the home of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Soweto is home to thousands of South Africans and the site of some of the most iconic events in the nation’s history.
What you get
About this experience
Join a 2-hour small group tour of the township of Soweto, described as the “New York of Africa", guided by a Soweto resident guide. Take in the sights of the city where Mandela once lived and Mahatma Gandhi started his legal career. Complete the day and see the sights of Johannesburg at your own pace with a trip on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Learn the history of Johannesburg from the audio commentary on board the double decker sightseeing bus. Ride through the city's historic neighbourhoods and see fascinating attractions, many related to the struggle against apartheid. Get on and off as much as you like. Reconnect with Nelson Mandela's past, and get an understanding of where he started his fight against apartheid at his family home in Soweto, 8115 Vilakazi street. A short distance up the road is Tutu House, the home of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Soweto is home to thousands of South Africans and the site of some of the most iconic events in the nation’s history.
What's included
Included
- Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing bus
- Soweto small group tour
Not included
- Apartheid Museum Entrance ZAR 150
- Nelson Mandela's Home Entrance fee, Vilakazi Street: ZAR 60
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Melrose Arch
Melrose Arch captures the imagination, invades the senses and invites you into a new world that evokes the renaissance spirit of the world’s great squares and piazzas. Its people-friendly meeting places, amazing buildings and curved streets create a vibrant atmosphere that is out of this world.
Pass by without stopping
Nelson Mandela Foundation
Hop off / Hop on at the Foundation. Wander around Madiba’s post-presidential office, and view the permanent exhibition on Nelson Mandela’s life and times and a variety of temporary exhibitions. The centre is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and our shop is open too, so you can walk away with memorabilia.
2 minutes here · Admission not included
Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct
Hop off / Hop On here Nelson Mandela. Mahatma Gandhi. Joe Slovo. Albertina Sisulu. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Fatima Meer. They all served time here, but the precinct also confined tens of thousands of ordinary people during its 100-year history. They were men and women of all races, creeds, ages and political agendas; children too, the everyman and the elite. In this way, the history of every South African lives here. Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past and, today, is home to the country’s Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Apartheid Museum
Hop Off / Hop On here The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story. The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. An architectural consortium, comprising several leading architectural firms, conceptualised the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The museum is a superb example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Gold Reef City
Hop off here and join the small group tour of Soweto. This tour will return here to Hop back on the Sightseeing bus to complete the tour
10 minutes here · Admission included
Newtown
Hop Off and on here wot visit Sci Bono or Museum Africa. In the early 20th century, the Newtown Precinct was named "the Brickfields". In 1896, approximately 7,000 people lived in the town. A number of industries developed at Brickfields, such as trade firms, banks, brick factories, a brewery, and fisheries. Immigrants from other nations, also settled in Brieckfields. In April 1904, Mahatma Gandi declared an outbreak of the bubonic plague in Brickfield. The plague caused 82 fatalities and 112 people were reportedly diagnosed with it. The local government initiated the fire brigade to start fires within the town, aiming to cease the plague
2 minutes here · Admission not included
Braamfontein
Hop off and on here to visit the Playground market (Open Saturday's)
2 minutes here
Johannesburg Zoo
Visit the Zoo The Joburg Zoo is one of the most popular local and attractions situated in the leafy northern suburb of Johannesburg. The Zoo covers 55 hectares of land and was founded in 1904, when land was donated to the public for recreational use by the firm of the late Hermann Ekstein. The Joburg Zoo houses over 320 species of animals, totalling about 2 000 animals. The Joburg Zoo is open to the public 364 days a year, including Christmas, New Years and Easter holidays. With international accreditation, the Zoo maintains a high standard of animal welfare, nutrition and ethical conduct to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of all its animals. The Joburg Zoo has many fun offers to visitors such as various night and day tours, school holiday programmes, venue hire and regular events for the public. Please look through our calendar to find a fun event for the whole family!
2 minutes here · Admission not included
South African National Museum of Military History
Hop off to visit the Military Museum During the First World War (1914 – 1918) no formal showcase was made of South Africa’s involvement in that war. In 1940, Capt. J. Agar-Hamilton was appointed official historian of the Union Defence Forces. The formation of an Historical Research Committee that same year was to ensure the preservation of documents and military memorabilia and lay the foundation for the establishment of a museum..
2 minutes here · Admission not included
FNB Stadium
Stop and admire the FNB stadium, build originally for the opening and closing match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup
20 minutes here
Soweto
We stop at the famous "Welcome to Soweto" sign for that instagram moment
20 minutes here
Vilakazi Street
Visit Nelson Mandela's house, see Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu's house and more
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Soweto
We tour the vibrant township, visiting Hecktor Pieterson, Chris Hani Baragwanath, the Soweto Towers and the Orlando Stadium
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Johannesburg
Our office is located pedestrian mall at the "Zone Shopping centre" in Oxford Road, Rosebank, right next to Hamley's Toys, with the Main Bus Stop nearby. Check Google Map location of the "City Sightseeing Johannesburg Visitor Center" or Google "Holiday Inn Rosebank"
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our office is located pedestrian mall at the "Zone Shopping centre" in Oxford Road, Rosebank, right next to Hamley's Toys, with the Main Bus Stop nearby. Check Google Map location of the "City Sightseeing Johannesburg Visitor Center" or Google "Holiday Inn Rosebank"
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, ja, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Sightseeing South Africa
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 67 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
67 verified traveler reviews for Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
best experience
Best way to see jorburg...loved the experience
via Tripadvisor
See above excellent
Excellent tour with knowledgable tour guides. Very enjoyable. I would recommend that no Johannesburg tour is complete without the Soweto tour. Well done. Memories
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the knowledge of our guides. Thank you for your recommendation.
via Tripadvisor
100% recommended
Great option to see the city. I’d especially like to highlight the Soweto tour - Kagiso is an absolutely amazing guide - perfect in every way. His commentary was engaging and interesting. He’s one of the few guides who can really captivate people and hold their attention. Need more like him. Thank you once again, it was amazing and unforgettable.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience and that Kagiso made your Soweto tour unforgettable. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Nice day in Johannesburg
Very well organized tour, clear and nice the description of the city and of the story. Maybe a little too fast
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the well-organized tour and the informative commentary. We appreciate your feedback about the pace and hope to welcome you back again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
Wonderful tour though central - the young tour guide on the Soweta tour was fantastic
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Soweto tour and that our young guide made the experience memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $57 to $915
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 23
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by City Sightseeing South Africa, who run 12 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.7 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything City Sightseeing South Africa runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Johannesburg.
How much does Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour cost?
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Prices start at $57 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Johannesburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Johannesburg is not rushed.
Is Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 67 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Johannesburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour?
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Around 23 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Johannesburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Johannesburg and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Johannesburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Johannesburg?
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On Outty we rank every Johannesburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soweto and Johannesburg Exclusive Full Day Guided Tour, Ultimate Johannesburg Soweto Experience with Apartheid Museum, Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Johannesburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour?
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Included: Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing bus; and Soweto small group tour. Not included: Apartheid Museum Entrance ZAR 150; Nelson Mandela's Home Entrance fee, Vilakazi Street: ZAR 60; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour?
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Our office is located pedestrian mall at the "Zone Shopping centre" in Oxford Road, Rosebank, right next to Hamley's Toys, with the Main Bus Stop nearby. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, Japanese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Johannesburg. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Best of Johannesburg: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Soweto Tour?
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Across 67 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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