Highlights & Hidden Gems of Johannesburg

• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Want to see the best of Johannesburg? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Johannesburg!

Destination

Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

3 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English

Included

• Private Guide
• Local Snack or Drink
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to Attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 4 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at The main entrance of the Market Theatre - Johannesburg to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. City Highlights

   See from The Market Theatre, the Chancellor House, Ghandi Square, and other landmarks and must-sees of the city. Your local host will take you to the main spots in town so you can get the perfect overview of what makes Johannesburg so unique

4. Hidden Gems

   Along the way, your local host will show you treasures hidden in plain sight that only the locals know about. Get to know the city through a different perspective, the local way, and discover places and stories that not many tourists experience

5. Magical Storytelling

   Behind every landmark and every stop, there’s a story, and your local host is ready to tell it all. Get ready to listen to incredible stories, one-of-a-kind insights, and fun facts only a knowledgeable local would know!

6. Special Treat

   Follow your host to one of their favorite eateries for a snack or a drink beloved by the locals. Take a break and catch up with your new local friend and get the answers to all your travel questions

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Diana🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Lunga)

7 September 2025

Lunga showed us the sights of Johannesburg which we otherwise would never have seen. He was full of information and showed a real understanding of his city. It was a most worthwhile walk and I can highly recommend it.Si interesting

Martina🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Lufuno )

21 August 2025

This tour was the highlight of our trip to Johannesburg! Lufuno is warm, knowledgeable, and makes you feel instantly safe and welcome. She tailored the walk to our interests, showing both famous sights and hidden gems we would never have found on our own. It felt less like a tour and more like exploring the city with a good friend. A special happy ending surprised us…Highly recommended!Amazing day!

David🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Lufuno )

17 August 2025

Lufuno was an extremely accommodating, friendly, informed and interesting guide. We thoroughly enjoyed her tour. The tour did include an area of the city that was more intimidating than others but Lufuno handled it very well, and we would not have gone there, or had that experience (with great braai), without her. Overall Lufuno gave us an amazing experience and insight into her city. Amazing tour guide

Susanne 🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lufuno )

12 August 2025

We had such a great time with Lulu ❤️she is very kind, funny and knowledgeable. We experienced a great mixture of history and daily life. We will gladly recommend Lulu to everyone travelling to Johannesburg!😊Amazing Johannesburg

Patrik

(About local Lufuno )

3 August 2025

We explored various neighbourhoods of Johannesburg on foot with Lufuno and learnt a lot about urban life today. In between, we took a taxi bus, had a cosy coffee and a delicious meal. Lufuno captivated us with her open and humorous manner. We will have fond memories of this day for a long time to come.Memorable Joburg City Tour

Michael

(About local Lufuno )

1 August 2025

Lufuno was a great guide - took good care of our needs and showed us some really interesting aspects of Johannesburg. We would definitely recommend the tour and will look for other similar tours next time we have a layover.Loved the tour

Unknown

(About local Lunga)

4 June 2025

I loved my time with Lunga. Two friends and I enjoyed seeing the various sites along the tour - my favorite being the law office where Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tembo worked together when they first started seeing clients. Lunga has a nice and easy going manner. It was clear he knew his stuff and his focus was on our safety and enjoyment of his city. I highly recommend him!Personable and very knowledgeable

Tracy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lunga)

31 May 2025

Had a wonderful experience walking JoBurg with Lunga. He was knowledgeable, kind, flexible and personable. Would highly recommend him as your walking guide!Lunga Rocks!

Elizabeth

(About local Lufuno )

9 May 2025

Thank you Lufuno. We had the best time. Lufuno is a fabulous guide who I would thoroughly recommend. She looked after us very well. Showed us a side of Jo’burg we had not seen before. She knew her home city very well, and is passionate about sharing her city and her culture. Also passionate about her people and finding the best way forward. Our day with Lufuno included cars, buses, walking, and even running when the rain poured down. History, culture and life. Past, present and future. A day with Lufuno is inspirational about the future for Johannesburg.Brilliant

Gerdie

(About local Lufuno )

2 January 2025

Our stay in Joburg turned out to be the greatest surprise of our trip to South Africa. And Lulu played a big rol in that experience. With her storytelling, authentic enthousiasm and pride she showed us parts of the city we would not have seen or experienced without her. With the meet-up with the locals in the hidden gem at the end of the tour, she made our last day of 2024 into a golden memory for our whole family 🥰Tour full of local colours and information

Karolina🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lunga)

23 December 2024

Experienced, kind, knowledgeable and will make sure you are safe around JB. Strongly recommend. We were in JB for only one day ahead of our trip to Kruger and couldn’t be happier with the experience Lunga provided us with!100% recommend!

Nina🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

9 December 2024

Lulu was the BEST guide! If you want a personal guide who can show you a wonderful private tour of Johannesburg and Soweto, Lulu is your girl! She picked us up and dropped us off at the Southern Sun OR Tambo for our tour. She told us so many stories, and gave us history about Soweto. We went to Constitution Hill, the prison, drove around the different areas of the city, the towers, the Hector plaza, Nelson Mandela house, the Cultural Village, and even had lunch at a place where only locals eat in Johannesburg - very interesting! It was just a phenomenal day! Nina VExcellent experience with Lulu !!!!

Fabrice🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Lufuno )

13 November 2024

Lufuno did an amazing job. Our 3 hour Tour was awesome we got to see everithing we could imagine and tried some food we would have never tried on ou own. Her personality and energy are awesome. We would reccomend her to everyone, sche's so amazing. Thanks for your time and all the memories we made, Lulu.Day with Lulu

Markus🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lufuno )

8 November 2024

We had a great time with Lufuno sharing so much knowledge about Jo’burg. She is a very kind and energetic person. We can highly recommend a tour with her Great Joszi experience with Lufuno

Cynthia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

27 October 2024

Lufuno is an excellent guide. You'll see parts of Joburg you wouldn't see without her. Thank you for taking us to the braai resto and for the drive to Vilakazi Street. Recommended!

Robert🇿🇦 South Africa

(About local Lufuno )

26 October 2024

My wife and I had a great day with Lufuno. Many unforgettable moments. She showed us places which we would never find. Thanks again.Johannesburg visit differently

Milad

(About local Lufuno )

25 September 2024

We had an amazing time with Lufono. It was great to walk the streets of downtown Joberg getting to experience so many aspects of the city we would have never found on our own. Lufono was a wonderful guide super knowledgeable about everything Joberg and S. Africa. We will definitely be back and highly recommend her tours.Wonderful tour. Priceless.

Anna

(About local Lufuno )

24 September 2024

Lulu took me to a tailor made tour around Johannesburg. I'm thankful to her for coming to the hotel and picking me up with her car and driving me around the spots we previously talked about. She told me all about the history and the culture of Johannesburg. Lulu has been great! I'm grateful for all the care and the fun times during the tour. Lulu is great!

Donatella

(About local Lufuno )

5 September 2024

I had contacted Lufuno months before and asked her if we could see the most important things in Johannesburg in one day. We did it. She picked us up at our hotel very punctual. With her super golf carLulù drove us to the Apartheid Museum which examines the era of racial segregation in South Africa and is an absolutely unmissable stop. Then we visited Costitution Hill which in the past was an infamous prison, it develops around the new Constitutional Court, an austere symbol of South Africa in change, even more significant for the fact that it stands on the ashes of one of the most monuments to the apartheid system. We also visited Soweto and with her it was absolutely not dangerous. We also had lunch in a delicious self-service restaurant. Then she took us to a panoramic point of Soweto where we could admire the entire landscape of this township. Finally she took us to redo a braid of my boy's hair that had come undone but in the end Lulù did it better. Thank you Lulù for this day so intense and full of laughter with you. a big hug to all your family:)Lulù tour is the best

Paula🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Lufuno )

2 September 2024

Where do I start? This was hands down the best tour we have ever experienced. Lulu (Lufuno) has given has something that we will never forget and is etched in our memories forever. If you want to see the real Johannesburg or (Jozie as Lulu calls it) this is the tour you should do. Lulu explained not just the history of Johannesburg but shares an insiders view of this fascinating city including the good, the bad and the ugly but always making sure we felt safe. The absolute highlight for us was spending time with the local kids in Soweto where Lulu and her partner organise street games to entertain their youth, their ultimate goal is to build a dedicated play area for the kids as this is something they don’t currently have. Lulu is a beautiful human being with an uplifting energy. We highly recommend her.The real Jozie!

Saskia🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Lufuno )

27 August 2024

Lufuno has a really kind and charming personality. She showed us the hidden spots of Joburg that we definetely wouldnt have seen without her. We always felt safe during the tour :). Really cool tour, we would do it again! Great afternoon at Joburg

Sué

(About local Lufuno )

31 July 2024

I had an amazing afternoon with Lulu. She is so knowledgeable and warm, and I felt like I was just spending time with an old friend. She really went above and beyond to make sure I enjoyed the tour. 100% recommendedUnforgettable experience

Amanda 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Lufuno )

15 June 2024

Lufuno was an amazing guide on a recent short layover in Johannesburg. She was very accommodating to the schedule I needed to keep and was able to bring me to some cool hot spots in Johannesburg to give me a sense of the everyday vibe. Really enjoyed seeing and meeting local shop owners and artists as well as chatting with Lufuno around life in Johannesburg. I couldn't have asked for better and look forward to another visit!Quick Layover

soufiane🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Lufuno )

7 June 2024

What an afternoon and evening we spent me and my wife with Lufuno, we asked for the authentic experience and we got it from sites hiking food locals and much more. We went to the roots of Soweto and the gold mine. I encourage anyone who wants to go out of the beaten track and get the real life experience. Lufuno was ponctual, clear, fun and kept us safe all the time. Thank you very much and I look forward to the next time.Authetic soweto experience

Becky🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

7 June 2024

My husband and I did the Hidden Gems walking tour with Lufuno and we loved it. She communicated very well ahead of the tour and when we showed up she was there waiting for us. She took us to some really cool areas of the city. She showed us parts of Joburg we would never have seen without her. We really enjoyed chatting with her and she taught us a lot about life in Joburg. I highly recommend booking a tour with Lufuno, she is a fabulous tour guide. Fabulous tour with Lufuno

Felix🇬🇭 Ghana

(About local Jansen)

1 January 2024

We related and a family and this guy really knows Joburg he actually took us to the locals for us to experience Joburg differently from what the media will show you and we really enjoyed that. Thumbs up bro . Keep it up .🙏🏼👍Experience with the locals in Joburg .

Helene🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lunga)

6 September 2025

Our afternoon with Lunga was fantastic. We went to an artsy neighborhood full of street art, restaurants, and amazing architecture! Lunga was very knowledgeable and fun to be with. I would highly recommend this tour.Off the touristy sights

Rubina🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

4 September 2025

I made a very last minute booking with Lufuno after having an unexpected bonus day in Johannesburg with my family just before our return to NYC. We booked a food walking tour and got SO MUCH more than we could have imagined. Lulu is an immediately charming and gregarious person and she exudes warmth and humor. She took us to several places to eat delicious local items, including several places we would not encounter in any guide book. We ate until we could no longer take another bite! Aside from the various food treats, she gave us unique perspectives of local culture with honestly and authenticity. And above all, she was absolutely terrific with my kids (ages 9 and 5) and they won’t forget the experience including all the incredible food. Thank you, Lulu, for making our last day in South Africa gorgeous and memorable! 100/10 Lulu is wonderful!!!

Gary🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Lunga)

2 September 2025

We had a great time with Lunga. He showed us lots of interesting places and we got to interact with locals in a way that we could not have done if we’d been on our own. He made us feel safe and informed us about the history of Jo’burg. Id definitely recommend that you take a tour with him. Tour of central Johannesburg

Wiebke🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lunga)

1 September 2025

Wir waren mit Lunga unterwegs und absolut begeistert. Ohne ihn hätten wir dieses tollen Ecken in Johannesburg nicht gefunden oder nicht besuchen können. Absolutes Highlight war der Besuch eines Zulumarktes. Abenteuer pur

Amy

(About local Lufuno )

30 August 2025

Lulu was fantastic and we really enjoyed our time with her! She is very knowledgeable about the neighborhood and South Africa as well. She is friendly and personable and we are so glad we picked her as a guide. The neighborhood was really cool as well. Great tour!

Craig🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Lufuno )

27 August 2025

If you want a local expert who will bend over backwards to help, then Lufuno is the best. When I screwed up the booking, she rectified the issue immediately without any stress. Picked me up at my hostel and expertly guided me through her city. Extremely knowledgeable and highly recommended. Soweto Superstar

Venencia

(About local Lufuno )

27 August 2025

Lufuno was such a delight! Upon meeting her she immediately made me feel comfortable. She is very knowledgeable and was gracious in answering all the questions I had. We went over our time but Lufuno still agreed to show me a couple more spots to ensure that I was happy. She shared more knowledge and laughs with me over a late lunch in Pata Pata which I am grateful for. Just gutted that my schedule was so tight otherwise would have booked the Soweto tour with her as well. I look forward to my next trip to Johannesburg but in the meantime will be recommending any friends and family to tour with Lufuno.My Monday in Maboneng

Harald🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Lufuno )

25 August 2025

Wir haben fast den ganzen Tag mit Lufuno in Joburg verbracht. Viele Infos, Hintergrunddetails und viel Spaß - das ist Lufuno. Verlässlich und pünktlich, so haben wir sie kennengelernt. Absolute Empfehlung wenn ihr von einem lokalen Guide begleitet werden wollt.Ein toller Tag mit vielen Infos

Birgit🇪🇸 Spain

(About local Lufuno )

24 August 2025

I had the great pleasure of spending a day in Johannesburg with Lufuno as my guide – and what an outstanding experience it was! She curated a day that was both diverse and insightful, seamlessly combining cultural depth with engaging storytelling. What impressed me most was her flexibility: even my very spontaneous request for a detour to a sports store (after my luggage failed to arrive with my airline) was handled with ease and a smile. A special highlight was visiting her own neighborhood, where she not only shared personal insights into local life but also introduced me to a delicious snack at her charming restaurant. Johannesburg often carries a reputation for being challenging, yet with Lufuno, I felt completely safe at all times. Her knowledge, warmth, and attentiveness make exploring the city not only possible but deeply rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone wishing to experience Johannesburg authentically and with peace of mind. On my next visit, I will most certainly reach out to Lufuno again.Unforgettable Joburg Day with Lufuno

Camilla🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Lufuno )

23 August 2025

Lufuno was amazing! She was incredibly patient with my parents and friend, who don’t speak English, and made sure they felt comfortable throughout the tour. She adapted everything to suit our needs, and thanks to her, we had the best experience. Highly recommend the tour with her. Amazing experience

Raffy🇵🇭 Philippines

(About local Lunga)

21 August 2025

Lunga was very nice to our group the whole time during our tour in Johannesburg. I will highly recommend him for tours in the area. tour in johannesburg

Jenn🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lunga)

15 August 2025

We had one day to explore Joberg and Lunga helped us make the most of it! We covered a lot of information in a short time- history, current events, art and more. Very easy to be with/talk with, Lunga knows the area and people well which made us feel very safe. Joberg is rebuilding itself again and supporting this process felt good too. Thank you!Lunga was great!

Richard🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Lufuno )

10 August 2025

Lufuno is absolutely a first class host, we cannot recommend her enough. Just get your tour booked, you will not be disappointed! We were a family from the UK travelling with our two sons aged 10 & 13. We booked a bespoke tour and just requested a day out to see the best of Johannesburg and left the rest up to Lulu. Firstly I will address the “safety” concerns we had prior to the trip. They were totally unfounded, we felt 100% safe 100% of our time with Lulu. We met some of the most amazing, welcoming, knowledgeable and kind hearted people that we have ever come across from any country! Our tour started and finished from our airport hotel, and leaned more towards Soweto than the main city which was perfect for us and highly recommended. During the day we went around the Apartheid museum, cycled around Soweto, went to Nelson Mandelas house, an educational centre with tower views and a fascinating talk by the man that looked after it, we had lunch and a beer with the true locals including live entertainment, picked up some retail, a football stadium and much more! We then finished up at Lulus restaurant having another beer sat on the street in the heart of Soweto, which was a perfect end to the day and a perfect end to our time in Africa. Thank you for showing us the true Johannesburg and giving us memories we will never forget. Perfect Host - Loved Soweto

Toby

(About local Lunga)

10 August 2025

Lunga was full of enthusiasm and energy. Loves his town and its people. Very informative. Enthusiastic and Knowledgeable

Jo

(About local Justeen)

6 August 2025

I thought this was a little too expensive for what i actually got. Didn't really get to see alot ,just where and how the locals go to drink and party. Really thought I was going to see so much more .Reality Tour

Clare🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Lunga)

3 August 2025

The name Lunga means kindness, and that is what our guide Lunga showed us during this exceptional walking tour. He shared not only his knowledge of the history of Johannesburg but also shared his personal experiences of living in this vibrant city. Lunga is a true ambassador of his country and spending time with him with enriched our lives. Highly recommended. Lunga’s tour is exceptional.

Susan🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

29 July 2025

I had hoped the tour would be more than someone pointing out things and stating facts. Yes, this tour exceeded my expectations. Walking the streets with Lufano, I truly felt like a local. In addition to knowing so much about the history, she seems to know so many people and, tagging along with her, I felt integrated into the community. She took us places that we would never have found or gone on our own, for example a fabulous barbecue area. It's also nice to be with a local because I felt less like I was gawking at people. By the end of our tour I felt like she was a friend.I really felt like a local

sam.ringwaldt

(About local Lunga)

15 July 2025

Lunga was really accomodating to our requests, taking us on a highly customised tour of J'berg whilst giving us great insights into its history. Lunga communicates well, was extremely flexible to accommodate us, and was a friendly guy to spend the day with. We felt safe and at ease with him throughout the day.Friendly & Flexible

Peter🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Lufuno )

12 July 2025

Lufuno was on time, well informed and listened to what I wanted to see. As a 74 year old solo traveller I felt completely safe in her company in downtown Johannesburg. We saw lots of great street art, and some interesting establishments including a hidden Aladdin's cave of books and antiques. A very tasty lunch concluded the tour, which was all I wanted and well worth the money. Thanks again Lufuno! Excellent guide

Samuel

(About local Lunga)

11 July 2025

We had a really memorable tour with Lunga. We (my wife and two kids) walked around his home neighborhood and he shared some very interesting insights on South Africa’s past and future. Lunga also helped steer us in the right direction throughout the tour. He is a genuinely nice guy and we enjoyed spending time with him. I would definitely recommend Lunga for other first-time visitors to Johannesburg. Amazing insights, nice guy

Heleen🇧🇪 Belgium

(About local Lufuno )

10 July 2025

Lufuno is a great guide, she tells the story of the city and takes you to places you’ll never come on your own. She knows the city as the back of her hand and you can ask everything. Highly recommanded!Great experience

Suzanne🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Lufuno )

5 July 2025

Lufuno was an awesome guide. I was picked up on time and had the best day, visiting so many places, chatting about everything and seeing the places we visited through a new lens. I was safe, my every request catered for and then some. I saw Soweto in a whole new light. Do not hesitate to book a day with this amazing woman, she really knows her stuff. Thanks so much for showing me your hood and good luck with everything you are striving to achieve. Brilliant day

Deborah🇳🇿 New Zealand

(About local Lunga)

3 July 2025

A great time with insights into Johannesburg that can only be obtained from a local guide. I recommend the tour. Unique experience with a local guide

peter

(About local Lufuno )

16 June 2025

We were a 10 family member group arranging an age from 7 to 84.Lufuno was excellent! On time, excellent knowledge, good person to person interaction. During the day, several memories became ill and needed both rapid his facilities and referral to treatment centers. Lufuno handled that wonderfully. She created a program that fit well within our time allotment and hired our transportation with driver. The reason my evaluation is slightly less than perfect, is I think the program could have been better. I thought the village was not a good use of time and interaction with a community would have enhanced our knowledge of current day Johannesburg.Knowledgeable, flexible, great appearance!