• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Take a walk off the beaten track, away from the tourist crowds, and see the real side of Johannesburg. On this private tour, go beyond the classic route and explore Maboneng where you’ll experience a different Johannesburg, like a local with a local by your side!

Destination

Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa

Category

Off The Beaten Track

Duration

2.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English

Included

• Private Guide
• 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 At the entrance of Pata Pata restaurant - 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. Off the Beaten Track

   Done with the main highlights of Johannesburg? Check out Maboneng. Explore a lesser-known part of the city that will give you a more authentic feel of Johannesburg. Check out Arts on Main, Kwa Mai Mai Market and more!

4. The Real Deal

   Let a local expert in the area you’ll visit show you their Johannesburg from a different perspective - away from the tourist traps. See street art, cultural hot spots, local vendors, hangout spots, and historical gems, and embrace the vibe!

5. Personalized Recommendations

   Want to explore more of the area after the tour? Your host is happy to recommend their favorite eateries and where to take a break while wandering in this vibrant area

6. Unique Plan

   Depending on your host, this tour will be experienced based on their knowledge, passion, and expertise. Pick a host that matches your interests and see their city through their eyes!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Jane🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Lufuno )

15 June 2025

We had a lovely afternoon with Lufuno. She took us “off the beaten track” to places we would not have ventured to ourselves. She talked about weddings, funerals, traditional medicine and took us to a community BBQ area. If you want to experience something different in Johannesburg. This is a great tour.Local experience

Kelly🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lunga)

3 May 2025

My husband and I both enjoyed spending a lively Friday afternoon with Lunga. We would never have found the art galleries, street art, artisan shopping, and large, festive Friday Braai on our own. Was a wonderful, unique experience we will never forget.Thank You Lunga!

Helene🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lufuno )

24 April 2025

Lufuno gave us a two day tour of Johannesburg and Soweto. She is very knowledgeable, empathetic and made the tour highly personal. We truly enjoyed the time with her.Best tour guide

Maximiliane🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lufuno )

19 April 2025

Lulu was one of the best guides we ever had in all our trips around the world. Already the first impression of her made us having a positive vibe….through her we could also be transported safely to the Madikwe Game Reserve for a very affordable price!!! Lulu brought us in the most insider spots of Maboneng and she told us a lot of interesting things of her culture. If you wish to make a real local trip to the hidden spots of Johannesburg, join Lulu!!!! She is great!!!!❤️❤️❤️Amazing trip through Maboneng

Mart🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Lufuno )

13 April 2025

We’ve really really enjoyed the Maboneng tour in Josi! We got to experience the real Joburg life in Maboneng, and Lulu is the best guide ever!Must do tour in Josi!

Nicole

(About local Lufuno )

12 April 2025

Lufuno was perfekt for us! She showed us a mix of new and old. She knows people there and everyone was so kind! Loved it and mostly Lufunos Joy and kindness ! Would absolutely recommend! We never would've seen this side of Johannesburg without you Lulu! Great Day!

CATHERINE🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lunga)

13 February 2025

My tour of Maboneng and downtown Jo’burg with Lunga was fabulous. I’ve traveled extensively and occasionally hire guides. This tour made my experience much richer, informative and special and I felt very safe. Lunga tailored it to my interests and he was extremely knowledgeable. He was also fun and funny. He added on some extra sites I was interested in. I highly recommend Lunga and his tour. Amazing Jo’burg Tour

Camilla und Benedikt🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lufuno )

27 January 2025

Walking around in maboneng with Lufuno was a very nice experience. She showed us the nice bars, cafes, art places and took her time to explain us everything. After having a nice lunch we went to a shop and were dressed in a very special way which was a very nice surprise. We are really would like to do the tour one day in Soweto with Lulu Great experience

Bart🇧🇪 Belgium

(About local Lufuno )

18 January 2025

Lufuno showed my the real Johannesburg… it was an exceptional real eveningFantastic & real

Luba🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lunga)

29 December 2024

Lunga was great guide a very genuine nice person. He was knowledgeable about history, architecture and life of Johannesburg. He is given us a great many insights about life of different cultures and people living in South Africa and specifically in Joburg. He showed us around the Maboneng, taking us to a very authentic Zulu market with food and specialty shops. We asked to take us to Soweto and showed us around walking the main streets sharing history of the place and about its historic importance.Exploration with local insights

Heike

(About local Lufuno )

19 December 2024

Lufung is a great guide and she arranged for us a 2 days private tour. The first day we visited constitution hill, and Lufuno impressed us with her knoledge, her informations and her kindness. Then she showed us Johannesburg and the hidden gems. She walked with us thought bussy streets where the life is busteling, we hopped on a Minibus and walken then thought Downtown markets. Places i would have never seen without her. Then we had a local brai to see how locals enjoy to have lunch. We felt safe an super informed an taken care of the hole day. But there was more to come. The next day Lufunu explored Soweto with us. I will never forget that experiance. We had Hope showing us her neighborhood and the slums. She explained her communetyprojects and pointed the problemes out she is facing. Them Lufunu took over again an shared her neighborhood and her passion for Kids and her projekts for them with us. We walked with her arround her community,meet people, tasted lokal food and of corse have seen all the places of interested. She filled them with all the informations and her knoledge is exaptional. I can only recommend to book Lufunu, let her know what you are interested in and she will plan your tour you will never forget. We love it a lot.Once in a lifetime experiance

Goya

(About local Lufuno )

14 December 2024

I met Lulu at the Pata Pata restaurant that is beautiful decorated as all places we went . She is brilhant and vibrating with what she likes to do more : working and presenting live culture from Johannesburg. I recommend her a lot . Thanks Lulu for everything !Walking tour with a specialist

Christian🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lufuno )

5 December 2024

The day with Lulu was really amazing! We visited South Africa for 10 days.. but actually we really learned the real local view at our last day .. while exploring Jo'burg together with Lulu :) So energetic and friendly. It was really safe exploring the city with her. Many thanks!!Amazing Experience

Pete🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lunga)

21 October 2024

Our time with Lunga was very rewarding. The start of our tour was interrupted by a spring time rain shower but Lunga was very flexible, finding a quiet spot, out of the rain, to provide us with a verbal history of Johannesburg. He provided a rich overview of the past history and the current struggles of his home. Once the rain passed, Lunga got us out among the locals who were making the most of their Sunday night. He took us to many places that we would not have found on our own and provided context and explanations along the way. Lunga's hopes and dreams for his country are evident as is his pride in his home. Having a wonderful guide like Lunga is a gift. We cherished our time with him and came away with a deep understanding and faith in the city of Johannesburg.A realistic and optimistic history of Jozy

Jeri

(About local Lunga)

11 October 2024

Lunga took me places no white person should ever go alone. i got to try on a Zulu bridal hat, eat meat not available at home, understand lots about Zulu culture, see Gandhi and Mandela's brginnings, see the downtown as well as much more. Lunga spent extra time and answered all my questions. By the end we were friends. It was time that exceeded my expectations.what an afternoon

Rachele

(About local Lufuno )

19 September 2024

When reaching out to Lufuno I had specified my boyfriend and I were not interested in purely touristic places and I also told her that I had been disappointed by a tour in Soweto and wanted to see the real township. She was the most amazing guide: after an informative tour in Maboneng, she drove us to Soweto and during the drive she showed us different places in the city we were interested about and told us a bit about local perceptions over the city and the country. When we arrived to Soweto we had the most welcoming and interesting experience, as I had asked her we walked a lot in the township, met a lot of nice and welcoming people and completely felt within the vibe of the community! We got to see a glimpse of the real Soweto off-tracks while enjoying an interesting conversation and atmosphere that went also beyond the scheduled time! We were also offered the chance to do a sunset hike but unfortunately we had another event schedule, but it will be for the next time!!! thank you so much Lufuno :)Personalized tour in the real Soweto

Alice🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Lufuno )

14 September 2024

The tour with Lufuno was like being with a friend who shows you her hometown. Her tour was informative, but also fun. Lufuno and her boyfriend took great care of our group of 7 people and made us feel like we were experiencing the real Joburg. Thank you!!!Fun & informative

Marion🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lufuno )

4 September 2024

Lufuno ist an extraordinary good guide. We enjoyed EVERY minute of our Maboneng Tour. We became a perfect insight of this part of Jo-Burg. She showed us some hidden gems and we visited different local shops and tried excellent local food. We got a very good insight of the positive, as well as the negative aspects of life in Maboneng. Highly recommended! Join a tour with this amazing woman. Just try yourself. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you very much Lufuno! Amazing experience!

Stefan

(About local Lunga)

31 August 2024

What an impressive tour we had with Lunga. a tour you can't miss if you go to South Africa. Lunga, most hospital, took us by foot through the history of J burg. This tour gives you the history, you feel the pain of what has happened and at the same time shows you what a beautifull and colourfull people live in J burg. Nothing but respect for Lunga with his nowledge and hospitality. thank you so much that you have given us insight in the real world and past of Johannesburg. we'll never forget this.Must do for an honest view of J- burg

Christin🇳🇴 Norway

(About local Lufuno )

30 August 2024

We had a very special day in Maboneng with party and sightseeing. The next day, sightseeing in and around Soweto. Good food, drinks, excellent guiding. Really felt well and safe all the time. Met a lot of interesting people, great views, great vibes 😎. Will absolutely recommend Lufuno for guided tours in Johannesburg if you want to see the real city- off the classic tourist tracks.Wonderful experience in Joburg and Soweto

Ignace

(About local Lufuno )

11 August 2024

Thank you Lufuno for the wonderful experience in Joburg before and after our safari trip in South Afrika. You guided us personally throughout Soweto and Joburg. The first days you proposed unique activities such as the Tuk Tuk tour with a typical African lunch, you arranged a private visit in the FNB World cup 2010 Stadion, we danced at the spiritual healer we visited, we got a 360 view on Soweto… And the last days you guided us safely through the different suburbs Newtown, Braamfontein, … with the special lunch in the Kwa Mai Mai market, the visit in Maboneng, .... A type of city which is somehow out of our comfort zone, but thanks to your experience we had full trust in the visit. Finally, a nice massage and manicure for Lieve’s birthday and a nice lunch with a marvolous view on Joburg from the Blueberry Hill top roof restaurant. We thank you for this wonderful time together, your honesty and your reliability. We really appreciated your passion for Joburg. Good luck in your future ambitions in the tourist sector!Thank you Lufuno !

davide🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Lufuno )

2 August 2024

Lulu is very kind, with a communicative and gentle approach. She gave us a deeply interesting view of Maboning. Lulu had let us get in touch with real life in Maboning and Johannesburg.Pleasant Maboneng tour

Rebecca

(About local Lufuno )

15 July 2024

Not sure if we love Johannesburg or Lulu more. We chose a walking tour through the Maboneng area of Johannesburg. From the moment we arrived, Lufuno made us feel part of the community. She understood what we wanted from the tour and brought us to a couple of cool Jazz bars, craft shops and art galleries. The Maboneng region is very colourful, fun and vibrant. We really felt like we were hanging out with the locals! We highly recommend Lulu as a host, she is full of local knowledge and has the most beautiful soul ❤️ We can't wait to spend more time in Johannesburg in the future. Lots of love from the Irish girls, Lauren and Rebecca ☺️✨️Fun, vibrant afternoon in Johannesburg ✨️

Joao 🇵🇹 Portugal

(About local Lufuno )

2 July 2024

A wonderful urban experience, an attentive guide who showed the best of Johannesburg in just a few hours, always in a relaxing and safe environment. Great job, congratulations Lufuno!Fantastic walking Johannesburg tour

Dennis🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Lufuno )

29 May 2024

We had a wonderful tour with Lufuno! She is a very warm hearted person and welcomed us openly. She’s been friendly from the very first second with us and gave us a deep look into her country and her culture. As Europeans we have been very curious as to see a part of the city with the eyes of a local and we thank Lulu very much for doing just that. Highly recommended!Amazing tour with great insights with Lulu

Evelyn

(About local Lufuno )

26 May 2024

Es war ein absoluter toller Tripp. Ich wurde von Lufuno abgeholt und sofort sehr herzlich begrüßt. Sie zeigte mir tolle Orte, die ich alleine niemals gesehen hätte. Ich hatte wirklich das Gefühl in Afrika zu sein. Lufuno kennt viele Menschen und alle sind freundlich. Lufuno gab mir einen tollen Einblick in ihr persönliches Leben. Es war einfach unglaublich speziell und wunderbar. Lufuno ist eine unglaubliche Frau. Vielen lieben Dank für diesen außergewöhnlichen Nachmittag. Amazing tour

qktpz85t8m🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

19 May 2024

Could not be any happier with the experience of this tour. Lufuno was amazing. She explained traditional culture and customs. The local shops were a great experience that we would never have experienced on our own. I look forward to doing this again when we return and have more time. I would highly encourage everyone to do this while they are in Johannesburg. Must Do Experience!

Josh🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

12 May 2024

Upon pick-up I was warmly welcomed in such a friendly manner, we had a fantastic start! The guide and tour was extremely good, very flexible (appreciate this!) and for that Lufuno deserves a special thanks. Lufuno has such a warm personality and is a highly motivated guide (recommendable!). I truly enjoyed walking around the city with her. She had a plethora of knowledge and had good relationships with many of the people in town. It makes for an extravagant experience as you walk through the city. I was fortunate enough to be taken to a monument site where they gave me a private tour as they told stories and explained deeper cultural beliefs. To include respecting mothers and how they embody "peace". If that wasn't amazing enough you'll be walked to a tower that will give you a 360 view of the city. This location also gives you a fantastic view of the sunsetting over the city. The atmosphere is so special that it really felt like home. I was told that your name is important because its something you should live up to. "Lufuno" means love, and she truly lives up to that name. Many thanks again and I recommend Lufuno to everyone!Extraordinary

qxj7v2qxkv

(About local Lufuno )

5 May 2024

When Lulù arrived to pick me up at the airport I immediately understood she was a special person, full of energy and enthusiastic about life and his hometown. She drove me to Maboneng like only Schumacher could do. Then we spend wonderful hours, she really knows the off beaten places. She talk me about Zulu culture and we had some shopping. Thank you for this experience, Lulù.Around Maboneng with Lulù

Jody🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

20 April 2024

Lufuno was such a delight. She was warm, welcoming, knowledgeable and knew so many locals. We had a great time walking through Maboneng with her and would definitely recommend her tours!

Klaus

(About local Lufuno )

13 April 2024

Lufuno hat mit sehr großem Sachverstand die 2,5 stündige Führung gemacht. Es hat viel Freude gemacht. Ich kann jeden eine derartige Führung zu buchen.Großartige Führung

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

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!!!

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

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!

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

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