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

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 .

Carolyn🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

2 June 2025

My daughter and I had a truly wonderful experience with Lufuno. She picked us up at our hotel and we explored many sites and sounds of Johannesburg. We were treated to a couple of places that required a special tour that not many people in Johannesburg get to see. We got to try some unique food in wonderful, vibrant environments. Lufuno has brilliant energy and is very knowledgeable on everything Johannesburg. There wasn’t a question she couldn’t answer and she obviously loves her city very much. I couldn’t have requested a better guide!A beautiful day of culture and food

Julia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

18 May 2025

An amazing experience. Lulu was very informative and accommodating. Had an absolutely fabulous time.

Amber

(About local Lufuno )

13 May 2025

We had a great afternoon tasting and learning about JoBurg. I loved her ask me anything approach and the food was wonderful!Amazing guide

Stephen🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Lufuno )

12 May 2025

It was an absolute pleasure to spend our day with our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, Lufuno. Our tour was custom made for us, and was comprehensive and informative. A big thank-you to Lufuno for your generous spirit and authenticity... we loved our day with you.Best Day Out

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!

Célia🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Lufuno )

30 April 2025

A wonderful experience discovering Johannesburg with Lulu! We have no regrets choosing her — the experience couldn’t have been better. If you want more than just a typical tour and truly dive into the soul of the city, this is the way to go. So many emotions!10/10 !!!

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

Andrea

(About local Lufuno )

23 April 2025

Siamo arrivati a Soweto c/o la Casa Di Mandela con molta diffidenza, l’incontro con Lufuno e stato e stupendo e pieno di forti e belle vibrazioni, una donna superba e ben conosciuta nell’ambiente permette di vedere angoli difficilmente possibili senza di Lei. Senza Lufuno e tutto diverso ne siamo certi. Assolutamente da coinvolgere se vi trovate in queste zone. Il massimo senza alcun mezzo termine. Grazie grazid grazie Lufu come L’abbiamo chiamata noi…Veloce e strepitosa

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!

Suzan🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

10 April 2025

We had a terrific experience with Lulu!!! The food was varied, Interesting and some things we had never eaten before … but always authentic, and that is exactly what we were looking for. Even better was learning about the local lifestyle and culture. Lulu was able to share her perspectives and insights into life inSouth Africa, and specifically Johannesburg, with its rich tapestry of races and cultures. But the best part of our tour was connecting with Lulu herself, who shared some of her own story and her experiences in a community that is very much her own. Finally, we must note that this tour is for more adventurous travelers. Some may not feel comfortable in seeing a more gritty side of Johannesburg We were able for several hours to experience an unedited cultural side of Johannesburg and that is priceless. Happy For that, again thank you to Lulu and the people who are welcomed us Suzan USA Ansolutely authentic Johannesburg

Gail

(About local Lufuno )

26 March 2025

Lulu was a fantastic host who took us to parts of the city we would never otherwise visited. Not only did we have a variety of great food experiences but learnt so much from lulus insights and stories. Would highly recommend .Fascinating insights

Unknown

(About local Lufuno )

14 March 2025

What a fantastic experience! Lufuno arrived promptly and was a bundle of energy and positivity. Her tour was both informative and fun. My husband and I were a little worried about safety on this tour but our fears were unfounded. We had a great day, exploring the city, eating with locals and gaining knowledge that we feel you can only get from being on an individual tour with a local guide. Thank you Lulu, you were brilliant! We miss you already!Amazing experience-day tour of Joburg.

Paul🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Lufuno )

13 March 2025

If you want to experience Johannesburg and Soweto authentically, the history, the food and the culture through the eyes of a local then this is the tour for you. We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Lulu which was educational and fun. We went to areas we never would have gone to by ourselves to learn local history and culture. Lulu is a great Lady who is knowledgeable and fun and handles the tour brilliantly. Her effervescent personality is infectious, she is a great tour guide. We would thoroughly recommend you book this tour with Lulu.Must do tour

Paul

(About local Lufuno )

3 March 2025

We spend very intersting tour Visiting the right places and meeting so many nice peoples Best regards And congratulations for Lufuno Paul Wonderfull afternoon with Lufuno

Marc

(About local Lufuno )

2 March 2025

We had such a private and great time with Lufuno! She was well prepared and was trying to fullfill all our wishes we had for such one day experience in JoBo! 110 % recommendation and lots of hugs to her! Excellent service and so much knowledge! Incredible good! Fantastic- what a marvelous day!

Gregory🇺🇸 United States

(About local Lufuno )

28 February 2025

Lufuno was a great guide and we had a good day out with her. She even added an additional stop to a local brewery in the area. Nice Day Out

nicole.schickentanz🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lufuno )

18 February 2025

Lufuno picked us up at the airport and we had a great day in Soweto. On the next day she picked me up at my hotel and we went to Pilanesburg national park. I highly recommend this guide, it’s a lot of fun and she knows a lot about her country. Great adventure with a friendly guide

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

Dietrich🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Lufuno )

2 February 2025

It was easy to find Lufuno at the meeting place. She drove us with her car to several exciting food places and gave in depth explanations. All together it was a great insight into "local" Joburg. Lufuno shared valuable fotos via WhatsApp with us. Finally Lufuno took care for our way back to the hotel in Rosebank. Thanks a lot Lufuno.A wonderful experience with Lufuno

Sandra Louise🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Lufuno )

27 January 2025

My tour with Lufuno (Lulu) was one of the best (if not the best) I have ever had visiting any country. I was honestly a bit nervous about visiting Jo’berg as a solo female traveller, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Lulu’s tour made me feel like I was really one of the locals. She was fun, sweet, always made sure I was okay and tailored everything to my interests. It was like a day out with a friend I had known for years. We visited so many places, some included the cultural village in Soweto, we went to a local SA BBQ where I tried so many different foods and they were all delicious, the atmosphere was brilliant! I dressed up as a South African Bride, bought some art (Lulu is a haggling pro) and had the best time at a Car Wash socialising with her friends. The tour didn’t feel like one at all and that was exactly what I was after. Thank you so much Lulu, I had an amazing time and made a fantastic new friend too! See you soon :-)The best tour ever!

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

Eve🇫🇷 France

(About local Lufuno )

26 January 2025

Lulu was really wonderful. I really recommend choosing her to show you around. We saw the city through the eyes of the local. She was always eager to answer our questions with a smile. Thank you Lulu for this great tour!! Eve & MakisAmazing hospitality offered by Lulu

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

Ana🇧🇷 Brazil

(About local Lufuno )

9 December 2024

Lufuno was our guide in Johannesburg! We had a short time to explore the city, so we visited the Apartheid Museum and went to Soweto for a traditional local meal. Lufuno is extremely pleasant and vibrant; we had great moments to cherish as memories. We loved every second of this experience! We were a group of 4 (2 adulta and 2 children) and the kids really enjoyed it. I highly recommend her and her partner as guides in Johannesburg. We hope to return again soon. ♥️Creating family memories

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