Off the Beaten Track in Johannesburg: Maboneng Tour

• 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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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 !!!

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

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

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!

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