Day Trips in and around Johannesburg to live like a Local

Posted on Fri April 3, 2020.

Have a look at our recommended day trips to take while in Johannesburg

Whether you are a local or from Abroad, The city of Gold - Johannesburg has so much on offer, emerse yourselves in any or all  of the tours below and experience Johannesburg like a true South African, and trust us you will be begging for me. 

Below are our recommended day trips to take in Johannesburg. 

1. Soweto, Gauteng

  • One of Gauteng's most well known informal settlements this is a must see, guided tours are available and will lead visitors to some of the most interesting and well known spots in Soweto. This area is rich in History, Cultures and iconic landmarks. Get the full experience by emerging yourself amongst the locals. 

2. Lesedi Cultural Village 

  • If cultures and history of inhabitants of South Africa interest you this is a non negotiable, visitors discover African traditions and cultures by visiting five homesteads inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele tribes. Set amid rocky hills and bushveld less than one hour’s drive from Johannesburg, and on the way to Sun City, Lesedi Cultural Village is one of Johannesburg's most famous tourist attractions. 

3. Sterkfontein Caves, The Cradle of Humankind

  • Noted as the birthplace of Humankind possessing fossils that are over 2 million years old amongst various other discoveries made within the caves this is a truly unforgettable experience. Cave tours are very popular, particularly during the holidays. So always reach out to find out what tour availability is like. 

4. Pilansberg Game Reserve 

  • If you’re craving a visit to the bush, Pilansberg Game Reserve is the perfect place for a one-day safari. The reserve is set within an extinct volcanic crater, the only one of its kind in the world, and is home to the Big 5 and abundance of flaura and fauna. It is the fourth largest park within South Africa and homes over 7000 animals 360 bird species, and more than 200 kilometres of roads. Please bear in mind that the reserve is situated about 2 hours and 30 Minutes outside of Johannesburg so an early start to this tour is best advised. 

5. Rhino and lion Nature Reserve

  • This self-drive park refers to itself as “the nearest faraway place,” as it’s so close to Johannesburg. The reserve is home to the Big 5 and also caters to large groups of vulture, endemic to the nearby Magaliesberg Mountains. Various activities are on offer in the reserve that will give you a fully emerged experience surrounding he animals situated within the reserve. If you looking for bragging rights with photo's to show your family back home this is a must see tour. 

6. The Apartheid Museum 

  • The Apartheid Museum is a museum in Johannesburg, South Africa illustrating apartheid and the 20th century history of South Africa. The museum, part of the Gold Reef City complex, was opened in November 2001.The  Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.

    An architectural consortium, comprising several leading architectural firms, conceptualised the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The museum is a superb example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience.