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Johannesburg is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a place that I once called home for four years. I always loved curating experiences for my visitors who came from the USA. There are many different ways to explore the city and its surroundings, and touring Johannesburg is one of the best ways to do it.
Here are some of the best tours and excursions in Johannesburg.
Budget Travel Tip! Book your hotels in Johannesburg a few months before your trip to get the lowest rates!
10 Best Tours and Excursions in Johannesburg
With so many gorgeous and refurbished sites in Johannesburg, deciding where to begin your trip can be challenging. So, check out our list below to learn about the spots you can’t miss!
1. Kruger National Park
Found in Gauteng Province, the Lion Park is one of the most important attractions in Johannesburg, South Africa. If you want the perfect opportunity to see wildlife, this is surely one of the places you’d want to go.
While the Transvaal lions are the main attraction for tourists, the park also contains a variety of other African species. As a woman over 50, you definitely shouldn’t miss the chance of holding or even petting lion cubs.
Aside from the lions, you’ll also see jackals, hyenas, painted hunting dogs, and antelope. There’s also a safari adventure, a tour of the four lion pride camps, and more.
2. Lesedi Cultural Village
Experience first-hand the culture of the South African Tribes in Lesedi Cultural Village. Lesedi Cultural Village is situated in the middle of the African grasslands, between the rocky hills of the World Heritage Site Cradle of Humankind.
It’s known for its multi-cultural community located less than an hour’s drive north of Joburg amid the picturesque bushveld and rocky hills.
This village provides two distinct day experiences where tourists may experience the thrill and warmth of authentic rural African culture.
Lesedi teaches visitors about the rich cultural heritage of South Africa’s indigenous peoples in an informative and engaging manner.
3. Hartbeespoort Dam
The Hartbeespoort Dam is located in the Bojanala district of the North West Province of South Africa.
This region is a well-known tourist destination because of its diverse range of tourist accommodations, hiking trails, bird sanctuaries, and other outdoor activities.
This region offers a wide range of activities, particularly outdoor ones. Hartbeespoort Snake and Animal Park is a must-see attraction for the entire family.
Snakes, Kalahari lions, tigers, jaguars, panthers, reptiles, and seals are among the many magnificent species to observe.
4. Pilanesberg, Sun City, and Valley of the Waves Waterpark
After a long trip in Johannesburg, there’s no better place for you to cool down than in the Valley of Waves water park, the Sun City’s iconic location for all types of water pleasure.
You’ll want to relax here as it’s only just a minute’s drive from Pilanesberg National Park.
Additionally, the water activities in the Valley of Waves appeal to explorers of all ages since it has something in store for everyone. Indeed, this water park is an excellent place to escape the summer heat.
You can unwind by the pool or go on an adventure and experience all of the water slides and thrills, or just have a dip in the pool.
5. Soweto, South Africa
Soweto is an urban area in Gauteng that is part of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. It’s a large community that has developed into a “city inside a city.”
Located on the outskirts of what was once South Africa’s prosperous gold mining belt, its closeness to the gold mines gives it historical ties to the industry.
It’s considered one of South Africa’s most popular day trip locations.
Between 250,000 to 300,000 people visit Soweto annually, taking advantage of the fantastic chance to learn about the city’s rich cultural past. From their authentic African food to their nightlife, who says you can’t have fun at the age of 50?
6. Sunset Helicopter Safari
What’s better than seeing Johannesburg by helicopter? In this helicopter ride, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife and savannah. But before you fly in style, you’ll be given a chance to see the wildlife on the ground.
After this, the skilled helicopter pilots will take you to see giraffes, wildebeest, antelope, kudu, zebra, buffalo, and other wildlife while on the air.
Additionally, this ride includes unlimited drinks, snacks, and, of course, lunch! If you enjoy taking pictures and videos, this is a dream come true with the picturesque view in store for you!
7. Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City offers fun, fantasy, and history all in one place. It was constructed around a gold mine from the nineteenth century. More so, it’s an extremely popular tourist spot for women over 50.
Aside from its theme park, it also has casino facilities such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines!
Additionally, the appeal of Gold Reef Cities is surely diverse. You’ll enjoy the complex’s presentation of traditional African music, dancing, and history.
Other than that, the museum’s meticulously recorded history of Apartheid, chillingly yet elegantly displayed, is a must-see for every South African visit.
8. Mandela House Museum
Your trip to South Africa will not be complete if you don’t visit the famous attraction, Mandela House. It’s a renowned center for the conservation, display, and research of the Mandela Family legacy and historical heritage.
Learn about Mandela’s entire life experience, successes and mistakes, and how he struggled for equality and mutual respect among South Africans.
Whatever you see here will undoubtedly make you feel his energy. This simple red-bricked house might surprise you with mixed feelings of excitement and empowerment!
9. Pilanesberg National Park Safari
The Pilanesberg National Park is located in a biodiverse transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld. It is indeed one of the most accessible of Southern Africa’s fascinating wildlife reserves, providing great big game watching in a malaria-free location.
In addition to being positioned at the base of a historic volcano, it is well-known among travelers for its great diversity of game animals, flora, and wildlife that are rarely found together.
Also, this safari includes sightings of local species like wild dogs, Big 5, Tsessebe, Roan, Sable antelope, and over 360 bird species.
10. Apartheid Museum
If you want to experience and understand what South Africa was like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is necessary.
Within 15 minutes from Or Tambo International Airport or 20 minutes from Sandton, you’ll be able to discover the tale of the victory of the human soul over adversity.
It’s a dramatic emotional journey that exposes the state-sanctioned system founded purely on racial prejudice.
Witness video clips, pictures, text panels, and artifacts that depict the events and personal stories part of the epic narrative known as Apartheid.
Don’t miss the chance to see how South Africa is confronting its history and working towards a future they can call their own through this museum.
Conclusion
Indeed, Johannesburg has a lot in store for a woman over 50 like you, from authentic African foods to wildlife to the historical culture and traditions of South Africa.
You can fully enjoy and witness all of this through these best excursions in Johannesburg.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to take pictures and videos of all the amazing experiences you’ve encountered in the city.
You would definitely want to share your journey with your friends back home. Don’t hesitate to fully experience South Africa’s culture in this city!
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