Hillbrow Exploration: Discover Johannesburg's Notorious and Misunderstood District

Explore the streets of Hillbrow and Berea and discover more about one of Johannesburg’s most notorious and misunderstood districts.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ponte City Apartments - Ponte Tower held the title of the Tallest Residential Building in Africa from 1975 - 2017. At 173m tall with a hallow core, it is a brutalist architectural sight to behold.
  • Hillbrow - A 2km walk around Berea and Hillbrow. Passing a slum & hijacked building, Alec Gorschel Park, Telkom Tower, the infamous Summit Club and key Johannesburg boulevard Pretoria Street
What's Included
  • Lunch
Location
1 Lily Ave
Lily Avenue
Our starting point is Ponte Tower - entrance is at 1 Lily Avenue Berea. It looks like a dead end but the black entrance gate is at the end on the left. Tell security you are here for Dlala Nje!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(112 Ratings)
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Genevieve_t
Jul 14, 2024
Amazing tour - Amazing tour. Informative, interesting and great view from the rooftop cafe @ the 55-storey Ponte City Apartment.
Review provided by Viator
W9003juterryh
Jul 12, 2024
An excellent way to experience community life in Johannesberg. - This tour allows you to observe the life of this community, how it changes from street to street, and see how people go about their lives. With the commentary of the guides, filling in historical and contemporary information you are not just passing through, you feel the heartbeat of the ordinary people of Johannesberg, and all the immigrants who have flocked here. It's colourful and beautiful and feels real and full of meaning. Because you are with well known community members, you are almost blending into the community too. We also went on to do the 'Taste of Yeoville' tour, but in the afternoon not the night - it was fantastic! there is not much overlap as the vibe in the two places are quite different. the food was fantastic esp the Carapau fish at the Cameroonian restaurant, and the succulent fried chicken and pap with cabbage, kale and beans. YUM!!! One thing I noticed was the young guides looking out for you in the most unobtrusive way. Also the delightful banter between these young men, bursting into laughter at themselves and their own opinions was so disarming. This is the future of the country, and it looks bright!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristopher_d
Jul 9, 2024
A Sigma Walk. No Cap - A safe tour! You’ll be in the middle of these communities and feel safe the entire time. If you have a cynical perception of Hillbrow or Berea then your time spent will be value added. Alvaro & Delite are incredible guides with a wealth of experience and knowledge to share. This is a humbling walk with fascinating information. Time in Ponte City is one-in-a-million topped off with a delicious local fare of Pap & Chicken.
Review provided by Viator
Susan_g
May 23, 2024
Fascinating tour of a dodgy part of Johannesburg - Interesting and informative experience in a part of Johannesburg that you should only visit with a tour — this is it.
Review provided by Viator
Pioneer07677577478
May 15, 2024
Wonderful trip at Hillbrow - The trip is amazing and we have a chance to get familiar with the history of Hillbrow. I would like to pay gratitude to tour guide Delight who provides us an in-depth explanation about the culture and history of Hillbrow. If you would opt for direct pick-up service at your hotel, you could also approach the tour directly for details.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H6644wiliams
May 6, 2024
A definite must do if in Joburg! - We coupled this tour with the taste of Yeoville tour. These are a definite must do if in Joburg. An amazing experience walking the streets gaining an insightful and eye-opening look into these misunderstood areas of the city. Was quite the experience! Both our guides, Delight and Alvaro were also incredible and amazing people. Was great to literally hang out with them all day. all proceeds also go towards funding the community school run within the Ponte Tower.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Passport47591753029
Apr 30, 2024
The best experience - I was nervous until I arrived at the site, but I was safely guided from Ponte Tower to the Hillbrow district, which is difficult to walk through alone. On the way back, they saw me off until I got into my Uber car, so I was able to enjoy the trip with peace of mind until the very end. Thank you for this valuable experience that is hard to come by.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pascal
Apr 26, 2024
Outstanding tour and learning experience - This is an amazing project and tour. Our guides Alvaro, Julian and Stepfather were insightful, patient, and made us feel welcome and safe. We learned so much about this misunderstood neighborhood. 5 stars 🤩 well- deserved and thank you so much for your great tour and hospitality, the food was delicious and the views from Ponte tour are amazing 🇿🇦❤️.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandzhar_i
Apr 16, 2024
One of the coolest walks & tours with a heart! - This walk blew away our expectations! Forget the boring bus tours. This one throws you right into the heart of Hillbrow with local guides who share their stories. You get a real feel for the area, not just some scripted narration. Plus, these amazing guides are doing incredible work! They're helping kids off the streets, giving them a chance for a better life. The tour itself is atmospheric and authentic, a bit edgy at first, but the guides make you feel safe and completely change your perspective. This is more than a walk, it's an eye-opener. Huge props to these guys, keep up the fantastic work!
Review provided by Viator
970lornad
Mar 19, 2024
Authentic-personal-a good thing - A lot of time is taken. The money goes to an NGO. You learn a lot, a lot. Not super touristy, more personal and small group. You should be a little older to understand the matter well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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