Full Day Johannesburg, Soweto & Liliesleaf House .

The Full Day Johannesburg, Soweto & Liliesleaf House tour offers an immersive exploration into South Africa’s complex history, particularly its struggle against the apartheid regime. Priced at $77.74 per person, this 4-hour small-group tour takes participants to significant sites like the Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Museum, led by knowledgeable guides fluent in English and French. Delving into the legacy of Nelson Mandela and the pivotal events at Liliesleaf House, the tour promises a comprehensive understanding of the country’s pivotal moments in the fight for freedom. With flexible booking options, this experience provides a unique opportunity to uncover the profound impact of South Africa’s past.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Johannesburg.

Key Points

• This full-day tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Johannesburg, Soweto, and the historic Liliesleaf House, offering insights into South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
• Visitors can learn about the significance of Liliesleaf House, which served as a safe house for the ANC and sheltered key figures like Nelson Mandela.
• The tour includes visits to the Mandela House and Hector Peterson Museum in Soweto, highlighting Mandela’s leadership and the 1976 student uprising.
• Constitutional Hill, a former prison housing political prisoners, is also explored, showcasing South Africa’s journey towards justice and upholding human rights.
• The tour offers flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now & pay later" policy, catering to diverse traveler needs.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The full-day Johannesburg, Soweto, and Liliesleaf House tour offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s rich history.

Priced at $77.74 per person, the 4-hour small-group tour is limited to 6 participants and features live English and French-speaking guides.

Pickup is included, and participants are advised to wait at the reception 15 minutes before departure.

With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, the tour also allows for flexible booking without immediate payment.

Visitors can expect to learn about the historical significance of Liliesleaf House, explore Soweto’s Mandela legacy, and gain insights into Constitutional Hill’s role during apartheid.

Significance of Liliesleaf House

Liliesleaf Farm served as a pivotal safe house for the African National Congress (ANC) during the 1960s.

Purchased in 1961 by Arthur Goldreich and Harold Wolpe, the property sheltered political fugitives, including Nelson Mandela, who operated under the alias "David Motsamayi."

The site was central to the armed struggle, housing key figures like Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki. It played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid, serving as a base for the ANC’s clandestine activities.

The 1963 police raid on Liliesleaf marked a significant turning point, leading to the arrest and conviction of the Rivonia trialists, including Mandela, for their involvement in the armed struggle.

Legacy of Nelson Mandela

Undoubtedly, Nelson Mandela’s legacy continues to inspire people worldwide.

During the Soweto tour, visitors can explore the Mandela House and Hector Peterson Museum, which serve as powerful symbols of Mandela’s fight against apartheid. Soweto itself holds immense historical significance, as it was the epicenter of the anti-apartheid movement.

Mandela’s arrest in 1962 was directly linked to his activities in this township, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the cause.

The tour also provides insights into:

• Mandela’s role as a leader in the armed struggle for liberation
• His imprisonment and eventual rise to the presidency
• The lasting impact of his philosophy of reconciliation and nonviolence
• Mandela’s enduring influence on the struggle for social justice worldwide

Soweto Township Exploration

As part of the Johannesburg and Soweto tour, participants can enjoy the rich tapestry of Soweto Township, a vibrant and historically significant community.

Soweto is central to the history of apartheid and the liberation movement. Visitors can explore Mandela House, the former residence of Nelson Mandela, where he lived before his arrest in 1962.

The Hector Peterson Museum commemorates the 1976 student uprising, a pivotal event in the anti-apartheid struggle.

Through these poignant sites, the tour offers a powerful connection to South Africa’s tumultuous past and the legacy of Nelson Mandela’s fight for freedom and equality.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Importance of Constitutional Hill

Constitutional Hill stands as a profound symbol of South Africa’s turbulent past and its ongoing journey towards justice and reconciliation.

This complex, initially built as a fort and later expanded into a prison, infamously housed political prisoners during the apartheid era, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.

The site’s significance lies in:

• Its role as a witness to the repression and resistance that shaped the country’s history.
• Its transformation into a constitutional court, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to upholding human rights.
• Its preservation of the memories and stories of those who suffered within its walls.
• Its function as a museum, educating visitors about the country’s struggle for freedom and democracy.

What to Bring and Expect

Participants on the Johannesburg and Soweto tour should bring comfortable shoes, as the tour involves a significant amount of walking.

While there’s no need to wear formal attire, it’s best to dress casually and appropriately for the weather.

The tour includes entrance tickets and transportation, so participants don’t need to worry about those logistics.

They can expect to learn about the arrests of the Rivonia trialists and the pivotal role Soweto played in the anti-apartheid movement.

The tour provides a rundown of Johannesburg’s history, from the Liliesleaf safe house to the renowned Constitutional Hill.

With a small group size and live guides, participants can engage in an immersive and informative experience.

Arrests of Rivonia Trialists

During the Johannesburg and Soweto tour, participants can learn about the pivotal arrests of the Rivonia trialists, a group of anti-apartheid activists who were put on trial in 1963-1964.

The trialists, including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Ahmed Kathrada, were arrested at a secret meeting place called Liliesleaf Farm. Their arrests were a significant blow to the anti-apartheid movement, but their trial and subsequent imprisonment brought global attention to the struggle against apartheid.

Participants will learn:

• The role of Liliesleaf Farm as a safe house for the trialists
• The charges and sentences handed down to the Rivonia trialists
• How the trial galvanized international support for the anti-apartheid cause
• The long-term impact of the Rivonia trial on the liberation movement

Booking and Flexibility Options

The tour booking process offers flexible options to accommodate travelers’ needs.

Participants can reserve their spot without immediate payment through the "Reserve now & pay later" policy. This allows them to secure their place on the tour and make the full payment at a later time.

Plus, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring travelers can adjust their plans without incurring additional costs.

These flexible booking arrangements cater to the diverse needs and preferences of visitors, making the Johannesburg and Soweto tour more accessible and convenient for a wide range of travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a small group size, limited to 6 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience and allows the guide to provide more attention to each guest during the tour.

Are Any Meals or Refreshments Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not include any meals or refreshments. Participants are responsible for their own food and drinks during the duration of the tour. However, the tour price covers all entrance fees and transportation.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour is suitable for families, as it offers an educational and engaging experience for both adults and children. The small group size and live tour guide provide a personalized and interactive exploration of the historical sites.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Interests?

The tour can be customized to suit individual interests. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator and request modifications to the itinerary or focus areas that align with their specific interests and needs.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Yes, the tour company offers discounts for seniors and students. Specifically, there’s a 10% discount for seniors and a 5% discount for students upon presentation of valid ID cards.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Johannesburg, Soweto & Liliesleaf House tour offers a comprehensive exploration of South Africa’s history and the fight against apartheid. Participants can expect to visit significant sites, learn about the legacy of Nelson Mandela, and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s pivotal events. With flexible booking options and live guides, this small-group tour provides an immersive and informative experience for those interested in South Africa’s rich cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: