Private tour in Johannesburg Lesley O

Johannesburg - A 'Flying Tour' Exploring this city and its History in a few hours from Johannesburg

4.8

(24) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Lesley O.

4.9

Guide rating

303

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

Avg. response time

I love my country passionately and have always had a deep-seated interest in all it holds, especially its history and wildlife. South Africa is blessed with the most incredible variety and richness of landscape, flora, fauna and people. There is nothing I enjoy more than showing this bounty to visitors and giving my guests an insight into my world. I enjoy one-on-one communication, discussing points of interest raised by the guests. I always customize the itinerary to suit special interests, and am quite happy to change things to suit during the tour, provided no pre-bookings have been made. My special interest is wildlife, and therefore I have trained as a field guide as well as a tour guide. This allows me to add depth to any tour, but especially the Nature tours. I strive to deliver a quality, personal touring experience. No matter whether historical, cultural or natural, the journey is both unique and unforgettable. I have lived in South Africa most of my life, and have been resident in the Gauteng area for 50 years. I have a passion for history and the natural world and enjoy sharing my knowledge with others. I have a personal interest in ornithology (that's birds!) and trips to suit those with a special interest in birds and birding can be arranged with the greatest of pleasure. I believe that every place has a story. As a guide, I strive to tell such stories in an interesting and informative way. Visiting the setting around which the story evolved brings a feeling of reality to the events. Whether visiting a museum or exploring a game reserve, on a day trip or on a long journey to the lesser-known parts of the country, I plan my routes through interesting areas imparting as much local knowledge as possible along the way. Many visitors want to see where and how local people live, so I take the back routes rather than flying past on the highways. Wherever possible, I vary my return route so as to enjoy as much of this beautiful country as possible. I do not have set itineraries. I tailor each tour to suit the client - from the food to the route, the places and the people. The museum may be the same, but the route we take and what we see along the way will be planned according to the client's interests ensuring a unique, personal experience. Registered South African Tourist Guide for Gauteng, North-West and Mpumalanga provinces. Field Guide registered with Field Guide Association of South Africa. Field Guides are essentially Game Rangers, proficient to take tourists through Nature and Game Reserves.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lesley O.

Overview of your Johannesburg tour

Why is Johannesburg situated where it is? No water, rocky hills - its an odd place for a thriving city. This tour looks at its colourful history and its development from a gold mining camp to the financial powerhouse of Africa. We travel through the suburbs, rich and poor, old and new, following the stories of this city. The story of a farmer with compassion, and the legacy he left this city, and a nature reserve protecting sites more than 800 years old, and the stories they have told. We look at the mine shaft that started it all and visits the financial heart of the city. We can go to the top of the Carlton for a bird's-eye view of the city and its many landmarks. Mary Fitzgerald Square, with MuseumAfrica, the Workers Museum and Library is visited. From ancient to modern, Johannesburg has it all.

Recent Reviews

Olga G.United States
November 2025

I knew I would have a few free hours in the afternoon, and was glad to find this tour that could be customized for however many hours you have around your flights. I saw Joburg full of blooming jacarandas - beautiful! We visited many areas of this vast city and I learned a lot about the history of the country and the city. Lesley is very knowledgeable and personable, the best guide I could wish for. Joburg has so much to offer to a curious traveler, so much culture and its own charm. I can only hope to be back soon!

Robyn C.United States
July 2025

Lesley was extremely knowledgeable about Johannesburg's history and was able to deliver a lot of information to us in a thoughtful and well presented way while also driving and pointing out areas of interest as well as current political shortcomings all the while. Our tour was curtailed and therefore adjusted due to our flight arriving late, but she was very accommodating and flexible given our circumstances and made the most of our short time together (which we really appreciated!)

Howard F.United States
April 2025

Lesley was just terrific. Her breath of knowledge is really amazing, everything from geology to politics, etc. She was very flexible and extremely kind. Highly recommend.

Sarah R.United Kingdom
November 2023

A great way to spend a 6 hour layover in a city we had not seen before. Lindsay was really informative, very friendly and accommodating. We will be making a similar layover in Johannesburg nest year and will be employing her services again! Can't recommend highly enough

Darrell S.United States
August 2019

If you have time to kill for 1/2 day and want a tour for the city of Johannesburg, Leslie will take you for a ride to different parts of the city giving a lot of information on the history and geology. She does not go to Soweto on the 1/2 day tour but other guides might.

Vincent F.United States
July 2019

Tour with Lesley O.- Johannesburg "Flying Tour" This tour should be an essential first step for anyone visiting the area, especially if (like us) you only have a day or two before flying out. She is extremely knowledgeable, and expert at weaving history and background into what you're seeing. Terrific. Vince F.

Your Johannesburg tour itinerary

-We drive through the suburbs discussing the history of the city, from the forces that formed the land, to the people that moulded it to their needs. - We pass a dam built by hand in order to earn a future, the oldest house in Johannesburg, Melville and on to the site of the first gold strike at George Harrison Park. - Into the city to Mary Fitzgerald Square and MuseumAfrica in Newtown - Past Chancellor House and the small outdoor museum - Down Diagonal street to the Main Street Mining Mall. - Past City Hall and through the old shopping district to the Carlton Centre. This itinerary is flexible, and I can change it on the day depending on your interests. If time allows, a visit to a museum of your choice can be fitted in.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minibus

Air-conditioned comfort for 7 passengers, 5 excluding middle seats in a VW Microbus.

What's included
Other: Light snacks, soft drinks, tea and coffee are available in the car.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: All site entries
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. If you would like to stop for lunch, the cost will be to your account.
Meeting location

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

To be specified when booking

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Layover
Tour reference number
21791
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

4.8

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Johannesburg best suited for?

This private tour in Johannesburg is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's rich history and development in a short amount of time. It's ideal for those interested in understanding how Johannesburg evolved from a gold mining camp to a modern financial powerhouse. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly, and for those who prefer minimal physical activity.

Can this private tour in Johannesburg be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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