Private tour in Johannesburg Lesley O

Johannesburg - Explore this young city, full of surprises and a rich history in a day with a private guide from Johannesburg

5.0

(27) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 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 8 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

Johannesburg exists because of Gold. It is a city of contrasts -brash, loud, but with a softer side. We trace it's history from the Iron Age, through the first European settlers, the discovery of gold, the Second Anglo-Boer War, the Rebellion and up to modern times. Admire the oldest house still standing in the city, and the impact its owner had on Johannesburg. Pass an inner-city protected area with iron-age sites. See where a Boer War general died, thus resulting in a coup being averted. Inspect the site of the discovery of the Main Reef. Drive into town for a look at several historical sites and buildings, including Hollard Street, the financial heart of the city. Visit a historic mine stope, and go to the top of the tallest building in the city for a bird's eye view. Travel up through Hillbrow, and see some of the Rand Lord mansions and the architecture of Sir Herbert Baker. Stop off at city museums of your choice. This tour offers variety and can be amended to cater to specific interests.

Recent Reviews

Kent R.United States
February 2025

An absolutely perfect day tour. Leslie picked me up at the airport at 830 am and dropped me at my hotel at 530pm. Between those hours she gave me a tour of Johannesburg but not just a physical tour...she brought both the City and the Country to life. She provided deep historical context, her very real time and deep personal view and and a clear love of the country, blemished or not. Wonderful day with a bright interactive and very worldly guide.

Ann Marie K.United States
March 2024

Lesley gave me a fabulous tour of Johannesburg and the surrounding areas. She is passionate about this city and her country. I had a day layover and this was a perfect opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Johannesburg. Lesley gave me an overview of the culture, politics, history, the arts, you name it, she knew it and shared it. She is a good, safe driver. She provided a picnic lunch with biltong, chips, fruit, beverages etc. We went to a couple of museums. Lesley is the best guide

Frank S.United States
January 2024

Excellent tour by a knowledgeable guide. She knows her history. It was a pleasure taking this tour. She accommodated us for a late afternoon evening tour. I highly recommend it.

Bonnie G.United States
November 2023

This tour was a 5 star plus! Leslie is a font of knowledge and shares it beautifully linking history, anthropology, politics, etc. to bring her hometown to life. We feel like we got an excellent overview of Jotown—the good, the bad, and the ugly—in a full but fulfilling day.

Cornel J.Switzerland
January 2023

Lesley gave us a perfectly tailored tour of Johannesburg. We were impressed how she interlinked her immense knowledge of history, politics, geology, antropology, economy, society and daily topics. We can highly recommend Leslie to everybody who wants to experience a special day in Joburg!

Mark L.United Kingdom
July 2022

Really fascinating tour with lots of history and opportunities to see all sides of Johannesburg by a very informative and friendly guide. Highly recommended.

Your Johannesburg tour itinerary

Please Note: I customize this tour to suit your time frame and requirements. Please ask for more details. - We drive through the suburbs to Emmarentia, discussing early Johannesburg, the Anglo-Boer war and the origins of the dam and surrounding suburbs. - We drive past the Nature Reserve and over the ridge to Melville, then pass the site of General de Wet's death to the Discoverer's Claim. - We stop in Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown discussing the history of the area with an optional visit to MuseumAfrica - We drive by the Street Art and the old Railway Station - we can stop. - Chancellor House is next with an optional stop at the small outdoor museum - We drive down Diagonal street and take a route past the Library - We stop at Hollard street with a walk through Main Street Mining Mall precinct - We pass City Hall, the High Court and Carlton Centre - Maboneng Precinct where you can browse or drive The Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill or Origins Centre are possible depending on interest and time

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

I use a Volkswagen Microbus seating 7 passengers, 5 excluding the middle seats, with airconditioning.

What's included
Other: Private transport, refreshments such as soft drinks and snacks in the vehicle. All entries fee, guide fee.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: All site entries
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. The cost for lunch if you choose to stop at a restaurant.
Meeting location

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Can be stipulated by client

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Layover
City Highlights
History
Tour reference number
15344
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

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 vibrant culture with a knowledgeable local guide. It's ideal for those interested in the impact of gold on the city's development, historical sites, and museums. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and involves minimal walking.

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 8 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 8 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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