Private tour in Johannesburg Lesley O

Johannesburg and Soweto - The history of the city to the modern events in Soweto with a private guide.

5.0

(31) reviews

-
Hours icon 9 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 9 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

This is a city of contrasts - modern, brash, a melting pot of different cultures and people, and yet very young. From the earliest Iron Age peoples to the financial powerhouse of Africa - this city has seen it all. Why is this city here? No water, on rocky slopes - an unlikely setting. Growing from farmland to a city of over 120, 000 in 4 short years, weathering wars, foiling a coup, violent strike action resulting in armed insurrection to the final struggles against apartheid - it all happened here. Trace the softer sides of the city, such as the farmer who left a lasting legacy, the site of the gold strike that started it all. Admire the headgear and stamp mill in Hollard Street, and find out a bit about the characters that shaped this city with their eccentricity. We tour Soweto - site of the student uprising that caught the world's attention and lunch at the famous Wandies Place. We can visit a variety of museums such as MuseumAfrica and Mandela House, depending on interest.

Recent Reviews

Michael H.United States
September 2024

Leslie was the perfect tour guide for us. We had only a slight understanding of South Africa and its history, geography and politics. The eight hours we spent with her were enlightening and entertaining. We learned and saw so much. From the gold rush to the Boer Wars, the mining history and the Dutch and British colonial periods, the discussion of the Cradle of Mankind (with help from artifacts from the Museum Africa) and the Nelson Mandela history and stories, the day flew by. Combined with a wonderful local lunch, we felt we had as great a day as possible. Would highly recommend Leslie for any of her tours.

Michael H.United Kingdom
February 2024

Lesley was a very informative and friendly guide with a deep knowledge of history and Johannesburg. Loved her home baked muffins !

Katharine W.United States
August 2022

Lesley provided us with a wonderful tour, specifically tailored to our interests. We were amazed at her knowledge! She was a delightful guide, prompt, efficient, and made our one day in Johannesburg very special.

Daniel R.United States
April 2022

Lesley was a fabulous guide and driver and provided an incredible running commentary about the history and current situation in Johannesburg and Soweto. We would strongly recommend for anyone who wants a thorough introduction to these areas - but has little time. If we visit Johannesburg again we would definitely book another tour with Lesley O. She has a large vehicle so we arranged for her to drop us - and our luggage - off at the Johannesburg airport in time for our night flight home to the U.S.

Heidi H.United States
November 2019

Our day with Lesley in Jo"burg was great. She gave us a great overview of neighborhoods, of the founding as well as the more recent changes. We felt safe and educated by someone local, but she also understood where we were coming from, literally, so could explain and portray what makes this part of South African so special.

Charles (Dick) C.United States
November 2019

Lesley provided a perfect tour designed for us !!! provided refreshments also- Highly recommend , her knowledge of the area is purely outstanding !

Your Johannesburg tour itinerary

- We drive through the suburbs to Emmarentia, discussing the history then through Melville, past 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 - Lunch at Wandies Place - local food buffet, simple but good. - Hector Pieterson Memorial and Mandela House - Freedom Square - Past Baragwanath Hospital and Orlando Towers Museum visits are limited by time available, interest and open days. Please Enquire - the tour can be customised to suit interest.

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 VW Microbus setaing 7 passengers, 5 if not using the middle seats..

What's included
Other: Includes soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks in the car and a buffet lunch at Wandies Place.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: All site entries
Food Drinks Snacks
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Any purchases of a personal nature.
Meeting location

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: The airport or your place of accommodation

  • 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
22071
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 interested in exploring the rich history and modern culture of the city and Soweto. It's ideal for those who want to learn about the city's transformation from its early days to its role in recent historical events. 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 9 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 9 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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