Private tour in Johannesburg Lesley O
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Lesley O.
4.9
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297
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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.
Situated on a ridge with a beautiful waterfall tumbling down the cliffs, these gardens offer a setting of tranquility in this bustling city. Pathways meander through the formal gardens showcasing some of our most intriguing plants, through a geological garden displaying rocks from 3600 million years ago through to modern formations, and along the river through a tranquil forest. Bird life abounds, and there is a hide overlooking a small dam along the way. Johannesburg exists because of Gold. It is a city of contrasts -brash, loud, but with a softer side. We trace it's history through the first European settlers, the discovery of gold, the Second Anglo-Boer War, the Rebellion and up to modern times. Pass an inner-city protected area with iron-age sites. See where a Boer War general died, thus resulting in a coup being averted to 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.
- We spend the morning in the Gardens. - 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 then old Chinatown - 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
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.
I use a Volkswagen Microbus seating 7 passengers, 5 excluding the middle seats, with airconditioning.
O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park, South Africa
I will collect you at the airport or your place of accommodation - please stipulate in full.
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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