Private tour in Johannesburg Lesley O

Johannesburg Layover to the Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens with a private guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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 6 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

299

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 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

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. In addition, one of the very few pairs of Verreaux eagles in the world nesting in an urban environment are often seen. There is a hike leading up past the waterfall offering a wonderful view from the top of the ridge. The route back down wanders through the natural vegetation of the ridge to the gardens below. Fitness required, occasionally closed depending on weather.

Your Johannesburg tour itinerary

I fetch you from O R Tambo International or your hotel and we drive through the northern suburbs for a view of the city. At the Botanical Gardens, we walk and admire the plantings or sit near the river under the trees enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. There is a restaurant if wanted. The time spent depends on your available time. The Geological Hiking Trail is for the physically fit, and should be done as early as possible. We climb the path up past the waterfall. From vantage points on the way up and at the top we can see down into the eagles nest, and have wonderful views of the city, the Cradle of Humankind and the Magaliesberg mountains. Depending on the time available, we can either take the quick route back to the airport or take the slower route through the city centre. This will afford a quick view of Johannesburg before heading out to the airport. Routes and time spent are varied depending on time available and 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

I drive an air conditioned VW Microbus that can seat 7 in comfort.

What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: All site entries
Private Transportation
Other: Tea/Coffee, water, soft drinks and snacks in the vehicle
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Other: Any purchases of a personal nature. The purchase of any additional food or drink.
Meeting location

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Please stipulate flight details and time or hotel for pick up.

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Layover
Bird Watching
Hiking
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1428049
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Johannesburg best suited for?

This private tour in Johannesburg is perfect for travellers who have a layover or limited time and want to explore the natural beauty of the Witwatersrand National Botanical Gardens. It's also ideal for those interested in bird watching, as the gardens are home to a pair of Verreaux eagles. The tour is kid-friendly and offers a light activity level, making it suitable for families and those looking for a leisurely experience.

What should I bring or wear?

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 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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 6 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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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