The Full Day Johannesburg, Soweto & Liliesleaf House tour offers a unique opportunity to explore South Africa’s rich anti-apartheid history. Priced at £58.81 per person, this 4-hour experience takes visitors on an immersive journey through the struggle for freedom, from the historic Liliesleaf House to the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Soweto. Guided by knowledgeable experts, the tour provides a fascinating insight into the lives and legacies of key figures like Nelson Mandela, culminating at the significant site of Constitutional Hill. With an intimate group setting, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to understand the complexities of South Africa’s past.
Good To Know
- This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Johannesburg’s anti-apartheid legacy, including visits to Liliesleaf House, Soweto, and Constitutional Hill.
- The tour provides insight into the historical significance of Liliesleaf House, which served as a safe house for the ANC and the headquarters of uMkhonto we Sizwe.
- Visitors can explore Soweto’s role in the anti-apartheid movement, including the Mandela House and Hector Pieterson Memorial, and gain an understanding of Nelson Mandela’s arrest and imprisonment.
- The tour concludes at Constitutional Hill, a former prison complex that housed political dissidents, offering a deeper understanding of South Africa’s prison history.
- The tour is priced at £58.81 per person, lasts 4 hours, and has a maximum group size of 6 participants, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The full day Johannesburg and Soweto tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical and cultural highlights.
Priced at £58.81 per person, the 4-hour tour limits group size to 6 participants, providing an intimate and personalized experience.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance ensures flexibility, while the "reserve now, pay later" option allows travelers to secure their spot without an upfront payment.
Covering key sites like Liliesleaf House, once a safe haven for the ANC, and Soweto, the tour immerses guests in Johannesburg’s rich anti-apartheid legacy.
With a live English and French-speaking guide, the tour provides an insightful and engaging journey through the city’s captivating history.
Historical Significance of Liliesleaf House
Liliesleaf Farm’s historical significance lies in its role as a safe house for the African National Congress (ANC) during the 1960s.
The farm was purchased in 1961 by Arthur Goldreich and Harold Wolpe with funds from the South African Communist Party. It served as the headquarters for uMkhonto we Sizwe, the ANC’s armed wing.
Nelson Mandela lived there under the alias David Motsamayi, and other notable figures like Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, and Joe Slovo met at the farm.
The raid on Liliesleaf in 1963 led to the arrest of these anti-apartheid leaders, known as the Rivonia trialists, and marked a significant setback in the struggle against apartheid.
Soweto and Mandela’s Legacy
Soweto township has a rich history closely tied to the anti-apartheid movement. This dynamic neighborhood was the site of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, a pivotal event that galvanized global opposition to apartheid.
The tour visits Mandela House, the former residence of Nelson Mandela, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, which commemorates a young student killed during the uprising. Participants will learn about Mandela’s legacy and his arrest in 1962 on charges unrelated to his activities at the Liliesleaf safe house.
Soweto’s vibrant culture and its enduring role in the struggle for freedom make it a must-see destination for anyone seeking to understand South Africa’s history.
Constitutional Hill and Prison History
Housed at Constitutional Hill were non-white male prisoners, with the Old Fort Prison complex, known as Number Four, originally built for white male prisoners in 1892.
This historic site was later extended to include native cells and a women’s section by 1907. The complex became infamous for housing political dissidents, including Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
Some key facts about Constitutional Hill and its prison history:
- Originally established in 1892 to house white male prisoners.
- Expanded in 1907 to include native cells and a women’s section.
- Notorious for imprisoning political activists, including Gandhi and Mandela.
- Closed in 1983 and became known as the "Robben Island of Johannesburg."
Tour Itinerary and Highlights
The tour begins with a visit to the historic Liliesleaf Farm, once a secret hideout for anti-apartheid activists.
Here, guests learn about the role the farm played as the headquarters of the armed wing of the ANC.
Next, the tour moves to Soweto, the iconic township with deep roots in the struggle against apartheid.
Visitors explore Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Museum, gaining insights into the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.
The tour concludes at Constitutional Hill, a former prison complex that housed political dissidents.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of Johannesburg’s pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement.
What to Expect on the Tour
After exploring Liliesleaf Farm and learning about its historical significance, the tour heads to Soweto, where visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
The experience includes:
- A visit to the Mandela House Museum, where Mandela lived for nearly two decades.
- A stop at the Hector Pieterson Memorial, commemorating the student uprising of 1976.
- An opportunity to explore the vibrant local culture, with a chance to interact with the community.
- Insights from the knowledgeable tour guide, who’ll share stories and anecdotes that bring the history to life.
The tour also includes a visit to Constitutional Hill, where participants can learn about the prison’s role in South Africa’s struggle for democracy.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
To book the Full Day Johannesburg and Soweto Tour, visitors can reserve their spot conveniently online and pay nothing today.
The tour is offered at £58.81 per person and lasts 4 hours. It’s a small group experience, limited to 6 participants, which provides a more personalized and immersive tour.
Visitors can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving them flexibility.
The tour includes pickup, all entrance tickets, transportation, and a live guide; however, food and drinks aren’t included.
This tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore the historical significance of Johannesburg and Soweto while learning about the anti-apartheid movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour. However, visitors should be respectful and follow any instructions from the guide regarding photography, particularly in sensitive areas.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. Participants with mobility limitations can fully participate, as the tour includes transportation and accessibility accommodations at the historical sites. However, some areas may have limited accessibility.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour has no minimum age requirement. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should ensure their children can handle the 4-hour duration and walking involved.
Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Items During the Tour?
The tour includes entrance fees and transportation, but participants can purchase additional souvenirs or items at their own discretion during the tour. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements That Can Be Accommodated?
The tour does not include any meals or provisions. However, the operator can accommodate special dietary requirements if participants inform them in advance. Participants are responsible for any additional food or drink purchases during the tour.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
The Sum Up
The Full Day Johannesburg, Soweto & Liliesleaf House tour offers a comprehensive exploration of South Africa’s anti-apartheid history. Visitors can enjoy the country’s struggle for freedom, visiting significant sites like Liliesleaf House, Mandela House, and Constitutional Hill. Led by knowledgeable experts, this intimate group tour provides valuable insights into a pivotal period in South African history, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the fight against injustice.