About This Tour
Experience the dynamic energy of South Africa’s largest city and the untamed beauty of the African bush on this immersive 5-day Johannesburg tour. This all-inclusive package offers the perfect introduction to the Rainbow Nation, blending the poignant history of Soweto with the breathtaking wildlife of Pilanesberg National Park. With South African visa support, flights, and private transfers arranged, explore the landmarks of the anti-apartheid movement, journey into Big Five territory, and discover the vibrant culture of Joburg—all with complete peace of mind. Enjoy expertly guided tours to iconic sites and a full free day to explore Johannesburg’s thriving arts scene, shopping, and culinary delights at your own pace.
Trip Highlights
- Soweto & Apartheid History
- Big Five Safari Adventure
- Open Vehicle Game Drive
- Cultural Immersion
- Seamless South African Escape
Itinerary
Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) . After clearing immigration with your pre-arranged South African visa, meet your driver for a private transfer to your centrally located 3-star hotel. Settle in and perhaps take an evening stroll to get your first taste of this vibrant, sprawling metropolis.
Discover the rich and complex history of South Africa on this comprehensive guided tour . Your expert local guide will take you to:
- Soweto (South Western Township): Journey into the iconic township that played a pivotal role in the fight against apartheid . Walk down Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners—Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu .
- Mandela House Museum: View the former home of Nelson Mandela (exterior visit or optional entry), now a museum dedicated to the life of the beloved Madiba .
- Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum: Pay respects at the memorial dedicated to the 12-year-old boy who became a symbol of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, a turning point in the anti-apartheid movement .
- Orlando Towers: See the iconic twin cooling towers of Orlando Power Station, now a landmark for bungee jumping and urban art .
- Regina Mundi Church: Visit the "people's cathedral," a historic church that served as a sanctuary for anti-apartheid activists and still bears bullet holes from police raids .
- FNB Stadium (Soccer City): Drive past the stadium that hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup .
- Johannesburg City Centre: Pass by landmarks such as the Constitution Hill (former prison turned constitutional court), Chancellor House (Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo's law offices), and Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown
A full day to discover South Africa's economic capital on your terms. Options include:
- Maboneng Precinct: Explore Johannesburg's trendiest neighborhood, a revitalized arts district with galleries, boutiques, street art, and rooftop bars.
- Apartheid Museum: Visit this world-class museum for a deeply moving and comprehensive look at the rise and fall of apartheid (allow 3-4 hours) .
- Constitution Hill: Tour the former prison complex that held Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, now home to South Africa's Constitutional Court .
- Sandton City: Shop at Africa's premier shopping destination, or visit Nelson Mandela Square with its towering statue of Madiba.
- Cradle of Humankind: Take a day trip (approx. 1 hour from Joburg) to this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to some of the world's oldest hominid fossils.
- Gold Reef City: Visit this theme park built around a working gold mine, with thrilling rides, historical exhibits, and underground mine tours.
Journey into the African bush on this unforgettable full-day safari adventure :
- Scenic Drive: Travel approximately 2.5 hours from Johannesburg to the Pilanesberg National Park, a malaria-free reserve set in an ancient volcanic crater .
- Open Vehicle Safari: Transfer to a specialized open-sided safari vehicle for an immersive 3-6 hour game drive . Your qualified ranger will guide you through diverse habitats, increasing your chances of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and over 360 bird species .
- Lunch Break: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant within the park, often with breathtaking views of the landscape (included in tour options) .
- Afternoon Game Drive: Continue your wildlife search during the cooler afternoon hours when animals are most active .
- Return to Johannesburg: After an exhilarating day in the wild, relax on the drive back to your hotel.
Enjoy a final South African breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you may have an opportunity for some last-minute souvenir shopping (perhaps a Springbok jersey or handmade beads) before your private transfer takes you back to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your journey home.
Included/Exclude
- Return economy flights from Islamabad to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) .
- 4 nights' accommodation in a 3-star Johannesburg hotel (central location) with daily breakfast.
- Private air-conditioned airport transfers on arrival and departure.
- All guided tours as per itinerary:
- Johannesburg & Soweto Tour (approx. 8 hours) with entry to Hector Pieterson Museum .
- Full-Day Pilanesberg National Park Safari (approx. 12 hours) with open vehicle game drive .
- South African tourist visa support, consultation, and appointment facilitation.*
- 24/7 ground assistance during your stay.
The Cost Excludes
- South African Visa Application Fees (approx. Rs. 3,700 embassy fee + $50 USD appointment fee) payable directly .
- Lunches and dinners (except as specified in tour inclusions).
- Mandatory Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if traveling from or transiting through endemic countries (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia) .
- Conservation fees at Pilanesberg National Park (approx. R500 per person, payable on arrival) .
- Optional activities (e.g., entry inside Mandela House Museum).
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and additional refreshments.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Gratuities for guides and drivers.
Tour Plan
Pakistani citizens require a visa to enter South Africa; there is no visa-on-arrival option . We provide comprehensive support including document preparation, application assistance, and appointment booking at Gerry’s Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore . The total visa cost is approximately Rs. 3,700 (embassy fee) + $50 USD (appointment fee) payable directly . Processing typically takes 10-15 working days . A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you have traveled to or transited through an endemic country (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia) within the past 6 months .
This full-day guided tour (approximately 8 hours) typically includes :
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Entry fee to the Hector Pieterson Museum .
- Visits to Vilakazi Street, Mandela House (exterior), Orlando Towers, Regina Mundi Church, and FNB Stadium .
- Drive through Johannesburg city center landmarks.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
Note: Entry inside Mandela House Museum is usually an optional extra cost
This full-day safari (approximately 12 hours) typically includes :
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (early morning, approx. 5:30 AM) .
- Transport to Pilanesberg National Park (approx. 2.5 hours each way) .
- Open vehicle game drive with qualified ranger (3-6 hours) .
- Lunch at a restaurant within the park .
- Bottled water .
Note: Conservation fees (approx. R500 per person) are typically NOT included and must be paid on arrival at the park . Alcoholic beverages are also not included .