Discover 11 Great Tours & Things To Do In Pretoria

Pretoria offers an unexpected variety of experiences that make it a great destination for sightseeing and activities. Whether you’re into exploring historical landmarks like the Union Buildings, indulging in wildlife safaris at Pilanesberg, or enjoying local culture at Lesedi Cultural Village, this city has a lot to offer.

One of our favorite offerings is the Johannesburg and Soweto tour, which provides a broad overview of South Africa’s complex history and vibrant communities—all in one day. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive introduction without the hassle of organizing multiple visits.

If wildlife is your priority, the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve safaris deliver a chance to spot the elusive Big Five with expert guides and hassle-free transport. Whatever your interests, Pretoria’s diverse tours promise memorable moments.

Quick Overview

In this guide, we cover a variety of excursions—from city tours like the Ultimate Johannesburg Tour ([])—which hits many top sights—to wildlife safaris like the Pilanesberg Game Reserve ([]) and cultural experiences such as the Lesedi Cultural Village ([]). For history buffs, visiting the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill is easy with guided tours.

Food lovers can enjoy tasting African cuisine in areas like Maboneng ([]), and adventure seekers can try safaris or cableway rides. Here’s a detailed look at each.

1. Johannesburg and Soweto tour

Rated 5.0/5 from 231 reviews, this private tour condenses Johannesburg and Soweto’s highlights into just 5 hours. It’s a well-balanced choice for those short on time who want the maximum experience. You’ll visit Constitution Hill, Mandela House, and the Orlando Towers, with a private driver ensuring no delays or crowded buses.

The tour includes Wi-Fi and bottled water, making it both convenient and comfortable. Guests love the knowledgeable guide Sello, who explains South Africa’s complex past with clarity and insight.

One reviewer praised the flexibility and depth of information, saying, “It was very interesting and informative.” This tour is ideal for history buffs, families, or first-time visitors eager to get a real feel for Johannesburg and Soweto in a single day.

Bottom Line: An excellent, personalized introduction to Johannesburg and Soweto’s key sites—perfect if you want depth without sacrificing comfort.

2. Soweto Half Day Tour

With a perfect 5.0 rating from 231 reviews, this 4-hour tour offers a quick but meaningful look at Soweto’s most important landmarks. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle between FNB Stadium, Mandela House, and the Hector Pieterson Museum.

The guide provides in-depth commentary about Nelson Mandela’s links to Soweto and the significance of the 1976 student uprising. Visitors appreciate how smoothly the small-group setup runs, capped at 10 people, which adds a personal touch.

One traveler shared, “Our guide Thabang was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions.” It’s a great option if you’re short on time but still want to understand Soweto’s resilience, culture, and history.

Bottom Line: A compelling half-day tour that covers Soweto’s most iconic sites with local insights—ideal for busy travelers.

3. Ultimate Johannesburg Tour

This all-encompassing tour, rated 5.0 from 200 reviews, spans around 7 to 9 hours. It’s a deep dive into Johannesburg’s story, blending history, culture, and scenic viewpoints. Top highlights include Nelson Mandela Square, Constitution Hill, and the Apartheid Museum.

The tour features private transportation, avoiding crowded buses, and includes stops at Braamfontein and the Top of Africa for panoramic city views.

One guest remarked, “Mo’s passion and knowledge made the long day very worthwhile,” emphasizing the guide’s engaging narration.

This tour suits travelers who want a thorough experience packed into one day—especially those eager to learn the city’s complex past and vibrant present.

Bottom Line: A comprehensive, well-organized day that appeals to history and culture lovers wanting to maximize their time in Johannesburg.

4. Johannesburg Full-Day Tour (Soweto/Jo-Burg & Apartheid Museum)

Rated 5.0, this 9-hour private tour takes you through Johannesburg’s landmarks at a relaxed pace. Your guide will escort you to Nelson Mandela’s House, the Apartheid Museum, and Freedom Square, plus a visit to Soweto. The itinerary includes visits to Constitution Hill and Tutu House—all with admission included.

The guide’s enthusiasm and local knowledge make the history come alive, and guests note how much they learn about South Africa’s past.

One reviewer said, “KG made our trip memorable with her insights and friendliness.” This tour is perfect for those who want an in-depth, flexible, and personal experience.

Bottom Line: Excellent for history aficionados who want a full, private day exploring Johannesburg and Soweto.

5. Johannesburg: Pretoria and Cullinan Diamond Mine Tour

Rated 4.7 from 138 reviews, this full-day tour combines Pretoria’s highlights with an exploration of the world-famous Cullinan Diamond Mine. You visit the Union Buildings, Paul Kruger House, and the Voortrekker Monument, then tour the Cullinan Diamond Mine to learn about the world’s most famous gemstone.

The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and the guide shares detailed information about the region’s history and diamond industry. Guests appreciate the combination of political history and gemstone lore.

One reviewer noted, “Great day seeing the sights and learning about the history of the area.” This tour is perfect for those interested in both political landmarks and gemstone mining.

Bottom Line: A balanced day for history and geology enthusiasts, offering a good value for a full exploration of Pretoria and Cullinan.

6. Soweto, Kliptown, Eldorado Park Tour

Rated 5.0/5 from 41 reviews, this 4-hour private tour emphasizes local life and history. Visiting Mandela’s childhood home and Walter Sisulu Square, you get a close look at Soweto’s roots. The guide shares insights into the Freedom Charter and the community’s resilience. Guests love the personalized experience and the opportunity to explore districts like Lenasia and Eldorado Park.

One reviewer summed it up: “Very informative and safe, with a local guide who answered all our questions.” It’s best for travelers who want a deeper, less touristy understanding of Soweto’s varied neighborhoods.

Bottom Line: An intimate tour ideal for those eager to connect with local communities and history.

7. Soweto and Apartheid Museum Guided Tour

Rated 5.0/5 from 38 reviews, this 6-hour guided experience offers a rundown of Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. The tour includes round-trip hotel transportation, making it easy to access major landmarks like Vilakazi Street, Nelson Mandela House, and Hector Pieterson Museum.

The guide’s engaging storytelling brings history to life, and reviews mention how moving and informative the experience is—especially the visit to the prison and the community. It’s suited for travelers who prefer a guided, all-inclusive day with deep historical context.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for those wanting a full, guided immersion into Soweto’s and Johannesburg’s history.

8. Pilanesberg Nature Reserve

Rated 5.0/5 from 36 reviews, this full-day safari is perfect for wildlife lovers eager to see the Big Five. The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, a lunch at the reserve, and game drives in open vehicles. Guests report that the guides are knowledgeable, and the landscape inside the eroded volcano caldera offers breathtaking vistas.

One reviewer noted, “We saw lions, elephants, and cheetahs—an unforgettable experience.” This tour is best suited for travelers with a day to spare and a keen interest in African wildlife but is less suitable for those on a tight schedule.

Bottom Line: A fantastic wildlife experience for anyone wanting to see Africa’s iconic animals in a malaria-free reserve.

9. Taste of Africa Food Tasting Experience

Rated 4.5 from 138 reviews, this 3-hour food tour takes you through Yeoville and Maboneng, exploring African cuisine and local flavors. You’ll sample dishes from various regions, guided by knowledgeable locals like Murnendeni. Reviewers highlight how the tour offers a delicious way to understand African culture through food.

It’s perfect for foodies or anyone wanting a relaxed, tasty introduction to authentic South African cuisine. The tour emphasizes diversity, with stops at art and graffiti-rich neighborhoods.

Bottom Line: A flavorful and cultural experience ideal for culinary travelers seeking authentic African dishes.

10. Half day safari from Johannesburg

Rated 5.0/5 from 33 reviews, this 6-hour safari to Dinokeng Game Reserve offers a quick escape into nature. You’ll join a small group for game drives searching for lions, giraffes, leopards, and rhinos. The tour includes hotel pickup, transport, and bottled water.

Guests praise the experience, especially the opportunity to see many animals close-up, with one reviewer saying, “It was a fantastic experience—highly recommend for wildlife lovers.” It’s great for travelers who want a safari experience but have limited time.

Bottom Line: A short, well-organized safari perfect for wildlife enthusiasts on a tight schedule.

11. Pretoria City and Diamond Mine Tour

Rated 5.0 from 32 reviews, this 8-hour tour explores Pretoria’s landmarks, including Union Buildings and Kruger Museum, plus the Cullinan Diamond Mine. The guide shares insights into South Africa’s political history and diamond industry. Guests appreciate the in-depth visit and informative commentary.

One reviewer called it, “An interesting tour with excellent guides,” emphasizing the mix of history and geology. It’s best suited for travelers fascinated by politics, gemstones, or mining.

Bottom Line: A full-day, educational experience combining history, culture, and geology—ideal for curious travelers.

How to Choose

Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and what kind of experience you’re after. If you want an in-depth city exploration, the Ultimate Johannesburg Tour offers a full immersion. For a deep dive into Soweto’s community and history, the Soweto and Apartheid Museum Guided Tour is excellent.

Wildlife lovers should consider the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve safaris, which promise Big Five sightings in a malaria-free setting.

Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Soweto Half Day Tour for its quick, impactful experience, while those interested in culture and food can opt for the Taste of Africa Food Tasting Experience, which combines culinary delights with cultural insights.

Consider factors like duration, interest in wildlife, or history when booking. Many tours include transportation and entrance fees, making them convenient options. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.

To sum it up, Pretoria’s array of tours and activities covers everything from historical landmarks and cultural experiences to wildlife safaris and food adventures. For an all-around experience, the Johannesburg and Soweto tour or the Full-Day Johannesburg Tour provide a deep understanding of South Africa’s past and present.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find the Pilanesberg safaris both exciting and fulfilling, while those craving authentic local flavors will enjoy tasting African cuisine in Maboneng or Yeoville. Whatever your preference, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable outings.