At the Apartheid Museum, South Africa’s history unfolds from the rise to the fall of apartheid. The permanent exhibition traces the path from the dark days of oppression to a place of healing founded on democratic principles. In City Of Johannesburg, history is not limited to a single topic: different museums and memorial sites focus on a range of subjects—from political change to art, culture, and military history.
History from different perspectives
Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is also home to the Constitutional Court of South Africa. Visitors interested in the relationship between history and democratic institutions can encounter both subjects at this landmark. The Origins Centre looks further back: its interactive exhibitions explore the origins of humanity in Africa and trace the development of technology, art, culture, and symbolism through to the diverse rock art traditions of southern Africa.
Other museums have markedly different focuses. Museum Africa explores South Africa’s social, political, and cultural development. The SA National Museum of Military History is an educational and historical centre with an extensive collection of artefacts, weapons, uniforms, medals, and archival records relating to the country’s military history. The subjects range from social development to military heritage; choose according to the questions you would like to explore on your trip.
In Orlando West, Soweto, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum commemorates the schoolchildren who took part in the 1976 Soweto Uprising. The site gives a specific historical event a place of its own. Soweto’s history is also reflected in other ways: Soweto Country Club was founded in 1974 as the first golf club in Soweto. A Soweto Bicycle & Tuk Tuk Tour takes you through culturally distinctive parts of the township and offers insights into local communities, history, and culture. These perspectives range from commemorating a historical event to gaining insights into the township’s cultural life.
Green spaces and nature experiences
The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens cover 81 hectares, creating a large green space. Runners, picnickers, and dog owners make use of the grounds. The dam offers opportunities for canoeing and sailing; facilities belonging to a diving club are also located on the eastern shore. The garden is open from sunrise to sunset, and parking is available at several entrances. Access arrangements may change, so check the details before your visit.
A different landscape awaits at The Wilds Nature Reserve in Houghton, where indigenous vegetation stretches across rocky koppies over 16 hectares. If you would rather see a wide range of animal species than visit a nature reserve, Johannesburg Zoo in Parktown is home to more than 320 species and around 2,000 animals. The zoo covers 55 hectares and is open 364 days a year, including Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Easter. Check opening information before your visit if you are planning for a specific day.
Getting around on foot and using public transport
The Welcome Johannesburg Walking Tour lasts two hours and covers just over one kilometre. During the walk, you’ll gain historical context about Johannesburg. The stated distance and duration provide concrete points of reference when considering how a guided walk might fit into your plans; on their own, they say nothing about your personal walking pace.
For a different way to get around, the City Sightseeing Bus operates a hop-on hop-off tour through Johannesburg and Soweto. Rea Vaya connects central Johannesburg and Braamfontein with Soweto. These options serve different purposes: the tour lets you get on and off at stops, while the Rea Vaya route mentioned connects the city districts with Soweto. Bus routes and stops, as well as Rea Vaya timetables, may change, so check them in advance.
Explore more destinations: Roodepoort, Johannesburg, Sandton, Lanseria, Randburg, Midrand, Alexandra, Lenasia, Soweto, Pimville, Lethabong.
For the broader travel overview: Gauteng.
