Explore Johannesburg from a new angle with Hugh! Hugh was born in Johannesburg and has lived most of his life there. He trained as an architect and has travelled to 108 countries to photograph the built environment. Over time his interest has extended to landscape and wildlife as well. In 2023 he drove 10,000km to Rwanda and back through ten African countries. His passion remains the stories of Johannesburg which is easily the most interesting city in the region. The city is the site of the richest seam (now depleted) of gold ever mined in the history of humankind. With that came wealth, power, politics, intrigue and fabulous stories. This is what he likes to share.
With Hugh, you can explore on foot or by car; take in the sights, sounds and smells – and let Africa sink into your soul. A vehicle covers more ground than a walking tour, so you might like to travel anywhere from Sandton to Soweto and fit in lots of history, culture, street art, food, and shopping as you go. See our Rates page for prices, and click ‘more’ for ideas of general themes to help you plan your day.
Themes include:
| Theme | Theme 1 |
|---|---|
Soweto | Focus on Art |
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| The Soweto tour includes a bit of everything. In the area of Vilakazi Street, you’ll visit Mandela House & the Hector Pieterson Memorial. But you might also visit the Orlando Towers, Regina Mundi church, the Soweto Theatre – or head to the Bara taxi rank, Bara market and the workers’ hostels for a taste of a day in the life of a Sowetan. | Finally Johannesburg is being recognised for its vibrant and varied art scene. We will curate your tour depending on your interest in galleries, artist studios, auction houses, institutional art, public sculpture, street art, graffiti and shopping for any specific items; and we can assure you a diverse and fascinating experience! |
Apartheid and Genocide | Footsteps of Mandela |
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| Constitution Hill is a heritage site that combines the oppression of South Africa’s past together with our hopes for the future. Visit the Old Fort, the former prisons and the Constitutional Court building – as well as the court chamber and a selection of artworks in the court’s collection. | Even though Nelson Mandela was born in the Eastern Cape, he spent much of his life in Johannesburg both before and after his 27 years in prison. A visit can be made to his various homes, offices and his prison cell, as well as some of the places named after him. |
Braamfontein Walk | Footsteps of Ghandi |
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Braamfontein is home to galleries and an art museum, public art and graffiti, a beautiful church, the Nelson Mandela Bridge and numerous coffee shops. The Playground (formerly Neighbourgoods) is open every Saturday from 10am, but other days are great to visit too. | Spend some time tracing Mahatma Gandhi’s time in Johannesburg with the option of a visit to Satyagraha House, No 4 prison on Constitution Hill, Gandhi’s home on Albermarle Street in Kensington, and Gandhi Square where spent time as an attorney at the former law courts & offices there. |
