A red bus tour of Joburg is well worth doing — even if you already live there

Sometimes the most unlikely adventures are on your doorstep, disguised as “tourist attractions” or viewed as something you wouldn't mind doing — in another country. But have you ever stood on the “Roof of Africa” viewing deck at the Carlton Centre or admired the flame of democracy that constantly burns at constitution Hill? These are just two of several experiences offered by Joburg's City Sightseeing bus.

As is the case with most tourism operators, 2020 was a hard year for the company. In September, the red buses resumed with a ride-along-only policy, offering guests the chance to enjoy a two-hour narrated trip through the urban jungle.

The usual hop-on-hop-off tours resumed in December but are running only on Saturdays for now, though they have added a few extra days in March and April.

Tours start from the City Sightseeing office at The Zone in Rosebank, from which you will be led to the bus. Sightseers then embark on one of two loops: the green route, which winds through Joburg's leafy suburbs; or the red route, which stretches from constitution Hill through the gritty inner city.

Even if you've lived in Joburg your whole life, you are likely learn something interesting with stops at more than 20 top attractions and narrators that touch on the entire history of the city, from its inception to the so-called melting pot that it is today.

For an additional fee, you can opt for a two-hour Soweto tour extension, which passes the colourful Orlando Towers, the FNB Stadium, the Hector Pietersen Memorial and the famous Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world in which two Nobel Prize winners have lived.

Health and safety procedures are in place on all buses. There is a strict no-mask, no-entry rule and social-distancing measures have been implemented at all kiosks and on all buses.

GO ON

City Sightseeing currently has a range of special offers. The one-day tour is now R149 per adult, R100 per child and R390 for a family of two adults and two children aged 4-17. Adding the Soweto extension makes it R459 per adult, R280 per child and R840 for a family of four. The ticket excludes entry to the attractions. Find the full list of options and available dates at citysightseeing.co.za.