Top Johannesburg Volunteer Tours

Visiting South Africa's most famous township can be tricky to do independently. But this half-day tour of Soweto lets you explore with a guide who was born and raised there. You'll hear personal insights into the culture of the township and learn about Soweto's vibrant modern personality. A portion of proceeds are donated to the Local Care Centre.

Instead of spreading your sightseeing over several days, this tour helps you save time by ticking off multiple Johannesburg and Soweto landmarks in a day—including Constitution Hill, the Maboneng Precinct, Mandela House, and Orlando Towers. No need to worry about sharing the trip with other travelers, as you’ll have a private driver for just your group.

Visit the Lion Park outside of Johannesburg without the hassle of renting a car. This tour includes round-trip transportation from your Johannesburg hotel and admission to the Lion Park, where you can explore at your leisure to see more than 85 lions, including the rare white lion, and other animals such as wild dogs, hyenas, and cheetahs. Take a 2-hour safari drive to see the animals.

See the highlights of Soweto in half a day with this whistle-stop itinerary of its most interesting sights. Ride with ease between dispersed sites in an air-conditioned vehicle and understand more about local life through invaluable commentary. Notable sights along the way include the FNB Stadium, Mandela House, and the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial.

The Pilanesberg National Park is home to Africa’s Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. On this full-day tour, increase your chance of wildlife sightings with two guided game drives in an open safari vehicle, tuck into a delicious lunch looking out over a popular waterhole, and perhaps spot giraffe, hippos, zebras, and antelope in their natural environment.

Immerse yourself in Johannesburg’s dynamic street art scene by exploring the downtown neighborhood of Maboneng with a guide. This trendy area is known for its murals, art, and diverse galleries—but it can be hard to know the personal stories and inspiration behind the art without insider knowledge. During the tour, see a variety of artwork and find out inspirational local stories, such as how street art is changing perspectives in local community groups.

Johannesburg's reputation can make it intimidating for independent travel. Get a feel for South Africa's biggest and richest city in safety and security on this guided walking tour. See Chancellor House, where Nelson Mandela and Olive Tambo founded South Africa's first Black-owned law firm; admire heritage buildings on historic Main Street; soak up city views from the Top of Africa; and enjoy a braai (barbecue) lunch—with plant-based options too.

Explore the beautiful landscape near Muldersdrift on horseback with this small-group guided trail ride. The ride is suitable for riders of all abilities, including beginners and advanced riders. Led by an experienced guide, ride through nearby farms and stop on the way to admire views of Johannesburg, the Magaliesberg, and Cradle of Humankind nearby.

Combine a comprehensive tour of Johannesburg with an educational visit to Soweto Township in a single tour. This half-day excursion allows you to check many of the must-see area landmarks off your list, including the Hector Pieterson Museum, the Apartheid Museum, and Constitution Hill. Along the way, you'll enjoy insightful commentary from your guide.

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Africa’s Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele tribes during a visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village. Learn about the everyday life and customs of the different tribes as you explore the village, experience a fun tribal drumming and dance performance, then tuck into a delicious feast of traditional African cuisine.

Combine visits to the Lesedi Cultural Village and the Lion Park on a single tour from Johannesburg. With round-trip transportation from your hotel in Johannesburg, the 45-minute drive flies by while you watch the scenery. Immerse yourself in the history of tribal South Africa at the Lesedi Cultural Village, learning about the country's five main tribes. After a buffet lunch, transfer to the Lion Park for a drive through enclosures inhabited by cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, and lions.