By Jeff Vella
Discover Johannesburg from the Iconic Red Bus
The bright red double-decker Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus is hard to miss as it rolls through Johannesburg and its surrounds – linking the city’s business centre to its art zones, suburbs, and historical landmarks. Fun, flexible, and affordable, it’s one of the best ways to explore the city—especially for first-time visitors or those with a few hours to spare pre- or post-travel.
Johannesburg, also known as Joburg, Jozi or the City of Gold due to its gold-mining history, is South Africa’s most populous city. The many faces of this vibrant city would take days to explore – from small, local alleys full of colourful shops and markets, to sprawling urban neighbourhoods and sleek, modern skyscrapers. The raw, story-filled streets of Soweto are a highly recommended add-on. Regarded as the largest township in South Africa, Soweto will give you a heartfelt window into the people, traditions, challenges, and triumphs of South Africa.
How the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Works
The bus connects Johannesburg’s bustling business district to leafy suburbs, art districts, and historic landmarks. The main starting point is Rosebank, a lively area filled with cafes, malls, and markets. If you’re staying in nearby Sandton, selected hotels offer a complimentary shuttle to the Rosebank starting point.
Once onboard, plug in your headphones to enjoy the multi-language audio commentary, including a special channel for children. Stories range from the gold rush era to Johannesburg’s modern revival.
Suggested Tickets
1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off
Perfect for a relaxed overview with 1-2 meaningful stops. If you combine this ticket with the Soweto add-on, expect it to take most of the day (this is why you should start early – the 1st bus from Rosebank is 09:00). You won’t get time to visit everything – plan ahead using the Route Map. If you only want a brief rundown, you do not need to hop-on hop-off – you can ride the full loop in 150 minutes.
2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off
Best if you want to explore the city thoroughly – you will have enough time to stop at numerous attractions (with more than enough time for a Soweto add on). Hop-off wherever you want to explore at your own pace and catch the next bus (they run about every 40 minutes).
Soweto Add-On: Extend your city ticket for a 2-hour guided Soweto tour.
Highlights Along the Bus Route
- Constitution Hill (Stop 5): A former prison turned powerful museum symbolising South Africa’s democratic journey.
- Apartheid Museum (Stop 7): Emotional, essential, and deeply moving (I stopped here – highly recommend).
- Gold Reef City (Stop 8): Part theme park, part gold mine history – great for a lunch break or a bit of fun. This is the departure point for the Soweto Add-on tour.
- Newtown (Stop 9): Creative, colourful, and full of character.
- Nelson Mandela Bridge & Braamfontein (Stop 10): A perfect photo-stop with skyline views and street art – even if you don’t stop here, you will pass over the bridge and via a lot of buildings enroute.
Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Ride
- Start early, especially if you have a 1-Day ticket.
- Show your bus ticket for discounted entry to attractions.
- A sealed set of earphones is included for commentary.
- Bring cash (ZAR) for souvenirs and snacks.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and a camera—especially if you plan to sit upstairs on the open deck.
The Soweto Add-On: A Cultural Journey
Many travellers consider the Soweto tour a highlight of their Johannesburg experience. Extend your Hop-On Hop-Off ticket with a 2-hour Soweto add-on from Gold Reef City (Stop 8). The bus connects to a smaller guided shuttle that takes you through Johannesburg’s most famous township.
Soweto offers a powerful contrast to the leafy, affluent neighbourhoods just a short drive away, and brings the country’s history into sharp focus; highlighting the racially segregated years of apartheid between 1948 and 1994. And everywhere you go, the influence and respect for Madiba (Nelson Mandela) is evident— his legacy woven into the streets, the art, and the people.
Soweto Highlights
Depending on the day and traffic, you could see:
- FNB ‘Soccer City’ Stadium: Africa’s biggest stadium, shaped like a local clay cooking pot.
- Diepkloof & Orlando West: Lively neighbourhoods buzzing with daily life.
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital: One of the largest hospitals in the world.
- Orlando Towers: old water-cooling towers – iconic landmarks now loved by thrill seekers.
- Vilakazi Street: The only street where two Nobel Peace Prize winners once lived – Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.
- From Vilakazi Street: you can join a specialised, guided tuk tuk for a more in-depth dive into the area (extra expense) – then join the next bus.
- Hector Pieterson Memorial: A deeply emotional reminder of the 1976 student uprisings.
- Bara Taxi Rank: The beating heart of local transport – largest in Johannesburg.
Time depending, some tours include a stop for a traditional lunch of local pap (milled corn meal), chakalaka, grilled meat – served with local stories and warm conversation.
Jeff’s Verdict
This tour doesn’t overload you with dates and details – it’s designed to give you a clear, honest, and meaningful introduction to Johannesburg. I loved how concise but rich the day felt – broad but insightful commentary and plenty of great photo opportunities.
Because the Soweto add-on is tight on time, your stop at Vilakazi Street is brief (about 25 minutes) and you won’t have time to enter Mandela House or the Hector Pieterson Museum, but your guide will give insightful briefings about each from outside. If you want more time at these sites, you can always visit independently and rejoin a later shuttle back to Gold Reef City. Just double-check the timing with your guide.
The Hop-on Hop-off Bus offers a perfect glimpse into the cosmopolitan city of Johannesburg – a city that’s shaking off old shadows and stepping proudly into a new chapter.
Contact Travel Africa to include the Hop On Hop Off Bus in your trip to South Africa – also see our Johannesburg, Soweto and Pretoria Activities page for other ideas of awesome things to do in the area.
