This is Hillbrow

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Johannesburg, South Africa

Great choice

5+ bookings last month.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Get a different perspective on one of Johannesburg's most misunderstood districts. This walking tour offers an in-depth view into the history and culture of Johannesburg while exploring the Hillbrow neighborhood. You'll learn about the people who live there and how the neighborhood has changed over the years. Your tour ends at the top of the Ponte City where you can soak up the views of Johannesburg with an included lunch.

Discover Johannesburg's Hillbrow neighborhood by foot
Help dismantle stereotypes about a misunderstood area
Learn about Hillbrow's people, history, culture
Enjoy lunch with a view at Ponte City

What's Included

Lunch

Classic Hillbrow street fare - Pap & Chicken with a drink of your choice

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

1 Lily Ave, Berea, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa
Our starting point is Ponte Tower - entrance is at 1 Lily Avenue Berea. It looks like a dead end but the black entrance gate is at the end on the left. Tell security you are here for Dlala Nje!

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.11:00 am

Itinerary

Ponte City Apartments

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Hillbrow

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 146 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

An incredible experience

Richard_H, Aug 2025

As first time visitors to Joburg, we were very cautious about where to go and what to do safely? Tours of Soweto appeared under most searches, but we stumbled across this 3hr walking tour of Hillbrow deep in the heart of the city. We would have most likely skipped this due to our safety concerns if the reviews weren’t so good? When we first arrived in an Uber at the Hillbrow Tower, the area was quite confronting and very raw. But we were immediately met by two guides and from there we felt extremely comfortable and safe. This is the true working area of this incredible multicultural city. What made this even more special is that the community puts so much emphasis on the kids and giving them a safe area to go, learn and to keep them off the streets. Proceeds of this tour goes to helping them. We often take for granted what we have! The tour takes you through the streets of abandoned and hijacked buildings, streets that have been gutted for their wealth, walls with Gumtree type adverts, towers of prostitution, local street flea markets to the Hillbrow Tower, its security, the basement and the 51st floor with incredible views and a local lunch. We cannot recommend this experience enough! Go try and be part of an experience that learns, understands and your outlook on this part of the city will be changed? You won’t regret it? Thank you for sharing your story and your part of the world…

Our Hillbrow experience

simon_f, Mar 2025

We had a very informative tour through Hillbrow and enjoyed a good lunch. The guides were extremely nice and very knowledgeable about the history. I definitely recommend this tour!

Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!

anthony_d, Feb 2025

I recently took a walking tour of Hillbrow in Johannesburg, and it was one of the most eye-opening, informative, and exciting experiences I’ve had in the city. Hillbrow has a reputation for being one of the most misunderstood neighborhoods in Jozi, but this tour completely changed my perspective. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing the history, challenges, and transformation of Hillbrow with passion and depth. He took us through the bustling streets, past iconic landmarks like Ponte City, and into local markets, giving us a real feel for the community’s energy. His storytelling brought the neighborhood to life, from its past as an upscale suburb to its present-day status as a vibrant, multicultural hub. What made the tour even more exciting was the authenticity and realness of the experience. We got to interact with locals, try some street food, and see firsthand how people live and work in Hillbrow. The guide also made sure we felt safe throughout the tour, emphasizing the importance of understanding rather than fearing the area. If you want to see a different side of Johannesburg, one that’s raw, rich in history, and full of resilience, I highly recommend this tour. It’s an unforgettable experience that challenges perceptions and offers a deeper appreciation of the city’s heartbeat.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

We truly appreciate your kind words and will pass on the message to our team! Thank you for recognizing the extra effort our guides put into creating unforgettable experiences. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and motivates us to keep improving. Don’t be a stranger, come back soon!

Amazing tour

Genevieve_T, Jul 2024

Amazing tour. Informative, interesting and great view from the rooftop cafe @ the 55-storey Ponte City Apartment.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you for your kind words! By joining us, you’ve become part of a movement that’s bringing positive change to some of Johannesburg’s most misunderstood areas. Your support helps give hope for the future through meaningful tourism. Don’t be a stranger, come back soon!

A Sigma Walk. No Cap

Kristopher_D, Jul 2024

A safe tour! You’ll be in the middle of these communities and feel safe the entire time. If you have a cynical perception of Hillbrow or Berea then your time spent will be value added. Alvaro & Delite are incredible guides with a wealth of experience and knowledge to share. This is a humbling walk with fascinating information. Time in Ponte City is one-in-a-million topped off with a delicious local fare of Pap & Chicken.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you for taking the time to visit Dlala Nje and We hope to welcome you back soon to continue exploring the City of Gold with us. You’re always welcome at Dlala Nje, and want to see you again soon!

Fascinating tour of a dodgy part of Johannesburg

Susan_G, May 2024

Interesting and informative experience in a part of Johannesburg that you should only visit with a tour — this is it.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you for taking the time to visit Dlala Nje and see beyond the tired stereotypes of Johannesburg. We’re so happy you experienced our vibrant city! We hope to welcome you back soon to continue exploring the City of Gold with us. You’re always welcome at Dlala Nje, and wanr to see you again soon!

One of the coolest walks & tours with a heart!

Sandzhar_I, Apr 2024

This walk blew away our expectations! Forget the boring bus tours. This one throws you right into the heart of Hillbrow with local guides who share their stories. You get a real feel for the area, not just some scripted narration. Plus, these amazing guides are doing incredible work! They're helping kids off the streets, giving them a chance for a better life. The tour itself is atmospheric and authentic, a bit edgy at first, but the guides make you feel safe and completely change your perspective. This is more than a walk, it's an eye-opener. Huge props to these guys, keep up the fantastic work!

Response from Host, Sep 2024

We live for these type of reviews! Our team works hard to provide a meaningful tourism experience that leaves an impression on our guests! Thank you for recognising the valuable work we are doing in the heart of Johannesburg :) Don't be a stranger - we hope to see you back at Dlala Nje soon!

Very Educative Tour with a Big Heart for the Community

Damilare_F, Nov 2023

It was amazing to see how safe the Hillbrow & Berea communities are, as opposed to the believe that it's very dangerous. Our guide helped us navigate the inner streets of Hillbrow & Berea and gave us very insightful historical background. I was also blown away at how much they do in developing kids in the neighborhood. A lot of their proceeds (60%) go towards giving children a safe space to be and do their school home work while gaining requisite skills like computer programming, etc.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thank you so much for the lovely review! The fact you recognise the value int he work we are doing in our community is very fulfilling... We work tirelessly to make sure our visitors feel as welcome as you did! You'll always find yourself at home with Dlala Nje... So don't forget you're family now and we can't wait to welcome you back soon!

Brilliant tour and guide

David_B, Oct 2023

Brilliant tour with brilliant guide. A must do experience. Having grown up in Johannesburg, it had particular meaning for me!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Welcome back to your old stomping ground! DOn't be a stranger... Come back to experience some more #PonteLove soon!

Unforgettable Experience

Jeffrey_Y, Oct 2023

One of the best walking tour that I've been on. Very detailed information and the objective behind both the NGO and the tour itself is inspiring. A certain must-do.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for not only enjoying yourself on our tour but also appreciating the work we are trying to do in our community! You'll always find yourself at home with Dlala Nje... So don't forget you're family now and we can't wait to welcome you back soon!

Interesting tour.

Brigitte_N, Mar 2023

The guides very knowledgeable and helpful. It's good to know that this organisation helps kids and gives them a safe place to learn and play.

Must do tour in Joburg - see the other side

Amy_M, Mar 2023

If you want to see another - but equally important - area of Joburg while here (whether local, South African, or other country tourist) you cannot miss this tour. Dlala Nje is a foundation in the Berea neighborhood helping children and to support that 60% your tour price covers their work. Who doesn't want that? Our tour guides were outstanding. The glories of travel is getting out of your comfort zone and this tour will definitely do that in a good way. Plus, tour of Ponte Tower and lunch were awesome! Don't think anymore...pay the money, help kids, and expand your universe.

You can safely enjoy the Hillbrow.

Yuta_N, Aug 2025

Before joining the tour, I was afraid to be honest because I had heard in Johannesburg that the moment you go out you are in danger. But in fact, the tour guides and the local residents gave us a warm welcome, so it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words. Especially, I thought that the guide was a beloved person because he was greeted by so many people in the town. The view from the tower and the column cavity in the parking lot are superb, so I recommend it.

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