Joburg Heritage Weekend Tours

Name: Joburg Heritage Weekend Tours
Start: 2022-09-24
End: 2022-09-25
Location: Johannesburg Heritage Foundation

Saturday Sep 24 - Sunday Sep 25 Northwards, 21 Rockridge Rd, Parktown

Joburg Heritage Weekend

For the past three decades, the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (often known simply as Joburg Heritage) has tirelessly sought to protect the city’s historical buildings and landmarks from poor bureaucratic decisions and rapacious developers. Throughout the year, the foundation offers a diverse range of walking and bus tours led by local heritage specialists that focus on the city’s history and architecture, as well as visits to privately-owned historic homes that members of the public might ordinarily never get to see. To celebrate Heritage Weekend 2022, the foundation is running a packed programme of walking tours September 24 - September 25, available at reduced rates.

Here is a list of tours to book:

Saturday September 24 - Day 1

08:45: Journey to the top of the tallest building in Southern Africa – The Leonardo – and enjoy a magnificent 360-degree view of sprawling Sandton and its surrounds.

09:00: Explore Parktown's storied architectural history along Rockridge Road. Start at the grand randlords mansion Northwards, then continue onwards to Pilrig House and St Margret’s, before ending at architect Sir Herbert Baker’s personal residence, The Stone House, built in 1902.

09:30: Marvel at the distinctive 19th century Victorian facades along one of Joburg’s most iconic boulevards, Diagonal Street.

14:00: Track the route of Blue Plaque landmarks through Fordsburg, with expert guides bringing the neighbourhood's colourful history to life.

14:15: Join two local guides on an intimate walking tour of Noordgesig, one of the oldest "coloured" townships in Johannesburg.

14:30: Explore a trio of hidden gems tucked inside the Wits Business School campus - North Lodge, Outeniqua and one of the oldest Parktown houses still standing, the recently restored Beaulieu.

Sunday September 25 - Day 2

09:00: Join resident guide Neil Viljoen on an exclusive in-depth tour of the history and architecture of the grand randlords mansion Northwards.

09:15: Celebrate Orlando East's 90th birthday with a commemorative walking tour through the Soweto neighbourhood, with a special visit to the home of James Mpanza Sofasonke.

09:30: Explore dynamic Forest Town, once home to a wide range of historical figures and featuring architecture from Herbert Baker, Howden, Gerard Moerdijk and many more.

14:00: Take part in the centenary commemoration of the Rand Revolt – popularly remembered by the violent mine workers strike in 1922 – with a walking tour from the Cottesloe School to the Fordsburg Market Square.

14:30: Join Brian McKechnie for a fascinating tour of the famous art collection at the Rand Club, featuring key historical pieces, as well as contemporary work.

Don't forget to bring along cold water, a hat, sun screen and comfortable walking shoes. Food and refreshments will be on sale for lunch.

Admission R100 p.p. in advance, R120 p.p. on the day (if space allows). Book in advance to avoid disappointment. All tours depart from Holy Family College – 40 Oxford Road, Parktown.