Darinca Ngono-Abbe

Friday 21st March

Human Rights Day

Lesedi Cultural Village

You’ll be picked up at 10:00am from ‘Q on First’ Guesthouse, for an hour’s drive through the north-western suburbs of Johannesburg and the scenic hills approaching the Cradle of Humankind.

On arrival at Lesedi Cultural Village, you’ll be greeted by members of the resident tribes.

Your tour kicks off with a multimedia presentation on the origins of South Africa’s indigenous peoples and is followed by a guided walk through various tribal homesteads – including those of the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele communities.

The tour ends with a performance in the Boma, where traditional stories and rituals are showcased through dance, drumming and song, offering a lively storytelling experience.

Lunch is an African buffet feast served in the Nyama Choma restaurant.
The food is authentic African cuisine and adds to your traditional experience.

You’ll have some time to explore the village’s craft market after lunch, where you can purchase handcrafted souvenirs and interact with local artisans.

You’ll leave Lesedi around 3:00pm, and arrive back in Parktown North at approximately 4:00pm.
Please note, these return times are based on previous outings.

Tour Highlights
– 10:00am pick up time at your accommodation
– Round-trip transportation from Johannesburg
– Guided tour of traditional tribal homesteads
– Traditional dance performance
– Buffet lunch featuring local cuisine
– Opportunity to purchase handcrafted souvenirs
– Bottled water in the vehicle

What to Bring
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Hat and sunscreen
– Camera
– Cash or card for souvenir purchases

Saturday 22nd March

Cullinan Diamond Mine Experience

You’ll be picked up at 8:00am from ‘Q on First’ Guesthouse for a drive that takes us to Cullinan – a small diamond mining town, east of Pretoria.

On arrival at the Cullinan Diamond Mine, you’ll embark on a fascinating surface tour of one of the world’s most famous diamond mines.
Your guided tour includes an historical overview of the mine, an exploration of the mining operations, and a look at the site where the legendary Cullinan Diamond—the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found—was discovered in 1905.

You’ll see replicas of the Cullinan Diamond and its famous polished counterparts in the British Crown Jewels.
The tour offers a unique insight into South Africa’s diamond industry and the role Cullinan has played in its history.

After the mine tour, you’ll drive back to Illovo – a suburb in northern Johannesburg, where you’ll experience an exclusive diamond and jewelry presentation at The Diamond Gallery.

Experts will guide you through the artistry of diamond cutting and the process of turning raw gems into exquisite pieces.
You’ll also have the opportunity to browse a collection of locally crafted jewelry.

You’ll leave The Diamond Gallery around 3:00pm and arrive back in Parktown North at approximately 3:30pm.
Please note, these return times are based on previous outings.

Tour Highlights
– 08:00am pick-up from your accommodation
– Round-trip transportation from Johannesburg
– Guided surface tour of the Cullinan Diamond Mine
– Exclusive visit to The Diamond Gallery in Johannesburg
– Insight into the diamond cutting and jewelry-making process
– Bottled water in the vehicle

What to Bring
– It is compulsory to wear closed shoes
– Hat and sunscreen
– Camera
– Cash or card for optional jewelry purchases

Not included
– Lunch – for your own account

PLEASE NOTE :
Everyone entering the mine must go through a breathalyzer test.
Please DO NOT DRINK ANY ALCOHOL prior to your tour.

Sunday 23rd March

Satyagraha House

Gandhi House

You’ll be picked up at 10:15am from ‘Q on First Guesthouse’ for a short drive through Johannesburg’s historic suburbs, to Satyagraha House, also known as Gandhi House.

On arrival, you’ll step into a place of deep historical significance. This beautifully preserved house, once home to Mahatma Gandhi between 1908 and 1909, is now a museum dedicated to his philosophy of non-violence (Satyagraha) and his time in South Africa.

Your guided tour begins with an introduction to Gandhi’s life in Johannesburg, his legal work, and his evolving philosophy that later influenced global movements for peace and justice. You’ll explore the museum’s exhibits, which include photographs, letters, and artifacts that offer insight into his experiences and the people who shaped his journey.

The tranquil setting of Satyagraha House also reflects Gandhi’s simple way of living, with its minimalist design and peaceful gardens. You’ll have the opportunity to spend time in quiet reflection in the serene spaces that once served as a meeting place for his ideas.

Your return home depends on time spent in the museum.

Tour Highlights
– 10:15am pick-up from your accommodation
– Round-trip transportation from Johannesburg
– Guided tour of Satyagraha House
– Insight into Gandhi’s life and philosophy
– Museum exhibits featuring historical artifacts and letters
– Opportunity for quiet reflection in the peaceful gardens
– Bottled water in the vehicle

What to Bring
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Hat and sunscreen
– Camera
– Cash or card for souvenir purchases

Note : I won’t charge you for this outing, but would appreciate if you could pay your own entrance fee of R280

Not included
– Entrance R280
– Lunch – for your own account

Saturday 5th April

 ‘Overview’ Tour of Johannesburg and Soweto

You’ll be picked up at 9:00am from ‘Q on First’ Guesthouse for a guided ‘Overview’ Tour of Johannesburg and Soweto.
The drive follows Johannesburg’s rich and complex history, from its affluent northern suburbs to the vibrant streets of Soweto.

We start in Alexandra Township, one of the city’s oldest townships, offering insight into Johannesburg’s diverse socio-economic contrasts.

From there, you’ll pass through Sandton, the modern financial hub of South Africa, before heading to Houghton, where you’ll see some of Nelson Mandela’s former homes.

Continuing through Parktown, which was once home to the city’s mining elite, and now a University suburb,  then through Braamfontein, which is an area that has some some of Johannesburg’s most historic sites.

The tour then takes you into the heart of the city, through Newtown, which again, has a number of significant historical sites.

Arriving in Soweto, you’ll see well known landmarks such as the Orlando Cooling Towers – a symbol of Soweto’s resilience and culture, and visit key historical sites such as the Hector Pieterson Memorial – commemorating the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
Included is Vilakazi Street — home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

We’ll stop for lunch at a local Soweto restaurant – frequented by locals and not tourists, where you can enjoy authentic South African flavours while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Soweto.
The cost of lunch is for your own account.

We’ll leave Soweto mid afternoon, arriving back in Parktown North half an hour later.

Tour Highlights
– 9:00am pick-up from ‘Q on First Guesthouse’
– Round-trip transportation from Johannesburg
– Guided drive through the historical northern suburbs of Johannesburg, Newtown (Johannesburg City Centre) and Soweto.
– Visit Nelson Mandela’s former homes
– Explore key Soweto landmarks, including Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Memorial
– Light lunch at a local restaurant in Soweto
– Bottled water provided

What to Bring
– Comfortable clothing and walking shoes
– Hat and sunscreen
– Camera
– Cash or card for optional purchases.

Not included
– Lunch – for your own account

Sunday 13th April

Big 5 Pilanesberg National Park Safari

You’ll be picked up at 6:00am from ‘Q on First’ Guesthouse for a 3 hour drive to one of South Africa’s most popular wildlife reserves – Pilanesberg National Park.

After leaving the north western suburbs of Johannesburg, the landscapes transition from rolling grasslands into savanna and bushveld, setting the stage for an unforgettable safari experience.

At Bakubung Gate, one of the entrances to the Park, you’ll transfer to an open safari vehicle for a 6-hour guided game drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot Africa’s iconic wildlife.
Your guide will share insights of the animals you see!

Midway through your safari, you’ll stop at a small restaurant, overlooking a waterhole in the middle of the park, for a light lunch.
Animals are often drawn to the area, and are seen up close.

After lunch, it’s back to spotting wildlife as the safari continues.

The safari will finish at approx. 3.00pm, when you’ll transfer back to your road vehicle for the trip back to Johannesburg.
The return time is dependent on traffic, but you should arrive in Parktown North at approximately 6:00pm.

Tour Highlights
– 6:00am pick-up from your accommodation
– Round-trip transportation from Johannesburg
– 6-hour open vehicle safari with guide
– Opportunity to see the Big Five and other wildlife
– Light lunch at a scenic restaurant inside the park
– Use of Binnoculars
– Bottled water in the vehicle

What to Bring
– Comfortable outdoor clothing and a warm layer for the open vehicle
– Hat and sunscreen
– Camera
– Cash or card for optional purchases at the restaurant or curio sellers