Johannesburg: The Evolution of Maboneng (Place of Light)

Discover the creative eastern side of the innercity of downtown Johannesburg on this 2-hour walking tour. MABONENG a seSotho word meaning a place of light, a fitting name for this district that has gone through rapid transformation over the last 2 decades.

Meet your local guide at the popular trendy CURIOCITY Backpackers hostel before setting off on a knowledgeable insider tour of the precinct. Learn about the history & heritage of the first suburbs of Johannesburg. Get an in-depth insight into the street art murals painted by both local & international artists. Stop at iconic landmark buildings like The Cosmopolitan, one of the most elegant heritage buildings in downtown Johannesburg. Built in 1899, it was opened as a hotel and bar in 1902. If walls could speak, many many tales here!

Venture over to the Drive-lines Development, a new urban development that uses upcycled shipping containers as affordable housing. From here you'll walk over to the Mandela mural (remember the leader-boxer?). Walls create barriers & the public art breaks these barriers, marvel Nelson Makamo's murals in an open air museum.

Stop for a visit at Arts On Main, home to South Africa's most celebrated artist William Kentridge, now also a home for his foundation -The Center For The Les Good Idea.

Shop at the Kwa Mai-Mai Traditional Healers Market, said to be one of the oldest in the city. Here you'll encounter Sangomas (traditional healers) and medicines as well as traditional clothing. Round off your shopping spree at The Collectors Treasure, the largest second-hand bookstore in the southern hemisphere.

Time willing, finish off your tour with a sun-downer over looking the Joburg skyline.