Four excellent drinking tours explore Johannesburg’s bustling beer scene and nightlife.
I love the Taste of Africa experience – it’s the perfect mix of regional cuisine and local brews.
For a fun night out, hop aboard the open-top Pub Crawl bus, which hits all the right spots in the city center.
Craft beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the OverBrew Magic Magalies tour, featuring expert-led tastings at top breweries.
The Soweto Food & Beer Tour stands out as my favorite, combining authentic township flavors with fascinating cultural insights.
Let’s check out the complete details of these top-rated tours.
Good To Know
- The OverBrew Magic Magalies Craft Beer Tour offers a popular craft beer experience in Johannesburg, including private transportation and a fun, accessible environment.
- The Hop on Hop Off Johannesburg Pub Crawl provides a lively way to explore the city’s nightlife, with complimentary alcoholic beverages during the 3-hour tour.
- The A Day Of Soweto Food & Beer Tour combines cultural exploration, traditional fare sampling, and local tavern beer tasting for an authentic Johannesburg experience.
- While the Taste of Africa Food Tasting Experience includes African cuisine, it has received some critiques regarding food quality and organization issues.
- The top drinking tours in Johannesburg offer a range of experiences, from craft beer to pub crawls, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Taste of Africa Food Tasting Experience & Optional Beer Tasting
The Taste of Africa Food Tasting Experience & Optional Beer Tasting offers travelers a unique culinary journey through the diverse flavors of the African continent.
Located in Pretoria, South Africa, this highly-rated tour boasts an impressive 4.5-star average rating from over 130 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.
The tour includes a variety of inclusions, such as lunch, all meals, transportation, and even gratuities. Participants can expect to explore the vibrant Maboneng district, known for its thriving art and culture scene, while sampling dishes from various African cuisines, including Ethiopian, Nigerian, Ghanaian, and South African.
While the tour generally receives praise for its authentic cultural experience and knowledgeable guides, it has faced some critiques. Some travelers have reported concerns about food quality, limited beer selections, and issues with communication and organization.
Nevertheless, many participants have enjoyed the combination of food and art, making this a recommended experience for adventurous foodies seeking to enjoy the flavors of Africa.
Read our full review: Taste of Africa Food Tasting Experience & Optional Beer Tasting Review
Book now: Check availability
Hop on Hop Off Johannesburg Pub Crawl
Jozi Vibes Entertainment’s Hop on Hop Off Johannesburg Pub Crawl offers a lively and immersive way for visitors to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.
This 3-hour tour aboard an open-top party bus departs at 7 PM, providing transportation to a selection of the city’s top pubs and bars. Along the way, guests can enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages and take advantage of the on-board restroom.
With an average rating of 3.0 from 21 reviews, the Hop on Hop Off Johannesburg Pub Crawl caters to most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible and those with heart problems or serious medical conditions should avoid it.
Priced from $12.50 per person, the experience can be booked with the option to pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.
Whether seeking a fun night out or wanting to discover the city’s vibrant bar scene, this hop-on, hop-off pub crawl provides a convenient and lively way to do so.
Read our full review: Hop on Hop Off Johannesburg Pub Crawl Review
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OverBrew Magic Magalies Craft Beer Tour
One of the most popular craft beer tours in Johannesburg, the OverBrew Magic Magalies Craft Beer Tour offers visitors a chance to discover the city’s vibrant beer scene.
The tour takes a maximum of 12 travelers aged 18 and above on a journey through some of the best craft breweries in the Magalies region.
Participants are provided with private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a dedicated tour host, and 4 beer tokens for 340ml servings.
Snacks and bottled water are also included. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible and is located near public transport.
While the tour isn’t a boring lecture or an aimless pub crawl, it encourages participants to enjoy craft beer in a fun environment within the bounds of the provided Code of Conduct.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, though most travelers can participate.
Read our full review: OverBrew Magic Magalies Craft Beer Tour Review
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A Day Of Soweto Food & Beer Tour
Traveling from the craft beer haven of the Magalies region, the A Day Of Soweto Food & Beer Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of Johannesburg’s vibrant township.
This 4-hour guided tour, limited to just 10 participants, provides an authentic taste of Soweto’s culture, history, and local delicacies.
The tour starts at Vilakazi Street, visiting key sites like the Hector Pieterson Museum and Mandela House. Guests will cycle through the neighborhood, sampling traditional fare like amagwinya (fat cakes) and kota (street burgers), as well as experiencing local taverns for a beer tasting.
With English as the primary language, the experience caters to international travelers seeking an engaging and educational outing.
Flexibility is a highlight, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Rated 4.8/5 by previous participants, the tour provides an authentic glimpse into Soweto’s vibrant community and rich history, making it a must-do for visitors to Johannesburg.
Read our full review: A Day Of Soweto Food & Beer Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Questions About Staying Here
What Types of Safety Precautions Are in Place During the Tours?
The tour operators prioritize safety precautions to ensure participants’ well-being. They provide safety guidelines, monitor alcohol consumption, and have designated drivers to transport guests safely. Emergency procedures are in place in case of any incidents during the tour.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions That Can Be Accommodated?
Many drinking tour operators in Johannesburg accommodate dietary restrictions. They can typically cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets with advance notice. Participants should communicate any dietary needs when booking to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
How Do I Get to the Starting Location of the Tours?
To get to the starting location of the tours, visitors can rely on various transportation options like taxis, rideshares, or public transit. Many tour operators also provide pick-up services from nearby hotels or central meeting points.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Drinking Tours?
The cancellation policy for the drinking tours generally allows customers to cancel their bookings up to 24-48 hours in advance and receive a full refund. Some tours may have stricter policies, so it’s best to check the specific details of each tour.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?
Yes, most tour operators allow customers to customize the tour itinerary to fit their preferences. Guests can typically choose from a selection of popular stops or request to visit specific locations that interest them.
Worth The Stay
Johannesburg offers a variety of drinking tours that allow visitors to sample diverse African cuisines and craft beers. From the Taste of Africa Food Tasting Experience to the OverBrew Magic Magalies Craft Beer Tour, there’s something for every palate. These tours provide an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the vibrant food and beverage scene in Johannesburg.