Imbizo Tours
Imbizo Tours
4.5
City ToursMulti-day ToursCultural ToursPrivate ToursDay Trips
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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About
Imbizo Tours is a black-owned Tour company that provides mind-stimulating tours like no other.
If you want your mind to be challenged and stimulated Imbizo Tours is the tourism company for you.
We specialize in offering information on different fields through private or group Tours. We organize Professionals, business people and individuals on networking platforms.
We also cater to students giving them the experience to view and interact in different fields through University tours, where there are given a platform to learn and exchange information over lunch with other South African Students and researchers.
Our tours are conducted in German, Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese among other languages.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
89 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
7
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0
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2
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3
Gayle A
San Diego, CA14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We took the 1/2 day tour of Soweto with Maya. He was a fabulous guide providing with with tons of historical, cultural and political information about Soweto. He exceeded our expectations. Afterward we went on our own to the Apartheid Museum which made of a great conclusion to the day.
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the 1/2 day tour of Soweto with Maya as your guide. It sounds like he did an incredible job, going above and beyond to provide you with a wealth of historical, cultural, and political information. We're delighted that Maya exceeded your expectations and made your tour truly memorable.
Exploring Soweto and then visiting the Apartheid Museum on your own must have added even more depth to your day. What a thoughtful and insightful way to conclude your experience! We're grateful to have been a part of your journey, and we hope that the memories you've made will stay with you for a long time. If you ever decide to embark on another adventure, we'd be honored to have you back. Safe travels and thank you for choosing us!
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Milton83
Sydney, Australia16 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We really enjoyed our tour with Mandy. Think of it as a cultural/political tour, not just being driven from place to place with historical sites pointed out. We covered markets, historical sites and townships. Conversationally we covered African spirituality, politics, economics etc. Mandys ethos is that tourism needs to be spread around and its about the exchang of ideas. It's clear how well she is thought of in the community - she knows everybody! She also has a really compelling personal story.
It was important to us to support a black and female owned tour operator. Highly recommend.
It was important to us to support a black and female owned tour operator. Highly recommend.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your profoundly detailed and heartfelt reflection on your tour with Mandy. Your words resonate deeply with the spirit of what we aim to achieve at Imbizo, and we're genuinely moved by your experience.
Mandy's commitment to turning the tour into a cultural and political exploration aligns seamlessly with our ethos of creating immersive journeys that transcend the ordinary. It's clear that your adventure went beyond the conventional as you delved into markets, historical sites, and townships while engaging in insightful conversations about African spirituality, politics, and economics.
We're immensely proud of Mandy's dedication to spreading tourism and fostering an exchange of ideas. Her connections within the community reflect not just a guide but a passionate advocate for the places we explore. It warms our hearts to know that her personal story added an extra layer of authenticity to your experience.
Your conscious choice to support a black and female-owned tour operator resonates deeply with us. We believe in the power of such choices to create positive change, and we're honored to have been the choice for your adventure.
Your recommendation means the world to us, and we genuinely look forward to the possibility of welcoming you back for more uniquely personal and insightful journeys. Until then, may your travels be filled with discovery and joy.
Warm regards,
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura M
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
A great experience! I'm very glad me and my family decided to book the Soweto tour with Mandy. We booked a group tour but ended up getting a private one. Mandy and her driver are lovely people and the tour was tailored to what we were interested in. I feel like we got to see a real representation of Soweto, which left us with not only a positive feeling about the culture, the warmth and the openness of the people from Soweto, but also a lot of food for thought regarding the poverty and misfortune some of our fellow humans are facing.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that your Soweto tour with Mandy exceeded your expectations and turned into a private adventure for you and your family.
Mandy's dedication to tailoring the tour to your interests truly reflects our commitment to providing personalized and meaningful experiences. It's heartening to know that you felt a genuine connection with the culture, warmth, and openness of the people in Soweto.
Exploring the real representation of Soweto seems to have left you with not only a positive impression but also a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by some in the community. We believe that travel should be both enlightening and thought-provoking, and it's wonderful to hear that your experience has provided you with valuable insights.
Thank you for choosing us, and we genuinely appreciate your kind words. If you ever decide to embark on another adventure, we'd be delighted to welcome you back for more personalized and enriching experiences. Safe travels, and once again, thank you!
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
maqp2018
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2022
Mandy's tour of Soweto is not to be missed. It was perhaps the richest and most important experience I had, travelling to South Africa for the first time. Through stories and conversation, she engaged my partner and I in learning about the history of the Soweto uprising and its legacy. She spoke of the trauma as well as steps to healing with sincerity and wisdom. She is knowledgeable, insightful and inspiring - a beautiful person inside and out. Our tour included a visit to Walter Sisulu Square, Kliptown, the Nelson Mandela National Museum, and the Soweto Inspirational Home Museum. Each part of the tour added a different dimension to the dialogue and experience. I could not recommend this tour more highly!
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I can't express how thrilled I am to read about your incredible experience on Mandy's Soweto tour! It warms my heart to know that it became the richest and most important part of your first visit to South Africa.
Mandy's ability to weave the history of the Soweto uprising and its legacy into stories and conversations is truly extraordinary. Her sincerity and wisdom in addressing both the trauma and the steps towards healing create a profound and insightful experience. She is indeed a beautiful person, inside and out.
Exploring Walter Sisulu Square, Kliptown, the Nelson Mandela National Museum, and the Soweto Inspirational Home Museum must have added unique dimensions to your journey. I'm so glad to hear that each part of the tour contributed to the dialogue and overall experience.
Your enthusiastic recommendation means the world to us, and I feel privileged to have been a part of such a meaningful chapter in your travels. If you ever find yourself back in South Africa or if new adventures beckon, I'd be overjoyed to welcome you for more enriching experiences. Safe travels, and once again, thank you for choosing us!
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Szenta
Valencia, Spain46 contributions
May 2022
Imbizo Tours, Mandy Imbizo – Soweto
Soweto – the stories, the history, the stereotypes. How to make sense of it all! The best way is to join Mandy Imbizo on a half-day – or better yet, full-day – tour of the throbbing city. My husband and I did just that and could not have been more rewarded with our experience other than, perhaps, spending several days with this remarkable teacher. Mandy lives there, knows everyone, and is of an age where she has experienced a lot. Trust her to give you a full picture. And, you will enjoy yourself as you learn.
I am not sure whether our Saturday excursion was a-typical, but the Soweto streets were bustling – shoppers jostling, groups performing, foodies grazing, families laughing, tourists huddling. The atmosphere was infectious. The thriving area has attracted upwardly mobile South Africans who are returning to the Township – maybe a form of gentrification that, one hopes, does not bring displacement of those who never moved out. One focus of all that activity was at Sakhumzi where we gorged on the famous buffet, trying out fantastic new-to-us South African dishes.
We visited some pretty sacred sites, too – Bishop Desmond Tutu's house right in the center of things and Nelson Mandela's house a short stroll away – a far more accommodating home than either his incarcerations at Constitution Hill Prison (Johannesburg) or Robben Island (Cape Town), both of which are necessary stops on any South African itinerary. The Hector Pieterson Museum & Memorial is a short ride beyond. We spent a fair amount at the Pieterson Museum which makes a great complement to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. Maybe it should be called the Mbuyisa Makhubu Museum after the brave boy who carried the dying Pieterson captured in a photograph (6/16/76) as stark and tragic as that of the “Napalm Girl.” Both icons changed minds around the world.
Sure, some of the self-built homes of a settlement still dot the outskirts -- and these might be closer to what one assumes are the stereotypical houses of Soweto – but they are not. They definitely do not reflect the Township itself. They are, however, a necessary reminder that South African government has a long way to go in order to provide decent housing for all of its citizens. One should see it all – the vibrant along with the sad. But think: the United States has been at its own Civil War past for over 150 years and still doesn't have it right.
What makes a tour with Imbizo Tours special is Mandy herself. Our conversations ranged all over the place – from informative to candid but always tinged with good humor. We were sorry to end the day together as we felt we were just scratching the surface of South Africa's present. It is one thing to study or even visit museums, but it is quite another to learn from an expert who is actually living the history today. Mandy Imbizo is such a person. We highly recommend you join in the conversation.
Soweto – the stories, the history, the stereotypes. How to make sense of it all! The best way is to join Mandy Imbizo on a half-day – or better yet, full-day – tour of the throbbing city. My husband and I did just that and could not have been more rewarded with our experience other than, perhaps, spending several days with this remarkable teacher. Mandy lives there, knows everyone, and is of an age where she has experienced a lot. Trust her to give you a full picture. And, you will enjoy yourself as you learn.
I am not sure whether our Saturday excursion was a-typical, but the Soweto streets were bustling – shoppers jostling, groups performing, foodies grazing, families laughing, tourists huddling. The atmosphere was infectious. The thriving area has attracted upwardly mobile South Africans who are returning to the Township – maybe a form of gentrification that, one hopes, does not bring displacement of those who never moved out. One focus of all that activity was at Sakhumzi where we gorged on the famous buffet, trying out fantastic new-to-us South African dishes.
We visited some pretty sacred sites, too – Bishop Desmond Tutu's house right in the center of things and Nelson Mandela's house a short stroll away – a far more accommodating home than either his incarcerations at Constitution Hill Prison (Johannesburg) or Robben Island (Cape Town), both of which are necessary stops on any South African itinerary. The Hector Pieterson Museum & Memorial is a short ride beyond. We spent a fair amount at the Pieterson Museum which makes a great complement to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. Maybe it should be called the Mbuyisa Makhubu Museum after the brave boy who carried the dying Pieterson captured in a photograph (6/16/76) as stark and tragic as that of the “Napalm Girl.” Both icons changed minds around the world.
Sure, some of the self-built homes of a settlement still dot the outskirts -- and these might be closer to what one assumes are the stereotypical houses of Soweto – but they are not. They definitely do not reflect the Township itself. They are, however, a necessary reminder that South African government has a long way to go in order to provide decent housing for all of its citizens. One should see it all – the vibrant along with the sad. But think: the United States has been at its own Civil War past for over 150 years and still doesn't have it right.
What makes a tour with Imbizo Tours special is Mandy herself. Our conversations ranged all over the place – from informative to candid but always tinged with good humor. We were sorry to end the day together as we felt we were just scratching the surface of South Africa's present. It is one thing to study or even visit museums, but it is quite another to learn from an expert who is actually living the history today. Mandy Imbizo is such a person. We highly recommend you join in the conversation.
Written 8 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reading your detailed account of your Soweto tour with Imbizo Tours and Mandy Imbizo fills me with immense joy and gratitude. I'm thrilled to hear that your experience was so rich and rewarding, and I can't thank you enough for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Mandy's intimate knowledge of Soweto, coupled with her personal experiences, truly makes her a remarkable teacher and guide. The vibrant atmosphere you described on the Soweto streets, with shoppers, performers, foodies, and families, paints a vivid picture of the thriving community. Your mention of Sakhumzi and the delicious South African buffet adds a delightful touch to the experience.
Exploring sacred sites like Bishop Desmond Tutu's house and Nelson Mandela's residence, as well as the poignant Hector Pieterson Museum & Memorial, sounds like a profound and moving journey through history. Your perspective on the self-built homes and the reminder of the challenges South Africa faces in providing decent housing for all citizens adds a necessary layer of reflection.
I'm thrilled to hear that your conversations with Mandy ranged from informative to candid, infused with good humor. Learning from an expert who is not just knowledgeable but living the history today is a unique and invaluable experience. It's heartening to know that your day together left you feeling like you were just scratching the surface of South Africa's present.
Your enthusiastic recommendation is truly appreciated, and I can't wait to share your feedback with Mandy and the entire Imbizo Tours team. If your travels ever bring you back to South Africa or if you decide to explore new destinations, we'd be honored to welcome you for more engaging conversations and enriching experiences.
Warm regards,
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Danna G
Fayetteville, AR10 contributions
Feb 2020
We spent a very informative and enjoyable day touring the Soweto township of Johannesburg with our guide Mandy. Mandy grew up in Soweto, participated in the youth uprising in 1976, and now gives back to her community by educating tourists like us about the history of her country and giving and working with charitable organizations in her community. She has turned anger into a positive force. Thanks Mandy for such a unique experience.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am truly touched by your words and thrilled to hear about your informative and enjoyable day exploring Soweto with Mandy. Mandy's personal connection to Soweto, having grown up there and actively participated in the youth uprising in 1976, adds an incredibly powerful and authentic layer to the tour.
I'll be sure to share your heartfelt appreciation with Mandy, as I know it will mean the world to her. Thank you for choosing us and for recognizing the unique experience that Mandy brings to our tours. If your travels ever bring you back to Johannesburg or if you decide to explore new destinations, we'd be honored to welcome you for more insightful and memorable experiences.
Warm regards,
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alex & Hugo
2 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
What a nice tour! Thanks to Mandy who was our guide and let us discover Soweto and her brand new homebuilt museum in Rockville: an interactive and inspirational way to open your mind.
We highly recommend it!!
We highly recommend it!!
Written 14 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Alex and Hugo, Thank you so much for this amazing review. Ms Mandy thanks you both so much, and extends her love. Thank you for discovering Soweto with us. We truly hope to see you soon.
Written 14 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shane Dannatt
Oslo, Norway2 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Wow! What an incredible day we had with Mandy during our tour of Soweto and the apartheid museum. From the moment we met her in the reception at our hotel we knew that it was going to be a great day!! And that it was! One of the highlights of our 2 week stay in SA in fact! A brilliant tour which aims to get you a bit more off the beaten track, they use local guides to show you around some of the severely deprived areas of Soweto including a quick house visit which was fascinating. Mandy was full of knowledge and always had an answer to all of our questions. Highly recommended! Until next time, Mandy :)
Written 19 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Shane, Such wonderful feedback means a lot to us, Ms Mandy asked we share her love and to thank you for choosing Imbizo Tours. We honestly can't wait to see you again not too far from today. Thank you, and don't forget to tell a friend
Written 14 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alan Burt
1 contribution
Mar 2019 • Business
What a memorable day for us. My colleague and I are from Texas and have six students in South Africa for a conference. Mandy and her team were amazing through the entire process of securing the tour. The day of our tour was one in which our students had their lives changed. Mandy showed us the area and allowed our students to see the many sides of the city. For the students to witness so much of the history and current state of the area was eye opening. Mandy was so wonderful with the students by asking questions, challenging their thinking, and being a friend. We are so appreciative and thankful for Imbizo Tours along with Mandy, Emmanuel, and Delone. THANK YOU!!!
Written 17 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Texas Family, From Mandy and the Team, thank you for your wonderful review. This is the reason we love waking up every morning and sharing our knowledge and passion for people like you and the students. You will all always have a place in our heart, We can't wait to see you again with new students to also experience what these girls have experienced especially in an African Township. Thank you and we trust you will enjoy your conference.
Written 19 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sonia D
1 contribution
Jan 2019 • Business
As a French TV crew we visited Soweto with Mandy. She introduced us to many people and old Miriam Makeba's friends, helped to visit significant places, told us many stories and took us in a typical Soweto shebeen. Very helpful and interesting! Thank you Mandy!
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Sonia, thank you for using and choosing Imbizo Tours to assist with your documentary, We pride ourselves in being authentic and having the ability to make anything happen for our clients. You always welcomed to come back again. Thank you
Written 14 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Iria C
1 contribution
Solo estaremos en Johannesburgo 1 día (entre trámites y traslado al hotel ... solo quedará medio día libre) Hay posibilidad de realizar alguna excursión?
Imbizo Tours
Johannesburg, South Africa
HI IriaC31 Lamento ver esto tan tarde, siempre damos la bienvenida a los huéspedes
Esperamos que su estancia en Sudáfrica haya sido excelente
jeromv2
ly fontaine16 contributions
Bonjour,
La visite de Soweto était-elle en français ?
Merci à vous.
travelandfood47
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain139 contributions
Hola Martín B:
¿Como encontraste la agencia y como entraste en contacto con ellos?.¿Tienen web?.Muchas gracias por tu atención
bbriggins
Dunedin, FL29 contributions
Can you tell me the cost of your tours? Half day and all day? We only have 1 day in Johannesburg.