Upcoming Tours

Melville’s Hidden Gems
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Sunday, 30th March 2025
Time and Duration
9:00 (2,5 hours)
Cost
JHF Members: R165
Non-members: R275
Max no of people
40
Description
Step into the heart of Melville, a dynamic suburb that mirrors the diverse tapestry of Johannesburg itself. Born only a decade after the city’s inception, Melville has a long history with countless hidden gems just waiting to be explored.
From its striking architecture, to its quirky shops, to the comforting aroma of its coffee emporia, Melville has long been a nexus of connection; a place where people from all walks of life converge to create a rich cultural mosaic that defines the essence of this unique suburb.
So, join Antoinette Morgan for an insider’s perspective of extraordinary Melville. Along the way, we’ll trace the evolution of this fascinating suburb and peel back the layers to celebrate the spirit of its ever-changing community.
The tour ends with a drink at one of Melville’s charming coffee shops (for your own account). Please bring along lots of water, a hat and sunscreen. Amenities will be available at indicated points along the way.
Meeting Place
Cafe De La Crème, Cnr 4th Avenue and 7th Street, Melville
Guides
Antoinette Morgan
Contact Number
060 813 3239

Autumn Glory - Homes and Gardens of The Valley Road
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Sunday, 6th April 2025
Time and Duration
14:00 (2,5 hours)
Cost
JHF Members: R180
Non-members: R290
Max no of people
40
Description
Is there a more beautiful place in Johannesburg than The Valley Road, especially when it’s draped in its autumn finery?
Originally called Prospect Terrace, this exclusive lane at the top of Parktown offered aspiring Randlords an enviable position looking out over the plantation of Sachsenwald to the distant Magaliesberg beyond. Over time, that view has changed with the burgeoning skylines of Sandton and Rosebank now taking precedence, but its architectural gems and gardens (many laid out by Herbert Baker in the tradition of Gertrude Jekyll) remain intact.
So, join Monique Jefferson for a leisurely walk along this marvellous thoroughfare. Starting outside 35 The Valley Road, the tour encompasses Prospect Terrace, the Gate House, and Moot House (perhaps one of Parktown’s most significant homes as this was where Alfred Milner’s Kindergarten planned the Union of South Africa).
Please wear good walking shoes, bring along a hat and plenty of water.
Meeting Place
Prospect Terrace, 35 The Valley Road
Guides
Monique Jefferson
Contact Number
060 813 3239

A Trio of Churches
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Saturday, 12th April 2025
Time and Duration
14:00 (2,5 hours)
Cost
JHF Members: R180
Non-members: R290
Max no of people
45
Description
With no less than three churches in a row, the intersection of Smit and Wolmarans Streets is appropriately known as ‘Holy Corner’. This trio of churches are not only architectural gems in their own right, they also bear testament to the diversity of faiths that Joburg has always supported.
Join us as we explore the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St Constantine and St Helen, the First Church of Christ Scientists, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King. Five decades separate the oldest from the most recent, but all three are beautiful and have qualities reflecting their varying beliefs and the tastes of the times.
Two of the churches were designed by Jewish architect Hermann Kallenbach in a burst of productivity before World War I. The Catholic Cathedral was designed by Brian Gregory, an architect from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Wonderful stained glass brings light and colour into one, an abundance of icons reveals the Greek heritage and liturgy of another, and the fine timber and stone work makes the third a period landmark.
So join your quartet of expert guides – Kathy Munro, Flo Bird, Athena Clayton and Boitumelo Moletsane – for a rare opportunity to see the interiors of three fine city churches, and learn about their architecture, history and social significance in changing times.
Please note: No dogs allowed. Wear good walking shoes and a hat. This is an inner city tour, so keep your cell phone/camera hidden when walking and stick with the group. All churches offer good security.
Parking is available on the grounds of the Cathedral of Christ the King, 186 Nugget Street, Berea. Enter from Smit/Nugget Street.
Meeting Place
Cathedral of Christ the King, 186 Nugget Street, Berea
Guides
Kathy Munro, Flo Bird, Athena Clayton and Boitumelo Moletsane
Contact Number
060 813 3239

Through the Lens: Parktown Old and New
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Saturday, 26th April 2025
Time and Duration
14:00 for 14:15 (2 hours)
Cost
JHF Members: R220
Non-members: R330
Max no of people
35
Description
In 1992, The Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust (now the JHF) celebrated Parktown’s centenary. As part of the commemorations, we invited photographers to submit pics of their favourite Parktown buildings – old and new – which were then displayed in an exhibition at the City Library.
We are now proud to present a tea and talk featuring the 40 surviving colour photographs, none of which have been seen in over 30 years.
So, join Prof Kathy Munro for a look back through the lens and rediscover Parktown as it was. Some of the buildings on display date to the earliest days of the suburb, others reflect the transition of Parktown to an educational and office park hub, bisected and divided by new roads.
Sadly, by that time, much of old Parktown was already lost but enough was saved to become ‘heritage’. And some of the ‘new’ architecture is worth a closer look too. Don’t miss this opportunity to view the original photographs and let the walls share their ghosts and memories.
The talk will be held at The View, a lovely heritage home in its own right, and the ticket price includes a tea and light snacks.
Meeting Place
The View, 18 Ridge Road, Parktown
Guides
Prof. Kathy Munro
Contact Number
060 813 3239