Upcoming Tours
Vincent Carruthers in conversation with Kathy Munro JHF Book Room, Northwards
Type of Tour
Book sale and Discussion
Date
Saturday, 7th November 2026
Time and Duration
Book Sale: 9am – 1pm
Book Talk: 10am
Cost
Free admission, but donations are always appreciated
Max people
100
Description
This month Vincent Carruthers joins JHF honorary life vice-chair Prof Kathy Munro for a conversation about his remarkable body of work.
One of South Africa’s most prolific and engaging writers on natural and cultural heritage, Vincent has written extensively about the Magaliesberg, Hartbeespoort Dam, Toppieshoek and the extraordinary natural and cultural heritage of the Magaliesberg Biosphere.
His books combine meticulous research with a deep personal passion for landscape, conservation, wildlife and the people and stories that have shaped this remarkable region.
Among the books he has written or contributed to are The Magaliesberg, The Heritage Treasures of Toppieshoek, Cradle of Life, People of the Magaliesberg, The Sandton Field Book and The Illustrated History of Hartbeespoort Dam.
Come and hear the stories behind the books — and discover the remarkable landscape just beyond Johannesburg through the eyes of one of its most knowledgeable and passionate interpreters.
The Book Room opens at 9am, so come early to browse the shelves. After the talk, join us in the kitchen for coffee and crunchies.
All are welcome — we look forward to seeing you at Northwards!
Meeting Place
Northwards, 21 Rockridge Rd, Parktown
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Kensington jacaranda walk - a lavender dream
Type of Tour
Walking tour
Date
Sunday, 8th November 2026
Time and Duration
09:00
3 Hours
Cost
JHF Members: R190
Non-members R295
Max people
40
Description
Kensington is famous for its historic, tree-lined avenues. Above the asphalt stretches its crowning glory: a sweeping canopy of jacaranda trees. Every October and November, this picturesque suburb transforms. The streets erupt in purple as the full-bloom jacarandas unfurl, draping every road in a lavender haze and carpeting the pavements in soft, violet petals. It is a spring spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.
But this magic didn’t happen by accident. In the late 1890s, visionary tree entrepreneur William Nelson set out to plant a dream. Around 1896, over just six months, he lined the streets of Kensington with an astonishing 106 kilometres of trees, one of the earliest large-scale street tree projects in South Africa. More than a century later, we still walk in the shade of his vision.
As we journey through Kensington’s living history, we will also meet some of the people who shaped this community, and those who were shaped by it. Wander its charming, leafy lanes and uncover hidden treasures tucked away along the route, from forgotten stories to unexpected corners you’d never find on your own.
Join JHF guide Antoinette Morgan and local Kensington Heritage specialist Isabella Pingle as they take you for a walk along the streets of Kensington, sharing stories of what makes Kensington special.
This is a long walk of approx. 3.5kms, hence the early start. There are some sections with inclines. Good walking shoes, water and a hat are highly recommended.
We will meet at the Kensington Bowling Club (not Rhodes Park Bowling Club) where there is safe parking. After the walk, enjoy the club’s restaurant facilities for a well-deserved lunch (for your own account).
Meeting Place
Kensington Bowling Club, 8 Ivanhoe Street, Kensington
Guides
Antoinette Morgan and Isabella Pingle
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Dolobran – An eclectic treat Parktown (members only)
Type of Tour
House tour
Date
Saturday, 14th November 2026
Time and Duration
1.30pm and 3.30pm
1.5 Hours
Cost
JHF Members: R350
Max people
30 per tour
Description
Plenty of Joburgers have noticed the old house right at the top of Oxford Road – the one with the unmistakable onion dome – and wondered what it actually looks like inside.
Now’s your chance to see it for yourself!
The JHF is offering paid-up members a rare look-in at Dolobran, easily one of the best-preserved Randlord homes in the city.
Designed by James Cope Christie for Sir Llewellyn Andersson, Dolobran is an architectural gem. It’s a wonderfully eclectic home, drawing together design touches picked up from the various places the Andersson family lived over the years.
While it might not boast the footprint of Northwards or Villa Arcadia, it is arguably the most charming of all the Parktown heritage homes, complete with gorgeous stained-glass windows, classic gables, and that iconic cupola. The views stretching out over Valley Road and Forest Town towards the Joburg Zoo aren’t too bad either!
Dolobran isn’t just a historic showcase, though. It remains the private family home of Mr and Mrs Andersson – the third generation to live under its roof. Because of this, visiting is a genuine privilege, and we trust that all our guests will treat the home with the utmost care and respect.
Two tour slots are available: the first kicks off at 1:30pm and the second at 3:30pm, with just 30 tickets up for grabs per session.
A visit to Dolobran is an absolute bucket-list treat. Book soon to avoid missing out.
Please contact the office to book before paying as this tour sells out fast: mail@joburgheritage.org.za / 060 813 3239.
Parking is available next to the house in Jubilee Road. Car guards will be on duty. At our hosts’ request, no photographs will be allowed inside the house.
Meeting Place
16 Victoria Avenue corner Jubilee Road, Parktown.
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Johannesburg City Library - the treasures of the stacks
Type of Tour
Historical building and archives
Date
Saturday, 21st November 2026
Time and Duration
9:00
2 Hours
Cost
JHF Members: R190
Non-members R295
Max people
40
Description
From its humble beginnings in a hastily erected corrugated iron building in 1893, the Johannesburg City Library has grown into an impressive collection of over 1.5 million books and manuscripts.
Join JHF expert guides Sandy Murray and Alison Wilson to hear how activists like the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation championed the reopening of the library following its indefinite closure in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Marvel at the gravitas of the library’s architecture and learn about the legendary librarian Anna Smith, who insisted that everyone must have access to reading regardless of their race.
Our special guest, senior Library Assistant Elton May, will also guide us through the 4 levels of subterranean archives (known as the stacks) and share his enthusiasm for the library’s impressive collection of rare manuscripts, books and historic maps.
We will meet in the foyer of the Johannesburg City Library. It is suggested that you Uber to the library as parking is scarce. Wear good walking shoes and suitable clothing. Please note: some visitors may find that the 4 levels of subterranean archives are warm and claustrophobic.
Meeting Place
Johannesburg City Library. Corner of Albertina Sisulu (Market) Street and Fraser Streets, Johannesburg
Guides
Sandy Murray and Alison Wilson
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Johannesburg’s 140th anniversary in Plans: Exhibition & talk at the Rand Club
Type of Tour
Lecture
Date
Friday, 27th November 2026
Time and Duration
17:30 for 18:00 pm
2 Hours
Cost
JHF Members: R190
Non-members R295
Max people
60
Description
Johannesburg turned 140 in early October. To mark this occasion, JHF created a view of the city through an unusual and precious record of its past: the architectural plans preserved in the City of Johannesburg’s plans archive.
The exhibition launched on 10 October at the Rand Club to a packed audience, with retired academic, heritage writer and JHF honorary Vice President Prof Kathy Munro taking us through some of Johannesburg’s remarkable survivors and tragic losses. We are rerunning her talk due to popular demand. The exhibition will be taken down shortly after so this is your last chance to catch it.
Join us on 27 November at the Rand Club to see and hear about the city’s evolution through its built environment, and the victims and survivors of this progress. From an early house at Oaklands; to Friedenheim at Jeppe Boys High School, now demolished but remembered through its original gates; the Bez Valley farmhouse, possibly the oldest surviving house within Johannesburg; the original Cullinan Home and Cullinan Chambers; Pen-y-Bryn in Parktown, now demolished; Broadcast House in Commissioner Street; and the plans for an old cottage in Braamfontein dating as far back as 1890.
Join us after to raise a glass to Johannesburg’s anniversary (sparkling wine or cooldrink included)!
Meeting Place
Rand Club, 33 Loveday Street, Marshalltown
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Northcliff Ridge - homes among the jacarandas
Type of Tour
Walking Tour
Date
Sunday, 29th November 2026
Time and Duration
9:00
2,5 Hours
Cost
JHF Members: R190
Non-members R295
Max people
35
Description
Northcliff Ridge is a prominent Johannesburg landmark renowned for its water tower, inspiring vistas and the resident personalities who have shaped the city.
Join JHF guide Sandy Murray for a walk through the jacaranda-lined streets of Northcliff as we marvel at the beautiful heritage and contemporary homes along the way. We’ll also hear about the influential activists, entertainers and entrepreneurs who called this suburb home. Northcliff is also not without its rogues – so prepare to be enthralled by unexpected shenanigans, exposed in a most dramatic incident!
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the panoramic view from the water tower (now part of an eco-park). From there we can envisage the development of the area from our first Hominid ancestors to the modern day.
The walk ends at the summit of the ridge, after which we walk back down to Olivia’s bakery – or you may choose to order an Uber.
Please note: This is a steep, demanding walk which requires a fair level of fitness. Good walking shoes, sunscreen, rain jacket, water and a snack are essential. As the walk requires ascending the ridge, which is exposed to the elements, it is also weather dependent.
Meeting Place
Olivia’s Coffee Bake, 175 Beyers Naude Drive, Northcliff
Contact Number
060 813 3239