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Ponte Experience: Overlook Johannesburg from the 51st Floor and Explore its History
4.9
190 Ratings
Johannesburg
Survey the metropolitan expanse of Johannesburg from the 51st floor while immersing in the narrative of the edifice and its nearby areas. Subsequently, explore the heart of the construction to acquire an alternate viewpoint.
Survey the metropolitan expanse of Johannesburg from the 51st floor while immersing in the narrative of the edifice and its nearby areas. Subsequently, explore the heart of the construction to acquire an alternate viewpoint.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Ponte City Apartments - Ponte Tower held the title of the Tallest Residential Building in Africa from 1975 - 2017. At 173m tall with a hallow core, it is a brutalist architectural sight to behold.
- Ponte City Apartments - Ponte Tower held the title of the Tallest Residential Building in Africa from 1975 - 2017. At 173m tall with a hallow core, it is a brutalist architectural sight to behold.

What's Included
- Expert local guide
- Expert local guide
Location
1 Lily Ave
Lily Avenue
Entrance to the tower is at the end of lily avenue, it looks like a dead end but the black entrance gate is on the left. Tell security you are here from Dlala Nje and they will point you to the welcome centre
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(190 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Pavel
Nov 16, 2025
A must see in Joburg - Amazing tour of Ponte City. Lots of interesting information about the neighborhood and the building is just one of a kind. Moreover you will get splendid views of all over Joburg.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aurélia
Oct 30, 2025
Not to be missed! - Extraordinary experience thanks to Kea who brought the history of Ponte Tower to life in an exciting way! The tour of the apartments, the view, the basement, the anecdotes!
To see!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniela
Oct 7, 2025
Jozi my Jozi! đŸ’œ - The most incredible experience! So amazing to be tourists in our own beautiful city, Jozi. Thank you for enlightening us đŸ‡¿đŸ‡¦
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Belindao390
Oct 4, 2025
What a rewarding experience, and excellent tour guide! - Highlight of my personal Joburg Nostalgia Tour, having moved to Cape Town in the mid 80's.
The building itself and revealing view are mind-blowing enough, but Dlala Nje’s guide elevated the experience higher still (regret that I lost her name, hence my included pic). A bright young lady who relayed the story and context in an informative, concise and easy-on-the-ear manner – plus plenty of insider details. Made even more enjoyable by her warmth, honesty and wit!
Gratifying to see how well managed security is for Ponte residents – with facial recognition entry, controlled visitor numbers and duration, types of permitted activities, etc. The rejuvenation project is clearly WIP, but what a monumental success story, thus far!
Good to have shared the experience with a Joburg family and their teenage son, as well as three international visitors – and to hear the answers to their questions.
Very heartening to also see the community centre and how Dlala Nje enriches the lives of local children – see their website’s gallery. And its free - as our guide said, if they can get here, we take them.
A tip - allow 30 min more than the stated one hour, for continued chats and to avoid losing your booked ride and following booking.
My only negatives are… the advertised R250 cost is misleading, as that’s for a child; the full adult and seniors’ prices should be stated, and children’s fees thereafter. And the drop-off and meeting point could be clarified from the start – it is at Ponte’s security-controlled vehicle gate at 1 Lily Ave (a cul-de-sac), then walk in along the driveway and look for a group of people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Odyssey66739056575
Aug 1, 2025
A Tale of the Two Cities: From an Urban Slum to Modern Landmark - From watching horrors programmes abour the building and reading heart wrenching stories in popular media, Ponte City was definitely on my TO NEVER VISIT LIST…I then ended up there…The building has undergone an incredible transformation, and a significant part of its positive story is thanks to the work of a social enterprise called Dlala Nje.
Dlala Nje (meaning "just play" in isiZulu) operates from the building and is dedicated to challenging the negative perceptions of Ponte and the surrounding Hillbrow neighborhood. They run tours and experiences that offer an authentic look at the area's vibrant culture, history, and the daily lives of its residents. All profits from these tours are funneled directly into their community centers for local children.
A list of movies filmed there includes:
* District 9 (2009)
* Chappie (2015)
* Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)
Dlala Nje's presence has helped turn Ponte City into a beacon of urban renewal, demonstrating how community-focused initiatives can be a powerful force for change.
This place is a must visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liztn720nx
Jul 24, 2025
- Interesting building , great reflection on society. Cynthia was a informed and welcoming tour guide and you money goes to a good cause. Don't hesitate to go!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curious21880041089
Jul 14, 2025
Ponte City is Ponte Love - explore the place where people make the difference - Where does one go to encounter Johannesburg as a Newbie to the city? Go straight to Ponte City, talk to the Dlala Nje people and experience what Joburg is like. It covers all the important history from 1970 until today. Once you get into it and listen to Dlala Nje, watch how they go about, experience their warmth and kindness you know most of the stories you heard just buy tourits. People (= Dlala Nje) make the difference. Back then in March last year I immediately knew I wanted to come back. The venue on the 51st floor just accomodates perfectly a birthday party. Size, style, facilities - but the most important the staff made us feel at home. They accomodated every need we had and were the perfect host. You can not put it in words: go there, experience how people stand up, make it happen, empower themselves and others. It is real. It is Dlala Nje. Ponte Love.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benbp7319sd
Jun 28, 2025
Great experience - Very captivating tour of an interesting building. Great views!
The community project is awesome. They are changing kids lives!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y1133adjb
Jun 26, 2025
Awesome Experience. - Extremely well organised and safe. We really enjoyed the experience. Dlala Nje staff were all super friendly and helpful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brendanlc1656ts
Jun 18, 2025
Beautiful views of the city - Probably some of the most unique brutality architecture you'll see on the continent. With some fascinating history as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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