Ponte City is the round tower you can see from almost anywhere in Johannesburg. You can go inside on a guided tour, and Dlala Nje has run those tours from Shop 1 in the building since 2012.
What is Ponte City?
Ponte City, also called Ponte Tower, is a round high-rise in Berea, next to Hillbrow. It was finished in 1975 and is one of the tallest residential buildings in Africa. Its best-known feature is the hollow core, a huge cylinder that runs through the middle of the tower.
For years Ponte was the subject of urban legends. Today families live here, and so do our two community centres for kids. Our guides cover the history of the building and the neighbourhood, from the years after apartheid to the 2010 World Cup.
[NEEDS CONTENT: a short history of Ponte City, written or approved by our guides]
Can you go inside Ponte City?
Yes, on a guided tour. The Ponte Tower Experience runs every day at 09:00, 11:00 and 15:00, from R380 per adult. On the tour you:
- meet your guide at the Dlala Nje shop
- see the community centre where children from the building play and learn
- stand inside the hollow core and look up
- go up to 5101, our venue on the 51st floor, for 270-degree views from Edenvale in the east to Soweto in the west
- hear how the tower and the neighbourhood have changed
[NEEDS CONTENT: how long the tour takes, and group size]
Is Ponte City safe to visit?
Guests tell us they feel looked after on the tour. Graham Nelson wrote on Google Maps: “Dlala Nje provided thorough information on how to arrive and depart the tower, and with our friendly guide we felt completely secure and comfortable during the whole visit.”
Ponte City is in the inner city, so plan how you get there. There is secure parking at Ponte City, and you can add transport when you book. Read directions and parking before you set off. Hillbrow is next door, so you may also want our answer to is Hillbrow safe to visit.
[NEEDS CONTENT: arrival tips from the team, such as where to wait and how pick-up works]
Questions about visiting Ponte City
Where does the tour start?
At Dlala Nje, Shop 1, Ponte City, 1 Lily Avenue, Berea, Johannesburg 2198.
Does my ticket support a cause?
Yes. 85% of tour revenue goes to the Dlala Nje Foundation, which runs our two community centres in Ponte City.
Can I just come for the view?
Yes. Come for a A drink at sunset. The view is part of the order. at Ponte Sundowners, Thursday to Sunday from 16:00, with local beers, wines and the sunset from the 51st floor.
Make a day of it
The Ultimate Joburg Full-Day Tour includes Ponte City, plus Constitution Hill, Maboneng, the Apartheid Museum and Soweto, with lunch and transport.
