How long does it take to walk the Parktown mansion route?

The full route takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. This includes time to stop for photos and enjoy the views from the ridge over the roughly 4-kilometer distance.

Is Parktown safe for a self-guided walk?

Yes, during the day it is generally safe for pedestrians. However, it is a quiet residential area, so it is best to walk in pairs and remain aware of your surroundings, avoiding the area after sunset.

Can I go inside the mansions in Parktown?

Most of these historic homes are private residences or schools and are not open to the public. However, you can appreciate the stunning architecture and gardens from the street, and some, like Northwards, occasionally host events.

What are the 'Randlords'?

The Randlords were the powerful entrepreneurs who controlled the gold and diamond mining industries in South Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They built these grand mansions to display their immense wealth.

Is this walking route difficult?

Yes, it is considered challenging. The route involves walking up and down the steep Parktown Ridge, which requires a moderate level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes.

When is the best time to visit Parktown?

The best time is early morning on a weekday or Saturday. October is particularly beautiful when the Jacaranda trees are in full purple bloom, lining the streets of the neighborhood.

Are there places to eat along the walking route?

There are limited options directly on the ridge. It is best to visit the nearby 44 Stanley or the cafes in nearby Melville or Rosebank before or after your walk.

Parktown's Victorian Mansions | Walking Tour

About This Tour

Step back into the Gilded Age of Johannesburg with a self-guided walk through the leafy, undulating streets of Parktown. This neighborhood was once the exclusive enclave of the 'Randlords'—the wealthy mining magnates who shaped the city's early destiny. As you traverse this walking route, you will encounter a stunning collection of Victorian and Edwardian mansions that survived the rapid modernization of the city. These homes were designed by legendary architects like Sir Herbert Baker, showcasing a transition from the ornate frills of the late Victorian era to the more grounded Arts and Crafts movement. This architectural journey provides a window into the lives of figures like Sir Thomas Cullinan and the eccentric Dale Laces, whose legacies are etched into the stone and red brick of these estates. Beyond the buildings themselves, the route offers breathtaking vistas from the Parktown Ridge, looking out over the northern suburbs. Exploring this area independently allows you to appreciate the intricate details of the wrought ironwork and the sturdy Koppie stone masonry at your own pace. It is a challenging but rewarding exploration of Johannesburg's historical soul, where every corner reveals a story of ambition, opulence, and preservation. While finding a comprehensive walking tour Johannesburg can be difficult, this self-guided route ensures you don't miss the hidden stories of the ridge. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this stroll through Parktown reveals why these mansions remain some of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa.

Highlights

The View, the oldest surviving mansion in Johannesburg

Panoramic views of the city from the Parktown Ridge

Sir Herbert Baker's architectural masterpiece, Northwards House

The eclectic and whimsical design of Dolobran

Stately stone buildings and cloisters of St John's College

Emoyeni Estate's grand Edwardian architecture

Tour Stops (6)

The View

Start your self-guided adventure at The View, a stately Victorian mansion built in 1896. This was the home of Sir Thomas Cullinan, the diamond magnate after whom the world's largest diamond was named. As the oldest surviving house in Johannesburg, it serves as a perfect introduction to the opulence of the Randlords. Notice the intricate 'Broekie Lace'—the decorative Victorian wrought ironwork—that adorns the wrap-around verandas. Today, it serves as the headquarters for the Transvaal Scottish Regiment, and its red-brick facade stands as a testament to the early wealth generated by the gold mines. The gardens here offer a peaceful moment before you begin the climb up the ridge.

Emoyeni Estate

Perched on the edge of the Parktown Ridge, Emoyeni means 'Place in the Wind' in Zulu. Built in 1905 for the Honourable H.C. Hull, a member of the first Union Cabinet, this Edwardian mansion reflects a shift toward a more substantial, permanent style of architecture. The house is constructed from local Koppie stone, blending the structure into the rocky landscape it sits upon. Take a moment to look northward from this vantage point; the view across the forest of the northern suburbs toward the Magaliesberg mountains is one of the best in the city. It exemplifies the desire of the early elite to look down upon the dusty mining town they had created.

Dolobran (1906)

Dolobran is perhaps the most unique and whimsical home in Parktown. Built in 1906 for Sir Charles Llewellyn Andersson, the house is an eclectic mix of styles, featuring a prominent red-domed corner tower and Art Nouveau influences. Unlike many of its neighbors, Dolobran has remained in the same family for generations, preserving its original character. Look for the intricate stained glass and the variety of window shapes that give the house its fairy-tale appearance. It stands as a symbol of the individualistic and often flamboyant tastes of the men who made their fortunes on the Witwatersrand gold fields.

Northwards House

Northwards is a masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement, designed by the renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker in 1904. It was built for the flamboyant Jose Dale Lace and his wife, Josie. The house is famous for its use of local stone and its integration with the surrounding rocky outcrop. After a fire in the early 20th century, it was rebuilt and later became the home of the mining financier Sir George Albu. The grand proportions, the vaulted ceilings, and the expansive terrace designed for entertaining reflect the height of Parktown's social prestige. It remains one of the most significant residential buildings in South Africa.

Holy Family College

Moving along the ridge, you reach Holy Family College, originally known as the Parktown Convent. Founded in 1905, this site demonstrates that the ridge wasn't just for private residences but also for grand institutional buildings. The red-brick architecture and the peaceful courtyards provided an educational sanctuary for the daughters of Johannesburg's elite. The school's presence here helped cement Parktown as the premier residential and social hub of the early city. Its neo-Gothic elements and sturdy construction mirror the confidence of the Edwardian era, standing as a quiet sentinel over the evolving neighborhood.

St John's College, Johannesburg

Concluding your neighborhood stroll is St John's College, one of the most prestigious schools in the country. Much of the historic campus was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and his partner Fleming. The school is a magnificent example of the use of dressed stone, featuring beautiful cloisters, a grand chapel, and the iconic Pelican Quad. The architecture was intended to evoke the tradition and permanence of English public schools, adapted for the South African landscape. Walking past the stone arches, you can feel the weight of history and the influence of the British colonial aesthetic that defined Parktown for over a century.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Parktown Ridge route is the best, as it features the highest concentration of Randlord mansions. You will see masterpieces by Sir Herbert Baker, including Northwards and St John's College, all within a 3-kilometer radius.