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Dlala Nje
Dlala Nje is a social enterprise based in Ponte City that runs walking tours of Ponte, Hillbrow and Yeoville, with tour income funding youth and childhood programmes.
At a glance
- Type
- Inner-city walking and community tours
- Area
- Berea, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Official site
- dlalanje.org
Good to know
- Ponte City tours
- Hillbrow and Yeoville walks
- Food tour
- Sundowners
- Non-profit social enterprise
Why we recommend it
Dlala Nje is a social enterprise based at the foot of Ponte City, the 54-storey cylindrical apartment tower in Berea that dominates the skyline east of Hillbrow. Since 2012 it has worked to challenge perceptions of the inner city and create opportunity for the people who live there. Tour income supports its community centres, which run early childhood development and youth programmes, and the organisation holds non-profit status for donations.
The best-known experience is the Ponte Tower tour, which takes you inside the building to see its famous hollow core, the open shaft that runs up through the middle of the tower, and to learn how Ponte went from a 1970s luxury address to a symbol of urban decay and then a recovering residential block. Dlala Nje also runs Ponte sundowners, a Ponte stairs challenge and a women's cake and wine experience. Walking tours go further afield: Raw and Real is a walk through Hillbrow, one of the most densely populated parts of the city, and the Taste of Africa foodie tour explores Yeoville, where migrants from across the continent run restaurants and food stalls. There are also tours of Soweto, Maboneng and downtown, and a full-day tour that combines several areas.
These tours suit curious travellers who want to understand how ordinary people live in the inner city, beyond the museums and malls. Walking with a guide in Hillbrow and Berea is a very different experience from looking at these areas from a car window.
Book through the tour pages on the website, where each experience has its own listing with times and prices. Wear comfortable shoes, carry a small amount of cash for snacks on the food tour, and leave expensive jewellery and cameras at your accommodation unless your guide says otherwise. Follow your guide's advice on photography, especially of people.
Ponte City is at 1 Lily Avenue in Berea, a short drive from Braamfontein and Constitution Hill. Most guests arrive by ride-hailing app; ask Dlala Nje about the best drop-off point when you book. Combining a morning tour with an afternoon at Constitution Hill makes a strong day in the inner city.
Dlala Nje FAQs
What is Dlala Nje?
A social enterprise in Ponte City that runs inner-city tours and community programmes.
Which tours are offered?
Ponte Tower tours and sundowners, a Hillbrow walking tour, a Yeoville food tour, and tours of Soweto, Maboneng and downtown.
Where is it based?
At Shop 1, Ponte City Apartments, 1 Lily Avenue, Berea.
Where does the money go?
Tour income supports community centres offering early childhood development and youth programmes.
How do I book?
Through the tour booking pages on the Dlala Nje website.
How long has it been running?
Since 2012.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a little cash; leave valuables at your accommodation.
How do I contact them?
By phone on +27 67 082 8168 or email at [email protected].