Top of Africa
Top of Africa
3.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.5
446 reviews
Excellent
84
Very good
146
Average
156
Poor
46
Terrible
14
Bob A
Saint Paul, MN35 contributions
Feb 2020
Dont make it a point to go to this, but if you happen to be near it, or have time to do it, its kind of cool. but the building is run down, there is no staff to help. One of the elevators (lifts) didnt seem to be working perfectly (door closed on me as it was getting off and it was about 6 inches lower than the floor). The views are cool, but like I said, I wouldnt make a point of going out of your way to do this.
Written April 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canadian Globetrotter
Toronto, Canada513 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
Went to try the view from this building's observatory as it was well known as a major Joburgh tourist attraction. When I went to the ticket kiosk, there was no one inside. The security personnel agreed to let me in and told me I can pay after the tour. View is definitely nice and panoramic. You can see as far to all four sides of the building and visibility/weather is only limiting factor. The major downside was really dirty glass panes pretty much all around the four sides. Inside the observatory looked pretty derelict and run down and it looked as if it has not been maintained for months..
Toilet also looked as if it had not been maintained for years. Shame!!
Toilet also looked as if it had not been maintained for years. Shame!!
Written December 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
theirishleprechaun
Ireland236 contributions
If you are in Joburg, Top of Africa is worth checking out if you have the time. It offers great views of the city and surrounding area. There is secure underground car-parking for a very small fee and the cost in June 2010 to go up to the top was only r15. The surrounding area is slightly dodgy by European standards but is in reality quite safe once you take the usual precuations. It is definitely safe to visit alone so don't be put off by any horror stories.
Written July 24, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lewy11
United Kingdom191 contributions
May 2023
Was reccomended by virgin atlantic on the things to do. Its really not safe. Came to visit the tower and walked around the mall. Was followed and almost grabbed out an uber. Turns out ubers not safe here due to the local taxi drivers kicking off. Also non white shop owners was pestering. Unless in a huge group with a guide do not come here. Was amazing views at the top though but not worth it. But very dangerous
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William T
London, UK3 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
The ‘Top of Africa’ sounds inviting and is well advertised on the Gauteng municipality’s tourist information website. Certainly, the claim of being the tallest building on the continent would make it seem an obvious stop off.
So, beware:
Pros:
1. The view is indeed good although not exactly inspiring.
2. The elevator is fast, hurtling up 50 stories in no time.
3. The nominal fee of R30 is agreeable although no one was manning the desk when I arrived.
Cons:
1. Categorically *do not* (as I mistakenly did) visit as a solo traveller. The area is ‘high risk’ to the point that my Uber driver questioned dropping me at the mall entrance.
2. So then, access is via the Carlton Mall. Do not expect TToA to be signposted. Ask a security guard for directions once inside — to level -1.
3. The neighbourhood is bad, the mall dispiriting, and the room at the top of the building utterly dilapidated. I’m talking holes in ceiling panels, overturned furniture, cordoned off areas. Really, it’s a mess and when outside, at times, I felt unsafe.
4. If you insist on travelling here by yourself and plan to be picked up afterwards, note that (at the time of my visit - Dec ‘19) Uber drivers will not collect you from the mall entrance because of a (violent) turf war with metered taxis! Instead, be prepared to walk 2-3 blocks through some pretty rough streets until you reach a collection point.
Understandably, I guess, the municipality website focussed exclusively on the pros! That it doesn’t expressly recommend taking a guide when visiting is, to my mind, bordering on scandalous. To be very honest, unless TToA is already a part of your guided tour a special excursion probably isn’t worth it!
So, beware:
Pros:
1. The view is indeed good although not exactly inspiring.
2. The elevator is fast, hurtling up 50 stories in no time.
3. The nominal fee of R30 is agreeable although no one was manning the desk when I arrived.
Cons:
1. Categorically *do not* (as I mistakenly did) visit as a solo traveller. The area is ‘high risk’ to the point that my Uber driver questioned dropping me at the mall entrance.
2. So then, access is via the Carlton Mall. Do not expect TToA to be signposted. Ask a security guard for directions once inside — to level -1.
3. The neighbourhood is bad, the mall dispiriting, and the room at the top of the building utterly dilapidated. I’m talking holes in ceiling panels, overturned furniture, cordoned off areas. Really, it’s a mess and when outside, at times, I felt unsafe.
4. If you insist on travelling here by yourself and plan to be picked up afterwards, note that (at the time of my visit - Dec ‘19) Uber drivers will not collect you from the mall entrance because of a (violent) turf war with metered taxis! Instead, be prepared to walk 2-3 blocks through some pretty rough streets until you reach a collection point.
Understandably, I guess, the municipality website focussed exclusively on the pros! That it doesn’t expressly recommend taking a guide when visiting is, to my mind, bordering on scandalous. To be very honest, unless TToA is already a part of your guided tour a special excursion probably isn’t worth it!
Written December 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TGSA
Udon Thani, Thailand454 contributions
I go to the Carlton Tower (TOP OF AFRICA) at least once a month (I live in Johannesburg). Great views, the CBD (Central Business District) is pretty safe these days, lots of security guards and cameras everywhere. Yes, you have to be careful like in any big city but it is nothing like the many horror stories that make the rounds about Johannesburg. And the Carlton Tower is still (I think) the tallest building in Africa (50 levels). Entrance fee is very low.
Written July 7, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sanian09
Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa3 contributions
The observation deck is impressive and well designed with beautiful views of the city. They say that on a clear day you can see Pretoria and Sandton as well. The mall which you are force to enter through is over crowded (I was there on the last Saturday of the month, may be better in the week). Overall it was a great experience and would definitely go again!
And also I felt safe at all times.
And also I felt safe at all times.
Written November 26, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meyhofer
Amsterdam, The Netherlands228 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
What should be a nice place with great experience, there is only a view from dirty windows..... really sorry for the city of Johannesburg. It is a building full of history, once the highest in south hemisphere, but nothing left. Even the coffee shop there is closed. The price is R30 and the entrance is on the -1 floor.
Written December 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arlette Z
Rohrdorf, Aargau, Switzerland75 contributions
Oct 2018
Weather wasn't very nice the day we were there. But anyway we had a great view over Johnannesburg and the surrounding. With the lift you are very fast on the 50th floor of the Carlton Tower.
Top of Africa is a must on the to-do-list of Johannesburg.
Top of Africa is a must on the to-do-list of Johannesburg.
Written November 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan R
Centurion, South Africa102 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
An interesting day spent at the Carlton Centre and surrounds, be prepared for a lot of walking, comfortable flat shoes is a must. We went to the tower to have a birds eye view of the surrounding areas and we were not disappointed. The elevator took us to the 50th floor of the building. Interestingly there is no 13th floor. The elevator goes from the 12 to the 14th floor, then it proceeds to the top of the building. When you step out of the elevator, the view outside really is a sight to behold. One can walk right around the top floor to have a good look at the scenery outside, the high rise buildings, the traffic below, the sport stadium, SABC tower and a lot more. It is good to go on a clear sunny day, that way one could see a lot more than on a cloudy day. The entrance fee is of R15 is a bit high, there is not really much to do but to enjoy the view from the top, there is also no restaurant or any other amenities. Other than that, it is a good place to take your family to.
Written February 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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