Cosmopolitan Killarney - Manhattan in the Veld

ABOUT

Home to jet-setters, professionals, jazz musicians and poets for over 100 years, the suburbs of Killarney and Riviera are rich with architectural and human heritage. 

Now, you can join expert guides Clare van Zweiten and Kgao Mashego for a fascinating walking tour that reveals the past and present of this evergreen part of Joburg. 

Along the way, we’ll meet the American-born movie mogul, Isidore Schlesinger, who founded South Africa’s first film studio here, way back when the whole area was still farmland. Then, drawn in by the glamour, an array of fashionable apartment buildings were developed to emulate Manhattan’s high-rise lifestyle. Our tour wanders through these architecturally notable buildings, as we discover more about their diverse designs, groundbreaking architects and some famous residents. In particular, we’ll be paying a visit to Bullock House, which was home to a Greek Royal Prince, peeking inside the award-winning Oxford Shul and getting a close-up look at the swanky Art Deco features of Daventry Court, Gleneagles and Mentone Court.

The meeting point is outside Entrance 4 of the Killarney Mall in Killarney Avenue off Riviera Road. Parking is available in the parking garage just past Entrance 4 or on the street.  

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring along a hat and drinking water. The total walking distance is between 3 and 4kms.

DIRECTIONS