Northcliff Ridge - Purple Haze from Bottom to Top

One of the most prominent outcrops along Joburg’s northern ridges, Northcliff is renowned for its landmark water tower, Jacaranda-lined streets and views all the way to the Magaliesberg.

So, join expert guides Brian McKechnie and Luke Gonçalves for a trek up the ridge, ending with the best view in Joburg! Along the way, we’ll chart the beautiful heritage and contemporary homes dotted along the cliffs, including houses by renowned architects Wilhelm Pabst, Louis Louw, Ian Gandini and M.J. Harris.

Plus we’ll introduce you to some of the suburb’s more prominent personalities, including anti-apartheid activist Dr Beyers Naude and everyone’s favourite 90’s chat show host, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle.

The suburb of Northcliff Ridge was established in 1934 by the effervescent entrepreneur Fred Cohen, who built himself a palatial Old Hollywood-style mansion on Hearn Drive. We’ll also see the location of the tearoom and ‘plastic’ theatre that Cohen constructed right at the top of the hill – before it burned down!

After enjoying the panoramic views from the top of the ridge, we’ll be walking back down or you can call an Uber. Please note: this is a steep walk. Good walking shoes, a reasonable fitness level, sunscreen and drinking water are essential.