Spending Mother's Day exploring Jozi
May 2026
Mother’s Day, which is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May, is a day dedicated to all the mothers, grandmothers and motherly figures in our lives. It is a day to spoil and pamper them, give them some much-needed time out and make sure they know just how much they are appreciated and loved.
Mother’s Day Love
At City Sightseeing, we have amazing specials if you want to get out and about and spend the day on board the famous Red Open Top double-decker bus.
Enjoy Joburg at its best
For a full day out with the family, hop on board and explore Jozi with us. With 16 stops and visiting over 20 of Joburg’s top attractions, you will be spoilt for choice for what to do and see.
● Special online discount: Only R325 per adult and R100 per child (aged 4-17 years old) or book our Special Family Package at a special rate of R780 from 4 May which includes a 1-day ticket pass for 2 Adults and 2 children aged 4-17.
If you want to tour with us and treat mom to a delicious meal, choose from one of the following options:
If you’re craving a burger and looking for value for money, hop on board and then end off the day back at Rosebank (stop no. 1), where you can enjoy a delicious American Cheeseburger with fries from RocoMamas at the Zone Mall.
● Special online discount: Only R379 per adult and R265 per child (aged 4-17 years old)
After fuelling up, hop on board and enjoy the rest of the day with us and explore the beauty of the city and surroundings.
In addition to our amazing specials to treat moms on the day, we have also researched some amazing deals focused on moms:
Sunday Sizzler: The Ultimate Mother’s Day City Adventure
If you’re looking for the most flexible way to celebrate Mom in the "City of Gold," the Sunday Sizzler is your best bet. This online-only special is designed for families who want to explore Johannesburg’s most iconic sights at their own pace, from the leafy suburbs of Rosebank to the historic heart of the inner city.
- Exclusive Online Savings: This special rate is available online only, making it the most affordable way to treat the whole family to a full day of sightseeing.
- The Route: Your ticket gives you unlimited access to the Red Tour Loop, covering 13 exciting stops including Melrose Arch, the Mandela Foundation, Constitution Hill, and the Apartheid Museum.
- Perfect Mother’s Day Pairing: The bus stops directly at the Johannesburg Zoo (Stop 13), making it the easiest way to reach the Mother’s Day Concert without worrying about parking!
- Stress-Free Transport: Forget the traffic. Enjoy a complimentary hotel shuttle from selected Sandton hotels or take the Gautrain to Rosebank station, where our tour office is just a short walk away.
- Onboard Experience: Mom can sit back and enjoy the view from our open-top buses with audio commentary available in 15 languages. There’s even a special kids' channel to keep the little ones entertained between stops.
2026 Pricing:
- Adults: From R285 (Online only)
- Juniors (Ages 5–17): From R165 (Online only)
Departure Point: The tour starts at our Rosebank office in The Zone shopping center (near KFC), with the first bus departing at 09:00 AM.
Mother's Day at the Joburg Zoo
Give Mom a celebration as extraordinary as she is with a soulful afternoon of music and nature. Held in partnership with the Joburg Theatre, the annual Mother’s Day Concert at the Johannesburg Zoo is the perfect way to honour the special women in your life while surrounded by wildlife and scenic beauty.
- Live Performances: Enjoy an incredible lineup featuring Ami Faku, Matthew Mole, The Soil, and the Phoenix Orchestra conducted by Richard Cock.
- Family Fun: The day includes a dedicated children’s play area with jumping castles and face painting, making it a great outing for the whole family.
- Zoo Adventures: Take a break from the music to enjoy guided heritage walks, Big 5 tours, or explore the zoo via the ferry shuttles.
- Picnic & Dining: You are welcome to bring your own picnic basket and non-alcoholic drinks, or you can grab a meal from the various food stalls and the on-site Stages restaurant.
- Event Times: Gates open at 08:30 AM, with the main concert programme running from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
- 2026 Pricing:
- Adults: R150
- Children (Ages 3–12): R85
- Pensioners: R85
- Location: Johannesburg Zoo, Corner of Jan Smuts Ave and Upper Park Dr, Parkview.
Just Like Sunday Social Club: Dear Mama
If Mom prefers a day that feels intentional, warm, and real, skip the formal dining room and head to The Boma Café in Paulshof. The "Dear Mama" edition of the Just Like Sunday Social Club is designed as a space to slow down and truly connect with the women who made us, set in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Mom the artist
- The Vibe: A soulful Sunday gathering focused on conversation and shared moments rather than a rushed meal.
- Special Touches: Moms will receive a thoughtful gift, and the afternoon includes a special live reading moment and a unique social experience.
- Retail Pop-Up: Browse a curated winter collection pop-up featuring exclusive, limited-edition pieces.
- For the Kids: The day is stress-free for parents, featuring a dedicated play area, jumping castle, and kids' goodie bags.
- Extra Support: Optional nanny support is available at an additional cost so the adults can truly relax.
- Timing: The social club runs from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
- Pricing: Entry is free, but booking via their website is recommended to manage capacity.
Location: The Boma Café, 127 B Wroxham Rd, Paulshof, Sandton.
Mom's Day Out at Toadbury Hall
Celebrate Mom with a relaxed, joy-filled day in the countryside at Toadbury Hall. Located just 20 minutes from Johannesburg or Pretoria, this much-loved Mother’s Day tradition is back for its fourth year, offering live music, fresh air, and an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
Live Entertainment: Enjoy a full day of music headlined by the iconic Ross Learmonth, with performances by household favorite Majozi and rising star Joneaux.
Gourmet Dining: Explore a variety of food and drink stalls on-site, or pre-order a gourmet picnic basket for the ultimate laid-back experience on the lawn.
Family Fun: Keep the little ones entertained with Omo the Clown, face painting, balloon animals, and jumping castles—all included for free.
The Setting: Bring your picnic blankets and camping chairs to soak up the sunshine on the lush, picture-perfect lawns of this beautiful estate.
- Event Times: The celebration runs from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
- Pricing:
- Adults: From R450 per person
- Pensioners: R300 per person
- Children (Ages 3–12): R225 per person
- Children (Under 3): Free entry
- Location: Toadbury Hall Country Hotel, Plot 64 Beyers Naude Ext, Lanseria, Krugersdorp.
Secret Sunrise Mother’s Day Dance, Johannesburg
For the moms who love to move and start their day with a burst of joy, swap the usual plans for a Secret Sunrise session at Old Eds (The Old Edwardian Society) in Houghton. This guided silent dance journey celebrates life through music and movement, offering a morning of "Mom Boss Energy" before the rest of the day's celebrations begin.
- The Experience: A one-hour, guided silent dance session using wireless headsets. It’s a unique blend of mindfulness, movement, and pure fun where you can dance like nobody’s watching.
- Theme: "Mom’s Morning Off!" Come as you are, but layers, sparkles, and sunglasses are highly encouraged.
- Timing: The session runs from 08:30 AM to 09:30 AM on Sunday, 10 May 2026, making it the perfect "before-breakfast" treat.
- Vibe: After the dance, stick around for great coffee and relaxed Sunday morning vibes at the club.
- Pricing: Tickets start at R100 per person.
- Location: The Old Edwardian Society (Old Eds), 9th Ave & 11th Ave, Lower Houghton, Johannesburg.
Location: The Old Edwardian Society, 9th Ave & 11th Ave, Lower Houghton, Johannesburg.
Book Tickets Now!FAQs
Is the "Sunday Sizzler" ticket the best option for Mother’s Day?
Yes! Since Mother’s Day (May 10, 2026) falls on a Sunday, the Sunday Sizzler is the most cost-effective way to travel. It offers a significant discount compared to standard daily tickets, but remember it must be purchased online in advance to get the special rate.
Can I use the Red Bus to get to the Mother’s Day Concert at the Johannesburg Zoo?
Absolutely. You can hop off at Stop 13 (Johannesburg Zoo & Military Museum). Using the bus is highly recommended for this event, as it allows you to skip the heavy traffic and parking congestion usually found around the zoo on Mother’s Day.
Do Mother’s Day tickets for the Red Bus include entry to the Zoo Concert or Secret Sunrise?
No. Your City Sightseeing ticket covers your transportation on the Red Tour loop. Event tickets for the Joburg Zoo Concert, Secret Sunrise at Old Eds, or Mom’s Day Out at Toadbury Hall must be purchased separately through their respective booking platforms (like Webtickets).
How do I reach off-route events like Toadbury Hall or The Boma Café?
While these locations are not direct "Hop-On, Hop-Off" stops, you can use the Red Bus to explore the city in the morning and then head to these venues for lunch. The best strategy is to park at Stop 1 (Rosebank), enjoy a morning loop, and then take a short 20-minute drive or Uber to Lanseria or Paulshof.
What happens if it rains on Mother’s Day?
The Red Bus operates "rain or shine" as the lower deck is fully enclosed and climate-controlled. Most featured events for 2026, like the Zoo Concert and Toadbury Hall, are outdoor-focused, so we recommend checking the weather forecast and bringing a jacket or umbrella just in case!
