Plizio Visual Lab
Hillbrow Tower
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Hillbrow Tower is a prominent telecommunications landmark in Johannesburg, completed in 1971 after three years of construction. Standing at 269 meters, it was for many years the tallest structure in Africa and remains an essential hub for South African broadcasting and telephony. The tower's design features a slender concrete shaft topped by a multi-story head section that originally housed a revolving restaurant and public observation decks. Due to security concerns, the tower was closed to the general public in 1981, and it now operates as a private facility for the Telkom company. Originally named the JG Strijdom Tower, it was later renamed after the Hillbrow district where it stands. Despite its restricted access, the tower continues to dominate the city's skyline as a symbol of 20th-century engineering and urban expansion in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Location: South Africa
- Top sights: The Munro Drive Viewpoint · Little Brenthurst · Brenhurst
- Nearby: Magaliesburg (54 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 123 | 82 | 73 | 43 | 16 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 57 | 89 | 127 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Hillbrow Tower is a telecommunications tower dominating the skyline of Johannesburg. The tower itself is not usually open to the public, but it can be viewed from outside in the area.
Typical hours
The tower and its surroundings are visible around the clock, but there are no specific opening hours for viewing. Best seen during daylight when the silhouette is clear.
Photography
Photography of the tower from public streets is allowed at any time. For safety reasons, entering the tower or taking close-up photos without permission is not allowed.
Time needed
Viewing the tower from outside takes just a few minutes if you want to take a photo. Plan for 10-15 minutes to find the best view from the area.
Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk through Hillbrow, the lively neighborhood of the city. The nearby Carlton Centre also features a fantastic view over Johannesburg.
Getting there
Hillbrow Tower is located in the Hillbrow district, about 2 km north of central Johannesburg. It is accessible by taxi, bus, or on foot; the area is lively.
Insider tip
Visit the tower during daytime, as Hillbrow can be less safe at night. Bring a camera to capture the tower against the city skyline.
Geography
Facts
- The tower reaches a total height of 269 meters, including its antenna mast.
- Construction was completed in April 1971 at a cost of approximately 2 million Rand.
- A revolving restaurant was once located at a height of 197 meters.
- Public access to the observation decks has been restricted since 1981.
- It was originally named the JG Strijdom Tower after the former Prime Minister.
- The structure is currently owned and operated by Telkom SA.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hillbrow Tower (10)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Hillbrow Tower?
No, the tower is closed to the public and serves primarily as a telecommunications facility.
Is the tower the tallest building in Johannesburg?
It was the tallest for a long time, but has since been surpassed by newer structures.
Can I take photos of the Hillbrow Tower?
Yes, the tower is an iconic landmark and makes for great photos from the surrounding streets.
Is the area around the tower safe?
The area requires caution; it is recommended to visit only during the day and in groups.
How long does it take to see the tower?
Since it is only viewable from the outside, a quick photo stop of about 15 minutes is enough.
Hillbrow Tower: where is it located?
Hillbrow Tower is located in South Africa.
Hillbrow Tower: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Munro Drive Viewpoint, Little Brenthurst, Brenhurst.
Hillbrow Tower: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
Hillbrow Tower: why is it worth visiting?
The Hillbrow Tower is a prominent telecommunications landmark in Johannesburg, completed in 1971 after three years of construction.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in South Africa →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Ponte City
A cylindrical skyscraper in Johannesburg and the tallest residential building in Africa.
Pretoria City Hall
A monumental historical building in Pretoria featuring a large clock tower and 32 bells.
Soweto
A historic township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, Soweto is the vibrant heart of South African history and culture.
Nelson Mandela Bridge
A striking cable-stayed bridge linking the central business district of Johannesburg with Braamfontein.
Carlton Centre
A skyscraper and shopping center that was the tallest building in Africa for decades.
11 Diagonal Street
A distinctive skyscraper in Johannesburg designed to look like a diamond.
Sentech Tower
A 237-meter-tall television and radio broadcasting tower in Johannesburg.
FNB Stadium
The largest stadium in Africa and venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.
More places
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill in Johannesburg is a former prison complex that is now the seat of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
Apartheid Museum Complex
The complex illustrates 20th century South African history, showing the rise and fall of the state-sponsored racial apartheid system.
Hector Pieterson Memorial
The memorial honors the young student Hector Pieterson and the students who died during the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
Sterkfontein Caves
The Sterkfontein Caves, part of the Cradle of Humankind, are globally renowned for their rich fossil finds, particularly of early hominids.
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage site housing some of the oldest hominid fossils in the world.
South Deep Gold Mine
One of the largest gold mines globally by reserves, utilizing highly mechanized mining techniques.
Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument is a massive granite structure in Pretoria commemorating the Boer pioneers who left the Cape Colony.
Church Square
Church Square is the historic center of the city of Pretoria, surrounded by significant architectural buildings from the late 19th century.