Witwatersrand (Wits) University, Johannesburg

Although generally not open to the public, Wits University, founded in the 1920s, does offer a tour of their facilities to those of an academic or beneficial nature. Access to the campus is quite open, and a self-guided tour of the establishment is probably the most fun way to do it. Wits earned a reputation for resisting the worst efforts of the ex-South African government to enforce racial segregation in universities and includes among its alumni Nelson Mandela. Walking through the University while dipping into the various galleries and halls provides a sobering yet exhilarating sense of being a part of its intellectually rich history. The university can be contacted during normal office hours.