Join a local tour for a unique and real Soweto perspective
Soweto is world famous for many reasons. Joining a local tour allows many people to turn perception into reality. What’s in Soweto?
Most people planning a trip to South Africa typically centre their itinerary on the gorgeous Cape Winelands, the fabulous food in Cape Town, the spectacular reaches of the Garden Route, and the Big Five on safari. However, a vacation to South Africa would be woefully incomplete without a day trip from Johannesburg to Soweto.
From its infamous cluster of shacks, Soweto has evolved into not only a flourishing Black African neighbourhood, but also a big tourist attraction with museums, postcard stores, and frequent bus tours. There are cafes in Soweto that serve cappuccinos with elaborate coffee art designs.
Soweto has evolved over the years from its storeyed history as a place of protest to a flourishing South African neighbourhood, and is now a major tourist hub with museums, postcard stores, and daily bus tours.
One of the best ways to experience Soweto is on local Soweto tours which takes you to some of the more intimate local areas while broadening your perspective with all the amazing art and culture Soweto has to offer.
Drink in the sights and sounds on the streets of Soweto
The Motsoaledi informal settlement is your first Soweto stop on any of the vibrant local Soweto tours.
Follow your guide as you make your way through the streets, stopping at local cafés and artisan markets on route to a community centre supported by MoAfrika. Meet the locals and get acquainted with their way of life.
In 1955, 3,000 people assembled in Soweto to approve the Freedom Charter, the foundation of the current constitution of South Africa, and the township would go on to play a central role in political movements aimed at overthrowing the apartheid state.
The South African people’s sacrifices during the struggle are commemorated in numerous memorials, museums, dedications, and places of memory.
Wind through Orlando West and arrive at the heart of Soweto. Explore Regina Mundi Church and Independence Square before making your way to the Hector Pieterson Museum for a guided tour.
Be inspired by Soweto’s history
Vilakazi Street is among the most popular thoroughfares in the township, and is the only street in the world to have been home to not one, but two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Walking down the lively Vilakazi Street, you will see famous landmarks and the residences of Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. If time permits, you might pay a visit to the Nelson Mandela Museum.
Enjoy everything Soweto has to offer today
Soweto is the place to go in Johannesburg for authentic local cuisine. Mogodu (tripe), ujege (steamed bread), and township kotas (rabbit chow) are all reasonably priced options.
But Soweto is also home to hip cafes, artisanal breweries, and dynamic fusion restaurants that bring together some of the best cuisine in South Africa.
Furthermore, Soweto is widely recognised as South Africa’s premier entertainment hub. Soweto is in the epicentre of the province’s booming music production industries, which are making ripples across all of Africa.
Visit Soweto for a memorable modern township experience.
