Soweto Halfday Tour: Significance of Africa's Most Visited Township
4.9
15 Ratings
Soweto
Discover the significance of Soweto, Africa's most visited township. Explore its humble beginnings, iconic residents, and diverse economic classes on our half-day tour.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial - While there are so many living stories that took place in the Township, Soweto mostly gained World’s fame through Students’ uprising on this day of 16th June 1976. This was a demonstration for educational rights.
After the introduction of Bantu (to the black students) educational system in 1954 the department were not convinced to be more than enough. In 1974 they commanded the use of Afrikaans language as a medium of instruction only to the black students. This was truly a poisonous education aimed at destroying the future of the blacks.
16th June is well represented in this Museum. Join us on this tour for more insight about the Soweto students and this day.
- Mandela House - A house that Nelson Mandela lived. He lived here from 1946 with his first married wife Evelyn Ntoko Mase. Winnie Madikizela Mandela became the 2nd married wife to live here after Nelson Mandela divorced to first wife. Also when released from prison he came to stay here for eleven days thereafter he had to leave for the sake of his safety and privacy. Now the house is an informative museum about Mandela freedom struggle.
- Orlando Towers - The towers is one of Soweto landmarks and is the most popular spot for both local and our visitors. A pub or shebeen one of perfect spots exhibiting real township charms. Spend some few minutes walking around or have some refreshments. We may possibly convert the stop here for local braai lunch or dinner depending on the choice by our guests.
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Soweto - This is short walk to one of our informal settlements in Soweto aimed at showcasing this Township original reality. It sound to be sensitive but it is so amazing to spend 15 to 20 minutes interacting this always happy and friendly people from this area.
Kids too from here are offering the most welcoming gestures to the visitors. Therefore it is advisable, if having anything like old clothing or whatever you can donate to the kids, to bring it along.
The Nomzamo informal settlement named after Winnie Madikizela Mandela.
What's Included
- Stay connected with on-board WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Included entrance to Hector Peterson Museum
- Comfortable travel with in-vehicle air conditioning
- Explore with a Soweto accredited tourist guide
- All fees and taxes covered
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Alcoholic Beverages
Additional Information
Soweto has become the most frequented township in Africa, drawing in countless international visitors each day. There’s a rationale for this.
From its humble origins in 1904, Soweto has cultivated a deep-seated pride in its history. It is now a beloved home to many Africans, including worldwide figures Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. We offer tours of Soweto twice daily, seven days a week, in the mornings and afternoons.
Above all, Soweto is a microcosm of three economic classes: the upper class, middle class, and lower class. These are separated by mere stone’s throw demarcations. It is a city in its own right, boasting shopping centres, schools, sporting facilities, healthcare institutions, churches, restaurants, a vibrant music scene, pubs, shebeens, street markets, and an array of informal businesses.
Location
Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial
8287 Khumalo St,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(15 Ratings)
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769lynettem
Dec 11, 2023
Super informative Soweto tour - This was an educational and amazing experience for my family. Norman picked us up at our residence and was a safe driver who shared a lot of his knowledge during the ~4hrs we spent touring Soweto. He also ensured that the tour was tailored to our needs. Highly recommended and a big thank you to Norman and the team for the eye opener.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carol_d
Apr 2, 2023
A great tour - Our guide was Martin (Lesiba) He was very knowledgeable, personable and he had a great sense of humour. He was an excellent driver. He took us to the sites we were interested in and we never felt rushed.
Review provided by Viator
982belindac
Feb 18, 2023
A very informative and fun tour. - We had a wonderful time with our guide Cindy and driver Zandi. Both ladies were pleasant and friendly and Cindy was a wealth of information. You could see pride these ladies felt for their home city of Soweto and it made the tour more authentic and enjoyable. We shared some great laughs!
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable tour and I would recommend this company and both Cindy and Zandi for anyone interested in this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
244marcosk
Oct 9, 2022
Excellent moment in Soweto - Norman was a great guide and company to visit Soweto with. He gave us a lot of information and answered all our questions! He was perfect and the tour gives you a good understanding of how Soweto changed the country starting from 1976!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aliezzeddine1
May 27, 2022
Nelson Mandela place... - Another great experience with Norman
It's great to see where Nelson Mandela lived and explore anothee aspect of South Africa
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelliott20
Apr 23, 2022
Learning Experience and MUST DO! - With only one day in Jozie we didn't have any interest spending much time in the city centre but wanted to learn more about the place itself, as well as the greater history of South Africa. This tour with Norman of Soweto was fantastic. Norman is so friendly, informative, and made us feel comfortable in all different situations. Our only advice would be to make sure to bring small bills and coins for the walk through the township part, as it's a kind gesture to give a donation before departing.
Thank you Norman for everything. Completely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zorzetta1967
Apr 23, 2022
Impressive day in Soweto - Thanks to Nomen we had an impressive, overwhelming and beautiful day. He knows so much about the town. And he was so helpful. We were fortunate to be his only guests. He is a very friendly man who obviously loves to share South Africa’s history with you.
Make sure you book your tour with Nomen.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Happyeater720
Apr 4, 2022
Fantastic tour - Huge thank you to Norman for looking after me on my solo trip to Soweto. He really made me feel comfortable and was so knowledgeable on all aspects of our tour. I would highly recommend anyone to do this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Onobt
Feb 12, 2022
A learning experience - Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. A very moving tour. We learned a lot about the history of Soweto that you don’t get from history books.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexq964
Nov 28, 2021
A must do when in Joburg! - The Soweto tour was a major highlight during our trip to Joburg. Our tour guide Norman did an amazing job describing the history of Soweto and providing the background information needed to understand the current situation. By providing a glimpse into the upper, middle, and lower classes of the township, it gave a more complete understanding of the impact of apartheid. I particularly appreciated that Norman connected us with a local teenager in the lower class part to see firsthand what life is like for those people. During the visit to Nelson Mandela's house and other stops, he was great at answering questions and always made sure to check in on us to ensure we have the best experience. Overall would really recommend learning about townships through this informative tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
