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South Africa · City Tour
The journey
Soweto played a leading and pivotal role in the struggle against Apartheid, and this tour visits key sites that tell part of that tragic, but ultimately triumphant, story. Explore the diverse community and culture of township life while tracing important moments in South Africa's historic past, from the township's establishment in 1904 to the adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955 and the Soweto Uprisings of 16 June 1976. Along the way, visit the homes of two Nobel Laureates, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, and enjoy time on vibrant Vilakazi Street, where you can choose to taste local dishes and mingle with the people of Soweto.
Vilakazi Street may be the only street in the world that can claim to have had two Nobel Laureates as residents - the late Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Begin your tour of Johannesburg with a convenient pickup directly from your hotel. Your guide will welcome you, introduce the experience, and brief you on the program for the day.
Houghton Estate is one of the most affluent suburbs of Johannesburg. Nelson Mandela lived in this neighbourhood and remains its most famous resident.
You will see the house where Nelson Mandela lived during his presidency and where he passed away on 5 December 2013.
A national monument built by Italian prisoners of war captured during the Second World War, Munro Drive overlooks the northern suburbs of Johannesburg and offers a beautiful scenic view of the world's largest man-made subtropical forest.
The area is divided into different sections. Diepkloof Extension is recognised as an upmarket part of Soweto, with many professionals living in the area.
It is characterised by formal, owner-built, large houses owned by the Black lower and upper middle class. Presently, Diepkloof is known for higher-than-average house prices compared to other suburbs of Soweto.
Chris Hani Baragwanath is a public hospital considered to be the third-largest hospital in the world, occupying around 173 acres (0.70 km2), with approximately 3,200 beds and about 6,760 staff members.
See the hospital as you drive past and hear interesting stories about this remarkable institution.
The two cooling towers are a prominent landmark in Soweto. They are now used as an entertainment centre, housing a famous bungee jump and a barbecue restaurant.
You will have the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the township from the top of these magnificent 100 m tall towers.
The thriving heart of Soweto is Vilakazi Street, one of the most well-known streets in South Africa.
Vilakazi Street may be the only street in the world that can claim to have had two Nobel Laureates as residents - the late Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. The true electricity of this street comes from the people who now call it home, each with their own beautiful stories.
Sakhumzi Restaurant is located on Vilakazi Street near the Mandela House Museum. Sakhumzi, which means "building a house", is popular for its Soweto-style buffet - a variety of proudly South African traditional cuisine such as umngqusho (samp and beans), mogodu (tripe), and dombolo (steamed bread). Travellers can also feast on a range of self-styled signature dishes named after various Soweto locations.
Explore, on a guided tour, the exhibits and artefacts in the former home of the nation's revered former president, Nelson Mandela.
This house has been entrenched as one of South Africa's most significant heritage sites, telling its tales and stories through sound, film, interpretive panels, and guided tours.
Take a self-guided tour of this museum, which chronicles the 1976 Soweto student uprising and is named after one of its victims, a thirteen-year-old boy.
The museum today stands as a symbol of resistance against the brutality of the apartheid regime.
Drive past this iconic landmark, currently the largest football stadium in Africa. The stadium hosted the opening ceremony, other matches, and the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
After a fascinating day spent in Soweto, you will be dropped back at the starting point or at your accommodation in Johannesburg.
The route
The fine print
ID or passport if over 65 years for discounted entrance fees
We pick up travellers from all hotels, guesthouses, and other locations in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Soweto played a leading and indeed a pivotal role in the struggle against Apartheid. You can visit many sites throughout the township that tell part of the tragic, but ultimately triumphant, story. Soweto is recommended as part of your struggle heritage tour itinerary. From its establishment in 1904, the adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955, and the Soweto Uprisings on 16 June 1976, these are some of the events that shaped South Africa's historic past. You will explore and experience the diverse community and culture of the people living in townships.
During this tour, you will visit the houses of the two Nobel Laureates, Mandela and Desmond Tutu. You will have the choice to taste some of the most exotic, mouthwatering local dishes, including Shisa Nyama, a local traditional barbecue experience, and a cold local Soweto Gold beer. You may also choose to enjoy a traditional lunch at Sakhumzi Restaurant on Vilakazi Street. The atmosphere is awesome and set in amazing surroundings. You will mix and mingle with the locals of Soweto. You will also have the choice to visit a shanty town, where the idea is to donate to poor families if you would like to.
Logistics
Your 4 hours finish where they began, in Johannesburg.
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