Soweto Historical Township Walking Tour: Get an Authentic Experience with a Native Guide
4.9
222 Ratings
Johannesburg
Embark on a historical walking tour of Soweto, the township where political icons lived during Apartheid. Meet locals, taste local cuisine, and experience an authentic Sowetan experience with a native guide.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial - Meeting at the Museum, we will talk first about the Soweto uprising, which was one the downfall of apartheid organised by students of. Soweto.
  • Moema Street - We walk through the footsteps of the youth of 1976, sharing insightful details of the shooting, the living conditions and the aftermath of the uprising.
  • Vilakazi Street - Taking a shot’left, we continue our walk in the famous street in Johannesburg to have two Nobel peace price winners living in this neighbourhood.
  • Mandela House - The Iconic House of Nelson Mandela and his Wife Winnie Mandela, who spend their life in this house post apartheid.
  • Tutu House - Soweto tours - Famous Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu who won an NobelPrice and criticised apartheid through religion.
  • Baragwanath Road - The first Formal houses which. formed the township or Soweto
  • Orlando Towers - Final destination of great photos and traditional lunch
What's Included
  • Lunch included.
What's Not Included
  • All additional Items and Cost
  • Pick ups and Drop off
Additional Information

Explore the historical town of Soweto, once home to notable political figures battling the apartheid regime. Immerse yourself in local culture, mingle with residents, sample traditional foods and gain genuine insights from a native Sowetan guide.

The journey commences at the Hector Pietersen Museum, shedding light on the 1976 Soweto uprising. Visit the celebrated dwellings of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Vilakazi Street - the only avenue globally to have housed two Nobel laureates. Note that the entrance to Mandela’s house is not included, though 20 minutes are allotted for this part of the tour.

Indulge in a local specialty, Kota, for lunch before proceeding to Orlando East, Soweto’s first established settlement. Hop on a local minibus taxi for a ride over to the Orlando Towers.

Optional visits are also available to the Kliptown Freedom Charter, Soweto Gold Beer Brewery, and a community center in Kliptown.

Location
Hector Pieterson Memorial
Khumalo Rd
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(222 Ratings)
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Louanne_a
Apr 2, 2024
Soweto Tour: A Perfect Exploration with an Exceptional Guide - My Soweto tour experience with a knowledgeable guide was flawless. Every aspect, from insightful commentary to navigating the streets seamlessly, was perfect. Highlights included Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Highly recommended for an enriching Johannesburg experience.
Review provided by Viator
Sam_b
Apr 2, 2024
Wonderful Walking Tour with Welile! - We had a fantastic walking tour with Welile who really made the experience so special on our first day in South Africa! He took us through all the different parts of Soweto and answered our questions, along with asking many about the UK and his interest in history. We experienced Nelson Mandela's house, a local taxi, street food, locally brewed beer and met a lot of local people. 100% recommend that you book this tour and go with an open mind, as it gives you a different insight into Johannesburg and its people.
Review provided by Viator
Bryn_g
Mar 24, 2024
Highlight of JoBurg! - One of my favorite experiences in South Africa. Welile and Tamba were so gracious, thoughtful, funny, and real. I learned so much from them on a personal experiential level as residents of Soweto while also having the opportunity to spend time at remarkable places like the Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Truly cannot say enough good things about this tour, and can't rate them highly enough.
Review provided by Viator
Khatrinal2023
Mar 10, 2024
Soweto with Welile - We truly enjoyed our tour with Welile, you can feel his energy and passion on how he narrate the events of distant past and how it impacted the neighborhood of Soweto. Til next time! And we can’t wait to do a food tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adventure64986993082
Mar 2, 2024
Awesome tour through Soweto! - We had a great time during this tour! You will get an authentic look into Soweto living including all important sights and taste authentic food. Definitely recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alicia_b
Feb 25, 2024
Informative and authentic - Very informative and interesting walk. Nicely paced. We felt right at home and in safe hands. Really cool to have locals as guides. Loved Mandela house. Definitely recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Lesley_s
Feb 22, 2024
Good educational experience - Guide was great, very knowledgeable & informative of the area and its history. Answered lots of questions - very helpful & highly recommended
Review provided by Viator
820xy
Feb 17, 2024
Soweto Tour - We had a very interesting tour of Soweto with a guide who knows the city and its history well. We felt completely safe as we went into places we never could have gone alone. He was very kind, very attentive and listened to our wishes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
457lindsayy
Apr 2, 2024
Very interesting tour around Orlando East and West - Very interesting tour around Orlando East and West. We ended up being the only ones on the tour and it was Easter Monday so the Mandela House was not open so the tour moved a little bit faster than typical. After learning about the history of the neighborhood, we enjoyed an early lunch (come hungry!) and then a minibus taxi ride to the East side. The tour adds important context to other tours/historical sites you might do in Johannesburg!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anna0894
Mar 1, 2024
Good insight. Excellent guide. - Great walk round with excellent information from your guide. Lunch was served 11.10 - bit early maybe. Very end of tour felt like we had run out of things to do/see…. Maybe just shorten tour ad time?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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