Soweto Historical Township Walking Tour: Get an Authentic Experience with a Native Guide
4.9
234 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
(234 Ratings)
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Lucia_r
Jun 22, 2024
Insightful - Maweza did a great job! He‘s very knowledgeable and sheds light into the layered and dark history of Apartheid and what part Soweto played. No question remained unanswered and I felt safe throughout the experience. I definitely left with food for thought and will be back!
Review provided by Viator
Kathleen_c
Jun 22, 2024
So glad we went! - We had an amazing experience with Maweza on the Soweto half-day walking tour! We found him engaging, knowledgeable, and open to our many questions. We also appreciated his willingness to share personal and family experiences which allowed us to see many sides of the diverse, beautiful Soweto community. As a result, our tour was moving and very much worth the time. It will surely be the highlight of our trip to Johannesburg!
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_s
Jun 22, 2024
Informative, humbling experience - Our tour guide was amazing, his knowledge and local experience made this tour a highlight. We even got to experience the local transportation system around Soweto. The tour through the shanty township was both eye opening and humbling, we wished we had brought more with us to share with the local children. A truly memorable experience.
Review provided by Viator
Smitabe
Jun 16, 2024
Memorable day at Soweto - I enjoyed the four-hour Soweto walking tour with Themba. It felt like walking with a friend, especially since I was the only one on the tour that day. The tour starts at the Hector Pieterson Museum and then goes through Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, both Nobel laureates, once lived. It continues into Orlando East, with a minibus-taxi ride included, and ends at Soweto Towers. You can choose to go to a township or the Bara Mall. Themba mentioned that the bicycle tour covers more ground, but I was happy to walk since it was a more personalized and intimate experience. I had a Kota sandwich, and as I write this review, I'm enjoying the chewing gum with fact nuggets that Themba gave me. The starting point at Vilakazi Café is good too, with good coffee and knick-knacks to buy. I also visited a township, guided by a resident, and felt safe and well-taken care of throughout. It was a great tour and a memorable day. One tip is to contact the operator before the day of the tour and also the morning before you leave so that the guide appears on time and you're certain the tour is happening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ibrahim_k
Jun 14, 2024
Great tour, great guide - This was the easily the best part of our time in Johannesburg. Welile was an excellent tour guide! It was amazing to see so many historic locations with an expert who could explain everything and happily answer all our questions. We felt completely safe and the lunch was tasty. Definitely recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Catherine_c
Jun 14, 2024
Soweto tour - Good information from Maweza who with pride showed us around an easy walking tour.( I am 70) We saw Nelson Mandela house (inside) and Desmond Tutu from outside then traditional dancers, had a lovely lunch of Kato ( bread chips pickles cheese and a fried egg.) a popular food with locals. We sat at a little restaurant trying to establish itself. We caught a local taxi up the hill. Then visited the community township where you see the best of human kindness.
Review provided by Viator
Ryan_f
Jun 14, 2024
A Great Introduction to Soweto - Our guide Maweza made this such a memorable tour! He shared so much knowledge with us and introduced us to so many places in Soweto, while making sure that we felt safe and comfortable the entire entire time. It was a happy, yet humbling, experience.
Review provided by Viator
Mistertrails
Jun 11, 2024
Very informative experience - Interesting and enjoyable experience - very educational. Maweza is a guide who really knows his stuff! He shared A LOT of information during the tour, covering history, politics, and culture. We saw the key historical sites (Nelson House, etc.), and walked through multiple neighborhoods w/in Soweto to get a feel for how it developed over time. Also had some fun cultural stops along the way. Even though you’re on your feet for most of the 4 hours, the pace is relaxed and it wasn’t tiring. I didn’t have any concerns about safety or security during the walk either.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielti6642gx
Jun 11, 2024
Do recommend - Moweza was a great and knowledgeable guide! Bring an appetite for the kota!! I had no idea the significance of Youth Day, so I'm glad I took the tour to learn about this important holiday.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samuel_l
Jun 11, 2024
Amazing. - Amazing. The best way to see and learn the history and eat some great food with very cool guide!! Just do it.
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
June 2024
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