Soweto: Tours and Guided Visits

Soweto, one of South Africa’s largest informal settlements, was once a symbol of the country’s united resistance to the racist apartheid government. Now, this pulsating township offers a unique look into South Africa today.

Soweto is attracting visitors with themed tours about its fight against apartheid, offering stops at popular attractions like Nelson Mandela’s house in Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial.  But there’s more to take in, and you can complete your experience with a visit to the exciting adventure site, Orlando Towers, or have a taste of traditional food.

Whether you’re looking for an inside look at South Africa’s tumultuous and inspirational history or want an authentic local excursion, a Soweto tour in Johannesburg offers all of this and more.

Here's all you need to know about Soweto tours, one of the most insightful sightseeing tours in Johannesburg.

Where is Soweto located?

Soweto, which stands for Southwestern Townships, is a sprawling township situated some 30 kilometers away or roughly 30 minutes from the Johannesburg city center.

There are various routes you can take to get there but the easiest option is getting on the N1 Western Bypass Highway, then getting on the N17 and M70 to Koma Street and finally taking the M72 in Soweto.

The best way to discover Soweto in all its glory is to take a tour so you immerse yourself in South African culture.

Public transport options are plentiful. The safest option would be a Rea Vaya bus as it drives by Soweto's most famous sights. You can also take an Uber or drive yourself.

What are the best things to do in Soweto?

Visit Vilakazi Street and Mandela House

Soweto’s biggest tourist spot, Vilakazi Street, was home to two Nobel Prize winners, the late apartheid activists Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Sculptures, signs and placards come together on this street to tell the stories of prominent freedom fighters and residents' experiences. Street artists, dancers, musicians and vendors create a magical experience for travelers.

The Nelson Mandela National Museum, or Mandela House, is also in Vilakazi Street. Mandela lived here from 1946 to 1962. This home, once a haven for Mandela and fellow activists during the apartheid struggle, is now a National Heritage Site.

Explore the Hector Pieterson Museum

A 10-minute stroll from Mandela House is the Hector Pieterson Museum which offers a look into the historic 1976 Soweto uprising. This was a peaceful protest led by high school students and young people which turned into a mass murder. High school students were demonstrating against the government’s proposal to introduce Afrikaans as the new language of instruction, and police opened fire on the crowd.

The image of shot 12-year-old Hector Pieterson carried by a fellow student became the symbol of the uprising. You can see a collection of oral testimonies, photographs, audio-visual screen displays and historical documents that provide insight into this turning point in South African history.

Eat at Sakhumzi Restaurant

If you’re looking for a real township taste, you must try the food at Sakhumzi‘s. This vibey spot will give you a warm and local welcome. Sakhumzi’s is popular for its Soweto-style buffet and offers a variety of South African traditional cuisine.

Mingle with the locals while you get a taste of umngqusho (samp and beans), mogodu (tripe) and dombolo (steamed bread). Experience Soweto on a plate as you eat and drink your way through their delectable offerings.

Bungee jump at Orlando Towers

End your Soweto experience on a high with a visit to the Orlando or Soweto Towers. These two old cooling towers have been transformed into an iconic and exhilarating adventure site.

Take the lift up the side of the Western Cooling Tower and soak up the panoramic Soweto views from the 100-meter-high platform. Get your adrenaline pumping with a bungee jump from the suspension bridge. More experienced jumpers can do the world's highest and first SCAD (Suspended Catch Air Device) freefall inside a cooling tower. These activities are an added cost.

What are the best tours to visit Soweto?

Soweto walking tour with lunch

This half-day Soweto walking tour will take you to some of Soweto’s most popular attractions.

Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial. You'll also have a chance to walk through Moema Street, following the route that youth from the 1976 uprising used.

Explore Vilakazi Street's numerous attractions including Mandela House and Tutu's House. You can take a stroll around Baragwanath Road and see the first formal houses that formed the township of Soweto. The tour ends at Orlando Tours where you can enjoy lunch and take some amazing photos.

Guided bicycle tour of Soweto with lunch

A guided bike tour with lunch is a more energetic tour option that covers more ground than a walking tour. You can also listen to first-hand accounts from different generations about the impact of apartheid. Then, cycle through the Soweto streets visiting Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial.

See the home of prominent activist Mama Lillian Ngoyi in Nkungu Street. You’ll also see Mzimhlophe, the former women's hostel for domestic workers who worked in Johannesburg. Keep your energy levels going with a local favorite for lunch, a deep-filled kota sandwich. A kota is a hollowed-out piece of white bread with various fillings like fried chips, deli meat, Russian sausage, atchar, cheese and a fried egg.

Half-day Soweto tour

This half-day Soweto tour offers wonderful insight into the township life. You'll have a chance to learn how locals live at the Motsoaledi informal settlement. You'll also visit the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial, Vilakazi Street, Mandela House and FNB Stadium.

The tour will also do a pass-by of sites like Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square, and the Regina Mundi Catholic Church. You can stretch your legs with a walk at the Orlando Towers.

Soweto plus Johannesburg guided full-day tour

This Soweto and Johannesburg guided full-day tour brings South Africa’s history to life and hits all of Soweto’s must-see spots. Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial, Vilakazi Street, Sakhumzi Restaurant, Mandela House and the Orlando Towers.

You’ll also have a chance to experience the bustling Johannesburg city centre and Mahatma Gandhi Square. Complete the experience with a trip to the Apartheid Museum and learn from interactive displays, film footage and historic photos portraying apartheid South Africa.

A trip to Constitutional Hill, a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy, is also included.

What are the prices of Soweto tours?

There are a variety of Soweto tours to choose from starting at around US$40 to US$80 per person depending on the number of attractions visited and the length of the tour.

A walking tour of Soweto with lunch included costs US$40 per person and US$30 for children aged 6 to 12. This 4-hour long excursion takes a maximum of 15 travelers.

The bicycle tour with lunch costs around US$40 per person and runs for 3.5 hours. Pickups and drop-offs are at an extra cost, but bicycle hire is included.

Price options for a half-day Soweto tour start from US$60 per person but the costs vary according to the group size. Alternatively, book this as a private experience for just your group and pay US$90 per adult. Discounted children’s rates are available, but prices will vary according to the group size. This 4.5-hour long tour takes a maximum of 15 travelers.

A full-day guided tour of Soweto and Johannesburg costs around $80 per person.  Children aged between 3-9 will pay around US$60. Prices vary according to the group size. This 8-hour-long experience caters for up to 15 people. Not all entrance fees are included. A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required.

Where do Soweto tours start?

The full and half-day Soweto tours include round-trip transfers from your hotel. The guided bicycle tour and walking tour start outside Vilakazi Espresso, opposite the Hector Pieterson Memorial, and transport to Soweto is not included in these tours.

Are Soweto tours wheelchair friendly?

Some Soweto tours are wheelchair friendly, but not all excursions are suitable for wheelchair users. Make sure you double-check with the tour operator before you book to ensure the experience is suitable for you.

When is the best time to visit Soweto?

The best time to visit Soweto is in the spring (September to November). The weather starts to warm up, but it's not too hot. There's also a burst of wildflowers and blooming jacaranda trees. The temperatures are mild with daytime highs ranging between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Johannesburg?

• City tours in Johannesburg
• Hop-on hop-off tours in Johannesburg
• Street art tours in Johannesburg
• Free walking tours in Johannesburg
• Scooter tours in Johannesburg

Travel tips

• A lot of Soweto's attractions are outdoors, so make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat.
• Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you'll do a lot of exploring on foot.
• Explore local markets for handmade crafts, art, and souvenirs. Not only will you find unique items, but you'll also be directly supporting artisans.