Soweto was created in the 1930s, with “Orlando,” the first township established. During the Apartheid era, in the 1950s, people of colour were relocated from the Johannesburg inner city to Soweto, to make room for white only neighbourhoods. Soweto’s growth was phenomenal – but unplanned.

This tour will take you through this astounding history. After pick-ups, we convene at FNB Soccer Stadium on the outskirts of Soweto. Meet your guide and listen to a short explanation of the famous soccer stadium and the role it played in Soweto’s history.

We set off to the heart of Soweto, driving past Baragwanath Hospital, an enormous taxi rank and the historic suburb of Diepkloof. Our first stop in Soweto is at Metaled informal settlement. Walk through the streets with your guide past street cafés and craft markets to a community centre. Greet and meet the people in the settlement and learn more about their way of life.

We continue on through Orlando West to the hub of Soweto. We stop outside Regina Mundi Church and Freedom Square for a quick overview (optional to go inside) and then go to the Hector Pietersen Museum (closed on Mondays) for a formal tour.

We make our way down the vibrant Vilakazi Street, past iconic monuments and the homes of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Time permitting, you have the option of stopping at Nelson Mandela Museum for a visit (own cost).

The morning ends at the massive Soweto Towers. This tour excludes lunch so grab yourself something to eat and drink (own cost) from a café, stroll around the craft market and watch people or join in bungee jumping off the towers (own cost and time permitting).

Includes transfer in an air-conditioned tour vehicle; Hector Pieterson Museum.

Soweto Tour – South Africa Map