Historical and Cultural Interactive Experience of Soweto
Johannesburg, ZA
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Visit historical landmarks like Mandela House museum
- Make friends at a local tavern
- Embrace a child or share laughter with children
- Experience culture through a visit to a traditional healer
- Customized tour shaped to your interests and needs
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Duration 4-5 hours
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Private Tour
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Admission fees included
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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Bottled water provided
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English-speaking guide
Embark on a historical and cultural interactive experience of Soweto with our passionate tour guides. Explore iconic landmarks like the Mandela House museum, Hector Pieterson museum, and Walter Sisulu square while immersing yourself in the local culture. From sipping tea in a local home to connecting with your ancestors through a visit to a traditional healer, every moment is filled with unforgettable human connections and enriching experiences. Our personalized tours cater to your interests and needs, ensuring a fun and memorable adventure. With inclusions like bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey through the vibrant streets of Soweto. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the heart and soul of South Africa's rich history and culture.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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4 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Soweto's rich history and culture with a personalized interactive experience, visiting iconic sites and engaging with locals.
Included
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In-vehicle air conditioning -
Bottled water
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All Fees and Taxes
Excluded
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Lunch -
A visit to the traditional healer is an optional extra of r300pp fee, paid in cash to the healer.
End Point
Drop off at the airport is possible for guests flying out of Johannesburg on the same day of the tour, at a slight additional surcharge
1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632 , South Africa
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
10h00: Pickup from Hotel. 10h30: First stop is at the FNB stadium which got a facelift for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The design concept of the Stadium is the Calabash, or African pot. This iconic, 87 436-seater is the largest Venue in South Africa, and the Country’s proud Global Colossal located in Nasrec, South of Johannesburg. The Unique Design of FNB Stadium is highly regarded, Internationally. It is often fondly referred to, as the “Calabash” or “African Pot” after being reconstructed in time for the first ever, African World Cup in 2010. Previously known as Soccer City, the Stadium has been the Centre of Historic Events, starting with the First Speech from Former President Nelson Mandela in 1990, a few days after being released from prison where he served 27 years. The venue has hosted the biggest Sports and Music Events, this Country has ever seen. Including performances of Beyonce, Jay-Z , Justin Bieber to name a few
30 minutes
11h00: The square is our 2nd stop, this is the site where, on 26 June 1955, the Congress of the People, met to draw up the Freedom Charter, an alternative vision to the repressive policies of the apartheid state. The document emphasised a non-racial society, liberty and individual rights. The Freedom Charter remains the cornerstone of African National Congress policy and is seen by many as the foundation of South Africa's 1996 constitution. The square has now been declared as a national heritage site. A stone throw away from the square is an informal settlement of Kliptown. Despite the lack of social amenities like minimal running water,poor sanitation, this community live with hope in a loving and welcoming environment they created. An optional walking tour at no costs can be arranged to visit a few homes or a kindergarten. Donations to the place/s visited are always welcomed
45 minutes
12h00: 3rd stop is at the Hector Pieterson museum named after the then 12 year old school boy, who was part of the students who marched in protest in Soweto on June 16th, 1976. Hector was the first to be killed. He became the iconic image of the this Soweto uprising , when a newspaper photograph by Sam Nzima – of the dying Hector being carried by Mbuyisa Makhubu rushing for help, was published around the World and caused an uproar and roused anti-apartheid sentiments Globally. What started as protest by students against the Afrikaans language as a medium of instruction at schools instead of their own languages and English, ended up with many students loosing their lives on this day. The area has been declared a National Heritage Site. Inside you can view exhibits such as television footage of the uprising. It also contains a moving collection of oral testimonies, pictures, audiovisual displays and historical documents relating to the events of 1976.
60 minutes
Admission Included
13h00: Get a guided tour inside the house where former South African President Nelson Mandela lived, on and off, for more than 14 years. First with his 1st wife Evelyn Ntoko Mase , then his second wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. You will learn about the bitter sweet memories that happened in this house when Winnie was left as the only parent raising their two daughters ,Zenani and Zindzi Mandela In his landmark autobiography, The Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela describes coming back here in 1990 upon his release after 27 years in prison: 'That night I returned with Winnie [his then-wife] to No. 8115 in Orlando West. It was only then that I knew in my heart I had left prison. For me No. 8115 was the centre point of my world, the place marked with an X in my mental geography.'
45 minutes
Admission Included
Vilakazi Street
13h00:Lastly , you can explore this well known street in South Africa's thriving heart of Soweto. Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world that has had two Nobel Laureates as residents - the late Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive here , bringing about creative places where you can stop for accessories , African inspired fashion , and homeware. Adding to the energy of this precinct are the performers who sing and dance, found on this street There is an assortment of restaurants to choose from on this street, where you can have a feast of authentic local Soweto-style buffet - a variety of proudly South African traditional cuisine such as samp and beans, tripe, steamed bread and lots and lots of Meat (pure beef) ,we love our meat as South Africans. Or simply have light western food with a South African flavor to it. All meals estimated at R350pp. This is the end of the tour, depending on whether you have lunch or not.
60 minutes
Drop off will be at the same pickup hotel or at an agreed upon drop off location
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Try local cuisine at Vilakazi Street. -
Donations are appreciated at local visits.
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Bring cash for optional healer visit.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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Plan for a memorable home visit experience.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Embark on a journey of discovery and connection with the Historical and Cultural Interactive Experience of Soweto. This immersive tour offers a unique blend of historical landmarks and authentic cultural encounters, promising a memorable and enriching experience for all.What to expect?
During this tour, participants can expect to delve into the rich history of Soweto by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Mandela House museum, Hector Pieterson museum, and Walter Sisulu square. Beyond sightseeing, guests will have the opportunity to engage with the local community, from sharing a cup of tea in a traditional home to making new friends at a local tavern. The tour also offers a chance to connect with the ancestral heritage through an optional visit to a traditional healer for personalized messages and insights.Who is this for?
This experience is ideal for history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and those seeking meaningful interactions with local communities. Whether you are a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family looking to explore Soweto in a unique way, this tour caters to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.Why book this?
Immerse yourself in the heart of Soweto with a tour that goes beyond the surface, offering authentic cultural experiences and personal connections that will leave a lasting impact. From the knowledgeable tour guides to the flexibility in shaping the itinerary based on your interests, every moment is tailored to ensure a fun and unforgettable adventure.Good to know
Inclusions such as bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and all fees and taxes ensure a seamless and comfortable experience. While a visit to the traditional healer is an optional extra, this unique opportunity to connect with your ancestry is a highlight not to be missed. Additionally, guests flying out of Johannesburg on the same day can opt for a drop-off at the airport for added convenience.Reviews
Guests rave about the personalized and insightful experiences offered on the Historical and Cultural Interactive Experience of Soweto tour. From the warmth of the local community to the depth of historical knowledge shared by the guides, visitors express their satisfaction and gratitude for a truly unforgettable journey.
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