Soweto Township Cultural Tour: Explore Mandela's Heritage and Apartheid History
4.9
24 Ratings
Johannesburg
Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Soweto Township on this engaging half-day tour. Explore Mandela's heritage, learn about Apartheid, and experience the internationally acclaimed sites that make Soweto a must-visit destination.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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Apartheid Museum - A first time visit too the Apartheid Museum is sure to bring tears to many as its a rough emotional journey on how man who are made in God’s image can mistreat each other as if there are different species. The brutality, the torture, the mercilessness is beyond what words can describe. The driver need not go inside the museum as the place is self-explanatory and leads you from one section to the next logically but you can pay for him to go in with you should you so wish otherwise he’ll be waiting by the car till you’re done.
NB: Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. -
Soweto - Soweto is South Africa’s largest township and is hometown to one of the world’s greatest leaders ever- Nelson Mandela! There’s so much history to be learnt here and very emotional indeed. But over the years a lot has changed and the township is becoming more cosmopolitan though the slums are still to be found in certain areas.
Driver will highlight these as you drive along -
Orlando Towers - Here tourists can see the huge Soweto Cooling Towers which stands out in the skyline of Soweto. Tourists can just enjoy seeing the towers or they may be hands on and get their Adrenalin pumping by jumping from in between the 2 towers 100m down!
There’s also mountain climbing, scad freefall, Johannesburg city viewing from the top of the towers, etc.
Entrance to see the Soweto Tours is free only the activities are paid for. - Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial - Your driver will take you to the Hector Pieterson Museum to understand what happened during the 1976 Soweto Uprising by the youth of South Africa who got fed up with the rising racism fuel by Apartheid. Driver need not go inside the museum with you but you can pay for him to go in should you desire his company as museum staff are always helpful to all tourists.
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Mandela House - Here you catch up with memories of Mandela as a young boy who was passionate and had strong convictions of what is right and what is not. Driver will typically not join as there are guides inside the house that will show you around the house.
You can also buy curios and souvenirs outside Mandela House to carry back home to share the memories with friends and family.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Professional driver/guide
- Transport in a private vehicle
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entrance Fees, to the Museums
Additional Information
Did you know Soweto is the largest township in South Africa? Ever wondered
where Nelson Mandela grew up or what Apartheid is or even what makes Soweto Township to be internationally acclaimed? Well, here’s tour that will teach & touch you! Your visit to South Africa will never be complete without a taste of the culturally-rich Soweto Cultural Township. This popular half-day (5hrs) Soweto Tour covers visits to the following heritage sites:
• Apartheid Museum (entry fees excluded)
• Nelson Mandela House on Vilakazi StreetÂ
• Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum
• Orlando Twin Towers and Bungee Jumping (own expense)
• Soweto slums/shacks
Requests to include or exclude certain sites or routes will be accepted within reasonable limits. A private tour guide can be hired for an additional fee. Driver is not a professional tour guide but will share his deep local knowledge and experiences of Soweto with you.
- There may be a waiting surcharge, should wait extend past 1-hour, at a rate of R200/hour (or part thereof)
- Private Cultural Tour (not shared)
- Emergency Contact (Phone/WhatsApp): +27 73 748 7204 or email: customercare@sandtontaxicabs.co.za
- Children and Pensioners are welcome
Location
O.R. Tambo International Airport
Jones Road
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(24 Ratings)
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Debbiewx8191oa
Feb 16, 2024
Fantastic experience in Soweta - Our driver Nkululeko took us on the most memorable trip we have ever had. We were taken into the heart of the township where we met and spoke to some incredible people who are living in such terrible poverty. We were welcomed by everyone with smiles and the children were adorable and so happy. What an experience. Nkululeko is a credit to your company and have no hesitation in recommending him and your fantastic tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Odyssey08443691300
Oct 19, 2023
Moses is a great connoisseur and guide of the whole country - Our guide Moses was not only extremely knowledgeable about Soweto, Johannesburg and South Africa, both historically and in terms of current politics, he also gave us indispensable tips for the entire 3-week tour of South Africa. Thank you again, dear Moses.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
507lynnz
Aug 20, 2023
Soweto haft day culture tour - We, 4 friends, loved this half day tour very much. Our driver/guide Nkululeko from Sandton taxi cabs is very nice, know-legible, and professional. We visited the iconic areas such as Apartheid Museum, Mandala’s house, and had delicious South Africa food before heading to the airport.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
O5652cjandreav
Jun 9, 2023
I gave 5 stars just for the experience and the guide.. the company sucked. - Our guide Ku was very nice and knowledgeable. He took great care of us and added value to our experience. The office however was not the best. Communication was poor. I had to run them down to get a response, which was unpleasant. They seemed like I was bothering them, for something I paid for so I did not appreciate that. Ku, our guide, made up for it but I don’t think I will go with this company again. Overall it was great to see the site and meet the people, learn the history and experience it all. I’d definitely do the experience again but probably with a different company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ambergc8734ho
Apr 7, 2023
Best Saweto and Nelson Mandela tour - Trip was amazing. tour guide was professional, lively, entertaining, articulate, and well inform!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ericas3232
Jan 3, 2023
Great experience with Sandton Taxi Cabs tour of Soweto - What a treat. I was very nervous about booking this tour blind on the internet, but tripadvisor and its ratings didn't let us down. Our driver met us at the airport, drove us around Soweto and even Johannesburg and returned us to the airport for our flight home. Our flight arrived late so we missed the museums so our driver arranged for a docent volunteer to meet us on the square for our own personal tour. We nearly cried it was so impactful. Then we stopped for South African food. It was a highlight of our trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katherine_g
Oct 20, 2022
Very nice tour package! - Nelson Mandela House, Constitution Hill were very intriguing. The tour featured a variety of destinations. Tour guide was informative.
Review provided by Viator
Bowixted
Sep 17, 2022
Soweto tour. - Our driver and guide, Nkhululeko, was excellent. He kept us informed about pickup and was knowledgeable about all aspects of the tour. He was flexible when time became an issue and got us back to the airport early.
The tour was as advertised, but one needs more time at each highlight!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dd-aa-22
Sep 2, 2022
Genuine and enlightening tour of Soweto - This was a fantastic tour giving a real insight into Soweto life. Our guide was Nkululeko who was amazing, made sure we always felt at ease, was friendly and very knowledgeable. We were on a tight schedule (between flights in Johannesburg), we were met at the airport and returned at the agreed time for our onward flight home. Really good use of our free time, would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michellepo8452wk
Sep 1, 2022
Great experience with Sandton Taxi Cabs! - Today we went on a tour of Soweto. We saw the actual places where people lived. Very humbling. We went to the Sowto Towers, the Nelson Mandela house, Vilikazi Street and Hectar Pieterson memorial where the 1976 Soweto uprising brgan. Several museums were closed still due to COVID. We saw several cultural dancers and we went to lunch at the Soweto Brewing Company in the Ubuntu Kraal which was very fun. Our driver was Nkululeko and we really enjoyed him a lot. Felt very safe and great value for the price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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