History & Heritage

Soweto Tour

Pricing

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Per Group — Private & Exclusive

TOUR TYPE

History & Heritage

GROUP

Fully Private

DURATION

Full Day

Few places in the world embody modern-day freedom struggles as vividly as Soweto township. Our Soweto tour offers a cultural journey through Johannesburg and South Africa's tumultuous yet inspirational history.

Soweto is celebrated for being the global locale where two Nobel Prize laureates have resided on the same street. Prepare for a stirring journey through Soweto's streets, exploring museums that pay homage to those who fought against apartheid. Take in the public artworks, memorials, and benches that highlight significant historical locations, including a visit to Nelson Mandela's original residence in Soweto.

Included Activities

Regina Mundi Church   All ages   1 hrs

South Africa's largest Catholic church, was a key meeting point during apartheid. The building, dating to 1961, features beautiful stained-glass windows from 1984. During the June 16, 1976 student uprisings, students took refuge in the church, but police followed and opened fire. Bullet holes and gun-butt cracks remain visible today.

Vilakazi Street   All ages   2 hrs

At the street's outset, eight cement hands spell "Vilakazi." The name, with no English equivalent, proudly represents both a notable South African surname and the title of one of the country's most esteemed streets. Vilakazi Street features diverse artwork like murals, mosaics, and bollards adorned with vibrant wooden sculptures, along with numerous memorials and museums that vividly depict the struggles of apartheid.

Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum   All ages   1 hrs

The museum honours South Africa's students for their crucial role in the anti-apartheid struggle, highlighting the school children involved in the 1976 Soweto uprisings. Inside, a state-of-the-art multimedia centre vividly depicts these tragic events, prominently featuring Sam Nzima's iconic photograph of Hector Pieterson being carried by a fellow student.

Museum closed Mondays

Mandela House Museum   All ages   2 hrs

The museum honours South Africa's students for their crucial role in the anti-apartheid struggle, highlighting the school children involved in the 1976 Soweto uprisings. Inside, a state-of-the-art multimedia centre vividly depicts these tragic events, prominently featuring Sam Nzima's iconic photograph of Hector Pieterson being carried by a fellow student.

Apartheid Museum   All ages   2 hrs

The Apartheid Museum chronicles South Africa's apartheid era, starting with racial segregation in 1948. The museum also highlights the rise of black consciousness, the armed struggle, and Nelson Mandela's release after 27 years in prison, culminating in his 1994 inauguration.

Museum closed Mondays & Tuesdays

Kliptown   All ages   1 hrs

Kliptown, among Soweto's oldest districts, is rich in history, both turbulent and transformative. Originally a sprawling informal settlement in the early 1900s, it housed impoverished Indian, Black, and Coloured families. However, its pivotal moment came in 1955 when over 3,000 people gathered at the 'Congress of the People' to adopt the Freedom Charter, marking a significant step towards a society liberated from apartheid.

Drive-through

Optional Activities

Enhance your experience with one of the optional additions below. Please enquire for pricing and availability.

Liliesleaf Farm   All Ages   1 - 2 hrs

Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia was a secret base for ANC and SACP leaders and is considered the birthplace of Umkhonto we Sizwe. Purchased in 1961, it hosted anti-apartheid planning until a 1963 police raid led to key arrests and the Rivonia Trials. Nelson Mandela lived there in disguise. Today, the site is a museum preserving its pivotal role in South Africa's liberation struggle.

Mon–Fri 09h00–16h00. Weekends by appointment.

Soweto Bicycle or Tuc-Tuc Tour   

An alternative way to explore the streets and neighbourhoods of Soweto.

Drive-Through Highlights

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    Kliptown
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    FNB Stadium

What's Included

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    Specialist guide
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    Regina Mundi Church
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    Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum
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    Mandela House Museum
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    Apartheid Museum
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    Vilakazi Street
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    Drive-through of Kliptown & FNB Stadium

What's Excluded

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    Lunch (guest's account)
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    Optional activity entrance fees
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    Gratuities
  • M
    Personal expenses

Important Notes

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    Apartheid Museum closed Mondays & Tuesdays
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    Hector Pieterson Museum closed Mondays
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    Liliesleaf Farm: Mon–Fri 09h00–16h00, weekends by appointment