Soweto Township Cultural Tour incl Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela House
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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 Street
• 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.
Available options
Minicab Soweto Tour (6pax)
Flexible Itinerary: You can edit the tour by including or excluding certain stops or take longer at some sites.<br/>Standard Tour Package: You get all the basics of a Soweto Tour for an experience you'll remember the rest of your life.<br/>Duration: 5 hours: Soweto Tour is half day for 5 hours and a maximum of 100km. If exceeded, surcharges will be applied.<br/>Meals & Drinks excluded: You'll be provided with free bottled water by your driver but for food you can experiment with the various cuisines in Soweto<br/>Soweto Half Day Tour: Spend 5 hours visiting Apartheid Museum and Soweto to get a good grasp of South Africa's history<br/>Minicab(7-seater): Be driven in a clean, smart sedan car that can take upto 6 passengers comfortably.<br/>Pickup included
Private Sedan Car Soweto Tour
Sedan Car eg Honda Ballade<br/>Pickup included
Soweto Minibus Tour (10pax)
Group Tour<br/>Duration: 5 hours<br/>Soweto Township Group Tour<br/>10-seater Minibus<br/>Pickup included
Executive Soweto Tour (3pax)
Customization: The tour itinerary is not cast in stone- you can adjust it as you please within the given time & distance.<br/>Executive Soweto Tour: Enjoy the Soweto tour in an executive vehicle eg Mercedes-Benz.<br/>Duration: 5 hours: Tour is max. 5 hours and 100km measured from hotel pick-up time till hotel drop off after the tour & surcharges if exceeded.<br/>Meals & drinks are excluded: You can buy African Cuisine in the various upmarket restaurants & bars in Soweto. You'll be provided with free bottled water.<br/>Mercedes Benz or similar<br/>Executive Soweto Tour Package: Enjoy the tour in a nice, comfortable luxury Mercedes Benz vehicle (or similar). Upto 3 passengers can be accommodated.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Driver/guide
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
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.
2
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
3
Stop 3
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.
4
Stop 4
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.
5
Stop 5
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 not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Entrance Fees, to the Museums
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.8
28 reviews
5★
26
4★
0
3★
1
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 71 880 0531 or email: customercare@sandtontaxicabs.co.za
Children and Pensioners are welcome
Important notes
• To make changes to your pick-up time or address or hotel or any other amendment, Call/WhatsApp: +27 73 748 7204
• Driver details will be sent to your 48hrs in advance of the pick-up.
• Tour route/sites can be altered upon request in advance, no later than 24hrs before pick-up time.
• Driver is not a Professional Tour Guide but will share with you general local knowledge. A Professional Tour Guide can be requested at at an additional cash fee that will be paid upon collection.
• Ensure you have selected the correct Tour Option based on your preferences.
• Maximum tour duration is 5hrs. If exceeded, a cash surcharge will be charged.
• Tour excludes cost of activities, food, beverages and entrance fees.
• Emergency email contact: customercare@sandtontaxicabs.co.za
• Driver details will be supplied within 48hrs of trip date.
• Maximum 4 suitcases/large bags. Extra bag/unit of luggage charged accordingly.
• In case of Emergency or when you cannot see your driver upon arrival at the airport, please contact: WhatsApp the Reservation Office on +27 73 748 7204 or email: customercare@sandtontaxicabs.co.za
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
• Bookings shall not be cancelled without attempting to contact the Operator and waiting for a maximum period of 30 minutes to allow the Reservation Office to assist in locating the driver.
• Driver 'no shows', though rare, will be refunded in full.
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
About Johannesburg
Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and bustling urban energy. The city's nickname, 'City of Gold,' originates from its roots in the gold-mining industry, and it offers a unique blend of modern attractions and historical landmarks.
Top Attractions
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum is a powerful and moving experience that chronicles the history of apartheid in South Africa. It's a must-visit for understanding the country's past.
Historical
2-3 hours
R95 (Adults), R75 (Children)
Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City is a theme park built on the site of a former gold mine. It offers a mix of thrilling rides, historical exhibits, and entertainment.
Entertainment
Full day
R350-R500 (Adults), R250-R350 (Children)
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its significant paleontological and archaeological discoveries, including some of the oldest hominid fossils.
Historical
Half day to full day
R200-R300 (Adults), R150-R200 (Children)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bunny Chow
A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, originally created by Indian immigrants. It's a popular street food in Johannesburg.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Braai (BBQ)
A traditional South African BBQ, featuring grilled meats like boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, and chicken.
Dinner
Meat-based, vegetarian options limited
Bobotie
A Cape Malay dish made with spiced minced meat and topped with an egg custard. It's a unique and flavorful South African specialty.
Dinner
Meat-based, vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Cradle of Humankind
Game drives in Pilanesberg National Park
Hot air ballooning over the Magaliesberg
Spa treatments in Sandton
Picnicking at Zoo Lake
Wine tasting in the nearby wine regions
Visiting the Apartheid Museum
Exploring Soweto
Best Time to Visit
September to November and March to May
These months offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and lower rainfall. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Zulu, Afrikaans, Sotho, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Ndebele, Southern Sotho
- Widely spoken: English, Zulu, Afrikaans
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220-240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Johannesburg has a reputation for high crime rates, but many visitors enjoy safe and rewarding experiences by taking necessary precautions. Stick to well-populated areas, avoid walking alone at night, and be cautious with valuables.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing services
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
Getting there
By air
- OR Tambo International Airport • 22 km from city center
- Lanseria International Airport • 35 km from city center
By train
Park Station, Johannesburg Station
By bus
Park Station, Ellis Park
Getting around
Public transport
Rea Vaya is the city's public bus system, offering affordable and efficient transport. It has dedicated bus lanes to avoid traffic.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Sandbox
Rosebank
Braamfontein
Day trips
Pilanesberg National Park
250 km from Johannesburg • Full day
Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria-free game reserve offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo).
Soweto
20 km from Johannesburg • Half day
Soweto is a historic township known for its role in the anti-apartheid movement. It offers a unique glimpse into South Africa's past and present.
Cradle of Humankind
50 km from Johannesburg • Half day to full day
The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its significant paleontological and archaeological discoveries, including some of the oldest hominid fossils.
Festivals
Johannesburg International Film Festival • Late October to early November
Johannesburg International Motor Show • Even years, typically in October
Africa Day Celebrations • May 25
Pro tips
- Explore the city's vibrant markets for unique souvenirs and local flavors
- Visit the Apartheid Museum for a powerful and moving experience
- Take a guided tour of Soweto for a deeper understanding of the city's history
- Discover the Cradle of Humankind for a fascinating journey into human evolution
- Enjoy the city's diverse culinary scene, from street food to fine dining
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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