Soweto & Apartheid Museum Tour
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
Soweto is an urban area of the city of Johannesburg in Gauteng, South Africa, bordering the city's mining belt in the south. Its name, an English syllabic abbreviation for South Western Townships, refers to its origins as a Black township under South Africa's Apartheid government. The population has historically been overwhelmingly Black and some of the watershed events in the struggle against Apartheid occurred in the township.
Available options
Soweto & Apartheid 2020
Soweto & Apartheid 2018: Soweto & Apartheid Museum Day Tour offers an insight into past events as well as the turn around and modern transformation taking place in South Africa today.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hector Peterson Memorial Entrance fees
All Fees and Taxes
Mandela House Entrance Fees
Air-conditioned vehicle
The Apartheid Museum Entrance fees
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, situated in Orlando West, Soweto, commemorates the role of the country’s students in the struggle against apartheid and in particular the role played by the school children who took part in the Soweto protests of 1976, many of whom were shot by the apartheid police while protesting against the sub-standard of education in black schools in South Africa.
2
Stop 2
The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid.
An architectural consortium, comprising several leading architectural firms, conceptualised the design of the building on a seven-hectare stand. The museum is a superb example of design, space and landscape offering the international community a unique South African experience.
The exhibits have been assembled and organised by a multi-disciplinary team of curators, film-makers, historians and designers. They include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts illustrating the events and human stories that are part of the epic saga, known as apartheid.
A series of 22 individual exhibition areas takes the visitor through a dramatic emotional journey that tells a story of a state-sanctioned system based on racial discrimination and the struggle of the majority to overthrow this tyranny.
For anyone wanting to understand and experience what apartheid South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is fundamental.
The museum is a beacon of hope showing the world how South Africa is coming to terms with its oppressive past and working towards a future that all South Africans can call their own.
3
Stop 3
The Mandela House strives to be a world-class visitor attraction, and a leading centre for the preservation, presentation, and research of the history, heritage and legacy of the Mandela Family.
4
Vilakazi Street is the Soweto street of the greats, named after Dr Benedict Wallet Vilakazi, a distinguished writer and educator who wrote the first poetry book published in Zulu.
The homes of two Nobel Peace Prize laureates – South Africa’s first democratically elected president, the late Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu – are found on Vilakazi Street. This is the only street in the world that can boast having had two Nobel Laureates as residents.
5
Stop 5
Pass by
The Orlando Power Station, when it was active, was considered one of the most advanced in the Southern hemisphere. The colourful Orlando Towers are now not only one of the most distinctive landmarks in Soweto, they’re also the site of the world’s first bungee jump between two cooling towers. Look out over South Africa’s most famous township as you embark on an unparalleled experience that will get your adrenaline pumping and provide you with memories that will last a lifetime
6
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is the third largest hospital in the world after the West China Hospital of West China Medical Center of Sichuan University, and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, occupying 70 ha, with 3,400 beds and 6,760 staff members
What's not included
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
17 reviews
5★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Important notes
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
About Pretoria
Pretoria, known as the Jacaranda City for its beautiful purple-blossomed trees, is the administrative capital of South Africa. It offers a blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a unique destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Union Buildings
The Union Buildings are the official seat of the South African government and a significant historical landmark. The buildings are an excellent example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
This botanical garden is home to a diverse range of indigenous plants and offers beautiful walking trails, picnic spots, and a variety of wildlife.
Nature
2-3 hours
R50 for adults, R25 for children
Voortrekker Monument
This monumental structure commemorates the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony in the 19th century. The monument offers a museum and a tower with panoramic views of Pretoria.
Historical
1-2 hours
R30 for adults, R15 for children
Melrose House
Melrose House is a historic home that served as the headquarters of the British military during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Today, it houses a museum and a tea garden.
Historical
1 hour
R50 for adults, R25 for children
Pretoria Zoo
The Pretoria Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species. The zoo offers educational programs and conservation initiatives.
Nature
2-3 hours
R120 for adults, R60 for children
Must-Try Local Dishes
Braai
Braai is a traditional South African barbecue, featuring grilled meats such as boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, and steak.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be adapted for various dietary preferences
Bobotie
Bobotie is a sweet and spicy minced meat dish topped with an egg-based custard. It is often served with yellow rice and chutney.
Dinner
Contains meat and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for vegetarians
Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, beef, or beans.
Lunch
Contains meat, can be made with vegetarian or vegan fillings
Melktert
Melktert is a traditional South African milk tart, featuring a sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy, custard-like filling.
Dessert
Contains dairy and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for dietary restrictions
Popular Activities
Hiking
Water sports
Game drives
Picnicking
Tea at Melrose House
Visiting botanical gardens
Museum visits
Historical site tours
Best Time to Visit
Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is also less crowded during these seasons.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho
- Widely spoken: English, Afrikaans
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution
Pretoria is generally safe for travelers, but it is important to exercise caution, especially in certain areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Keep valuables secure
Getting there
By air
- OR Tambo International Airport • 45 km from city center
- Lanzeria Airport • 30 km from city center
By train
Pretoria Station
By bus
Park Station, Pretoria Station
Getting around
Public transport
The PBS offers an affordable and reliable way to get around the city. Buses are frequent and cover most major areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Pretoria Central
Hatfield
Menlo Park
Sunnyside
Day trips
Cullinan Diamond Mine
40 km from Pretoria • Half day to full day
The Cullinan Diamond Mine is famous for being the source of the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about its history and the diamond mining process.
Hartebeestpoort Dam
60 km from Pretoria • Full day
Hartebeestpoort Dam is a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and hiking. The dam is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Pilanesberg National Park
150 km from Pretoria • Full day to overnight
Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria-free game reserve offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) and a variety of other animals.
Festivals
Pretoria Jazz Festival • September
Aardklop National Arts Festival • October
Pretoria Open-Air Arts Festival • November
Pro tips
- Visit the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in the spring for the best blooms
- Explore the city's cultural and historical sites, such as the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument
- Experience a traditional South African braai (barbecue) at a local restaurant or with a host family
- Take a day trip to the Cullinan Diamond Mine or Pilanesberg National Park for a unique and memorable experience
- Attend a local festival or event, such as the Pretoria Jazz Festival or the Aardklop National Arts Festival
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
