Pretoria , South Africa

Soweto Half Day Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Entrance fee to Mandela House museum is included.
Our Soweto tours are authentic.
The tour company is based in Soweto.
The owner is born and raised in Soweto.
Our guides are from Soweto.
Quality service sets us apart from our competitors.

Available options

Soweto Half Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fee to Hector Peterson museum

Entrance fees to Mandela house museum

Pick up and drop off around Johannesburg

Services of a qualified guide

Detailed itinerary

- We make our first stop at the FNB Stadium (Soccer City) for photos before entering Soweto. The stadium hosted the 2010 World Cup opening and closing ceremonies.

- Enter Soweto via Diepkloof Extension which is the upmarket and the jewel of Soweto. We make a stop at the welcome to Soweto sign and stop for photos.

- We then drive past the Baragwanath Hospital, which is the biggest Hospital in the Southern Hemisphere.

Stop 4 Pass by

- Drive past Orlando Towers, which is the iconic landmark of Soweto.

- Our next stop is Kliptown informal settlement . At this location you will be taken on a guided tour of the settlement by a local site guide. The guided tour will show you the harsh realities of poverty and it is an eye opening experience. A true reflection of the unfortunate circumstance of informal dwelling.

- The tour then continues to Orlando West and enter through Vilakazi Street. This is a World renowned street that has housed two Noble Peace prize winners namely Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Stop 7

- We stop for a fully guided tour of the Mandela house museum. The house is revamped and is filled with artefacts and memorabilia pertaining to the South African liberation icon namely Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela.

Stop 8 Pass by

- We make our next brief stop at the site where Hector Peterson was shot and killed by the police during the 1976 students uprising.

Stop 9

- The trip continues to our last stop at the Hector Pieterson precinct. This is the site where the whole story about the 1976 student uprising is told. The Hector Pieterson museum is fascinating and has the state of the art multimedia centre depicting scenes leading to the Soweto students uprising that changed the political landscape of the South African history

What's not included

Food & Drinks

Gratuities

Personal purchases

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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