Soweto Tour and Lesedi Cultural Village Tour form Pretoria and Johannesberg

Johannesburg , South Africa

Soweto Tour and Lesedi Cultural Village Tour form Pretoria and Johannesberg

Active

(1 reviews)

13h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your trip to South Africa can never be complete without visiting this two iconic places, Soweto and Lesedi Cultural Village. This tour will help you understand the history of South Africa. Take a walk at Vilakazi street which is the only street in the world where you'll find the houses of Two Nobel Peace Laureate, visit Nelson Mandela House Museum, Hector Peterson Memorial Museum and Motsoaledi one of the informal settlement in Soweto.

Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village is a flagship cultural tourism destination for visitors interested in learning more about South Africa's traditional people and cultures. Lesedi, which means 'light' in Sotho, features traditional homesteads of the Zulu, Nguni, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele people, where guests can immerse themselves in cultural activities. For guests staying over, the village offers accommodation in each homestead, ranging from luxury suites in the Nguni village to twin rooms in the Ndebele homestead.

Available options

Soweto Tour and Lesedi Cultural Village Tour form Pretoria and Johannesberg

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria

Local guide

Private tour

Professional guide

Live entertainment

Port pickup and drop-off f

Driver/guide

Lunch

Buffet dinner

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Transport by private vehicle

What you'll see

The establishment of Soweto is, like Johannesburg, linked directly to the discovery of Gold in 1885. Thousands of people from around the world and South Africa flocked to the new town to seek their fortunes or to offer their labour. Within 4 years Johannesburg was the second largest city. More than half the population was black, most living in multi racial shanty towns near the gold mines in the centre of the town. As the gold mining industry developed, so did the need for labour increase. Migrant labour was started and most of these workers lived in mine compounds. However other workers had to find their own accommodation often in appalling conditions.

With a population of over 2 million, the township is the biggest black urban settlement in Africa with a rich political history. Soweto was the centre of political campaigns aimed at the overthrow of the apartheid state. The 1976 student uprising, also known as the Soweto uprising, started in Soweto and spread to the rest of the country. Many of the sights on the heritage route therefore have political significance.

Upon arrival at Lesedi, you will be welcomed to the Ndebele village before settling down to a multimedia presentation on the history of South Africa's rainbow nation. You will be then taken on a guided tour of each of the cultural villages, where you will learn the various rituals and folklore of South Africa's people, plus a few key phrases in local languages.

Traditional song and dance rounds off the day's activities, followed by a dinner buffet of African fare fit for a king, hosted in the 200-seater Nyama Choma restaurant, where you can taste impala, ostrich or crocodile meat. The newer restaurant, the Nile Room, serves delectable cuisine from North Africa. At the end of the evening, you are invited to gather around the open fire to listen to tales of African mythology, or be escorted back to their cosy hut by members of their host family.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Minimum drinking age is 18

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Important notes

Minimum drinking age is 18 years

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

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