Visit Soweto in South Africa: guide to must-see sites
Soweto is a popular neighborhood in South Africa that is very well known. It is home to many museums on Apartheid and the history of the country but also a huge city canister. We found this to be the most interesting part of Johannesburg to visit both culturally and emotionally. So it's worth it to prepare for the day properly.
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Information on organized tours in the Soweto district of Johannesburg
The best way to visit all parts of this huge district is to book an organized tour (don't wander around the township alone!). We recommend booking a private tour with a local guide via the specialized site Civitatis. In addition, by selecting your language on the site (top right), you can book a guide who speaks your mother tongue. They pick you up at your hotel and accompany you to this mythical township in South Africa for the day ou half day.
Book for the day Book the half dayUnderstanding apartheid in the museums of the Soweto district in South Africa
A guide will take you to start at the various museums in Soweto, the most notable being the apartheid museum. The visit charged with the dark history of the country will not leave you indifferent ... It is a necessary step to understand the years of struggle in the country and it is THE unmissable cultural visit of Soweto. Indeed, the neighborhood itself was the epicenter of this struggle: Nelson Mandela lived there (you can visit her house) and the bloody student revolt of 1976 began there (you can stop at Hector Pieterson Memorial paying homage to them). On your way you will see the Orlando towers or the hospital Chris Hani Baragwanath.
Meeting with the poor people of South Africa in a slum in Soweto in Johannesburg
The second part of the tour takes you to the poorest part of Soweto to meet the population forgotten by South African growth. We didn't feel in our place there… A feeling of indecency came over us. We felt like voyeurs coming to 'visit' the misery in which these people live. Our feelings only engage us and some will say that it is important to see it to get out of our bubble. If you do not want to make this detour through the shanty town, you can tell the guide.
Visit of Sandton, the affluent district of Johannesburg in South Africa
For the shock to be total, nothing better than spending the evening at Sandton after exploring Soweto. This contrast between the rich and the poor living a few hundred meters away seems brutal but it seemed necessary to us to visit both to understand the incredible polarity of this city. You can walk in the busy streets, take a tour Nelson Mandela Square and go shopping in the boutiques of this chic neighborhood before dinner.
The Guest House with the best value for money accommodation in Johannesburg, South Africa
After exploring Johannesburg and the Soweto district in South Africa, we recommend that you sleep at Blu Trea Guesthouse that offers all the comfort you need at a low price. The B&B is pleasant, the hosts charming and the rooms very clean. In short, nothing to complain about! We will stay there again. In addition, this guesthouse is located in the trendy Melville district which is central but above all one of the best areas in town.
Check availabilityIf you want more options, you can always check out our article on the best accommodations in Johannesburg.
Our tips for a successful trip:
- Book your flight in advance to take advantage of the best prices
Airline ticket prices are cheaper when booked 6 to 3 months in advance. To be sure of getting the best price, we recommend using a flight comparator such as Skyscanner.
- Book your accommodation before departure to have access to the best offers
You will always find a room at the last minute, but the best located accommodations are necessarily those that are always full. That's why it's best to book your accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend going through Agoda which offers the best prices. In addition, this site allows you to be easily reimbursed in the event of cancellation.
- Skip the line to visit the most popular attractions
By booking your excursions in advance on Civitatis, you do not queue on site to get your tickets. Less time waiting = more time enjoying your vacation! Plus, their guided tours ensure you have a knowledgeable guide who speaks your language.
- Use a comparator to find a rental car at the lowest price
Save yourself hours of research with rentalcar.com ou discovercars.com. These comparators are the best for finding rental cars at the lowest prices.
- Don't leave without travel insurance
For us, it is unimaginable to leave without travel insurance. We recommend the one proposed by AXIS. This is the best guaranteed way to leave with peace of mind. However, consider taking out additional specialized insurance for activities not covered (such as skiing or scuba diving).
- Want more information about your destination?
Do not hesitate to complete the information present on this blog with a travel Guide. You can take it in your luggage and refer to it throughout your vacation.
To find out more about South Africa:
The itinéterre team
Itinéterre is a travel blog written by a team of expatriates and locals. They share their experiences so that you can enjoy the best tours in their countries. Their advice will help you plan your vacation easily as if a local is accompanying you!
