Soweto is an incredible township and I have to say - head there and see it!! Not only is it one of the most famous townships in South Africa but it has a lot of history and more importantly things to see and do. Top 5s are difficult but I'm going to try! I've had to narrow it down but here goes...
1. Stay with a local Sowetan family:
A highlight from my travels round Soweto was staying with a local family in Orlando East. I stayed with Rachel and her son and daughter. They made me welcome and it was a small but cosy house. At night they just sit at home and cook and watch TV - almost back to basics existence but a great experience and if you get the chance to do it - go for it!!
2. Check out Nelson Mandela's House:
It is completely essential that you make a trip to Nelson Mandela's former house while staying in Soweto - you'd be an absolute fool to miss it. His former house at 8115 Vilakazi Street is now a fantastic museum. You can walk all around it and read quotes and stories from the man himself. You can get your photo taken in every room in his former house. Best of all is it's a small house - very basic - yet this man was a genius and changed the world. There's an entry charge but it's definitely worth paying!!
3. Visit a Shebeen:
You haven't really sampled South African township culture until you've been to a Shebeen! I'm serious! These are an absolutely quality experience - you meet, talk and enjoy the locals who sit and relax to their heart's content in Shebeens. You will try the Joburg Beer in Soweto which is pink in colour, low in alcohol percentage and shared by drinking out of a large tub. You'll be made welcome and you will love talking to the locals. Do it!
4. Bicycle Tours in Soweto:
Another top thing to do in Soweto is a bicycle tour - it means you can get to places not easily covered on foot or in a car. You can visit different parts of the township on the same day and meet locals. Soweto Backpackers have a recommended bicycle tour which is also listed in a lot of travel books and sites. You'll also have a tour guide who explains everything to you at points on your cycle through this historic township.
5. The Hector Pieterson Museum:
The Hector Pieterson Museum is useful and insightful to understand the history of Soweto and particularly the Soweto Uprising in 1976. This museum sits on well maintained streets with tributes in the place where Hector Pieterson was once shot dead. It's a good place to get to grips with the local story. This is definitely in my top 5 things to do while staying in Soweto!
So that's my top 5 - Soweto is great - real raw South African township culture on display.
1. Stay with a local Sowetan family:
A highlight from my travels round Soweto was staying with a local family in Orlando East. I stayed with Rachel and her son and daughter. They made me welcome and it was a small but cosy house. At night they just sit at home and cook and watch TV - almost back to basics existence but a great experience and if you get the chance to do it - go for it!!
2. Check out Nelson Mandela's House:
It is completely essential that you make a trip to Nelson Mandela's former house while staying in Soweto - you'd be an absolute fool to miss it. His former house at 8115 Vilakazi Street is now a fantastic museum. You can walk all around it and read quotes and stories from the man himself. You can get your photo taken in every room in his former house. Best of all is it's a small house - very basic - yet this man was a genius and changed the world. There's an entry charge but it's definitely worth paying!!
3. Visit a Shebeen:
You haven't really sampled South African township culture until you've been to a Shebeen! I'm serious! These are an absolutely quality experience - you meet, talk and enjoy the locals who sit and relax to their heart's content in Shebeens. You will try the Joburg Beer in Soweto which is pink in colour, low in alcohol percentage and shared by drinking out of a large tub. You'll be made welcome and you will love talking to the locals. Do it!
4. Bicycle Tours in Soweto:
Another top thing to do in Soweto is a bicycle tour - it means you can get to places not easily covered on foot or in a car. You can visit different parts of the township on the same day and meet locals. Soweto Backpackers have a recommended bicycle tour which is also listed in a lot of travel books and sites. You'll also have a tour guide who explains everything to you at points on your cycle through this historic township.
5. The Hector Pieterson Museum:
The Hector Pieterson Museum is useful and insightful to understand the history of Soweto and particularly the Soweto Uprising in 1976. This museum sits on well maintained streets with tributes in the place where Hector Pieterson was once shot dead. It's a good place to get to grips with the local story. This is definitely in my top 5 things to do while staying in Soweto!
So that's my top 5 - Soweto is great - real raw South African township culture on display.
About the Author:
To read more articles such as Top 5 Things To Do In Soweto then visit Jonny Blair's popular travel, work and lifestyle site called Dont Stop Living for endless travel experiences and tips.
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