Weekend Guide · South Africa
Weekend in Soweto
Soweto — South Africa's largest township and a landmark of the country's struggle for democracy, on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, it remains one of the most significant heritage sites in the country and is best explored with a local guide.
Arrive & Explore Soweto
Mandela House
Nelson Mandela's modest former home on Vilakazi Street, now a museum preserving his early life and the anti-apartheid struggle
Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum
A moving memorial and museum commemorating the 1976 Soweto Uprising and the students who lost their lives
Vilakazi Street
The only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners — Mandela and Tutu — now lined with cafes and local vendors
Hidden Gems & Local Flavours
Soweto Bicycle & Township Tours
Guided cycling or walking tours through Soweto's neighborhoods, offering an authentic look at daily township life and history
Local Tips
- 1South Africa is moderately priced and offers a lot of value for money, especially with a strong US dollar/rand exchange rate.
- 2Safety varies significantly by area, and it's worth being upfront about this: South Africa has one of the world's higher crime rates, and petty theft, car-jackings, and armed robbery are genuine risks in parts of Johannesburg and other urban centers.