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. Visit Nelson Mandela's House:
You have to make the trip to 8115 Vilakazi Street in Soweto. This is Nelson Mandela's former house and now runs as a fully functional museum. You can walk all around the house where Nelson once lived and get your fix of Apartheid history while you are at it. This is easy to walk to if you are staying in Soweto Backpackers, and the streets are generally safe to walk around. Entrance was 10 Rand for me at the time (as I blagged a student entry - but bought plenty of souvenirs in the Hector Pieterson Museum - which didn't make my top 5 but I also recommend it). I believe the entrance fee is now 20 Rand to get in - well worth it and remember you are also contributing for the up keep of this amazing community.
3. Drink with the locals in a Shebeen:
No stay in Soweto is complete without visiting a local Shebeen! I'm going to tell you to just ask local people and find your own, as they don't really have names! But make sure you try the Joburg Beer with the locals. It comes in a tub (like an over-sized milk tub) and is pink in colour and you share it round a table. I visited two shebeens in Soweto - one was in a hut, the other was basically someone's house that they welcome you just sitting there having a beer with them. The locals are so friendly and they really welcome people to their culture.
4. Soweto Bicycle Tours:
Another amazing thing to do in Soweto is a local bicycle tour - this means you get to parts of Soweto not easily reached on foot or by car. You will visit different parts of the mammoth township on the same day and have a chance to meet locals and chat away and see their daily lives. The Soweto Backpackers do a good bicycle tour which has featured in a lot of travel books and websites. You will also get a local tour guide who can explain everything to you at points during your cycle through this cultured township.
5. Hector Pieterson Museum:
Situated in the place where a young boy Hector Pieterson was shot dead, The Hector Pieterson Museum is great place to read about the Soweto Uprising of 1976 and the history of the township. The museum makes my top 5 and is accompanied by tributes and information boards posted along the corner and nearby streets.
In truth Soweto is just an amazing place to visit and these are only a very quick top 5 things to see and do.
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. Visit Nelson Mandela's House:
You have to make the trip to 8115 Vilakazi Street in Soweto. This is Nelson Mandela's former house and now runs as a fully functional museum. You can walk all around the house where Nelson once lived and get your fix of Apartheid history while you are at it. This is easy to walk to if you are staying in Soweto Backpackers, and the streets are generally safe to walk around. Entrance was 10 Rand for me at the time (as I blagged a student entry - but bought plenty of souvenirs in the Hector Pieterson Museum - which didn't make my top 5 but I also recommend it). I believe the entrance fee is now 20 Rand to get in - well worth it and remember you are also contributing for the up keep of this amazing community.
3. Drink with the locals in a Shebeen:
No stay in Soweto is complete without visiting a local Shebeen! I'm going to tell you to just ask local people and find your own, as they don't really have names! But make sure you try the Joburg Beer with the locals. It comes in a tub (like an over-sized milk tub) and is pink in colour and you share it round a table. I visited two shebeens in Soweto - one was in a hut, the other was basically someone's house that they welcome you just sitting there having a beer with them. The locals are so friendly and they really welcome people to their culture.
4. Soweto Bicycle Tours:
Another amazing thing to do in Soweto is a local bicycle tour - this means you get to parts of Soweto not easily reached on foot or by car. You will visit different parts of the mammoth township on the same day and have a chance to meet locals and chat away and see their daily lives. The Soweto Backpackers do a good bicycle tour which has featured in a lot of travel books and websites. You will also get a local tour guide who can explain everything to you at points during your cycle through this cultured township.
5. Hector Pieterson Museum:
Situated in the place where a young boy Hector Pieterson was shot dead, The Hector Pieterson Museum is great place to read about the Soweto Uprising of 1976 and the history of the township. The museum makes my top 5 and is accompanied by tributes and information boards posted along the corner and nearby streets.
In truth Soweto is just an amazing place to visit and these are only a very quick top 5 things to see and do.
About the Author:
To read more features such as Top 5 Things To Do In Soweto then visit Jonny Blair's recommended travel, work and lifestyle site called Dont Stop Living for endless travel experiences and advice.
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