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 family:
Staying with a local family was an undoubted highlight of my Soweto experience, I stayed with a local lady called Rachel with her daughter and son in her home in Orlando East in Soweto. It was a real chance to see the raw lifestyle in Soweto. It's a basic existence. At night making dinner and watching TV are the only things to really do indoors for Rachel.
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. Become a local by heading to 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. Do A Bicycle Tour:
Doing a bicycle tour in Soweto is another in my top 5 - why? Because it is the best way to get around and get out to other parts of the massive township! Walking isn't enough - Soweto is massive and it's poky streets and hoardes of people about mean that by driving you won't really enjoy it or see it properly - so hire a bike or become part of the Soweto bicycle tour and you'll get to visit a few different parts of the township, meeting locals and seeing sights you won't get by walking. Do it!
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.
So head to Soweto and understand the history of this cultured township. These are my top 5 for you!
1. Stay with a local family:
Staying with a local family was an undoubted highlight of my Soweto experience, I stayed with a local lady called Rachel with her daughter and son in her home in Orlando East in Soweto. It was a real chance to see the raw lifestyle in Soweto. It's a basic existence. At night making dinner and watching TV are the only things to really do indoors for Rachel.
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. Become a local by heading to 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. Do A Bicycle Tour:
Doing a bicycle tour in Soweto is another in my top 5 - why? Because it is the best way to get around and get out to other parts of the massive township! Walking isn't enough - Soweto is massive and it's poky streets and hoardes of people about mean that by driving you won't really enjoy it or see it properly - so hire a bike or become part of the Soweto bicycle tour and you'll get to visit a few different parts of the township, meeting locals and seeing sights you won't get by walking. Do it!
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.
So head to Soweto and understand the history of this cultured township. These are my top 5 for you!
About the Author:
To read more articles such as Top 5 Things To Do In Soweto then visit Jonny Blair's worldwide travel, work and lifestyle site called Dont Stop Living for endless travel stories and advice.
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