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:
I have to say that a visit to Nelson Mandela's former house in Vilakazi Street is a must. Don't miss it! Nowadays his former home has been turned into an excellent mini museum,open to the public. It is just incredible to step inside the house where Mandela once lived. There are quotes on the walls on bricks in the courtyard, photos inside and the house is small. It's amazing that this man changed the world. Get this on your list!
3. Drink with the locals in 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 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. Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum:
The Hector Pieterson Museum is highly recommended to get into the history of Soweto and in particular the Soweto Uprising of 1976. A museum and well maintained streets and tributes now sits where Hector Pieterson was once shot dead. It's a real eye opener. Definitely in my top 5 things to do in Soweto!
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. Check out Nelson Mandela's House:
I have to say that a visit to Nelson Mandela's former house in Vilakazi Street is a must. Don't miss it! Nowadays his former home has been turned into an excellent mini museum,open to the public. It is just incredible to step inside the house where Mandela once lived. There are quotes on the walls on bricks in the courtyard, photos inside and the house is small. It's amazing that this man changed the world. Get this on your list!
3. Drink with the locals in 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 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. Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum:
The Hector Pieterson Museum is highly recommended to get into the history of Soweto and in particular the Soweto Uprising of 1976. A museum and well maintained streets and tributes now sits where Hector Pieterson was once shot dead. It's a real eye opener. Definitely in my top 5 things to do in Soweto!
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 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 regular travel experiences and advice.
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