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. Spend a night with a local 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. Go Inside 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:
You cannot visit Soweto without heading into a Shebeen! These local bars where people mingle to drink and chat are an essential part of the culture. You will get to meet and chat to the locals, enjoy a few beers with them and get to understand a bit more about life in Soweto. The beer you will get is pinky in colour and not strong at all - you will share it communally. Get in there and chat to the locals. I loved it and you will too!
4. Do A Bicycle Tour:
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. Visit the 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 that's my top 5 - Soweto is great - real raw South African township culture on display.
1. Spend a night with a local 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. Go Inside 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:
You cannot visit Soweto without heading into a Shebeen! These local bars where people mingle to drink and chat are an essential part of the culture. You will get to meet and chat to the locals, enjoy a few beers with them and get to understand a bit more about life in Soweto. The beer you will get is pinky in colour and not strong at all - you will share it communally. Get in there and chat to the locals. I loved it and you will too!
4. Do A Bicycle Tour:
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. Visit the 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 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 recommended travel, work and lifestyle site called Dont Stop Living for countless travel stories and tips.
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