Encounter culture, history and more in Soweto
There’s so much to do, experience and learn in Soweto. Make the most of it when you’re there.
Encounter culture, history and more in Soweto| Westside Eldos
A trip to Soweto is both a necessary and extremely enjoyable experience, thanks to its bevy of cultural, culinary and historical attractions. Museums, restaurants, breweries, parks…you name it, Soweto’s got it!
If you’re a bit lost as to what to do when planning your trip, there are numerous tours that’ll take you around the area. City Sightseeing Johannesburg, for example, offers two-hour live-guided tours around Soweto on a double-decker bus, stopping at various attractions in and around the township.
If you’re in Soweto to learn some history or experience some culture, then a great starting point would be Vilakazi Street. It’s the location of Mandela House, the former home of Nelson Mandela and now a museum, and two popular restaurants: Sakhumzi and Vuyo’s, both of which serve up authentic and wholesome African cuisine.
Other notable sites include the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Orlando West, which commemorates the Soweto Uprising of 1976; and the Regina Mundi Church in Rockville, often used as a refuge during Apartheid. There’s also the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, a museum-cum-gallery displaying sculptures by the artist and traditional healer, Credo Mutwa; and the Walter Sisulu Square, an expansive commercial and cultural hub in Kliptown.
Those in search of some adrenaline should head to the Soweto Towers Vertical Adventure Centre. Here, you have a choice between bungee jumping, paintball, attempting the world’s highest SCAD freefall inside the Western Cooling Tower, base jumping and rock climbing. After attempting one (or more) of these activities, reward yourself with a drink and Rusty’s Cocktail Bar or a meal at The Jazz Maniacs Restaurant, both at The Soweto Hotel.
If, however, you’re keen on chilling, there’s a variety of parks around Soweto to enjoy some family time. They include parks in Orlando West and Diepkloof, as well as Thokoza, Dorothy Nyembe, and Mofolo Regional Parks.
From a leisurely walk and a lesson in history to an adrenaline rush and a hearty meal, Soweto is packed with rewarding experiences for any holiday-goer.
