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. Visit 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. Become a local by heading to 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. Soweto Bicycle Tours:
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. 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!
So head to Soweto and understand the history of this cultured township. These are my top 5 for you!
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. Visit 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. Become a local by heading to 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. Soweto Bicycle Tours:
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. 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!
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 features 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 countless travel stories and advice.
