Soweto is an amazing place and I must recommend it to everyone out there. It is one of the most famous townships in South Africa. Situated in Gauteng near Johannesberg, this place has so much history, you'll end up enhancing your world history knowledge without even noticing it. It's hard to do a top 5 for any place, and Soweto has so much happening that I'm going for a personal top 5 things to do in Soweto.
1. Spend a night with a local family:
This was a highlight of my Soweto experience, as I stayed with Rachel in her home in Orlando East in Soweto. It gives you an insight into what life is about here in this famous township. Just sitting watching TV with her and her son was a happy night.
2. Check out 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. 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. 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. 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:
This was a highlight of my Soweto experience, as I stayed with Rachel in her home in Orlando East in Soweto. It gives you an insight into what life is about here in this famous township. Just sitting watching TV with her and her son was a happy night.
2. Check out 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. 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. 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. 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 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 endless travel stories and tips.
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