Guided Tour of Soweto

Soweto, an iconic destination not to be missed for discovering and understanding the rich culture and captivating history of South Africa.

Explore on foot, by bike, or tuk-tuk with a local guide through South Africa's largest township. Located to the southwest of the city, this sprawling urban settlement stands as a symbol of the resilience of disadvantaged communities during the Apartheid era.

You'll visit Vilakazi Street, home to the residences of two Nobel Peace Prize laureates: Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Discover Nelson Mandela's former home, now the Nelson Mandela Museum, the residence of Desmond Tutu, Winnie Mandela's house, and the Hector Pieterson Museum. Explore the many Shebeens and local restaurants and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this transformed township, now Africa's most celebrated and internationally recognized, home to approximately four million residents.

Vilakazi Street in Soweto

Vilakazi Street is primarily renowned for having been home to two Nobel Peace Prize recipients: the late former president Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu both lived here. It has become a major tourist destination within Soweto. Today a thriving urban center in its own right, the township was established in the 1940s when activist James Mpanza led 20,000 squatters to occupy vacant municipal council land near the Orlando area.

In 1959, the township expanded further when Black residents from Sophiatown were forcibly relocated here after their homes in the vibrant Johannesburg neighborhood were demolished by the apartheid government.

Mandela lived on Vilakazi Street with his first wife, Evelyn Mase, and later with his second wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. He returned briefly for 11 days upon his release from prison in 1990.

Mandela's modest three-bedroom home was transformed into a museum, the Mandela House, which opened its doors in 1997 and continues to attract numerous local and international visitors.

Archbishop Emeritus Tutu has owned his Vilakazi Street home for many years. Though recognized as part of Johannesburg's historical heritage, the residence remains closed to the public, as the Tutu family continues to use it as their private residence.