
Soweto Township Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Soweto Township Tour worth booking?
Soweto Township Tour is a 2-hour experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, from $57 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (14)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $57 per person
Soweto, the trendiest township in South Africa, is truly a lifechanging experience. From the 1950s Soweto became an epicentre of political campaigns aimed at overthrowing the apartheid state, and in 1955 it was the location where 3 000 people came together to adopt the Freedom Charter - which is what the South African Constitution is now based. Take in the sights of the city where Mandela once lived and Mahatma Gandhi started his legal career. Hear about 2 of the 20th century’s most famous liberation heroes in the city where they started their legal and political careers. Follow in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and his Passive Resistance (Satyagraha) Movement, and Nelson Mandela with his Defiance Campaign.
What you get
About this experience
Soweto, the trendiest township in South Africa, is truly a lifechanging experience. From the 1950s Soweto became an epicentre of political campaigns aimed at overthrowing the apartheid state, and in 1955 it was the location where 3 000 people came together to adopt the Freedom Charter - which is what the South African Constitution is now based. Take in the sights of the city where Mandela once lived and Mahatma Gandhi started his legal career. Hear about 2 of the 20th century’s most famous liberation heroes in the city where they started their legal and political careers. Follow in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and his Passive Resistance (Satyagraha) Movement, and Nelson Mandela with his Defiance Campaign.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local Guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Entrance fees to attractions
What you'll see and do
FNB Stadium
The largest stadium in Africa where Mr Nelson Mandela made his first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990 or visit the newest addition to our tour at the South African Hall of Fame located in the stadium, exploring virtual tours, memorabilia and awe-inspiring stories of South African heroes in sports, arts and culture and so much more.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
The biggest public hospital in the Southern hemisphere
Pass by without stopping
Orlando Towers
The iconic landmark of Soweto
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial
An museum in Soweto that commemorate all the students who were injured & participated Soweto uprising march in 16June 1976
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Vilakazi Street
The only street in the world to produce two Nobel peace price winners Mr Nelson Mandela & Reverend Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Mandela House
Where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946-1962 before he was imprisoned.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Johannesburg
Please make your way to our desk in the foyer of the casino.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please make your way to our desk in the foyer of the casino.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Sightseeing South Africa
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for Soweto Township Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Guides!
DT, DG, and Vince were wonderful guides! They were so kind and taught us all about their home in Soweto and its history. They were very engaging and made sure we could ask questions. I would definitely recommend the tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that DT, DG, and Vince made your Soweto experience so engaging and informative. We’re pleased that you enjoyed learning about the local history and culture, and we truly appreciate your recommendation!
via Tripadvisor
Armstrong is a great guide and driver!
We used this tour as a filler before a late night flight and we are so happy we did. Our guide/driver, Armstrong, was so knowledgeable and passionate about his city/ country. We felt very comfortable with his driving and he was happy to accommodate our request with a smile! We would highly recommend his services
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that what started as a way to fill time before your late-night flight turned into such a memorable experience. Armstrong will be thrilled to know that his knowledge, passion, and warm hospitality made your day so enjoyable. It's great to hear that you felt comfortable throughout the tour and that he was happy to accommodate your requests. We're especially pleased that you enjoyed exploring Johannesburg, including the Soweto Township Tour, which offers such meaningful insight into South Africa's history, culture, and vibrant communities. Thank you for your kind recommendation. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable South African adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Brief tour of Soweto
Very brief but good experience. Had few hours to spare in Johannesburg and saw Soweto. Tour guide was very knowledgeable. Tour guide explained to me that Tours of FNB stadium are no longer running with the red bus tours. When I visit next time I want to be able to do the tour if possible and see the inside of the stadium.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We're glad you had a great experience exploring Soweto with our knowledgeable guide, even with just a few hours to spare. Our Soweto Extension Tour is designed exactly for visitors who want to make the most of a short stop in Johannesburg while still experiencing the history and culture of Soweto. We're happy to hear it made your visit worthwhile. Just to clarify for future visitors, while our tours pass by the iconic FNB Stadium, we unfortunately do not offer tours that allow guests to go inside the stadium. We hope to welcome you back on another adventure next time you're in Johannesburg.
via Tripadvisor
Sowetoo
Very informative tour with very good and friendly staff. Time was passing by very quickly. Thanks to all.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your tour with City Sightseeing Cape Town felt engaging and that our team made the experience enjoyable. It’s great that the time flew by for all the right reasons. We appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back soon.
via Viator
Red bus Tour to Soweto
The red bus tour , with Mogomoetsi, SK and Kagiso, was absolutely entertaining. They kept us informed and energized through out the tour. They shared great insights of each of the historic places and events. Definitely worth going for this tour. We took the 2 hour tour and didnt have time to walk through the market and enjoy something at the various coffee shops. Thus you need more then 2 hours to appreciate and enjoy everything there is to offer in Soweto, Vilakazi Street.
Response from the operator: Glad to hear you had a wonderful time with City Sightseeing Joburg and the Soweto tour. Sounds like an amazing and insightful day!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $57 to $915
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by City Sightseeing South Africa, who run 12 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.7 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything City Sightseeing South Africa runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Soweto Township Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Johannesburg.
How much does Soweto Township Tour cost?
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Prices start at $57 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Johannesburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Soweto Township Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Johannesburg is not rushed.
Is Soweto Township Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Johannesburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Soweto Township Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Soweto Township Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Soweto Township Tour?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Johannesburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Johannesburg and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Soweto Township Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Johannesburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Johannesburg?
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On Outty we rank every Johannesburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soweto and Johannesburg Exclusive Full Day Guided Tour, Ultimate Johannesburg Soweto Experience with Apartheid Museum, Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Johannesburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Soweto Township Tour?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and Local Guide. Not included: Lunch; and Entrance fees to attractions. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Soweto Township Tour?
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Please make your way to our desk in the foyer of the casino. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Soweto Township Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Soweto Township Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Soweto Township Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Soweto Township Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Johannesburg. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Soweto Township Tour?
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Across 14 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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