Soweto

While it’s possible to visit many of Soweto’s attractions independently, it’s well worth going with a guide to learn more about the history and modern day culture of one of Africa’s largest black urban settlements. Most half-day tours include stops at Nelson Mandela’s former home, the Hector Pieterson Memorial, and lively Vilakazi Street, known for its public art.

Alternatively, combine a tour of Soweto with a visit to the Apartheid Museum and other Johannesburg sights for a full day of exploration. For something completely different, get a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling township from a helicopter.

• Soweto is a must for history buffs and anyone interested in modern day South African culture.

• While Soweto is generally safe, it’s best to remain vigilant and avoid visiting after dark.

• Don’t forget your camera—Soweto is home to some of the city’s most colorful street art.

The sheer size of Soweto—with some two million residents—can be bewildering for first-time visitors, so it’s a good idea to travel as part of a guided tour. Alternatively, the Rea Vaya bus route runs from Johannesburg City Centre past many of the township’s notable sights.

Go to Soweto during normal business hours, when museums and shops are open. June 16 is Youth Day, the anniversary of the Soweto Uprising—a particularly poignant time to visit.

Soweto was founded in 1904 as a forced habitation settlement to which black residents were relocated against their will during an outbreak of the bubonic plague. In the 1970s and ’80s, the district was frequently in the news, especially during the Soweto Uprising of 1976. This series of protests led by black schoolchildren produced one of the world’s most iconic news images—child Hector Pieterson, shot by police and dying in another protester’s arms.

Soweto is an acronym for “South West Townships.” Soweto was created in the mid-20th century by South Africa’s apartheid government to segregate Black residents. Soweto has a significant place in South African history as it was a center of resistance against apartheid and the setting for the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

Must-visit attractions and landmarks in Soweto include the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, which commemorates the students killed during the Soweto Uprising of 1976; the Mandela House, Nelson Mandela’s home from 1946 to 1962; and the Tutu House, where Desmond Tutu lived when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Yes, Soweto is generally safe for tourists. As in any city, there are pockets of shady areas and some crime issues. It is best to visit during the day and to stick to well-trafficked and well-lit areas. Most visitors to Soweto do not experience problems.

The best time to visit Johannesburg is from late fall to early spring (May through September). Conditions are typically dry and sunny, and you’ll avoid the crowds and humidity of summer. That said, winter (June through August) can get chilly, with average highs of 61°F (16°C) in July.

Yes, the Soweto Festival takes place in September on Walter Sisulu Square. The festival celebrates South African culture, from wine to locally made fashion and crafts. Youth Day (June 16) marks the anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, and is a particularly poignant time to visit the township’s key landmarks.

You can experience the local culture in Soweto by booking a tour led by a local resident. Walking tours provide insights into Soweto’s history, culture, and traditions and typically include visits to major landmarks and cultural sites, as well as opportunities to talk with residents.