Soweto Township Tour: Mandela House & Hector Pieterson Museum

Soccer City, Mandela's street, and the museum that changed a nation

A half-day guided tour of Soweto from Johannesburg explores the township's role in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, with stops at Soccer City Stadium, the Hector Pieterson Museum, Vilakazi Street (where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once lived), and Mandela House. A live English-speaking guide leads the group through Kliptown, one of Soweto's oldest districts, and the tour includes lunch at a local restaurant and transport by air-conditioned minivan.

The experience

Soweto, home to roughly 1.3 million people, sits southwest of Johannesburg and carries the weight of South Africa's history. Until 1976, residents had no legal status beyond temporary workers for the city. The township became the largest Black city in the country while its people were denied the right to stay. This tour moves through that history with a guide who speaks English and knows the ground.

The route takes in Soccer City Stadium first, then moves to Kliptown, one of Soweto's oldest districts, and the Hector Pieterson Museum: a space built around the death of a 12-year-old during the 1976 uprising and the photograph that changed how the world saw apartheid. Vilakazi Street comes next, the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners once lived: Nelson Mandela at number 8115 and Desmond Tutu nearby. You visit both houses and walk the same block they did. The minivan is air-conditioned, and lunch at a local restaurant rounds out the four hours, with vegetarian options available if you request them when you book.

The tour suits all fitness levels and asks for smart casual dress. Transport, the guide, and lunch are all included. Souvenir photos are available to purchase if you want them.

What’s included

• Transport by air-conditioned minivan from Johannesburg.
• a live English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
• lunch at a local restaurant in Soweto.
• entry to the Hector Pieterson Museum and visits to Mandela House and Desmond Tutu's house on Vilakazi Street.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (3 to 75 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Curiocity Backpackers

Is this one for you?Four hours leaves room for other activities earlier or later in your day in Johannesburg, making this a natural fit if you want to see Soweto's key sites without committing a full day to the township.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

20 verified traveler reviews

5 ★19

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is the Hector Pieterson Museum?

The Hector Pieterson Museum is a memorial built around the death of a 12-year-old boy killed during the 1976 Soweto uprising. The museum tells the story of that moment and its place in the anti-apartheid movement through photographs, documents and personal accounts.

Can I visit both Mandela's house and Desmond Tutu's house on this tour?

Yes. Vilakazi Street is where both men lived, and the tour includes visits to Mandela House at number 8115 and Desmond Tutu's house nearby, so you walk the same block where two Nobel Peace Prize winners once lived.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs for four hours. A specific start time will be confirmed when you book, and the tour includes transport by minivan from Johannesburg to Soweto and back.

What does lunch include and are there vegetarian options?

Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Soweto and is included in the tour price. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know at the time of booking if you need one.

What is Soccer City Stadium?

Soccer City Stadium is Soweto's landmark sports venue and the first stop on the tour. It is one of the largest stadiums in Africa and hosted matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.