Discover the rich and nuanced art landscape of Soweto, a diverse African township, through this pioneering tour. Designed for culturally curious travellers, it goes beyond conventional sightseeing, providing exclusive access to artist studios, galleries, and significant heritage locations.

Immerse yourself in Soweto’s vibrant art scene with an in-depth art tour. Gain first-hand access to artists in their studios, explore galleries and art centres, discover significant monuments, and connect directly with the local community.

Along our journey through Soweto, we pause at the monumental residences of its cultural legends and admire significant murals, perfect for capturing memorable photographs.

Duration: 3 Hours

Availability : Monday – Saturday

Meeting and Ending Point: Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers

Includes: Transportation

Lunch available on request

Price: R1300

Itinerary:

1. Lebo’s Soweto Backpapers: Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, nestled in Orlando West, offers travelers an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of Soweto. Founded by local entrepreneur Lebo Malepa, who transformed his childhood home into a vibrant guesthouse, the establishment has become a cornerstone of responsible tourism in the area.
2. Lerato Motau Studio: Lerato Motau’s studio, located on the historic Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, Soweto, serves as both her creative workspace and a testament to her journey as a fiber artist and dyslexia advocate. Specializing in textile-based portraiture, Motau employs embroidery and mixed media to celebrate the resilience and beauty of African women. Her acclaimed series, Ten Thousand Women, honors the collective strength of the women who have supported her throughout her life, incorporating donated fabrics and materials that add layers of personal and communal significance to her work.
3. Matchbox Gallery: Matchbox Gallery is a contemporary art space located on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Johannesburg. Established in early 2025, it serves as a vibrant platform for local artists to showcase their work, with a particular emphasis on street art and community-focused exhibitions. The gallery has quickly become an integral part of Soweto’s cultural landscape, hosting events that celebrate the township’s rich artistic heritage and fostering creative expression among emerging talents. Its presence on the historically significant Vilakazi Street adds to the area’s dynamic blend of history and modern culture.
4. Mfolo Art Centre: The Mofolo Arts Centre, located on Mzilikazi Street in Mofolo, Soweto, is a historic cultural institution that has played a significant role in South Africa’s artistic and social landscape. Established during the Apartheid era, it was one of the few spaces that provided township artists with opportunities to showcase their work. In the 1970s and 80s, the Centre was a vibrant community hub, hosting prominent artists such as Jabulani Sam Nhlengethwa, Durant Sihlali, and Ezrom Legae.
5. Eyethu Heritage Hall: Eyethu Heritage Hall, located in Mofolo Central, Soweto, is a revitalized cultural landmark that honors the legacy of the original Eyethu Theatre—one of South Africa’s first Black-owned cinemas, established in 1969 by entrepreneur Ephraim Tshabalala. After closing in the 1990s, the theatre was restored and transformed into a modern community hub through a collaboration between the Tshabalala family and Abland Property Developers

Route Highlighys:

• Orlando Stadium
• Vilakazi Street
• Gibson Kente House
• Maponya House
• Mfolo Cultural Bowl
• Maponya Dube Shopping Centre 
• Dube Hostel
• Railway Station