Soweto Walking Tour

What to expect

We set off our walk at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers heading towards our look out point with a panoramic view over Soweto. The guide will points our various landmarks and areas and the history of the various sites around the township. You will also see our community garden project as well as the beer brewing station of the home brewed sorghum beer made by women in our community.

Our next stop is the Mzimhlophe men’s hostel which is the home of former mine workers during apartheid era, you will learn more about the history of mining and migrant labour and living conditions in the hostel today.

You will get an opportunity to taste local snacks as we pass by street stalls or local shops, this is a way to support local businesses around our community. Local street art and graffiti is also part of today’s Soweto and as we pass by some public and mural art throughout the walk you will be able to engage in Soweto’s new urban culture.

Our Walk continues to the Hector Peterson Memorial commemorating the Student’s Uprisings on June 16 1976 as Soweto students took to the streets protesting against the oppressive education system.

Continue to Vilakazi street where we stop at the Nelson Mandela House to learn more about this great leader. Take in this vibrant street by watching street performers and shop around at the colourful market stalls.

Walk back to Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers to join us for a traditional drink tasting ceremony, tasting the home brewed beer as well as the maize drink, Mageu.

LUNCH INCLUDED:

The walking tour includes lunch which is either served after the tour – 10am slot – or before the tour – 1:00 pm slot – Lunch starts at 12:30! Lunch is served at our “Outdoor Restaurant” with seating in the community park. The meal is a delicious African stew cooked the traditional way – over the fire – served with either bread or the popular staple – Pap (maize porridge).

What you’ll need

Camera, comfortable walking shoes, , sunscreen and a hat.

The tour includes lunch which is either served after the tour – 10am slot – or before the tour – 1:00 pm slot. Lunch is served at our “Outdoor Restaurant” with seating in the community park. The meal is a delicious African stew cooked the traditional way – over the fire – served with either the popular staple – Pap (maize porridge), or in an hallowed out piece of bread – calles “Kota” or “Bunny Chow”.

Children discount: 1-4 years: No charge; Baby carrier: R150-R300; Children 5-12 years 50% discount

Where we’ll be

Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers 10823A Pooe St, Orlando West, Soweto, 1804

This tour leaves daily. Booking essential

About your host

The late Lebo – founder of “Lebo’s Soweto” grew up in the house which is today our Backpackers hostel. He was introduced to the tourism industry as buses started coming in numbers in the early 2000’s. He was then selling craft at the Hector Pieterson memorial in Soweto and started inviting some of the travelers he met to his home to experience another side of Soweto than viewing the township from a bus-window. A few years after that Lebo started the now popular Soweto bicycle tour taking people out of the car and on to the streets of Soweto.