The Apartheid era South African Tourist Board Pamphlet, March 1980 had just one paragraph about Soweto:
‘Soweto Tour. Duration: 3 1/2 hours (approx). See Soweto first-hand, the home of a million happy Blacks. Compare its quaint, box-style houses with the palatial homes of Dusky Millionaires. Marvel at the fantastic gardens into which the houseproud community pour their creative souls. You will enjoy the sight of sports fields, soccer stadiums, public libraries, croquet lawns, and community centres. Above all, laugh at the antics of the eager Black kiddies as they sport in the sparkling waters of the municipal swimming pool.’
That was as much as the apartheid regime could bring itself to say about Soweto. How much has changed.
Soweto is a magical place with a magical name. Who would have thought from such an umpromising etymology? South West Township, where the miners to provide cheap labour were billeted in the most primitive of conditions. There is no centre, no cathedral with spires, market places, shopping malls, art galleries with classical facades, none of the things we visit a city to see. The principle monument, to the 1976 youth massacre and its youngest victim, Hector Pieterson, and Willie Mandela museum pay homage to a revolution that kindled there. It was a shock to learn that Mbuyisa Makhubo, the boy in the iconic photograph carrying Hector Pieterson after he was shot, disappeared in 1979 and his whereabouts remain unknown.
The two distinctive towers that fill the horizon and have become the city’s unofficial logo were apartheid era coal fired power stations, now decommissioned. Our tour guide, Lungile Mdunge, reminds us: “we got all the pollution and none of the electricity.” But it is a must-do for visitors who want the see the world’s great cities. Hong Kong, Dubai, Paris, Rome, New York, Soweto. Check the list.
History is trauma here. Lungile Mdunge talked us through thw rost aspects fo the troubled times: “Because of the sheer numbers of the Zulu people in the hostels to manage to dominate. The very racist apartheid government now used = tribalism to spark what they called black on black violence. It is estimated we lost over 80,000 people. The media at that time, not all white people, but some white South Africans, were aying, you see, black people fighting each other: they they will never be able to govern themselves. Black people don’t have their capacity to govern themselves. Just imagine that kind of mentality. There’s a human being where you see yourself as a superior and then another human being is inferior.”
The trip was delightful. Three colourful yellow three-wheelers bounced through the backstreets, driven by Lungile Mdunge, isaac Thulo and Clement Okwago, offering an intimate perspective that larger tour vehicles can’t match. This was unvarnished Soweto, with rubbish piles, racing hens, women balancing basins on their head, and children running alongside attempting a high-five, allowing visitors to feel the pulse of South Africa’s largest township.
Soweto’s night life burst to life when we had finished our visit. It was mother’s day, and their music filled the air. Yes, there was also a hen scratching on the other side of the road.
- Tours are available in 2.5-hour or 4-hour durations, starting at 10 AM, 1 PM, or 3 PM, and are led by knowledgeable local guides who share vivid stories, historical insights, and personal anecdotes.
- The tours cover Soweto’s key landmarks, such as Vilakazi Street, home to the former residences of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, which commemorates the 1976 student uprising. Visitors learn about Soweto’s pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle, the legacy of freedom fighters, and the township’s evolution into a vibrant democratic community. Stops at sites like the former migrant workers’ hostel in Mzimhlophe reveal the harsh realities of the past alongside stories of resilience.
- The tuk-tuk’s open design fosters spontaneous connections with locals. Visitors can greet residents, exchange high-fives with children, and learn local phrases, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu (community and hospitality). Guides often know many residents personally, creating authentic moments of engagement. For example, you might stop at a local shebeen for a refreshing drink or sample traditional street food like cow-cheek meat, chicken feet, or a kota (a stuffed bread roll).
- The 4-hour tour includes a lunch at Lebo’s Outdoor Restaurant, set in a community park, featuring stews and curries cooked over an open fire and served with pap, the maize-based staple.
- Expect to hear kwaito music, smell grilled corn cobs, and see colorful murals, such as those adorning the Orlando Towers. The tours balance education with fun, often featuring guides who sing or share lighthearted stories, creating a joyful and mind-shifting experience. The pace allows time for photos, questions, and soaking in the township’s energy.
- Lebo’s is committed to community upliftment, employing local guides and supporting nearby businesses. The tours are certified by Fair Trade Tourism, ensuring fair wages and sustainable practices. Visitors contribute to initiatives like the greening project, which transformed a former dump site into a community park with trees and benches, where kids play and guests relax.
- New in 2025, following the launch of a dynamic, mobile-friendly website, Lebo’s now offers improved online booking for tuk-tuk tours, with real-time availability and a Facebook Chat Widget for instant communication with staff. The website showcases vivid media content, giving visitors a virtual taste of Soweto’s vibe before they arrive. Special offers, such as 20% off tours or free welcome drinks, are prominently featured to attract both local and international guests.
- For 2025, Lebo’s has introduced new storytelling sessions on select evenings, where guides and community members share oral histories, songs, and personal stories of Soweto’s past and present. These sessions, held at the backpackers’ park, complement the tuk-tuk tours by deepening visitors’ understanding of the township’s cultural fabric. Some tours now include brief stops at local art installations or mural sites, highlighting Soweto’s growing street art scene.
- Lebo’s now offers optional add-ons to the 4-hour tuk-tuk tour, such as a short cooking class at the backpackers’ Outdoor Restaurant, where visitors can learn to prepare a traditional dish like pap or chakalaka (a spicy vegetable relish). Another new option is a brief visit to a local craft market near Vilakazi Street, supporting artisans and allowing visitors to purchase handmade souvenirs. These additions cater to travelers seeking a more hands-on experience.
- In 2025, Lebo’s is doubling down on its mission to empower Soweto’s youth through tourism aligning with founder Lebo Malepa’s vision of using tourism to create opportunities for the next generation Check out the Lebo mural as you enter the restaurant. Some tuk-tuk tours now include a stop at a community youth center, where visitors can meet young entrepreneurs or students involved in Lebo’s educational programs.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring rain weather in summer (December–March) or a jacket in winter (June–August), as mornings can be chilly. A hat and sunscreen are recommended year-round.
- Book 2.5-hour or 4-hour tours online via Lebo’s website or email reservations@sowetobackpackers.com for full-day tour inquiries. Discounts are available for overnight guests at the backpackers. Tour prices range from R520 to R850, with lunch and snacks included. Overnight guests receive discounts, and children up to 15 get half-price tickets.
