vilakazi street tour

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Tour of Soweto

Check into the historic township of soweto.

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Soweto Tour

A half day tour takes you into the heart of this township that produced three Nobel Peace Prize winners. The townships history perfectly illustrates the deep struggle against apartheid, while the contemporary Soweto embodies the vibrancy of true South Africa culture. Places of interest include the Mandela Family Museum, Walter Sisulu Square, where the South African Freedom Charter was signed in 1955, the famous Vilakazi Street that Nelson Mandela once lived on, and now boasts authentic shebeen taverns and restaurants, and the thrilling Orlando Towers that feature urban bungee jumps.

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Our purpose.

Mandela House strives to be a world-class visitor attraction and a leading centre for the preservation, presentation, and research of the historical heritage and Mandela Family legacy.

Our mission at Mandela House is to maintain an effective, efficient, and meaningful experience for all visitors. We work daily to provide an environment of mutual respect, dignity, and reconciliation in which every visitor relives the story of President Nelson Mandela’s home and his life as a whole.

Every experience should culminate with the sentiment of mutual respect, reconciliation and tolerance amongst South Africans and visitors to the country.

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Mandela House and Vilakazi Street are iconic landmarks on the map of South African history. Immerse yourself in the memory of one of South Africa’s most important struggle journeys.

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Tel: 011 936 7754 Email: [email protected]

Address: 8115 Vilakazi Street Orlando West 1804 Johannesburg South Africa

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8115 Orlando West Soweto 1804 Johannesburg South Africa

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Vilakazi Street

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About Vilakazi Street

Just about every tour through Soweto stops at Vilakazi Street . There is reason enough. It is probably the most famous street in the huge Soweto township in Johannesburg .

Did you know? Right in the heart of South Africa’s largest, and the world’s most famous, township (so big, it’s practically a city in its own right) Vilakazi Street is where Nelson Mandela spent the first couple of nights upon his release after 27 years of imprisonment, with his former wife, Winnie Mandela. Number 8115 Orlando West was also where he lived between 1946 and 1962.

Both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu lived here – how many places can claim that two Nobel Prize winners lived in the same street. In fact, Tutu, as he is more fondly known, still lives here with his wife Leah, and when he's in town he is said to stroll the streets.

Mandela's house has become a museum. It is called the Mandela House Museum and is open for public tours during the week. But there is more to Vilakazi Street. A block away from here Hector Peterson was killed by police during the students' uprising of June 16 1976, today celebrated as Youth Day. Now the Hector Peterson Museum and memorial stand on the corner of Moema and Vilakazi Streets.

Dr BW Vilakazi, after whom the street is named, was a poet, novelist and intellectual, who wrote in numerous indigenous languages. He was also the first black man to teach at Wits, the University of the Witwatersrand, even if he had to be employed as a 'language assistant' because of bureaucracy that did not allow black lecturers. Later, armed with a PhD in literature, he helped develop the written form of both isiZulu and siSwati, and helped put together the isiZulu dictionary.

Now, because of Vilakazi street's popularity, it includes a couple of well known restaurants – Nambitha and Sakhumzi - that serve local cuisine to tourists, with prices to match, but it is also home to the only community television station in the city, Soweto TV, broadcast from a classroom at the local primary school.

Need to Know

Where Vilakazi Street, Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

When Any time

Overnight Stay in Soweto Accommodation , Gauteng

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Additional Reading

• 5 most famous streets in South Africa
• Mandela's South Africa - Mandela-infused sites to visit
• Soweto Hotels
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Attractions near Soweto

In the vicinity, hotels & other accommodation options in soweto.

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Ekuthuleni Guest House Soweto

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Lolo's Guest House

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Soweto Theatre

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Power Swing across Soweto

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Roots Restaurant & Gallery

Roots, which seats 100 patrons, attracts local ­residents and tourists ­alike because it not only serves genuine township food but has an added v...

Soweto Tour

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Tour de Soweto by Bicycle

Looking for a different way to explore Soweto? Jump on a bike at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers for a guided tour of the places, people and culture.Th...

Walter Sisulu Square

Walter Sisulu Square in the heart of Kliptown, Soweto, is South Africa’s first township entertainment explosion centre, the very first of its kin...

Diepkloof Park

The suburb famous for the Soweto Wine Festival and one of the founding places of kwaito (a style of hip-hop specific to South Africa) and where a...

Dorothy Nyembe Park

Set in Mofolo North, in Soweto, Dorothy Nyembe Park is a 26-hectare area that you will know it by the unusual sculpted figurines that stand four ...

Kremetart Park

Kremetart Park lies in a street of the same name in Eldorado Park Ext 3, between Kiaat and Boekenhout streets on the site where once a field stoo...

Accommodation convenient to Vilakazi Street

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Half day – Soweto Township

Our tour will introduce you to aspects of daily life in Soweto and the social fabric of this vibrant city as well as offer you some insights into its fascinating history. Discover the vibrant township of Soweto in just a few hours with our half-day tour. This tour is available daily except on New Year's Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. With a pick-up time of 9:00 and 13:00, you'll have plenty of time to explore some of Soweto's most iconic sites, including the Hector Pieterson Museum and Mandela House Museum. Please note that not all attractions on this tour may be open every day, and meals are not included. Join us for an immersive experience and learn more about Soweto's rich history and culture.

Full day – Soweto Township and Johannesburg City

Discover the highlights of Johannesburg and Soweto in a single day with our full-day tour. This 8-hour tour is available daily except on New Year's Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. With a pick-up time of 9:00, we'll start with a half-day tour of Johannesburg, visiting iconic sites such as Constitution Hill and the Carlton Centre Viewing Deck. Afterward, we'll head to Soweto for lunch and a half-day tour of the township, including the Hector Pieterson Museum and Mandela Museum (entrance fees not included). Please note that not all attractions on this tour may be open every day, and meals are not included. The cost is R1390 per person with a minimum of 2 people. Join us for an immersive experience and learn more about the history and culture of these two fascinating destinations.

Full day – Soweto Township

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of Soweto with our full-day tour. This 8-hour tour is available daily except on New Year's Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. With a pick-up time of 9:00, we'll explore some of Soweto's most iconic sites, including the Hector Pieterson Museum and Mandela House Museum, with entrance fees included. Please note that not all attractions on this tour may be open every day, and meals are not included. The cost is R 1290.00 per person with a minimum of 2 people. Join us for a memorable experience and learn more about the struggle against apartheid and the resilience of the people of Soweto.

Full day – Soweto and Apartheid Museum

Delve into the tumultuous history of South Africa with our Soweto and Apartheid Museum Tour. This 7-8 hour tour is available daily except on New Year's Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. With a pick-up time of 9:00, we'll begin our journey in Soweto, visiting iconic sites such as the Hector Pieterson Museum and Mandela House Museum, with entrance fees included. Afterward, we'll head to the Apartheid Museum, where you'll learn about the apartheid era and the struggle for democracy in South Africa. Please note that not all attractions on this tour may be open every day, and meals are not included. The cost is R1490.00 per person with a minimum of 2 people. Join us for an immersive experience and gain insights into the complex history and culture of South Africa.

Full day – Johannesburg and Apartheid Museum

Discover the fascinating history and culture of Johannesburg and the struggle against apartheid with our full-day tour. This 7-8 hour tour is available daily except on New Year's Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. With a pick-up time of 9:00, we'll start by visiting iconic sites such as Constitution Hill and the Carlton Centre Viewing Deck. Afterward, we'll head to the Apartheid Museum, where you'll learn about the apartheid era and the struggle for democracy in South Africa, with entrance fees included. Please note that not all attractions on this tour may be open every day, and meals are not included. The cost is R1490 per person with a minimum of 2 people. Join us for an immersive experience and gain insights into the complex history and culture of South Africa.

Full day – Johannesburg, Soweto and Apartheid Museum

Embark on a comprehensive journey through the history and culture of Johannesburg, Soweto, and the apartheid era with our full-day tour. This 9-hour tour is available daily except on New Year's Day, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. With a pick-up time of 9:00, we'll explore iconic sites in Johannesburg and Soweto, including Constitution Hill, the Carlton Centre Viewing Deck, the Hector Pieterson Museum, and Mandela House Museum (entrance fees included). Afterward, we'll head to the Apartheid Museum to learn more about this turbulent period in South African history. Please note that not all attractions on this tour may be open every day, and meals are not included. The cost is R1590 per person with a minimum of 2 people. Join us for an immersive experience and gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of South Africa.

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• Eye-opening tour of the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum • View public art in one of South Africa’s most famous streets • Guided tour of Nelson Mandela’s Soweto home • View the Freedom Charter signed in 1955 in Kliptown

Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum This impressive two-storey red-¬brick building commemorates the role of South Africa’s students during the apartheid struggle. The museum pays particular tribute to the school children who took part in the 1976 Soweto uprisings. Inside the building, a state-of-the-art multi-media centre depicts the tragic event and contains the famously dramatic Nzima photograph of the dying Hector Pieterson being carried by a fellow student.

Vilakazi Street At the start of the street, eight huge, grey hands spell out ‘Vilakazi’ in sign language. The word, Vilakazi, has no English meaning, but it is a popular South African surname and the namesake of this street, one of South Africa’s most famous roads. The street features a collection of artwork including a number of murals, mosaics and bollards decorated with vibrant wooden heads. Also found here are various memorials and museums that speak of the apartheid struggle.

Mandela House Museum The original Soweto home of Nelson Mandela is located on Vilakazi Street. The house was restored at a cost of R9 million and was re-opened to the public in March 2009. It is currently maintained by another famous resident – Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Giving further insight into the early life of the Mandelas and their friends, guided tours are offered to visitors of the house, and cultural offerings, such as traditional dance and food, are made available by arrangement.

Kliptown Kliptown, one of the oldest districts in Soweto, is an area steeped in history – violent, restorative, sad and uplifting. In the 1900s, the township of Kliptown was a large informal settlement home to poor Indian, black and coloured families. But in 1955, it became more famously known as the site where more than 3,000 people attended the ‘Congress of the People’ to adopt the Freedom Charter and usher in of a society free from apartheid.

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Sites To See In Vilakazi Street

Vilakazi Street, situated in the heart of Soweto, Johannesburg, stands as a testament to South Africa's rich history and cultural diversity. What makes this street particularly unique is that it is the only street in the world that can boast being the former residence of two Nobel Peace Prize laureates – Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. With its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance, Vilakazi Street has become a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.  

1. Nelson Mandela House:

At the top of the list of attractions on Vilakazi Street is the Nelson Mandela House, the residence where the iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary and former South African president Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962. Today, the house has been turned into a museum, providing visitors with a glimpse into Mandela's life and the turbulent times of apartheid. The museum displays personal belongings, photographs, and artefacts that chronicle Mandela's journey from activist to statesman. Tourists can explore the modest rooms where Mandela and his family once lived and gain insight into the struggles faced during that period.

2. Desmond Tutu House:

A short walk down the street leads to the Desmond Tutu House, the former residence of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, another key figure in the fight against apartheid. While the house is not open to the public, its presence adds to the historical significance of Vilakazi Street, making it the only street globally to have housed two Nobel laureates.  

3. Sakhumzi Restaurant:

For those seeking a taste of local cuisine and a lively atmosphere, Vilakazi Street offers a variety of restaurants and cafés. Sakhumzi Restaurant is a popular choice, known for its traditional South African dishes like boerewors (sausage), mogodu (tripe), and bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping). Visitors can enjoy their meals while taking in the vibrant street life and perhaps even catching a live performance by local musicians.  

4. Vilakazi Street Art Gallery:

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the street's open-air art installations and galleries showcasing the talent of local artists. The Vilakazi Street Art Gallery is a notable stop, featuring a diverse range of artworks that reflect the community's spirit and resilience. The vibrant murals and sculptures contribute to the street's dynamic atmosphere and provide a platform for artists to express their creativity.  

5. Regina Mundi Church:

Vilakazi Street is also home to the Regina Mundi Church, a significant historical site. During the apartheid era, the church served as a sanctuary for activists and a gathering place for those opposed to the oppressive regime. The bullet holes that still scar the church walls serve as a stark reminder of the violence that occurred within its walls. Today, Regina Mundi Church stands as a symbol of resilience and the power of collective action.  

6. Night-Life:

As the day winds down, Vilakazi Street transforms into a hub of night-life. Bars and pubs come to life, offering a chance to experience the vibrant local culture through music and dance. The street's energy and spirit make it a perfect place to connect with the community and witness the ongoing transformation of Soweto.  

Vilakazi Street encapsulates the essence of South Africa's struggle for freedom and its celebration of diversity. From the homes of Nobel laureates to local eateries and art galleries, the street offers a rich tapestry of experiences that showcase the resilience and vibrancy of the Soweto community. A visit to Vilakazi Street is not just a stroll through history but an immersion into the heart of South African culture.  

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Vilakazi Street

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Vilakazi Street in Soweto stands as a tourist attraction, known for its historical significance and vibrant cultural atmosphere.

It is notably the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel laureates - Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Visitors can embark on a free, self-guided tour, strolling down the cobbled streets and taking in the charm of the vibrant community. The Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962, has been converted into a museum that provides insight into his life and the struggle against apartheid. The Desmond Tutu House also offers a glimpse into the life of the renowned archbishop.

The street is adorned with various art installations, murals, and sculptures, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Soweto. Street performances and local musicians often lend a lively atmosphere to the surroundings, creating an engaging experience for passersby.

Engaging with the community is a significant aspect of the Vilakazi Street experience. Interacting with residents and sampling local cuisine at the street vendors and restaurants can provide an authentic taste of Soweto's culture.

Vilakazi Street offers a compelling blend of history, culture, and community interaction, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in South Africa's vibrant heritage.

Venue address: Vilakazi St & Moema St, Orlando West, Soweto

Wheelchair accessibility: Unknown

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VilakaziST/

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Highlights of this Tour Include..

Mandela House Museum | Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum | Regina Mundi Church* | Baragwanath Taxi Rank walk around | Vilakazi Street |

• Entrance fee to Mandela House Museum
• Experienced, qualified and certified Tourguide
• Entrance fee to Constitutional Hill
• Entrance fee to Lilies Leaf
• Entrance fee to Apartheid Museum
• Delicious lunch with 1 refreshment

Meals and drinks not mentioned, transfers to area's outside of central Joburg area, items of a personal nature and purchases on tour

Optional extra's

Mandela heritage tour - the details.

After pick-up we drive past Mandela's last home before his death situated in Houghton.

Visit Liliesleaf - Liliesleaf aims to bring the events that took place in Rivonia 45 years ago into South Africa's current socio-political context by allowing the original infrastructures to recreate the living and working environment at the time of the raid. The restoration process was a collaborative effort between archaeological findings, oral recollections and archival and historical research to document the history of the liberation struggle for current and future generations.

Constitutional Hill

Onward to Constitutional Hill which is located in Braamfontein one of the original suburbs of Johannesburg. Located here is the modern Constitutional Court which plays the role of protector of South Africans' basic rights.

Next door is the Old Fort which was established at the time of the Anglo Boer War and was used by both the Boers and the British. It also became a prison where political prisoners including Nelson Mandela and even Mahatma Gandhi were imprisoned for a time; as well as some of South Africa's most notorious criminals such as Daisy De Melker. We stop off and learn more about the history of these contrasting symbols which have played a fascinating roll in SA history from Colonialism through Apartheid and now on to Democracy.

We head over the Mandela Bridge to Newtown which is a great example of Johannesburg's Urban upliftment project which aims at bringing more people back in to the city centre to live, work and of course play. Here we walk around the flea markets and soak up the new South Africa in its colourful form.

A delicious lunch will be enjoyed at a restaurant in the Newtown area or at a venue on Vilakazi Street in Soweto.

Apartheid Museum

The tour continues to the origins of Johannesburg where gold was 1st discovered before stopping off at the world renowned Apartheid Museum. The Museum tells about the history of Apartheid from as early as 1804 – 1994. This fascinating interactive modern exhibit takes you on an amazing emotive journey through South Africa's complicated history. [Click here to view the Apartheid Museum]

Enter Soweto via the up-market area called Diepkloof Ext where some of the houses can cost in the millions. In complete contrast we visit a large hostel in the area, in days gone by the notorious hostel system was used as single gender accommodation for migrant laborers, it is now used as informal lodgings for family units.

Soccer City Via Diepkloof Ext

We pass by Soccer City (or FNB Stadium) the amazing football Calabash style stadium which played host to the 2010 Football World Cup as well as other fixtures. You will have an opportunity to take photos of this fantastic structure

Twin Towers

Drive through the Kliptown Squatter camp, on the 'Old Potchefstroom' road, where the twin towers will be found. These towers used to supply electricity to the north of Johannesburg, also known as the Cooling Towers of Soweto.

Freedom Square

We visit Freedom Square where the famous freedom charter was drawn up in 1955 and parts of which still feature in our current constitution.

Regina Mundi & Thokoza Park

Our last stop will be Regina Mundi Church. This is one of the biggest Catholic churches in South Africa. The Reginal Mundi Church is the focal point of much of the struggle in the 70's and 80's and home to the famous Black Madonna and Child painting. This church is also known as "The Parliament of Soweto"

Vilakazi Street

The tour bus will drive through Vilakazi Street, which is the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners lived: Nelson Mandela & Desmond Tutu.

Mandela House and Visitors Centre

Visit the newly revamped Mandela House and Visitors Centre in famous Vilakazi Street which is filled with many interesting artifacts and memorabilia pertaining to South Africa's greatest icon.

Please note:  We reserve the right to change the itinerary if we feel different venues or options may be better on the day. Tour formats and timings can change dependant on guides, supplier availability and time constraints. If any extra options are included then some of the original tour programme may have to be taken out so we can fit in with time restraints.

Lunch at Maphungubwe can be exchanged for lunch in Soweto. A highlight of a visit to Soweto is a delicious lunch at one of the well run restaurants patronized by both tourists and locals alike, offering typical "township" cuisine. Desserts and drinks are not included.

Depending on where your collection point is, the sequence of the above visits may be amended

This Tour Includes

• Expert tour guide / tour coordinator
• Visit an informal settlement
• A drive past Mandela's last home in Houghton
• A visit to Mandela Bridge
• Regina Mundi Church
• Drive past Diepkloof ext
• Drive past Baragwanath Taxi Rank
• Drive past Maponya Shopping Mall
• Visit Freedom Square
• Drive along Vilakazi Street
• Drive past and see the homes of Nobel peace prize winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Winnie Madikizela- Mandela, the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela
• Drive past the Soccer City Stadium

Departure and Drop-off points (+Additional charges):

Our standard tours depart from and return to the Rosebank & Sandton Areas - located in Johannesburg Central-Northern Suburbs. Pick up and drop off's from alternate venue's carry the following supplements.

Rates as follows: Areas within 15 minutes drive of Rosebank (e.g. Melville / Parkview / Greenside / Parkhurst / Illovo / Sandton) - No additional charge JHB Eastern Suburbs - R350.00 JHN Far Northern Suburbs - R350.00 Pretoria/Tshwane - R450.00 Airport - R 450.00 & tours requiring pick-ups off flights may have to be booked as a private tour requiring a minimum of 4 passengers

Game Lodge Deals

Clifftop lodge - welgevonden, coachtours/ overland tours, garden route, karoo and addo.

8 nights: R 23 000 pp

Departs Cape Town through the Karoo to Addo and returns to Cape Town. Includes 8 nights accommodation and more

Kruger National Park

2 nights: R 9 900 pp

Departs Joburg to Kruger National Park. Includes 2 nights accommodation, Breakfast and Dinner

Wildlife Discovery

4 nights: R 14 990 pp

Departs Joburg thtough Panarama Route, Kruger, St Lucia in northern KZN to Durban. Includes 4 nights accommodation and game drives

South Africa Explorer

12 nights: R 33 900 pp

Departs Joburg to Kruger National Park, Swaziland, KZN, Garden Route finishes in Cape Town. 12 nights/ 13 days

Why Book with us?

Tours since 2001.

We have been organising Tours since 2001 and have dealt with thousands of individuals and groups over the years

Experiential

Our success is founded on our inclusive tour strategy. We have never wanted our guests to sit in a bus and do a drive through tour. We believe you need to experience Soweto, not just observe it.

Excellent Support

When you book with us, you are dealing with humans that you can contact at any time. We ARE NOT a faceless booking engine that are impossible to ask questions about your tour requirements

An "Amazing Race" Team Building

Are you looking for a Team Building Experience that is a little bit different to the oridinary? Our programs are designed to include members of the community directly, from the hosts of some of the sites to the locally made trophies.

Call us to discuss the tour in more detail and how we can talor make it for you or drop us an email with your requirements and goals for the tour and we will contact you with further details.

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Ultimate Johannesburg Tour

• South Africa, Johannesburg, Soweto
• Any Hotel or Address in Johannesburg

Currently only available on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (Due to Apartheid Museum opening days)

The Ultimate Johannesburg Tour takes you to iconic heritage sites in Johannesburg CBD and Soweto; showcasing South Africa’s turbulent history and promising future. It’s an opportunity to learn more about events that shaped the country’s past and discover the dynamic cultural diversity of two of the most prominent cities in the country.

Highlights of the Johannesburg tour includes Constitutional Hill, Carlton Centre, the Apartheid Museum and the vibrant Newtown Junction.

In Soweto, we journey past striking landmarks and historic sites, visit an informal settlement and the Hector Pieterson Museum and ends in the vibrant Vilakazi Street which was home of the great Nelson Mandela.

• Visit to Soweto
• View the Hector Pieterson Museum
• See Vilakazi Street
• Walking tour at an informal settlement
• Visit Constitutional Hill
• Orientation of Johannesburg
• Visit the Apartheid Museum
• Free Onboard Uncapped WiFi 
• Collection and drop off from any address in Johannesburg
• Transfer in air-conditioned tour vehicle
• English-speaking guide
• Constitutional Hill entrance fee
• Apartheid Museum entrance fee – Currently closed on a Monday and Tuesday due to COVID 19 regulations
• Informal settlement walk
• Hector Pieterson Museum entrance fee
• Lunch for own account
• Personal purchases
• Entrance fee into the Nelson Mandela House Museum
• Depart from Johannesburg
• Download PDF

Currently only available on Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (Due to Apartheid Museum opening days) City Experience Constitutional Hill After pick-ups, we make our way to Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein for a guided tour of this iconic institution. Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past. Today, it’s home to the country’s Constitutional Court which endorses the rights of all citizens. Mandela Bridge and Johannesburg CBD We cross over the striking Mandela Bridge on our way into Johannesburg CBD. Named in honour of Nelson Mandela, the 284-metre long bridge is the largest cable-stayed bridge in South Africa and links two significant business districts. Your guide gives you an orientation tour of Johannesburg, pointing out historic landmarks and buildings which includes Newtown Precinct, Mary Fitzgerald Square, Gandhi Square and Luthuli House. Apartheid Museum - currently closed on a Monday and Tuesday due to COVID 19 regulations Next stop is the Apartheid Museum. It’s a one-of-its-kind museum that showcases South Africa in the turbulent years of the apartheid era. The museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid through a series of 22 individual exhibitions that take you on an emotional journey from the heartbreaking struggle for freedom and equality to the ultimate climax of the election of Nelson Mandela, the first Black president of South Africa. It’s mid-day by the time we visit the Apartheid Museum. You can get something to eat and drink at the Truth Café (own cost). Soweto We leave the museum at about 14h00 and make our way to Soweto, driving past famous landmarks such as the FNB Soccer Stadium, Baragwanath Hospital and the massive Soweto Towers. The afternoon tour covers the important heritage sites in Soweto that commemorate the city’s struggles during the apartheid era, and the popular streets and markets that showcase the vibrant, multi-cultural lifestyle of Soweto. Our first stop is at Motsoaledi informal settlement, where we go on a walk-about and visit a community centre that MoAfrika sponsors (time permitting). Our next stop is the Hector Pieterson Museum which was built in honor of the young boy and other school children who died in the 1976 Soweto Uprising. You also have the option of walking through the Regina Mundi Church and Nelson Mandela Museum (own cost) as we make our way to the cultural hub of Vilakazi Street and the historic suburb of Orlando West. At the end of a fascinating day, your guide drives you back to your accommodation in Johannesburg.

• Johannesburg

Currently only available on Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. (Due to Apartheid Museum opening days)

City Experience

Constitutional Hill

After pick-ups, we make our way to Constitutional Hill in Braamfontein for a guided tour of this iconic institution.

Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past. Today, it’s home to the country’s Constitutional Court which endorses the rights of all citizens.

Mandela Bridge and Johannesburg CBD

We cross over the striking Mandela Bridge on our way into Johannesburg CBD. Named in honour of Nelson Mandela, the 284-metre long bridge is the largest cable-stayed bridge in South Africa and links two significant business districts.

Your guide gives you an orientation tour of Johannesburg, pointing out historic landmarks and buildings which includes Newtown Precinct, Mary Fitzgerald Square, Gandhi Square and Luthuli House.

Apartheid Museum – currently closed on a Monday and Tuesday due to COVID 19 regulations

Next stop is the Apartheid Museum. It’s a one-of-its-kind museum that showcases South Africa in the turbulent years of the apartheid era.

The museum illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid through a series of 22 individual exhibitions that take you on an emotional journey from the heartbreaking struggle for freedom and equality to the ultimate climax of the election of Nelson Mandela, the first Black president of South Africa.

It’s mid-day by the time we visit the Apartheid Museum. You can get something to eat and drink at the Truth Café (own cost).

We leave the museum at about 14h00 and make our way to Soweto, driving past famous landmarks such as the FNB Soccer Stadium, Baragwanath Hospital and the massive Soweto Towers.

The afternoon tour covers the important heritage sites in Soweto that commemorate the city’s struggles during the apartheid era, and the popular streets and markets that showcase the vibrant, multi-cultural lifestyle of Soweto.

Our first stop is at Motsoaledi informal settlement, where we go on a walk-about and visit a community centre that MoAfrika sponsors (time permitting).

Our next stop is the Hector Pieterson Museum which was built in honor of the young boy and other school children who died in the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

You also have the option of walking through the Regina Mundi Church and Nelson Mandela Museum (own cost) as we make our way to the cultural hub of Vilakazi Street and the historic suburb of Orlando West.

At the end of a fascinating day, your guide drives you back to your accommodation in Johannesburg.

Starting from:

ZAR 1,750 sharing

Zar 1,750 single.

Need more Info?

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Walk like a Local with Vilakazi Street Tourism

Imagine this: You are standing in the heart of Soweto. You turn slowly to absorb your surroundings, inhale deeply, considering the interesting smells. You listen carefully to the sounds that surround you, fully immersed in the heart of South Africa’s largest and most famous township.   

A lively tavern, craft shops and a busy B&B fuel the life and vibrancy of Vilakazi Street, once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. This is a street of Nobel Peace Prize Winners.  

Here’s what to expect when you start your “Walk like a Local” tour with Vilakazi Street Tourism, founded by Tshepo Kenneth Marumo , whose heart and soul has gone into building up tourism in the area. Tshepo’s ambition is to own his own tourism office and boost the attractiveness of this Jo’burg attraction further.   

You’ll ‘walk’ alongside the locals of Soweto, being exposed to local arts and craft markets, the residents’ culture and daily life, and visit all the points of interest in the area.   

Lunch will tickle your taste buds with local flavours, snacks and refreshments throughout the day. This unique walking tour also offers some incredible photo opportunities and a true insight into what Soweto is all about – the day-to-day that Tshepo wants to share with all visitors.   

Vilakazi Street Tourism Trust, also founded by Tshepo , focuses heavily on sustainable development of tourism and its benefits in the community. The Trust supports local education, sports and games for childhood initiatives. During this authentic engagement with Soweto, you’ll get to know all those special experiences that are close to Tshepo’s heart, as well as his dreams of developing and sustaining the local community.  

Should you wish to experience this unique, local tour, please contact Vilakazi Street Tourism on:  

062 434 7855  

EMAIL:  [email protected]   

FACEBOOK:  facebook.com/vilakaziST   

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Ivanovo, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Ivanovo

Ivanovo travel guide.

• 2. Ivanovo today

Ivanovo, Russia, a modest city located 290 kilometers from Moscow and 100 kilometers from Yaroslavl, rose to prominence in the 18 th century as the Textile Capital of Russia. A pearl along the Golden Ring of Russia, Ivanovo has maintained its reputation as a flourishing industrial city which impresses visitors with unique museums and historic avant-garde architecture .

The city of Ivanovo developed from a village which was founded on the Uvod River in the 15 th century. The precise circumstances of its founding remain murky, yet historians have found mention of it in a document dating to 1651. The settlement once belonged to Ivan the Terrible who, after marrying Maria Cherkassk, gifted it to the princes of Cherkassk. During the Time of Troubles of the early 16 th century, a Polish-Cossack camp was established here. In the early 18 th century, it passed into the hands of the counts of Sheremetyev, who remained in control for the next 120 years.

Several villages were established around the settlement, which came to be known as Voznesensky Posad. After the hamlets were unified, it was renamed Ivanovo-Voznesensk, and in 1932 the city’s name was whittled down to Ivanovo.

In 1742, the first factories were founded in Ivanovo, in which canvases were manually churned out on machines and bleached in river water. Production in Ivanovo continued to develop, with residents first weaving material from thin, durable linen and later from calico. Over time, the city grew into the largest center of textile production in the entire Russian Empire. This title was no small source of pride for its residents, and even the city's coat of arms depicts a girl in folk costume sitting with a spindle and spinning wheel. Ivanovo began to be dubbed "Calico Region", "Textile Capital of Russia" and even “City of Brides”, since the rapid development of the city’s textile industry led to a disproportionately high number of women among its population.

Yet Ivanovo’s significance was not limited to its superb textile industry alone. Having set its sights on becoming the third capital of Russia, the city became a platform for various social experiments. Russia’s finest architects were commissioned to work in the city, which became a center for the constructivist architecture popular in the Soviet Union in the 1920s-1930s. Some of the country’s most revolutionary architectural endeavors were carried out here, including communal housing, the first Soviet kitchen factory, a constructivist railway station and sundry avant-garde projects.

After World War II, Ivanovo’s rapidly developing heavy industry generated a boom in its housing industry. Although employed in factories and industrial settings, residents were provided with ample parks in which to relax and enjoy the brisk Ivanovo weather in spring and summer.

The 18 th - early 20 th century estates of Ivanovo’s merchants and manufacturers played a significant role in the development of the city’s material and cultural vibe, as is evidenced in buildings such as the State Medical Academy and various 1920s factories in which innovative architecture was flamboyantly displayed .

Ivanovo Today

Today the city of Ivanovo, located in Ivanovo Region (Ivanovo Oblast) along Russia’s Golden Ring, invites visitors to step back in time and embrace its spirited heritage.

The city offers three theaters, four cinemas, the Ivanovo State Circus and Ivanovo State Philharmonic Society. Stepanov Park of Culture and Leisure, named after a 1920s member of the Ivanovo Council of Workers and Soldiers, is spread across 70 hectares of land which once belonged to a local industrialist family, while various monuments pay tribute to local historical figures. The most notable of these is the Monument to Yakov Garelin, an industrialist who managed and modernized a pivotal textile plant in the 1840s.

Ivanovo’s eclectic assortment of museums promises to satisfy every interest. Visit the House Museum of the Bubnov Family to see the city’s only surviving building with a mezzanine or the Museum of the National Artist of Russia A.I. Morozov, housed in a 1910 log cabin. Other unique galleries include Museum of Soviet Car Industry, Museum of Ivanovo Chintz, Ivanovo Regional Art Museum and the Ivanovo State Museum of History and Local Lore of DG Burylin. Dozens of Ivanovo’s famed constructivist-era buildings also remain intact, most notably the unique Bird House, Horseshoe House and Ship House.

The spiritual life of Ivanovo can be seen in its many 19 th -20 th century churches and monasteries. Among them are the wooden Assumption Cemetery Church (17 th century), Church of Our Lady of Kazan (1810), Holy Assumption Monastery (1834), Transfiguration Cathedral (19 th century), Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God (early 20 th century), the popular Sviato-Vvedensky Monastery (1901) and Temple in Honor of All Who Sorrow (1901, rebuilt in 1997-1999), which is counted among the most beautiful buildings in the city.

Ivanovo, Russia also offers a lively festival and concert scene. The city hosts many annual festivals, including Zerkalo (Mirror) International Film Festival, otherwise known as Tarkovskyfest; International Muraveynik (Anthill) Puppet Theater Festival; Antifabrika Rock Festival and the Black Rose Arkady Severny International Music Festival.

Attractions

Miscellaneous.