Contrast Tour Including Sandton Alexandra Johannesburg and Soweto

Contrast Tour Including Sandton Alexandra Johannesburg and Soweto

This tour begins with an in-depth visit to Sandton and Alexandra, the richest and poorest sections of the city. Riding through the opulence of Sandton, you will see how the most well-to-do residents live. As you leave, you will immediately enter Alexandra, called “Alex” by the residents. You will visit two shanty homes and interact with the residents to find out how they cope with their extreme poverty and the oppressive living conditions — no water and very cramped space. This tour through Sandton and Alexandra, Jo’burg city center and Soweto will show in stark reality the inequalities that still exist. As you visit the people, you will be amazed at how these two communities embody the freedom and reconciliation that was won at such a high price.

Once you are picked up by your guide at your accommodation, you will first head to Sandton. There you will see how the most well-to-do residents live.

Next you will head to Alexandra, called “Alex” by the residents. You will visit two shanty homes and interact with the residents to find out about their life in this underprivileged area.This part of the tour through Sandton and Alexandra will show you the inequality that still exists. As you visit the people, you will be able to see how these two communities embody the freedom and hard-earned reconciliation.

Then you will explore the fascinating "City of Gold" - Johannesburg. With the stunning panoramic view of Johannesburg from the Bidvest Stadium at WITS as a backdrop, your local guide will relate the history of the gold strike, the imperialism that threatened it, the discrimination that almost destroyed it, and the indomitable human spirit that saved it and made it free.

After a riding tour of down-town Johannesburg, including the famous Diamond Building, City Hall, and the Star newspaper building, you will continue towards Soweto - the biggest township in Africa housing about 4-million people.

You will experience another stark contrast of lifestyles as you ride through Diepkloof Extension, the rich suburb, which is home to many professionals and millionaires en route to the thousands of modest homes and shanties that make up the bulk of the township.

At the entrance to Soweto, you will receive an introductory briefing on how and why Soweto was developed, which will help you feel the deep connection between Jo’Burg and Soweto.

You will see some of the first houses that were built in 1904 and are still standing, as well as the men’s hostel built during the mining era for men coming to Johannesburg to “strike it rich.” The “gold fever” that gripped the area had a deep effect on families of every race and lifestyle; your guide will point out the evidence of its continued influence.