Johannesburg Township - Soweto by Bike

Johannesburg Township - Soweto by Bike

A bicycle tour of Soweto is a unique and socially responsible way to experience township life in the famous South Western Townships of Johannesburg. The bicycle tour provides an opportunity to learn about Soweto, its people and communities in an eco-friendly and personal manner, giving an insight into culture, customs and history. All tours are led by local guides from Soweto passionate to show travellers famous historical sites as well as some well-kept secrets of their own! The tour also allows guest to sample traditional township food, drinks and snacks, such as home brewed beer, Magwinya (“fat cake”) and the local Kota burger. Local businesses are supported throughout the tour route.

Experience this exciting and eco-friendly tour around the streets of Soweto. Go out for a fully guided and supported half day cycling adventure around the township and get to know the different communities and their history, seeing a side of South Africa that escapes most tourists.

After being paired with your trusty bike and helmet, and a safety briefing and trip introduction, you are ready to go! We visit many historical attractions, such as a former migrant workers hostel for men. We take in Meadowlands, a community infamous for the forced removals from Sophiatown in the 1950s. We get a sense of the injustice of apartheid and heroism of the struggle by visiting historical landmarks commemorating the 1976 student uprisings and visit the memorial site of Hector Peterson, tragically shot by police in the state's brutal response.

A highlight is certainly taking in Vilakazi Street where Nelson Mandela used to live (his former house is now a museum which you can visit!) and where Archbishop Desmond Tutu has his home. We sample a traditional lunch (Kota township burger) and finish the tour off at the local shebeen with some home brewed beer - this is also your chance to dance to local kwaito rap music.

This tour gives you expert insight into Soweto's many different faces, the Soweto uprisings and the resistance against Apartheid. You will also see how the communities have changed and developed to what is currently South Africa's largest and most famous collection of townships