Soweto is an incredible township and I have to say - head there and see it!! Not only is it one of the most famous townships in South Africa but it has a lot of history and more importantly things to see and do. Top 5s are difficult but I'm going to try! I've had to narrow it down but here goes...
1. Stay with a local family:
Staying with a local family was an undoubted highlight of my Soweto experience, I stayed with a local lady called Rachel with her daughter and son in her home in Orlando East in Soweto. It was a real chance to see the raw lifestyle in Soweto. It's a basic existence. At night making dinner and watching TV are the only things to really do indoors for Rachel.
2. Go Inside Nelson Mandela's House:
I have to say that a visit to Nelson Mandela's former house in Vilakazi Street is a must. Don't miss it! Nowadays his former home has been turned into an excellent mini museum,open to the public. It is just incredible to step inside the house where Mandela once lived. There are quotes on the walls on bricks in the courtyard, photos inside and the house is small. It's amazing that this man changed the world. Get this on your list!
3. Visit a Shebeen:
You cannot visit Soweto without heading into a Shebeen! These local bars where people mingle to drink and chat are an essential part of the culture. You will get to meet and chat to the locals, enjoy a few beers with them and get to understand a bit more about life in Soweto. The beer you will get is pinky in colour and not strong at all - you will share it communally. Get in there and chat to the locals. I loved it and you will too!
4. Bicycle Tours in Soweto:
Another top thing to do in Soweto is a bicycle tour - it means you can get to places not easily covered on foot or in a car. You can visit different parts of the township on the same day and meet locals. Soweto Backpackers have a recommended bicycle tour which is also listed in a lot of travel books and sites. You'll also have a tour guide who explains everything to you at points on your cycle through this historic township.
5. Hector Pieterson Museum:
The Hector Pieterson Museum is highly recommended to get into the history of Soweto and in particular the Soweto Uprising of 1976. A museum and well maintained streets and tributes now sits where Hector Pieterson was once shot dead. It's a real eye opener. Definitely in my top 5 things to do in Soweto!
So head to Soweto and understand the history of this cultured township. These are my top 5 for you!
1. Stay with a local family:
Staying with a local family was an undoubted highlight of my Soweto experience, I stayed with a local lady called Rachel with her daughter and son in her home in Orlando East in Soweto. It was a real chance to see the raw lifestyle in Soweto. It's a basic existence. At night making dinner and watching TV are the only things to really do indoors for Rachel.
2. Go Inside Nelson Mandela's House:
I have to say that a visit to Nelson Mandela's former house in Vilakazi Street is a must. Don't miss it! Nowadays his former home has been turned into an excellent mini museum,open to the public. It is just incredible to step inside the house where Mandela once lived. There are quotes on the walls on bricks in the courtyard, photos inside and the house is small. It's amazing that this man changed the world. Get this on your list!
3. Visit a Shebeen:
You cannot visit Soweto without heading into a Shebeen! These local bars where people mingle to drink and chat are an essential part of the culture. You will get to meet and chat to the locals, enjoy a few beers with them and get to understand a bit more about life in Soweto. The beer you will get is pinky in colour and not strong at all - you will share it communally. Get in there and chat to the locals. I loved it and you will too!
4. Bicycle Tours in Soweto:
Another top thing to do in Soweto is a bicycle tour - it means you can get to places not easily covered on foot or in a car. You can visit different parts of the township on the same day and meet locals. Soweto Backpackers have a recommended bicycle tour which is also listed in a lot of travel books and sites. You'll also have a tour guide who explains everything to you at points on your cycle through this historic township.
5. Hector Pieterson Museum:
The Hector Pieterson Museum is highly recommended to get into the history of Soweto and in particular the Soweto Uprising of 1976. A museum and well maintained streets and tributes now sits where Hector Pieterson was once shot dead. It's a real eye opener. Definitely in my top 5 things to do in Soweto!
So head to Soweto and understand the history of this cultured township. These are my top 5 for you!
About the Author:
To read more articles such as Top 5 Things To Do In Soweto then visit Jonny Blair's popular travel, work and lifestyle site called Dont Stop Living for countless travel experiences and tips.. Also published at 5 Things Not To Miss In Soweto.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire