Cycle Soweto

General Info | Photo Gallery | Traveller Feedback

Jump on a bike and discover for yourself the stories and people who make up vibrant Soweto. Learn about the turbulence of apartheid during a visit to the Apartheid Museum before escaping downtown for the streets of Soweto. Ride past the former home of Nelson Mandela, calling by landmarks from the country’s famous 1976 student uprisings, as you explore the streets. From the realities of life in a migrant workers’ hostel to the energy of a shebeen bar, this is one tour that will give you a real insight into this fascination region.

Highlights:

Cycle through the streets of Soweto.
Get a birdseye view of the city from the top of the Carlton Centre.
Learn about the country’s history at the Apartheid Museum.
Enjoy a traditional lunch
Ride down Vilakazi Street and past the sites of the 1976 student uprisings.
Enjoy a drink at a local shebeen bar.

Tour style:Local Life & Culture, History & Heritage, Biking
Inclusion:

English speaking guide, Entrance fees and transportation as indicated, Lunch.

Exclusion:

Items of a personal nature, Drinks, Gratuities and tips for drivers and guides

Group size:Maximum 12
Schedule details:

Duration: 7-8 hours
Pickup location:
Centrally located hotels in Johannesburg
Pickup Time: 8.00 AM
Drop off location:
Centrally located hotels in Johannesburg

Additional information :

Voucher exchange details:
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the day tour of Johannesburg.
Confirmation of booking:
Please contact Johannesburg Urban Adventures to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departures
Dress standard:
Dress standards are conservative throughout Africa. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. We recommend a mixture of loose, lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings. Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not suitable.
Child policy:
Children must be aged between 6 and 11 years inclusively. Children below the age of 6 years are not permitted on this day tour in Johannesburg.
Language: English

Itinerary:

Discover the colour, energy and history of Soweto during this cycling tour in Johannesburg. Begin the adventure at the Carlton Centre, climbing to the 50th floor to soak up spectacular views over the city. Next, climb aboard a bus for a tour of some of the city’s sights, stopping at the Apartheid Museum to learn more about this turbulent time in South Africa’s history. Arrive in Soweto in time for lunch, and enjoy a feast of local specialties at a buzzing restaurant. With full tummies it’s time to jump onboard a bike to explore the streets of this colourful region. More than three million people call Soweto home, speaking all the of 11 official languages of South Africa, so pick up a few common phrases to greet people with while riding through the streets. Explore some of the area’s most famous sights, learn about the history and discover the people that make this area the vibrant region it is today. Call into a former migrant workers’ hostel for men to learn about the realities of life here. Continue on to Meadowlands, made famous when families were forcibly removed from Sophiatown to this town in the 1950's. Cycle past the historical landmarks of the 1976 student uprisings and visit the memorial site of Hector Pieterson, the 12 year old student who was tragically killed while protesting in 1976. Cycle down Vilakazi Street where Nelson Mandela used to live and where Bishop Desmond Tutu has his home. End this unique Johannesburg tour at the local shebeen bar, to enjoy a drink, play a game of pool and perhaps dance to the rhythm of kwaito music.

Photo Gallery:

Traveller Feedback:

Want to check out what other travellers think of their Urban Adventure experience? See below for our traveller feedback.

Cycle Soweto has an average customer care rating of 4.50 (out of a possible 5). The scores for each parameter are:

Your overall experience ...................................................................................... 4.50
Your guide’s enthusiasm, local knowledge and communication skills........................................................................................................................ 4.50
The level of opportunity to learn more about the culture, interact
with locals, and experience their way of life......................................................4.50
The Responsible Travel philosophy implemented on your
Urban Adventure................................................................................................... 4.50
Did the trip match your expectations?.............................................................. 4.50

Ms. Stella B.
Brazil ~ 21 Feb 2013[back to top]

I loved. And I'm a terrible cyclist and the guides waited me and were very pacient. They showed us everything and talked about the most important events. Amazing experience.

Your trip:

This day tour in Johannesburg is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.

Tipping:

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour

Cancellations made more than 2 days prior to travel receive a full refund
Cancellations made 2 days or less prior to travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.

Johannesburg Urban Adventures

The Johannesburg Urban Adventures Teamwas established through a desire to share our passion for Africa with like-minded adventurers. With a passion for their destination, the team is committed to offering uniqueJohannesburg tours and experiences to travellers.

Together with our sister destination in Cape Town we like to consider ourselves the local experts in our hometowns.

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Responsible Travel with Urban Adventures

Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us. That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture, their economy, and their environment. Please read on for more information on our Responsible Travel policy and how you can be a responsible traveller for your entire journey.

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