Soweto and the Apartheid Museum

Soweto, the vast township on the edge of Johannesburg, was a centre of the struggle against apartheid, the scene of the 1976 student uprising and home to figures including Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The Apartheid Museum tells the story of the rise and fall of the system of racial segregation through immersive exhibits.

What you'll find

• The Apartheid Museum - the museum of the country's recent history.
• Vilakazi Street - the street once home to both Mandela and Tutu.
• The Hector Pieterson Memorial - the memorial to the 1976 uprising.
• A township tour - the guided visit to understand Soweto's life and history.

When to go

Year-round; the museum is indoor and open most days. Tours of Soweto are offered by local guides. The Apartheid Museum alone takes a good half day, as it is detailed.

Things to know

The Apartheid Museum is detailed and takes time. Soweto is a living community rather than a sight, and many visitors come with a local guide. Johannesburg calls for sensible caution, so take local advice on areas and travel.

Nearby

Johannesburg's Constitution Hill and the Cradle of Humankind are nearby; Pretoria is close.