Things To Do
in Soweto

A popular Soweto street sandwich made from a hollowed-out bread roll filled with chips, fried eggs, polony or sausages, salad, and sauces — cheap, filling, and widely available at street vendors and tuck shops.

Must-Try!

Communal grilled meat cooked over coals, often enjoyed at local shebeens or community barbeque spots. Try beef, boerewors (sausage), and offal at reputable shisa nyama joints on weekends.

Maize porridge (pap) served with a spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka) and stewed or grilled proteins — a staple comfort dish found at casual eateries and homes.

Fried bread pockets (vetkoek) commonly stuffed with savory fillings like curried mince or sweet fillings sold at market stalls and bakeries.

A friendly hello and brief greeting goes a long way—use English or local greetings like 'Sawubona' (Zulu) or 'Dumela' (Sotho). Smiling and polite acknowledgment are valued.

Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, homes, or schools—some residents accept a small fee for posed photos.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or formal community spaces; avoid loud or disruptive behavior and show respect at memorials and museums.

Buying from local stalls, hiring local guides, and dining at community restaurants directly supports Soweto residents—ask where profits go before joining 'poverty tours.'

Tipping is customary in restaurants—around 10-15% for satisfactory service; for guides, drivers, and porters, small cash tips are appreciated. Shebeen and market stalls do not always expect tips, but rounding up or leaving small change is polite for exceptional service.

South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at formal restaurants and hotels; many street vendors and small markets prefer cash. Mobile payment options (e.g., SnapScan, Zapper) exist but are less common in informal settings—carry small notes and coins for taxis, street food, and tips.

November to March: hot afternoons, warm nights, and occasional heavy thunderstorms; dress in light layers, carry sun protection, and expect sudden rain—outdoor events may be affected.

April to May: mild and pleasant with cooling evenings—great for walking tours and outdoor photography as dust settles and skies are clearer.

June to August: dry, sunny days but chilly mornings and cold nights—bring a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings; winter is also the best time for crisp, clear photos.

September to October: warming temperatures and blooming landscapes—good for outdoor activities and fewer rain interruptions than summer.

Roughly a 20–40 minute drive from Soweto depending on start point; offers rolling hills, trails, and birdlife for day hikes and nature walks.

About 45–60 minutes' drive southeast of Soweto; large reserve with marked trails, ridge hikes, and scenic views—suitable for half- or full-day excursions.

Located north of Johannesburg (approx. 30–50 minutes by car), this reserve has archaeological sites and rocky koppies for short hikes and panoramic city views.

Smaller green spaces within greater Johannesburg for short, easy walks and family-friendly outings—reachable within 30–40 minutes from Soweto by car.

The main international airport for Johannesburg, about 30–45 minutes by car from central Soweto (traffic dependent). Offers car hire, shuttle services, and connections to Gautrain and long-distance buses; taxis and airport shuttles can bring you to Soweto or to Johannesburg CBD for transfer.

A smaller airport northwest of Johannesburg, roughly 45–60 minutes from Soweto by car. Useful for some regional and domestic flights; ground transport is more limited so pre-arranged transfers are recommended.

Vegetarian options exist (pap with chakalaka, vegetable stews, salads), but meat dominates many menus. Ask vendors for vegetable-only preparations and look for cafes or restaurants that explicitly list veggie dishes.

Vegan choices are more limited but increasingly available in cafes and some market stalls; communicate clearly (in English) about no dairy or animal products and favor plant-based stews and sides.

Halal options can be found, especially in areas with Moslem-owned eateries; if halal certification is required, ask proprietors directly or seek out known halal restaurants in greater Johannesburg.

Traditional staples like pap are gluten-free, but many processed items (bread-based foods like kota or vetkoek) contain gluten. Inform vendors of needs and prioritise naturally gluten-free dishes.