Soweto Bike Tour in Johannesburg

 This April, we were fortunate enough to visit South Africa.  During two weeks we did safari, toured businesses in Johannesburg, and experienced the beauty of Cape Town and environs.  One of the highlights was a bicycle tour through Soweto.  Soweto is short for South West Township, located on the edge of Johannesburg.  It's home to an estimated four million Africans, mostly low to middle income blacks.

We were rather apprehensive about the tour because it seemed so voyeuristic.  To be honest, it felt a little that way even during the tour.  But, it was still worth it and unforgettable.  The whole country of South Africa suffers from high unemployment (as much as 25%!) and supporting local communities, even with simple bike tours, is beneficial to the economy.  Besides that, everyone we saw seemed genuinely happy to see us.  Our guides taught us the traditional greeting, sounds like 'sunny bonani', which we used and were greeted back enthusiastically.

Soweto

What a great opportunity to see how millions of Africans live.  There were neat, middle income neighborhoods and poorer streets where the houses were little more than shacks.  We tried traditional foods and participated in the musical heritage so strong in black Africa.  One member of our group had the idea to bring soccer balls to give out to the children.  This turned out to be a great idea.

We highly recommend the tour for any trip to South Africa.  The guides were professional and helpful and we always felt safe.  Visit Soweto Bicycle Tours.

(also recommended by Frommer's Travel Guides)