It's easy to do Soweto on a budget. Just take a look at some of the activities below:
Visit a park
Estimated cost: Free
Get out and be one with nature! Not only is it a cheap activity to do but it's also refreshing and rejuvenating. Grab a blanket, some refreshments and have a lovely picnic at the park. Thokoza Park, Mofolo park, Kremetart Park and Orlando West Park are a few of the parks you can check out for your picnic day out!
Catch a movie at Maponya Mall
Estimated cost: R64*
Whether you enjoy romance films, comedies, action thrillers, horror films, or any other genre, Ster-kinekor offers something for you. Catch the latest 2D or 3-D movie releases at Maponya Mall. Watch movies for half price on Tuesdays! Check what is currently showing in the cinema here.
Where: Maponya Mall, 2127 Chris Hani Road, Soweto
Get Ice Cream at Soweto Creamery
Estimated cost: R70 - R200
Soweto Creamery is not anything like your neighbourhood ice cream shop. If you have a sweet tooth and a thing for ice cream, why get only one? Soweto Creamery puts all your favourite ice creams and treats in one mouthful serving! Their menu includes the chocolate overload, caramel canyon and planet sweetness. Head over to Soweto Creamery for a milky experience! Call 078 832 1102 for more information. Open Wednesdays to Sundays.
Where: 01966 Ncwana Street, Jabulani, Soweto
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Grab a kota
Estimated cost: R20 - R60
A kota is a popular South African street food loved by many in the township. It's cheap, yet succulent and filling. If you want to enjoy an affordable meal for as little as R20, grab a kota on the streets of Soweto. Many vendors elevate this popular street food by adding meat, cheese, egg and other ingredients, making the price a little bit more. Here's a list of our top kota spots in Soweto.
Check out some historic sites
Estimated cost: R20 - R65
If you’d like to know more about the history of Soweto and the icons who lived in the township, then visit some of the historic sites in the area – Mandela House, Hector Peterson Museum, Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication and Regina Mundi church. Be sure to visit Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was drafted in 1955.
Grab a plate of food at Kwa-Coach
Budget: R35 - R70
If you’re a foodie just like us, pop by Kwa-Coach next to Maponya Mall and enjoy a full plate of ribs, pork dolo (knuckle), pap, atchar, ox liver and heart. The establishment is popular for selling some of the best pork in Soweto!
Where: 124 Musi St, Klipspruit, Soweto
Swim at the Pimville community pool
Estimated cost: R12
The swimming pool in Pimville costs R6 for children and R12 for adults. Pimville Pool is a heated pool with a picnic area, swimming classes, and a children's paddle pool. Pack up some snacks and enjoy a day by the pool!
Where: Corner Modjaji and Mathithibala Streets, Pimville, Soweto
Walk around and experience Vilakazi Street
Estimated cost: R50
What is Soweto without the iconic Vilakazi Street? Walk around Vilakazi Street and you will find the former home of President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Also, there is a cafe where the two Nobel prize winners used to meet. There are restaurants, coffee shops and lots of entertainment in the vicinity.
Visit Ubuntu Kraal Brewery
Ubuntu Kraal Brewery is located in the Orlando West neighbourhood. The Kasi Beer Garden is a cafe where you can eat township barbecues and enjoy some drinks. Ubuntu Kraal Brewery houses conference facilities, a cultural village, a brewery, an entertainment area, bars and restaurants, as well as private overnight accommodations. Note that this location is in the Vilakazi Precinct area!
Where: 11846 Senokonyane Street, Orlando West Ext, Soweto
Visit LoCrate Market
Estimated cost: R30 entrance fee
The LoCrate market is a food, arts and craft market in Orlando West, curated by Lebo’s Backpackers. The market is hosted at the Vilakazi Precinct every first Sunday of the month from 11 PM to 6 PM. Enjoy live performances, art, and the beautiful atmosphere of the market with friends! The market also has karaoke, kids’ entertainment and a picnic garden!
Where: Lebo’s Backpackers, 10823A Pooe Street, Orlando West, Soweto
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Check out Credo Mutwa Cultural Village
Estimated cost: Free entrance
If you are intrigued by African culture, folklore and experiences, you might want to add Credo Mutwa Cultural Village to your list of activities. This “village” is an outdoor museum that depicts the work of artist, author, and traditional healer, Credo Mutwa. The sculpture garden is located beneath the historic Oppenheimer Tower and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It's undoubtedly one of Johannesburg's most unusual attractions.
Where: Corner Ntsane and Majoeng Streets, Soweto
*Prices correct at time of publishing (22 March 2022)
Written by Tendani Rabali.
Do you know of more activities we can do in Soweto on a budget? Let us know below! Be sure to browse through our entertainment guide for more!
