The 14 Best Day Trips from Soweto

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 14 good day trips from Soweto, South Africa, led by Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soshanguve. The closest is Johannesburg, about 30 min by car, and 10 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 14 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Soweto

  1. 1

    Johannesburg, South Africa

    Half-day trip
    About 30 min by car20 km east of Soweto

    What travelers see in Johannesburg

    • Apartheid Museum - Gain profound insight into South Africa's history of apartheid with detailed exhibitions and thought-provoking narratives.
    • Johannesburg Botanical Gardens - Immerse yourself in lush greenery and diverse plant species at this expansive garden, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
    • Gold Reef City Theme Park - Enjoy thrilling rides and experiences that celebrate Johannesburg's gold mining history in a fun and family-friendly environment.
  2. 2

    Pretoria, South Africa

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 15 min by car67 km north-east of Soweto

    Known for Paul Kruger Statue.

  3. 3

    Soshanguve, South Africa

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car92 km north of Soweto

    Known for Crater Viewpoint.

  4. 4

    Evaton, South Africa

    Half-day trip
    About 35 min by car30 km south of Soweto
  5. 5

    Benoni, South Africa

    Half-day trip
    About 55 min by car47 km east of Soweto
  6. 6

    Thembisa, South Africa

    Half-day trip
    About 55 min by car48 km north-east of Soweto
  7. 7

    Vereeniging, South Africa

    Half-day trip
    About 55 min by car46 km south of Soweto
  8. 8

    Boksburg, South Africa

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car40 km east of Soweto
  9. 9

    Krugersdorp, South Africa

    Half-day trip
    About 35 min by car22 km north of Soweto
  10. 10

    Rustenburg, South Africa

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car91 km north-west of Soweto
  11. 11

    Emalahleni, South Africa

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 15 min by car144 km east of Soweto
  12. 12

    Diepsloot, South Africa

    Half-day trip
    About 45 min by car40 km north of Soweto
  13. 13

    Randburg, South Africa

    Half-day trip
    About 35 min by car24 km north-east of Soweto
  14. 14

    Brakpan, South Africa

    Half-day trip
    About 1 hr by car51 km east of Soweto

A sample day: Soweto to Johannesburg

  1. 08:30Leave Soweto
  2. 09:00Arrive in Johannesburg (30 min drive)
  3. 09:15Apartheid Museum
  4. 11:15Lunch
  5. 12:30Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
  6. 14:15Gold Reef City Theme Park
  7. 15:45Head back to Soweto
  8. 16:15Home in Soweto

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Soweto?
The best day trips from Soweto are Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soshanguve, Evaton, Benoni. The closest is Johannesburg, about 30 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Soweto?
Johannesburg is the closest, 20 km east of Soweto, roughly 30 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
Where can I go within an hour of Soweto?
10 places are within about an hour's drive of Soweto: Johannesburg (30 min), Krugersdorp (35 min), Randburg (35 min), Evaton (35 min), Boksburg (45 min), Diepsloot (45 min).
How far is too far for a day trip from Soweto?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Emalahleni at 144 km, around 2 hr 15 min by car, which is better as a long day or an overnight stay.

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