Imbizo Tours

For three decades, Imbizo Tours has been at the forefront of transforming Soweto into a must-visit global destination. More than just a tour company, Imbizo is a movement—a force for healing, education, and empowerment through immersive cultural experiences.

Imbizo Tours was founded in 1994 by Mandy Mankazana, the first Black female tour operator in South Africa. Born in Rockville, Soweto, she stood on the front lines of the protests against apartheid’s oppressive laws. After overcoming the hardships of apartheid, Mandy found strength in tourism—a space to forgive, heal, and build new connections. Her vision was to showcase Soweto’s vibrant culture while creating lasting opportunities for the local community.

At Imbizo Tours, a tour without culture is incomplete. Our experiences go beyond sightseeing—they are immersive, thought-provoking, and life-changing. Tourists leave with a deeper understanding of Soweto, while locals gain pride, dignity, and economic opportunity. We don’t just take you to a destination—we immerse you in it, making you a part of its story, history, and heartbeat. Whether you’re exploring Johannesburg, Soweto, safaris, or major South African destinations, our tours are designed to challenge perceptions and foster genuine connections.

When Mandy started Imbizo Tours, she built a reputation for offering enriching and unforgettable tour experiences. Over the years, these experiences have expanded beyond Soweto, allowing more visitors to connect with South Africa’s deep-rooted heritage and cultural vibrancy. Imbizo Tours is more than a business—it’s a catalyst for social change. Our initiatives have shaped Soweto’s growth and provided long-term benefits for local communities. 

We played a pivotal role in establishing Kliptown’s first school, offering new opportunities for underprivileged children. Imbizo has trained and employed local tour guides, funded business students, and supported small businesses. We have donated a Day Care Centre, assisted in launching a Youth Centre, and continue to support local restaurants, bed & breakfasts, and home-based entrepreneurs. Our work has earned us numerous local and international awards, including the 31st International Award for Tourism, Hotel & Catering Industry’s New Millennium Award (Madrid, Spain, 2006). We are also highly recommended by travel guides such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and have received widespread acclaim in online reviews.

Imbizo Tours has served as a platform for many tourism companies that operate in Soweto today. We believe in making a difference through tourism, not just by sharing culture but by uplifting the communities we engage with. Many students from Soweto and Alexandra Township have graduated thanks to tourist donations, with some expatriates now giving back by funding educational programs for children in underserved areas.  We continue to train young people to become local guides, giving them skills to thrive in the tourism industry. 

Our University Tours provide students with unique learning opportunities, connecting them with local researchers and professionals in various fields. Additionally, Imbizo Tours specializes in offering informational experiences across different industries through private and group tours. We organize networking opportunities for professionals, business leaders, and individuals, facilitating meaningful exchanges and professional growth.

Imbizo Tours is a platform for cultural exchange, economic growth, and meaningful experiences. By choosing us, you’re not just exploring South Africa—you’re becoming part of a story that breaks barriers, bridges cultures, and empowers communities.

If you will, feel free to take a look at our Soweto Tour or our Alexandra Township tour or better yet you can see a full listing of all our Tours here.