Where to Stay in Soshanguve
South Africa
|Pop. 872K
|3 neighborhoods covered
Soshanguve at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Soshanguve
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Engage with locals; many are friendly and willing to share insights about their community and culture, but always be respectful of their space and privacy.
Getting Around
Familiarize yourself with the common minibus taxi routes and destinations by asking locals or your accommodation host. Always have smaller denominations of cash ready for fares.
Watch Out For
Fake parking attendants demanding payment.
Solo Female Travel
Solo female travelers should exercise a higher degree of caution, especially when using public transport or walking alone after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and consider using rideshare services.
Hidden Gems in Soshanguve
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Mamelodi Sundowns Training Centre
FREEWhile not a public stadium, sometimes you can catch glimpses of South Africa's most popular football club training. It's a chance to feel the pulse of local sporting passion.
Tshwane University of Technology (Soshanguve Campus)
FREEWander around the campus area and observe the vibrant student life and local interactions. It offers a glimpse into the daily rhythm of the community beyond the main tourist paths.
Soshanguve Local Art Studios
Discover incredible local talent in small, often unadvertised art studios. These spaces showcase unique South African art, from paintings to sculptures, offering a personal connection with the artists.
Local Braai Spots
Ask locals for their favorite informal braai (barbecue) spot. These are often unassuming places where you can savor authentic South African grilled meats and experience genuine hospitality.
Wonderboom Nature Reserve
FREEA short drive away, this reserve offers beautiful hiking trails and the famous 'Wonderboom', a wild fig tree that has grown into a small forest. It's a peaceful escape with unique natural beauty.
Soshanguve Morabaraba Players
FREESeek out local gatherings where people play Morabaraba, a traditional South African board game. It's a fascinating cultural experience to watch or even join in the strategic play.
What It Costs in Soshanguve
Daily budget per person in ZAR
💡One of the cheapest destinations worldwide
ZAR 500/day
ZAR 1200/day
ZAR 3000/day
Where to Stay in Soshanguve
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Soshanguve Crossing Shopping Centre15 min
- Soshanguve Railway Station20 min
Pros
- +Good access to public transport.
- +Proximity to essential services and shops.
- +Experience authentic local life.
Cons
- -Can be noisy due to traffic and crowds.
- -Limited tourist-specific amenities.
Best for
Walk to
- Local Spaza Shops5 min
- Community Parks10 min
Pros
- +More peaceful environment.
- +Opportunity to interact with local residents.
- +Lower cost of living if considering longer stays.
Cons
- -Fewer amenities and services directly within the neighborhood.
- -Public transport links might require longer walks.
Best for
Walk to
- Soshanguve Taxi Rank5 min
- Various Local Eateries10 min
- Soshanguve Stadium25 min
Pros
- +Excellent transport connectivity.
- +Wide variety of local food options.
- +Convenient access to daily necessities.
Cons
- -Can be very crowded and noisy.
- -Street vending can obstruct walkways.
Areas to be cautious
- Areas far from main roads, especially after dark.: These areas often lack street lighting and consistent police presence, increasing the risk of opportunistic crime.
- Isolated industrial or undeveloped plots.: These can be unsafe due to lack of oversight and potential for criminal activity.
Insider tip: Engage with locals; many are friendly and willing to share insights about their community and culture, but always be respectful of their space and privacy.
Safety in Soshanguve
Exercise cautionSolo Female Travel
Solo female travelers should exercise a higher degree of caution, especially when using public transport or walking alone after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and consider using rideshare services.
At Night
Nighttime travel requires significant caution. Avoid walking, especially in less populated areas. Stick to main roads and well-lit spots if absolutely necessary, and use rideshares for safety.
Emergency
10111
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Fake parking attendants demanding payment.
- 2Distraction theft in busy markets or taxi ranks.
- 3Overcharging by unregistered transport providers.
Getting Around Soshanguve
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Soshanguve: Taxi/Uber (approx. 1-1.5 hours, R500-R800), or Gautrain to Pretoria then taxi (approx. 1.5-2 hours, R200-R300).
🎫
Day Pass
Not applicable for minibus taxis. A single ride cost varies.
Single: Minibus taxi rides typically range from R10 to R30 depending on distance.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Bolt
📶
WiFi
Fair10-20 Mbps in cafes
Public Transport
Minibus taxis are the primary mode of public transport, connecting various blocks and routes. The Gautrain has a station in nearby Pretoria, offering links to other major cities.
Ride-share
Uber and Bolt operate in Soshanguve. Typical costs for short rides are R50-R100, longer rides R150-R300.
Transport Tip
Familiarize yourself with the common minibus taxi routes and destinations by asking locals or your accommodation host. Always have smaller denominations of cash ready for fares.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Some shopping centers (Soshanguve Crossing) and cafes offer free Wi-Fi, but often with time limits or purchase requirements. Public Wi-Fi is not widespread.
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces. Some cafes may offer conducive environments. Consider serviced offices or coworking hubs in Pretoria if longer-term needs arise (approx. R150-R300/day).
Hotels & Accommodation in Soshanguve
Browse and compare hotels, apartments, and hostels on the interactive map below.
Powered by Stay22. We may earn a commission from bookings made through this map.
Ready to book in Soshanguve?
Compare prices across Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and more.
Who Is Soshanguve Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
Budget Backpackers
Offers the most affordable accommodation options and a more authentic, less tourist-oriented experience.
Culture Enthusiasts
Provides proximity to local markets, community hubs, and opportunities for genuine interaction with residents.
First-time Visitors to Townships
This area offers the best balance of transport links, amenities, and a central point to begin exploring.
Families seeking local immersion
This quieter residential area allows for a more peaceful observation of daily life and community interactions.
About Soshanguve
Soshanguve is a township situated about 30 km north of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, just east of Mabopane. The name Soshanguve is an acronym for Sotho, Shangaan, Nguni and Venda, thus showing the multi-ethnic composition of the population. The major African languages of South Africa are heard in Soshanguve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soshanguve
Is Soshanguve safe for tourists?
What is the average hotel price in Soshanguve?
What area should I stay in Soshanguve?
When is the best time to visit Soshanguve?
How do I get around Soshanguve?
Soshanguve Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel