Book Ibhoni
Book Ibhoni is an award-winning bicycle tourism company offering unique cycling and walking experiences through Soweto while supporting literacy and community development.
Brand Story
Book Ibhoni is a South African bicycle tourism company based in Soweto. The business provides guided cycling and walking tours that introduce visitors to the history, culture and everyday life of the township.
The name “Book Ibhoni” combines the idea of booking a bicycle with the word “ibhoni”, a township expression for a bicycle. The concept connects tourism, cycling, education and community participation.
Book Ibhoni offers visitors a more interactive way to experience Soweto. Instead of simply travelling through the area, guests are encouraged to engage with local stories, landmarks, residents and businesses.
The company is based around the historic Vilakazi Street area and has helped position bicycle tourism as an accessible and community-focused way to explore Johannesburg.
Why It Exists
Book Ibhoni exists to create meaningful township tourism experiences while contributing to education, literacy and community development.
The business offers discounted bicycle tours to customers who donate books. These books are then collected and donated to schools, community libraries and literacy initiatives.
This model allows visitors to enjoy an authentic Soweto experience while making a practical contribution to the communities they visit.
To use tourism, cycling and storytelling to create economic opportunities, promote healthier lifestyles and support literacy in Soweto communities.
Founder & Key People
Mpumelelo Mtintso
Founder & Company OwnerMpumelelo Mtintso is the founder and owner of Book Ibhoni. A Soweto-born bicycle entrepreneur, he established the company in 2015 with the goal of creating a unique tourism business with a positive social impact.
Mtintso developed the idea of offering discounted bicycle tours in exchange for book donations. Through this model, Book Ibhoni connects tourism with education and helps make books available to community libraries and schools.
Achievements & Recognition
Book Ibhoni has earned recognition for its innovative approach to township tourism and for creating a business model that combines travel, cycling, education and community development.
Top Travel & Tourism Brand
Book Ibhoni was recognised as the Top Travel & Tourism Brand at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
Tourism With Social Impact
The brand's book donation model has helped support community libraries and literacy initiatives while giving tourists a memorable way to explore Soweto.
What They Do
Book Ibhoni provides guided bicycle tours, walking tours and township tourism experiences in and around Soweto. The business gives visitors an opportunity to discover local history, culture, landmarks and community stories.