Small-Group Half-Day Township Tour in South Africa: Explore History and Culture Beyond Cape Town

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of South Africa’s townships on this small-group half-day tour. Visit Langa, the oldest township, interact with local children and a traditional healer, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of a shebeen. Book now!

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • District Six Museum - Discover the impact of the apartheid government’s Group Areas policy on the city’s core. The museum is a tribute to the mass displacements of the 1960s.
  • Cape Town - Our guided tour will acquaint you with various sectors of the city, revealing the diverse cultural tapestry of Cape Town.
  • Robben Island Museum - Consider visiting the historical site where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for many years. The island’s history spans over half a millennium.
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by private, air-conditioned minivan
  • Driver/guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Experience this guided half-day cultural tour, starts in District Six with an introduction to the townships and the damage of apartheid policies, visit several of the townships starting with Langa, the oldest and smallest township where you will see various cultural and historical sites. Visit a local pre-school where you will spend time with local children who are full of energy and fun, you will also visit with a traditional healer and go on a walking tour to a shebeen (local pub) and maybe taste local beer. Enjoy the small group tour on an air-conditioned transport, which remains personal and intimate, there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions and engage with local members of the communities. Choose from one of 2 departure times when you book, if you choose the Robben Island tour extension, your guide will drop you off at Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V and A Waterfront where your trip to Robben Island departs.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please note: Robben Island Ticket is subject to availability and weather conditions
  • Comfortable walking shoes
Location
9 Dock Rd
Dock Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(46 Ratings)
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Davinal_12
Jul 7, 2024
Recommend - Really interesting tour of the townships, their history and the challenges faced on a daily basis led by well organised kind people. Cape Town is much more than penguins and mountains and it would do a trip here an injustice not to learn the cities history and present day realities. Thank you to our tour guides for their kindness. We went on to complete our day with a trip to Robben Island that was equally as informative, interesting and relevant.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suzanne_g
Jun 14, 2024
An up close look inside a Cape Town Township - An up close and very personal look at the struggles faced by these communities over the years. Both Sam and his young guide allowed authentic background history, discussion and context to better understand these very complex issues pertaining to townships in Cape Town. A very impactful "tour" allowing a better understanding as to why these townships came to be.
Review provided by Viator
Wanderer06293400134
Jun 13, 2024
Meaningful side of Capetown - Sam was great as was his township tour guide (could not spell it correctly if I tried!)—they were able to accommodate us last minute, and really made life in the township real for my kids, who up to that point, had only seen the V&A waterfront, Camps Bay, and Table Mountain. This was important and they were able to meaningfully convey a tragic history for my boys (ages 15, 15, and 12) to learn about
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_s
Feb 13, 2024
All North Americans and Europeans need to see Cape Town Townships - The guide's historical descriptions were very informative and the actual walk through the neighbourhood was an eye-opener. Despite an all-black environment, some with deplorable conditions, the people were uniformly friendly, with small children running out to give us hugs, no solicitation. The visit gives us great respect for negotiations done by Nelson Mandela but also shows how difficult it is to break free of the colonial limitations. Our guide and his driver were doing it admirably.
Review provided by Viator
N2997hlpaulad
Feb 13, 2024
Brilliant township tour - This is a must see in Capetown. The tour is so interesting. I learnt more on this tour than the Robben Island trip. Sam was so knowledgeable about the history, not only of the townships but of all south African politics. There was just 4 of us on the tour in a comfortable 7 seater car.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Siv
Jan 22, 2024
Interesting and well planned - Interesting and well planned with a good guide. We got to experience the township on their terms. We are very satisfied and can recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maastricht
Nov 13, 2023
The other side of Capetown - Clear explanation. Got a good idea of life in the township. Picked up at our hotel and returned. Walk made by langa. Visited daycare center and museum
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yulanda_p
Oct 25, 2023
A good township experience - Very informative tour about the township. Remember to wear a hat on this walking tour.I forgot mine. The sun was scorching but the experience among the people was nice.
Review provided by Viator
D8609kjklausr
Oct 24, 2023
It was beyond my expections. - Very impressive and emotional. You were almost integrated in the every-day life of the poorest. But you felt safe all the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicolef132
Oct 12, 2023
Girls’ trip is cheaper than therapy!!! - We had the pleasure of being hosted by Sam, the owner. This is the highlight of our Cape Town visit! Life is not all glitter and glam. This should be a part of everyone’s trip to Cape Town… see how 80% of people in this city live. Recognize your privilege!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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