Away from the bright lights and fancy restaurants, Cape Town is a city with a troubled history. To better understand the history and legacy of apartheid take a township tour:
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Any trip to Cape Town in South Africa should include a visit to the townships. Away from the glitz and glamour of the city’s centre, the townships were the often concrete, undeveloped areas that were reserved for non-whites under the apartheid regime and show the other side of this arguably still fragmented country. But while the history is depressing, life in the townships was and is resilient, with a vibrance and joy that is testament to the human spirit. Tours of the townships need to be done with respect for the suffering many people have endured, and in retirn you’ll find some amazing stories and incredible people who will be ready to greet you. A guided tour is highly recommend – here is a comparison of the best on offer:
3 to 4-Hour Township Tour
An excellent insight into life under apartheid, this half-day tour stops at Langa to uncover the history of the oldest township at sites like the Old Pass Office and the monument to Robert Sobukwe. There is also a visit to District Six, where 60,000 people were forcibly moved under the apartheid regime. Visit a shebeen local pub and try homemade beer, see the Gugulethu 7 Memorial to the members of an anti-apartheid group killed by the South African Police in 1986, and the memorial to the American student Amy Biehl, murdered by PAC supporters in 1993. End in the Khayelitsha township to learn about the work the Philani Center does for local mothers and children. This is an excellent tour – no wonder it is one of the most popular out there – packing a lot of history into a short time. From €34.
Book at GetYourGuide
Half-Day Guided Township Tour
(Photo: getyourguide.com)
Another good quality half-day township tour, this trip keeps the numbers low (maximum ten people) and starts at the museum of District Six, with a detail view of how this once peaceful arty community was forcibly destroyed. The next stop is Langa, the oldest formal township in South Africa. The tour guide does a great job of introducing you to locals (over a beer if you want) and there is an emphasis on hearing real stories from those who have lived the area’s history. A top tip is to go on a Sunday where you can even have a peak at a lively church service in the townships. From €47.59.
Book at GetYourGuide
Cape Town Township Tour Including Langa Township and Bo-Kaap
This tour not only visits the township of Langa but also includes a visit to Bo-Kaap, the Malay Quarter, a rainbow of brightly coloured buildings that were a former racially segregated area, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill. Residents are largely descended from slaves from Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka, brought over by the Dutch colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries. Considering it’s just three hours, fitting in both Langa and Bo-Kaap means that you will have seen two of the most important sites of Cape Town – excellent choice especially for short trips to the city. From €43,54.
Book at Viator.com
Cape Town Township Private Tour
For something more personal, this private tour may be a pricey option but it is worth the extra money. The guide can help to fine-tune the itinerary and will show you parts and aspects of the townships other tours miss. The first stop is the District Six Museum and then on to Langa (with a visit to the Dom Pass Museum and the arts and crafts centre) and finally Khayelitsha, the fastest growing township in South Africa. From €94,17.
Book at Viator.com
Cape Town Township Tour including Robben Island – Walk to Freedom Tour
As well as bvixiting the township of Langa and the District Six Museum, this tour heads to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Take a ferry to UNESCO-listed Robben Island for a tour of the former prison for political prisoners and visit Nelson Mandela’s cell. This is a small group limited to 12 people to you can ask questions and get a full understanding of the history of apartheid. At nine hours it’s a long day out but well worth it. From €107,61.
Book at Viator.com