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Cape TownMeet the locals

Our most recommended Cape Town Meet the locals

Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Tour with 1-Way Hotel Pickup

1. Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Tour with 1-Way Hotel Pickup

Take the ferry to Robben Island and tour the prison where Nelson Mandela was confined. Learn about South Africa's history of Apartheid and life in the prison from a former prisoner. Depart from Cape Town on a shared bus to the V&A Waterfront. Collect your ticket and make your way to the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island. Sail out to the island on a 45-minute journey. On arrival, embark on a bus tour of the island before visiting the prison and the cell where Nelson Mandela was kept for 18 of his 27 prison years. Gain an insight into the history and conditions of the prison from a former prisoner. After the tour, return to Cape Town and be dropped off at the V&A Waterfront. Here you will be free to return to your accommodation independently or continue touring the beautiful city.

Half-Day Tour Through Cape Town's Townships

2. Half-Day Tour Through Cape Town's Townships

Imagine yourself as a guest strolling the streets of Cape Town's Townships, with your own personal guide leading you through the homes, schools and gardens of the vibrant Townships of South Africa. With your personal guide, Camissa, you will become a part of the community. Our half-day tour begins with an insightful visit to District Six. This former inner-city residential area is best known for its forceful removal of over 60,000 inhabitants during the 1970s Apartheid regime. Since 2003, however, a new life has been breathed into the community by former president Nelson Mandela, and you will see the benefits of this work today. During our stay in District Six, we will glimpse life in an up-close and intimate way, and Camissa's knowledge will further your pleasure. Comfortably drive on to Langa, the oldest of the Townships in Cape Town. Here we have the chance to meet the residents. With each new encounter, the experience comes to more and more to life! Drive through Bonteheuwel -- a township spawned from the residents of District Six, who were classified as “coloured.” After our stay, we depart to Gugulethu, home to some 300,000 residents today. The name derives from "igugu lethu", which translates in Xhosa as 'our pride.' You will soon discover why this Pride has helped South Africa transform out of its dark days to the vibrant communities you have witnessed during your day. The day culminates with the chance to visit Creche, with the Gugulethu Seven Memorial and Amy Bichel Memorial. The first of these works was built to commemorate the death of seven youths fighting against Apartheid. However, you will soon discover its magic, as the light shines through the empty space, bringing all those who died back to life in a powerful way. We end our day with a pleasant drive back to your hotel.

Cape Town: 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap

3. Cape Town: 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap

A local food-lover, Faldela Tolker, will be waiting to greet you on the doorstep of her neat, lilac-colored house. She’ll welcome you into her kitchen where a large metal pot simmers on the stove, emitting a spicy aroma. Chef Faldela conducts cooking classes in her home in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town. The food cooked in this predominantly Muslin neighborhood is as piquant as the hot pink and burnt-orange painted houses that rise gently up the lower slopes of Signal Hill, part of Table Mountain. Unique to the Western Cape of South Africa, Cape Malay cuisine fuses African tradition with that of Malaysian and Indonesian slaves, brought over by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries. A blend of spices — ginger, fennel, star anise, tamarind, and, most importantly, turmeric — gives the food a distinct aromatic quality. Stews, roasts, and sauce-heavy curries are popular in Malay cuisine, as are meat patties, milk, and bread puddings.

Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike

4. Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike

Meet your guide at the Lion's Head Hike - Starting Point. There is parking along Signal Hill Road if you arriving by car. Embark on the route to the summit, climbing 400 meters along the steep and rocky path. Keeping a slow and steady pace, take time to enjoy the views and photo opportunities en route. Enjoy views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean at the summit with snacks and coffee provided before heading back down the mountain to the meeting point.

Cape Town Townships and Langa Gospel Tour

5. Cape Town Townships and Langa Gospel Tour

Attend Sunday morning worship at the Langa Baptist Church, where more than 350 people congregate to sing traditional songs of praise, such as Uyinkosi Yamakhosi. Visit the District Six neighborhood and learn how thousands of people were evicted during apartheid. Get a warm welcome from the congregation as they sing, dance, beat drums and clap hands, and experience the true spirit of township life. Then, pass many small businesses, including herbalists, traditional healers, and barber shops on a walk through the suburb. See where the residents of Langa live, and compare the old cramped hostels with the new developments the government is building. Get introduced to the friends and neighbors of your guide, and share jokes with members of the community. End with a visit to the Joe Slovo informal settlement, and then drive through the townships of Bonteheuwel and Gugulethu to experience their dynamic vibe.

Cape Town: Half-Day Guided Township Tour

6. Cape Town: Half-Day Guided Township Tour

Traveling is only as deep as the people you interact with, and on this half-day tour, you will get to discover Cape Town in an up-close and personal way through the eyes of the locals. During your time together, you will have a chance to dig deeper into the multicultural side of Cape Town, and hear their personal stories of forceful removals from District Six to the rich cultural landscape of township life. The day either begins at 08.00 or at 13.00, returning approximately four-and-a-half hours later. You will begin in District Six with the Museum (closed Sundays). Here you can educate yourself on the forceful removal of over 60,000 inhabitants in the 1970s by the apartheid regime. This once lively community of former slaves, artisans and merchants was once home to almost 1/10 of the city of Cape Town's population before the brutality that came. After your education, you will move to Langa, the oldest formal township in South Africa. This suburb was established in 1927, and was established specifically for Black Africans before the apartheid era. There is a history of violent uprisings here, and your visit will be benefited with the local's stories and perspectives. From here we move onto Shebeen (township pub) with the option to taste some traditional beer! How can you turn down a beer with the locals? Finally we move to Khayelitsha - the largest and fastest growing township in South Africa today. Its local name is Xhosa, which means New Home. Here you will get to meet with some of the township entrepreneurs who are breathing new life in to these historic towns. If you're fortunate enough to be with us on a Sunday, we'll even have the chance to visit a charismatic church service in the townships! It's truly an experience not to be missed!

Cape Town: 3-Hour Bike Tour

7. Cape Town: 3-Hour Bike Tour

Learn about Cape Town’s heritage on a bike tour from the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to the bustling inner city, and get up close and personal with its inhabitants along the way. Marvel at the urban landscape, and see sights old and present as you visit the historic fort of the Castle of Good Hope, journey down Adderley Street and go to the former township of Bo-Kaap. Cycle to Company Gardens and St. George’s Mall and see the impressive Green Point Stadium, where the 2010 FIFA World Cup was held. Explore the newly landscaped Green Point eco park and admire the oldest working lighthouse in South Africa.

Cape Town: Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class

8. Cape Town: Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class

First, explore the beautiful Bo-Kapp as you wander its cobblestone streets on a cultural walking tour. Discover some of its oldest historical buildings and learn about the culture and traditions of the local people. Learn about 0the first and oldest mosque in South Africa as well as the cultural museum. Make your way to the spice shop and learn about the variety and health benefits of different spices. Return to the home of your host and begin preparing a traditional Malay meal. Help fold the first course, samosas. Prepare the main meal which is chicken curry and roti flatbread. Make samabal better known as salsa salad. Then, sit down to enjoy your meal, followed by a traditional dessert of koesisters, which are spicy savoury donuts served with cardamon tea. Leave with a full belly and all recipes of what you have prepared.

Welcome to Cape Town: Private Walking Tour with a Local

9. Welcome to Cape Town: Private Walking Tour with a Local

Transform the way you travel and make it as much about the people you meet as the places you see. Get a welcome to Cape Town from a local host eager to share all the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your stay. Meet at your hotel or accommodation and get familiar with your local neighborhood. Learn about the best places to eat, buy groceries and the easiest ways to get around. Hear about the top things to see and do, customized to your interests. By the end of the tour, you will feel more comfortable navigating the city on your own, equipped with all the information you need to make the most of the rest of your stay.

Cape Town: Bar-hopping Secret Cocktail lounges

10. Cape Town: Bar-hopping Secret Cocktail lounges

Cape Town has become famous for its trendy underground. As locals, we know that our city has so much more to offer than the top 5 recommended bars on TripAdvisor. Join us as we dedicate a night to showcasing Cape Towns' best-kept secrets, hidden cocktail bars & vibey clubs that the locals love. Move away from the crowd and experience all that Cape Towns' nightlife has to offer. Meet locals and fellow travelers a like as we dedicate the evening to learning the flavor profiles and testing the delicious delicacies at the best mixology bars Cape Town has to offer. Highlights include: Delicious cocktail tastings, experimental cocktail bar (serving beautiful 'Insta-Worthy' drinks), rooftop cocktail lounge that many travellers miss, a bohemian/steampunk themed bar, a secret prohibition styled speakeasy (so secret that you need a password to get in) that hosts live jazz on the weekend & trendy local bar/club with dance tunes and much more. Join us for a night we'll struggle to remember but a night we'll never forget! Please note: This experience is marketed on other platforms so do not be put off if you are the first to book. This experience is only suitable for guests over the age of 18.

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What people are saying about Cape Town

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 655 reviews

The trail leading up to Lions is well marked. My guide, Irene was careful and knowledgeable about local fauna & flora. It was a great experience from start to finish. Would highly recommend. JoAnne. dxb.

We had a great time. Justin was a really good tour guide. Sociable few hours with 8 of us on the tour from 3 continents. Wonderful food and pairings. Would highly recommend.

We learned a lot more about how and why the townships were built - we became aware of that there is hope among the inhabitants but that there is a very long way to go…..

We had a great experience.. Everything went well after our initial date was rescheduled due to weather.

It was very convenient for me and my fellow travelers and also very interesting too.