Visit some of the notorious townships of Cape Town, including District Six, and learn more about South Africa's apartheid policies. Then, visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 8 hours
- Starting time 8:00 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Pickup included
- Pickup is available from hotels, guesthouses and accommodation within 10 kilometers of the city center. Pick-up time depends on your hotel location. • Between 8 - 8:30 AM: Camps Bay, Bantry Bay, Sea Point, Green Point, Waterfront. • Between 8:30 - 9:00 AM: City Center, Gardens, Tamboerskloof. • For Rondebosch, Observatory, Mowbray, Woodstock please be ready to be collected between 7:30 - 8:15 AM. If you are staying outside of the pickup area, the meeting point will be outside the V&A Waterfront hotel between 8:40-8:50 AM.
- Wheelchair accessible
Experience
Itinerary
7.5 hours
Cape Town
District Six
- 30 minutes
Langa
Bonteheuwel
Gugulethu
V&A Waterfront (lunch)
- Optional
Robben Island
V&A Waterfront
Meeting point
Main stop
Other stop
End point
Highlights
- Learn about life under apartheid in some of the townships of Cape Town
- Visit the townships of Langa, Bonteheuwel and Gugulethu
- Meet a traditional African healer, see local beer being made and visit a primary school
- Get the chance to support local businesses and markets
Full description
Explore District Six, where 60,000 inhabitants were forcibly removed during the 1970s by the apartheid regime. Drive to Langa and learn the history of the oldest township at sites like the Old Pass Office and the monument to Robert Sobukwe.
Learn about life during apartheid on a walking tour of the hostels and shacks. Visit a shebeen (pub) and try some homemade beer. See a traditional healer in action, and then drive through the Bonteheuwel township, reserved for the "colored" community during the days of apartheid. Hear about the division of people and its impact within communities today.
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. Afterwards, get dropped off at the V&A Waterfront to take your ferry to Robben Island.
Includes
- Robben Island ferry ticket
- Driver/guide
- Hotel pick-up
- Private transportation by air-conditioned minivan
- Hotel drop off
- Food and drinks (unless specified)
- Lunch
- Gratuities (optional)
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
Know before you go
- Please make sure to have the ID used when booking on the day of the tour (copies will be accepted as well)
- A moderate amount of walking is involved
- The optional Robben Island ticket is subject to availability and weather conditions. If the ferry gets cancelled after the township tour has taken place, you will be given the chance to reschedule (based on availability) or receive a partial refund
- You will get the opportunity to support local businesses and markets throughout the tour
- The tour ends at the Robben Island ferry gateway. You will be asked to make your own way back to your hotel
