Townships - Small Group Half-Day Tour

Discover the multicultural side of Cape Town and interact with the locals. From District Six where forced removals changed the lives of many people, to informal settlements with traditional healers and shebeens. Township tours in Cape Town are a must for anyone wanting to discover the other side of life in Cape Town.

This tour will take you through some of Cape Town's thriving township such as Langa, where you will learn about the Dutch and British rule of the Cape, slavery, Apartheid, freedom and democracy.

You will also have the chance to visit local schools, vibrant churches, and many other fascinating things to see and do. The people you meet on your township tour will leave you with a new admiration of the South African philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’, meaning a person is a person through other people, as they share a bit of insight into daily life in the townships of Cape Town.

The former residential area of District Six is one of the most famous Apartheid areas – once a thriving neighbourhood, the area was deserted after Apartheid government regulated forced removals of up to 60 000 people in the 1970s. The District Six Museum offers a colourful history into the area as it once was, and a monument to preserve the memories of the thousands of people previously living there, as well as the Apartheid years and the area’s downfall. It is closed on Sundays.

Langa is one of Cape Town’s thriving townships and was also established in the Apartheid days after thousands of residents from other areas were forcibly relocated. The area was named after Langalibalele - a chief and renowned rainmaker who was imprisoned on Robben Island in 1873 for rebelling against the Natal government. One of the highlights on this township tour is a visit to one of the area’s famous charismatic churches (on Sundays only) – something that is sure to leave you enthralled! Every Sunday morning there is a vibrant and colourful church service.

Township entrepreneurs such as tailors, barber shops and little markets are everywhere in the township. You will have the opportunity to take some African souvenirs home with you. And you will have the option to stop at a shebeen, a traditional pub and brewery, or informal beer house, in the township which opens from 2pm. Locals will make you feel most welcome and you will have the chance to taste traditional beer.

Mandatory information

Please ensure you have answered the mandatory questions during the booking process to ensure the correct provision of service.

Important information - There may be restrictions

Participants must be 2 years old or over.