Half Day Township Cultural Tour (SC7 )

Join us for a unique experience travelling through the three South Africa’s: The birth, where it all started; Apartheid South Africa, what happened then; and the New South Africa, what is different since Nelson Mandela was released from prison.

Departing from Cape Town city centre, the first stop is in the Bo-Kaap. Here we discuss the arrival of an expedition of Dutch sailors in 1652 that proved to be a monumental turning point in the South African history. Taking a short walk along the romantic cobblestone streets between the brightly coloured homes, your tour guide explains how the framework for racial segregation was established.

Passing some of Cape Town’s landmarks, a short drive brings us to District Six where we elaborate on the next tier in the South African story i.e. Apartheid South Africa. Once in District Six, we drive through the now decaying ruins of what once was a flourishing mixed-race community where 60 000 people lived and worked, but was demolished only to be reserved exclusively for white people.

The tour continues to Langa, the oldest Black African Township in Cape Town. Along the way we elaborate on the restrictive legislation introduced by the Apartheid regime to enforce racial segregation. On arrival in Langa, we have a photo stop at the site that commemorates the student uprising of 1976, and discuss the Pass Laws and barracks built for African migrant workers. If conducted on a Sunday morning, the tour includes a short visit to one of the local churches. Here guests are immersed into the charisma and vibrancy of how religion is practiced in the townships. While in Langa, we also share the miracle of our country when Nelson Mandela convinced us to forgive so that we can free ourselves. We also offer our guests a greater understanding of Shanty Town that exploded with the massive migration of mothers and children into the cities, restoring Black dignity at the end of Apartheid.

Tour Departs:
Mon - Fri ±09h00 and ±13h30
Sat/Sun & Selected Public Holidays ±09h00
This tour will not operate on the following dates
25-26 Dec, 1-2 Jan

Tour Ends:
±12h30/±17h00
 

Minimum 2 guests
The Sunday morning tour includes a visit to a church service in Langa

Bo-Kaap
Leave from Cape Town Central

This fun and informative tour can be taken on either a morning or an afternoon, leaving from a central point in Cape Town. The Mother City is often named as one of the best holiday destinations in the world; its awesome weather, incredible scenery and friendly people make any visit unforgettable.

The City Bowl lies in a natural amphitheatre created by Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal hill and Devils’ Peak. The vibrant city centre is still a focus of business, culture and tourism. For many centuries Cape Town has provided a sanctuary for passing ships and the city still handles much marine traffic. Passing ships and settlers have made Cape Town home to unique cultures and people.

Through the Apartheid years many people were forced to live in certain areas due to their racial profile. This has led to these areas having a distinctive culture and feel within Cape Town. It is these dynamic areas that we will explore on a fascinating half day tour.

Visit the Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter

Our tour starts off with a visit to the Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter where we share its history with the arrival of the Dutch in  1652. The Bo-Kaap has been closely associated with Cape Town’s Muslim Community and is one of the city’s oldest areas. The multicultural community has had a long and colourful history through the years and the first development in the area was begun in 1768. It occupies an enviable position in the City Bowl on the lower slopes of Signal Hill. This picturesque neighbourhood is filled with cobbled streets and multi-coloured houses.

The story of the Bo-Kaap has been intertwined with South Africa’s troubled politics. The first mosque in the Cape was built here at the bequest of Saartjie van de Kaap, a freed slave woman, and is still in use, although much altered, today. During the Apartheid years it became an exclusive residential area for Cape Muslims and all other religions and races were forced to relocate to other areas. It became one of very few working class neighbourhoods in South Africa that was still close to the city centre.

Throughout its long history the Bo-Kaap has left an indelible mark on this city. Your knowledgeable tour guide will uncover this fascinating history and make the story of the people of Bo-Kaap come alive. A short walking tour will be given for time to take pictures.

District Six
Visit District Six

Passing some of Cape Town’s landmarks, a short drive brings us to District Six where we elaborate on the next tier in the South African story i.e. Apartheid South Africa. Once in District Six, we drive through the now decaying ruins of what once was a flourishing mixed-race community where 60 000 people lived and worked, but was demolished only to be reserved exclusively for white people.

Langa
Visit Langa

Tour then continues to Langa, the oldest black township 1950 – 1990, the biblical 40 years. The Urban Areas Act of 1923 was the first step in formalising the racial separation of the people of South Africa. It forced African’s to live in segregated areas away from cities and suburbs. This was the birth of Langa, South Africa’s oldest township. Langa was planned for maximum visibility of the residents, and maximum control. Gatherings were not allowed by the police and alcohol was regulated up until 1930. This led to the growth of many illegal distilleries and bars (shebeens) being operated out of houses.

With many rural immigrants looking for a better life in the city, Langa became a hotbed of culture and fashion. It also played a prominent role as a part of the anti-Apartheid struggle. On 21 March 1960, the same day as the Sharpeville Massacre, several people were killed during an anti-pass rally. Although Langa translates as “sun” in Xhosa it was actually named in honour of Chief Langalibalele, who was imprisoned on Robben Island in 1873 for rebelling against the Natal government. Many people campaigned for his release and he was eventually moved to a farm called “Uitvlugt”. This was farm was adjacent to the present day Langa, and was the source of its name.

A drive through Langa with commentary on its history, sharing how people have improved their homes ever since they were offered ownership compared to what it used to look like during the years of apartheid. A stop at the dompass office and share beacons relating to the 1976 student unrest and the living conditions inside the barracks.

We then close the curtains on the negatives and share with them the positives and transformations in Langa ever since Nelson Mandela’s release when he convinced us to forgive and start the re-build of the new South Africa.

Return to Cape Town

At the end of the tour, after an incredible journey into Cape Town’s past and future, we head back to the city centre. This short tour will leave you with great memories for a lifetime.

R 720 per person sharing

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