4-Hour Cultural Tour of Cape Town
Highlights
Cape Town
architectural, cultural, historical
Group Tour
4 Hours
Easy
English
Description
Discover Cape Town's diverse and complex history on a 4-hour cultural tour. Starting with a visit to the Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter, we explore its multicultural community and rich history. We then drive through the ruins of District Six, where apartheid South Africa forcibly removed its inhabitants. Finally, we visit Langa, the oldest black township, to learn about its culture, fashion, and role in the anti-apartheid struggle.
Itinerary
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Cape Town
- 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. Mother City is often named one of the best holiday destinations in the world; its awesome weather, incredible scenery and friendly people make any visit unforgettable.
- 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.
- 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 decaying ruins of 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 township from 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 Africans 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 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 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 named in honour of Chief Langalibalele, who was imprisoned on Robben Island in 1873 for rebelling against the Natal government.
- 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 they used to look like during the years of apartheid. A stop at the compass 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 rebuilding of the new South Africa.
- 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.
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -
Refund of 50% of the tour price.
Price
Persons | |
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1 to 20 | /person |
This is a group tour |