Tour Snapshot

 

Highlights:

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• Experience daily life in the local neighbourhood.
  Learn about the history and heritage of South Africa's townships, from the oldest neighbourhood to the modern townships. 

• Discover the fascinating world of informal businesses in the Cape Flats.

• Learn about South Africa's township also known as a  'the capital of culture'.

• Visit to Guga S'thebe in Langa

• Feast on typical goodies like fat cakes (delicious crispy dough balls, like a doughnut without the hole), amaqina (chicken feet), traditional beer and more.

 

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide transport and mineral water.. 

Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide.

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Schedule details:

• Duration: 5-6 hours

• Tour Departs from Cape Town, South Africa

• Meeting point:  209 Beach road, Sea Point, Cape Town, Meet at Sea Point

• Promenade bus stop, across the road from La Perla Restaurant

• Starting time: 9.00 AM

• Ending point: 209 Beach road, Sea Point, Cape Town

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Full Itinerary

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Discover the Cape Flat's colourful and characterful community. Your local guide will meet you in Sea Point at the designated meeting point. The tour departs at 09h00. From Sea Point, we will embark on a short journey to the Cape Flats, formally known as the Cape's townships. As we leave Sea Point, you will notice a beautiful promenade on your left hand side highlighting the picturesque beauty Cape Town has to offer. 

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As we travel through the town you might notice a large open green space of undeveloped land on the slopes of Devil's Peak which became known as 'District 6'. This area was once home to a buzzing multicultural community of black people, coloured people and migrants from China, Europe, India and Australia. In 1966, District 6 was declared a 'white only' area resulting in the removal of 60,000 people from the area who were relocated to the Cape Flats over the next 15 years.

 

You will be driven a short distance to Langa, South Africa's oldest Township. It was established in 1927 under the terms of the Native (Urban Areas) Act as a place to accommodate migrant workers from the Eastern Cape. Not only did Langa play a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle, the township has developed a reputation for great local arts and crafts mainly through the development of the Guga S'thebe arts, culture and heritage village and the work of local and international street artists adding a touch of colour to the area. 

 

Your first stop will be a visit to Guga S'thebe cultural centre located in the heart of the township. Decorated with polychromatic ceramic murals, this is one of the most impressive buildings in the townships: even more so that is has a new theatre, creatively constructed largely from recycled materials. In one of the several studio spaces here you can watch pottery being made and even treat yourself with some local crafts.

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From the Guga S'thebe cultural centre, your guide will give you a walk around of the local neighbourhood. The township's original location was build between Bhunga Square and Jungle Walk. Bhunga Square was the centre of politics in Langa. Walter Sisulu and Robert Sobukwe (freedom struggle heroes) both spoke in Bhunga Square. You will also get a chance to see the old migrant accommodation. 

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You will also be introduced to the fascinating world of informal businesses. Prior to 1994, entrepreneurship was restricted through control over the establishment of black businesses. Only a limited number of small shops were permitted resulting in the development of informal businesses: selling vegetables, second hand clothing, and cooked foods. For an informal business, being heard and being seen means being loud and noticeable. Your samosas must be the hottest, your amagqinya the crispiest and your hair styles like those of the celebs and soccer stars. 

 

Our last stop will be a visit to the Shisa Nyama. No respected township tour is complete without a visit to a local Shisa Nyama! Shisa Nyama is a term used by black South African's to describe a barbeque or braai where people (friends and families) come together to grill meat on an open fire. Enjoy smoky cooked lamb, dark chicken liver, slow cooked tribe and chicken..

 

At approximately 13:30, we start our return to Sea Point where we will say our goodbyes. Don't forget to ask for tips on what else there is to see and do in the Cape Flats during your stay. 

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Additional information

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Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transport and mineral water.

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Exclusions: Food and additional drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.  

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Dress standard: There is no standard dress code for this tour.

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Your Trip: For your adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.

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Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.

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Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children above the ages of 3 are permitted on this tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. 

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Local contact

Office phone number: +27 60 478 7481
Email address: bookings@btownship.com