Tour Snapshot

 

Highlights

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• Visit the old Dompas Museum in Langa, South Africa's oldest township.
  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.

• Experience the charm of the township and enjoy the 'Cape sense of humour' which is unique to the Cape Flats. It is the ability of the people to see the funny side of every situation.

• 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,  mineral water and entry to Guga S'thebe and the old pass book office. 

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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Your friendly 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 know 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 the characteristic gable design on some of the buildings. This architecture was prominent during the 17th century, in the early days of the cape colony. 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 of 1927 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 it 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 Guga S'thebe your guide will accompany you to an old pass book office known as the Dompass Museum. 'Dompas' quite literally means dumb Pass. The pass book office was significant in the freedom fight. During apartheid all black people outside the confines of their government designated areas were legally required to carry pass books. The building itself is one of the oldest buildings in Langa originally located in the centre of the township beside the police station and superintendent's dwelling to ensure control could be easily imposed.

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From the Dompas Museum, your guide will give you a short historical walking tour in Langa. 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 establishement 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. 

 

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