Follow in the footsteps of freedom with this half-day private tour to learn about the painful past of the Rainbow Nation's journey towards Ubuntu - a Zulu term meaning ‘humanity toward others'. South Africa’s Walk to Freedom didn’t start with Mandela’s first steps out of prison after his release, but with the courage and conviction of all who fought against the racial inequality of the once Apartheid State. Inspiringly, modern-day Cape Town refuses to be defined by the wrongs of the past.
Journey back to the time where individuals were classified purely by the colour of their skin on a District Six Museum tour with a former resident to relive memories that epitomise the brutality of apartheid. Travel to Gugulethu township, not to sight-see but mingle with locals, exchange cultural values and learn about the struggle. Visit V&A Waterfront and continue the journey with an optional Robben Island Tour add-on to celebrate Mandela’s dream of an Africa at peace with itself.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private tour
✔ Gugulethu or Lange Township group guided visit
✔ Hotel pickup
✔ District Six museum group tour
✔ Transport by air-conditioned minivan
✔ Local English-speaking professional tour guide
✖ Food and drinks
✖ Gratuities
✖ Robben Island group tour (about R600 to R700 per adult / about R400 per child)
Pickup Locations
1. Onomo Cape Town Waterfront
2. The PortsWood
3. Cape Town Hollow
4. SunSquare Cape Town Gardens
5. Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa
6. The Village Lodge
7. Fountains Hotel
8. Dysart Boutique Hotel
9. Upper Bloem Apartment
10. Casa Elena
11. Upperbloem
12. Salama Lodge
13. The Capital 15 on Orange
14. Apartments In Mandela Rhodes Place
15. 9 On Barrack
16. ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn On The Square
17. Lady Hamilton Hotel
18. Waterfront Village
19. Holiday Inn Express Cape Town City Centre, an IHG hotel
20. Blackheath Lodge
Additional Info: The tour ends at V&A Waterfront if you book the optional Robben Island Tour at extra cost. Alternatively, you can be dropped off at your accommodation after the half-day tour section.
We can pick-up from any hotel, guesthouse, backpackers or street address within 10km radius of Cape Town or Stellenbosch central. If your hotel is not listed, simply select "my hotel is not listed" on the drop-down menu and type your preferred pick-up address.
Itinerary
1
District Six Museum
Journey into the dark past of apartheid on this private half-day tour. Begin your day with a pickup from your Cape Town accommodation, and then head to the District Six Museum to listen to ex-residents' tales of enforced removals, when homes were levelled to make way for "whites-only" suburbs. Back in apartheid times, Table Mountain provided a natural border between black and white settlements, and although there is no physical border today, the harsh reality of previously disadvantaged communities still shows.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
After a short drive to the Cape Flats, you’ll visit the township of Gugulethu or Langa for a glimpse into the life now and learn about the history of these infamous “dump grounds for non-whites.” In contrast to the city’s wide streets and white-washed historic buildings, this area is composed of backstreets crammed with corrugated-roofed, shanty-style accommodation and colourful clotheslines. Navigate the streets with a local guide, winding past small taverns called shebeens, a convenience store, and if time allows, even see an inspiring community garden project. Although today you're likely to hear music playing and see people gathering together, this township has also endured its fair share of bloodshed in the name of freedom. Visit the Amy Biehl Memorial and the Gugulethu 7 Monument to see just how violent the struggle was.
Duration: 2 hours
3
V&a Waterfront
Visit Cape Town’s working waterfront to meander through fascinating historical sights and tourist attractions of the V&A Waterfront during your free time.
End this journey of reflection with a journey back to Cape Town and a better understanding of the struggle toward a united South Africa. Your guide will now say farewell if you booked the additional add-on ferry ride and tour to Robben Island (own booking and own expense) or if not, you can be dropped off at your Cape Town accommodation later in the afternoon at about 4pm.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Robben Island Museum
Subject to weather conditions, board the optional Robben Island ferry for a scenic cruise across the bay and a glimpse into the life of political prisoners in the most austere of South African prisons. World Heritage-listed Robben Island is striking in its very isolation. It was used as a prison for rebel sailors and much later for political prisoners, the last of whom was released in 1991. Today, this site employs former inmates, who weave poignant tales of their time behind bars and of hard labour in the prison’s limestone quarry. They bear no grudges thanks to inspirational leaders, like Nelson Mandela, who taught them about reconciliation and the spirit of Ubuntu. Indeed a unique symbol to celebrate the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and injustice. This excursion includes a return ferry to the island and a bus tour of the island and prison. The ferry ride back to the mainland is generally a subdued affair and the view of Table Mountain welcomes you back.
End this day of reflection, having a better understanding of the struggle for a united South Africa. It can be hard to come face-to-face with an unjust past, but it’s essential to grasp this journey in order to understand the South Africa of today.
*This itinerary can run in a different order to match with available timeslots of the Robben Island tour. Please book the Robben Island tickets in advance directly on their website to avoid disappointment.
Your guide can drop you at your hotel if you decide not to book the optional Robben Island tour after the half-day trip. Alternatively, your tour ends at the V&A waterfront.
Duration: 3 hours
5
Africa Select Journeys
- This private tour with transport and guide that will run exclusively run for you. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to spend more time at the tour’s highlights that interest you the most or swop for alternative options.
- Do contact us during of after the booking process to let us know if you would prefer any changes to the tour and we can suggest an updated itinerary and cost estimate if there are any additional charges.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The Robben Island add-on optional excursion is subject to weather conditions and subject to availability. Please book the Robben Island Tour add-on section directly to avoid disappointment.
• The itinerary of this tour may run in reverse or different order.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• This is a private tour and your transfers will run exclusively for you. Scheduled activities will join groups on tour. Feel free to contact in advance to request possible changes to ensure you visit the highlights that interest you the most.
• Personal comprehensive travel insurance is excluded and recommended
• Sometimes the step-on local guide may decide to visit Langa township predominantly and only drive past Gugulethu township.
