Cape Town Township Tours

When embarking on a township tour in Cape Town, you will experience a truly authentic African experience. Visitors have the option of exploring the townships of Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha. Each township portrays an image of vibrancy, hospitality and determination to improve. The Cape Peninsula has many attractions such as Cape Point, V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Winelands; whilst a township shows how another half of Cape Town survives and lives on a daily basis.

The majority of the Mother City population is homed within a township on the Cape Flats. It's a must for every visitor to Cape Town to experience a day in the life of the locals. Culture and diversity of our country in a manner that is symbolic of our Rainbow Nation. Cape Town Tourism is bracing itself to take township tourism to a new level despite crime and poverty.

The tour aids visitors in portraying a broad spectrum of different faces and facets of the community, without simply just driving past.  There are many tours available that offer to take you into the informal settlements, locally known as “squatter camps”. Townships were created as living areas for non-whites under the old political system of Apartheid. You will learn about struggles past and present, and the continuing attempts to face and overcome the socio-economic challenges of today.

Most tours are run by guides who live or have lived in the township themselves, offering visitors the perfect insiders view. Each tour will showcase local industry and community projects and include a visit to a township bar or Shebeen. Township tours are walking tours; and usually last half a day. Tours also include a trip to Bo-Kaap; home to the Cape Malays and a visit to the District 6 Museum.

Langa is the oldest township in South Africa and Khayelitsha is the largest. Khayelitsha have an estimated population of two million people and is situated less than half an hour from Cape Town city centre. This settlement was traditionally point of arrival for job-hunters from the former Transkei and Ciskei black homelands.

The language predominantly spoken here is Xhosa. Your stay in Khayelitsha is not complete without a visit to Philani Nutrition Centre, where tourists can purchase local curious and traditional crafts such as tapestries and bead works.

Other local activities on offer would be indulging in a traditional African meal, or visiting a Sangoma or traditional healer
Township tour will be one of the most unique and wonderful travel experiences in your life. These tours have grown tremendously in popularity and is now just another has to do event for any visitor to Cape Town.

Crime rates are sadly high in some parts of townships and you should therefore always explore these areas with an organised tour. There are many tour companies that offer township tours, including transport to and from the township. Despite difficult circumstances and poor living conditions, you will experience the vibrancy and spirit of the South African people

Highlights of township tours include:

• An insight into the past and post 1994 progress
• Visiting projects which are helping previously disadvantaged communities develop and building a better life for all
• An insight into another side of Cape Town with focus on job creation via community based initiatives