no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

Townships – undeveloped, sprawling communities of small houses and shacks – are a blight on what is otherwise a gorgeous city. Home to the ‘non-whites’ during apartheid area, they remain a symbol of division and inequality. Aside from a few new satellite dishes, for most residents, not a lot has changed in the post-Apartheid era. Most houses are still made from cobbled-together corrugated iron sheeting for ceilings and walls.

Townships are integral to the city landscape, and to understanding Cape Town’s history, culture and post-apartheid challenges. No wonder then that so-called ‘Township Tours’ have become so popular. They offer a fascinating insight into the realities of life on the socially-depressed Cape Flats.

Perhaps surprisingly, rather than being a depressing experience, they can be uplifting – especially when you witness the ubuntu, meaning the spirit of togetherness, despite the hardships and challenges of daily life. There are many community projects on the go, with opportunities for sponsorship or a donation.

Locals are generally friendly, and you may even get invited into the local ‘pub’ to try some home-made beer.

Price from: £35
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 4 hours

Getting there & doing it

Only visit townships with a reputable organised tour. Tours operators will pick you up from your accommodation. The whole experience will last about 4 hours.

Choose a tour that matches your interests – from cycling through the streets to visiting a jazz musician in their home and enjoying a meal together.

When to do it

Tours run all year round, seven days a week. Times vary with tour and operator, but morning tours usually depart around 8.30am, afternoon tours around 1.30pm.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Half-Day Small-Group Township Tour South Africa from Cape Town

Half-Day Small-Group Township Tour South Africa from Cape Town

Cape Town

Experience this guided half-day cultural tour, starts in District Six with an introduction to the townships and the damage of apartheid poli...

Z600 | Rating 4.55 / 5 [29 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Cape Town Township Tour Including Langa Township and Bo-Kaap

Cape Town Township Tour Including Langa Township and Bo-Kaap

Cape Town

Discover Cape Town’s cultural heritage and get a snapshot of township life on this 3.5-hour tour. With a knowledgeable guide at your side, t...

Z795 | Rating 4.40 / 5 [32 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Township Cultural small group tour from Cape Town

Township Cultural small group tour from Cape Town

Cape Town

Learn about the rich cultural history of Cape Town, while visiting Langa and going on a drive through sightseeing of Gugulethu townships in ...

Z795 | Rating 4.77 / 5 [18 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Langa Township - Arts and Culture Tour

Langa Township - Arts and Culture Tour

Cape Town

Townships have large informal settlements sprouting up in unexpected areas. Despite all this, townships in South Africa are known to be very...

Z1,100 | Rating 4.93 / 5 [15 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Camps Bay Retreat

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Hidden away in a private garden, this boutique hotel offers contemporary style and easy access to the popular Camps Bay strip.

Official star rating:

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Central, romantic and boho-cool guesthouse, inspired by the decadence of Oscar Wilde.

Official star rating:

Chartfield Guesthouse

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

A century-old seaside mansion forms the heart of this mid-sized guesthouse in the bohemian suburb of Kalk Bay, offering easy access to the charms of the False Bay seaboard.

Official star rating:

Ellerman House

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

An elegant oceanside boutique hotel that sets the bar for luxury hotels in Cape Town.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cape Town

Western Cape, South Africa

Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Cape Town’s best food & drink

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

The most exciting foodie destination in Africa, with a diverse range of cultures and cuisines on the menu, plus two world-class wine regions.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Abseil down Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

One of the world’s great abseils – a one-hour descent down the iconic Table Mountain. Comes with unforgettable views of the city and Atlantic coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | £23 | 1 hour

Website >
Overview >

Cape Point

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

At the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point offers a nature lover’s paradise with a lovely scenic drive to get there.

Best for ages: 4+ | £16

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Exterior of the building during the daytime
Experience

Norval Foundation

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Set amid the Constantia Winelands, this contemporary gallery celebrates global and African artists in both indoor exhibition spaces and the outdoor sculpture garden. Excellent on-site restaurant.

Best for ages: 18+ | £9

Website >
Overview >