Bucket list experience:
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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
Cape Town
Z600 | Rating 4.55 / 5 [29 ratings]
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Cape Town
Z795 | Rating 4.40 / 5 [32 ratings]
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Cape Town
Z795 | Rating 4.77 / 5 [18 ratings]
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Cape Town
Z1,100 | Rating 4.93 / 5 [15 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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.
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Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Central, romantic and boho-cool guesthouse, inspired by the decadence of Oscar Wilde.
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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.
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Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
An elegant oceanside boutique hotel that sets the bar for luxury hotels in Cape Town.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
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
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
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
One of the Cape’s most beautiful beaches, hosting a rare 2,500-strong African Penguin breeding colony.
Best for ages: 4+ | £8
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..
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Unique pelagic birding trips, in the company of expert guides, taking keen twitchers up to 40kms south of Cape Point.
Best for ages: 12+ | £130 | 8 hours
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
