Our Pick of the Best Township Tours in Cape Town

Township day tours uncovered in Cape Town and Surrounds

Also read: Learn about Langa in a soulful, song-filled township tour

Cape Town’s townships have a rich and ever-evolving history. It would take days to learn about each township's fascinating political histories, its people, sample the food and partake in the many cultural and sporting experiences.

To make your choice simpler, we’ve put together a comprehensive roundup of Cape Town’s township tours to match your interests

If you’re into history, people and culture

• If you want to immerse yourself in the history of local townships, then you should start with Langa – the oldest black township in the Mother City. Cape Capers Tours takes you on a half-day tour where you learn how residents lived under apartheid as well as how the township has expanded and evolved through the years. Your tour includes visits to social projects such as the Guga S’thebe Arts and Culture Centre. Read more about Cape Capers Tours.
  Cape Capers Tours | 20 Erica Street, Woodstock, Cape Town | +27 (0) 83 358 0193.

• If you want a personal experience, book a personal guide who will drive you through the township of Nyanga (20kms from Cape Town’s CBD) in their own car. They will introduce you to the people of this bustling community where you’ll get to interact with them in their places of work, see their children play and learn about their lives. Read more about Jasmin Johnson’s Thoughtful Township Tours.
  Ukubona Africa Tours |  Mowbray, Cape Town |  +27 (0) 83  5213 390

If you enjoy the arts

• South African gospel is unforgettable. To really feel it’s power you should hear it belted out at a church in the township. In this gospel tour your guide will take you to a vibrant Sunday church service where you can listen to moving choral singing, followed by a half-day tour of the township. Read more about Camissa Tours.
  12 Cosimos Court, 5 Knysna Road, Milnerton| Cape Town | +27 (0)21 555 2581

If you love traditional food

• An evening at Imizamo Yethu Township, in Hout Bay, is an opportunity for you to tuck into a hearty African dinner, during a fun filled evening with African music. Expect dancing and plenty of partying with the locals. Proceeds go to NGO community projects such as African Choirs and other various organisations.
  Dinner at Mandela’s | 29 Hughenden Road | Hout bay | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 - 7905817

• Alternatively, you could take a half-day, African cooking safari where we travel through the township of Kayamandi, in Stellenbosch. A guided walk takes you into the private homes and kitchens that will reveal the secrets to African cooking. Walk to a spaza shop to buy your ingredients, then sit back while a professional chef whips up a culinary treat. You can even participate in preparing your meal. 13 Lancaster street | Hout Bay | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 - 7902592

If you’re into sports

• Learn about the township through one of its best loved games – soccer. We set off to Langa, where you can play soccer with local youth. It’s a great way to meet some inspirational people who are eager to share their love of football. Your tour includes a historical tour walking through the township, followed by a chance to enjoy lekker braai. Read more about Soccer – Township Style. 20 Curleo | Brooklyn | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 510 2646

By Buhle Lindwa

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Plus: Check out our selection of special and unique private tours and day trips in Cape Town.

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