Activity Description

Township Tours in Cape Town are a must for anyone wanting to discover the other side of life in Cape Town. These tours take you from the legendary District Six area, to some of Cape Town’s thriving townships such as Langa and Kayalitsha. You will also have the chance to enjoy local delicacies as well as traditional dancing, healers, local schools, charismatic churches, shabeens and many other fascinating things to see and do. The people you meet on your township tour will leave you with a new understanding of the South African ‘ubuntu’, as they share a bit of insight into daily life in the townships of Cape Town. Some interesting history and facts about townships in the Cape include the following:

• The former residential area of District Six is one of the most famous Apartheid areas – once a thriving neighbourhood, the area was abandoned when the Apartheid government conducted forced removals of up to 60, 000 people in the 1970s. The District Six Museum offers a colourful history into the area as it once was, as well as the Apartheid years and the area’s downfall, and is a popular highlight of townships tours in Cape Town.

• Khayelitsha is the fastest growing township in the Cape, and is located on the Cape Flats along the N2 highway. The name is Xhosa for ‘New Home’, which was derived during its formation in the Apartheid years. Established in 1985, many residents from District Six and other areas were forcibly removed by the government and relocated to this township. Today, Khayelitsha has around has an estimated population of 406,779 residents.

• Langa is another of Cape Town’s thriving townships, and was also formed in the Apartheid days after thousands of residents from other areas were forcibly relocated. The area was named after Langalibalele – a chief and renowned rainmaker who was imprisoned on Robben Island in 1873 for rebelling against the Natal government. One of the highlights on this township tour is a visit to one of the area’s famous charismatic churches – something that is sure to leave you enthralled!

Despite the tragic and often troubled history of Cape Town’s townships and informal settlements, the areas still retain a strong sense of culture, with a vibrant community atmosphere and plenty of food, entertainment and enterprise. Many community arts projects can be found along the townships, with crafts such as beading, weaving, wire goods and fabric making all to be found. The ever-present local shabeens offer another side to life – with South African beer, braais and a strong sense of community to be enjoyed. Township tours are sure to leave you with a better understanding of Cape Town’s history and cultures, making these not to be missed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• *District Six, District Six Museum (closed on Sundays)

• *Langa (oldest formal township)

• *Community school

• *Walking tour

• *Shebeen (option to taste traditional beer)

• *Khayelitsha (largest township)

• *Meet township entrepreneurs

• *Charismatic church service (Sunday)

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