Langa Township and Robben Island Tour

Langa is one of ten areas that were established during the apartheid era designated for Black Africans. The name Langa means ‘sun’ in the Xhosa language, but the name of the township derived from a famous chief who was incarcerated on Robben Island for rebelling against the South African government.
During a township tour with your Langa born and bred guide, you’ll experience Langa and meet many people who actively work to make a difference throughout the community.
We combine this with a tour of Robben Island (Guaranteed Tickets) where political activist and lawyer Nelson Mandela was sentenced to 27 years imprisonment and served 18 years before the fall of apartheid and introduction of a full, multi-racial democracy. He was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and was elected in 1994 as President of South Africa, becoming the country’s first ever black president and served one term from 1994–1999.

What to expect:

Duration: 8 hours

District Six

District Six, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa

A diverse mix of people lived in District Six, a neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa. They were freed slaves, artisans, merchants, and labourers. In 1867, it became the Sixth Municipal District of Cape Town. The apartheid government took over the area and forced about 30,000 residents to leave their homes and move to segregated areas. They destroyed most of the buildings and turned the district into a wasteland of apartheid’s cruelty. The District Six Museum keeps the district’s memory and culture alive, and some of the people who were evicted have returned to their land or received some compensation. We spend some time here acquiring knowledge of our guide about the history and progress of this historical district.

1 hour

Langa

Langa, Cape Town, 7456, South Africa

The apartheid regime established Langa, a historic township in Cape Town, South Africa, to separate the black African people from the city. The township’s name means “sun” in Xhosa, and it also pays tribute to Langalibalele, a rebellious chief and rainmaker who fought the colonial government in 1873. Langa is among the oldest townships in South Africa and has seen many battles and movements against apartheid. On 21 March 1960, police shot and killed several anti-pass protesters in Langa, in a brutal massacre. Langa is now a lively and diverse community that keeps its culture and heritage alive through various institutions, such as the District Six Museum, the Guga Sthebe Arts and Culture Centre, and the Langa Heritage Museum. Langa also has a vibrant music scene, street art, and local cuisine. We spend a good amount of time getting to know Langa's residents and learning about her history and culture through our guide.

3 hours

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

19 Dock Road, Cape Town Central, 8001

The V&A Waterfront’s history and heritage go back to the 17th century, when it was a bustling port and trade centre. It got its name from Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, who came to Cape Town in 1860 and started building the breakwater that made the harbour. The V&A Waterfront still has many of its old buildings and landmarks, such as the Clock Tower, the Chavonnes Battery Museum, and the Robben Island Museum. We have a free hour to grab some lunch before meeting at the Robben Island Gateway.

1 hour

Robben Island Museum

Cape Town Central, 7400

A Robben Island tour is a great way to learn more about South Africa’s history and heritage. Robben Island is a World Heritage Site where political activists, including Nelson Mandela, were imprisoned during apartheid. You will go to the island by ferry from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, and then by bus to different historical sites on the island, such as the leprosy victims’ graveyard, the lime quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, and the high-security prison where you can see Mandela’s cell. A former political prisoner will guide you and tell you their personal stories and insights.

3 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

What's included:

• Fully Guided Tour

Not included:

• Robben Island, R600 to be paid to your guide. (Tour is weather dependent, tickets are guaranteed)
• Gratuity for your guide