Cape Town Nelson Mandela Township Tour
Discover Nelson Mandela's Legacy on a Robben Island and Langa Township Tour in Cape Town

WC
people
1 participant
hours
- • Explore Cape Town's Rich History on a Tour of Robben Island
- • Enjoy an 8-Hour Insightful Journey Through Apartheid History
- • Experience the Oldest Township in South Africa with Local Insights
Why We Love This Unique Experience
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Robben Island, where history comes alive in the footsteps of world statesman Nelson Mandela. This immersive experience combines a poignant visit to the Robben Island Nelson Mandela's Prison Museum with an enriching township tour, all complemented by convenient ferry tickets. Discover the powerful stories of resilience and hope from the people who lived through one of the most significant chapters in South Africa's history.
The day begins with a scenic ferry ride to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years. Here, guests will gain insight into the harsh realities faced by political prisoners through guided tours led by either former inmates or prison warders. After exploring the island's historical significance, the experience continues with a vibrant township visit. Take a walk through Langa, South Africa's oldest township, to interact with local communities, witness their entrepreneurial spirit, and enjoy traditional African cuisine. Each moment offers a deep connection to the nation's past and present, making it a truly unique adventure.
This Robben Island and township tour presents a meaningful gift for anyone seeking to understand South Africa's rich cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela. Perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful gesture, this experience will leave a lasting impression on friends and loved ones, reminding them of the importance of hope, strength, and unity in overcoming adversity.
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Experience Overview:
Robben Island Nelson Mandela's Prison Museum + Township Tour Incl Ferry TicketsOn this tour, you will learn finer details of the history of world statesman Nelson Mandela, His imprisonment and life at Robben Island for 18 years of his 27 years. You will also interact face to face with those still living under the inhumane effects of apartheid during the Langa leg of the tour. Despite attaining independence in 1994, many blacks are still living in shacks and delipidated houses.
Meeting Point
The Silo Hotel
Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
We pick up travelers at the "Drop & Go" area at the Silo Hotel.
What's included:
- Return transfer to Langa for the township experience
- Pick up from your hotel and drop off after the tour
- Bottled water
- African Lunch in an African restaurant
- Return ticket to Robben Island Museum from the V & A Waterfront Mall at the Gateway to Robben Island
Not included:
- Drinks
What to expect:
Duration: 8 hours
Robben Island Museum
Cape Town Central, 7400
Robben Island is an island in Table Bay – Cape Town. It was named by the Dutch- Robben Island and the British had called it Seal Island.
It was used as an animal quarantine station, as a leper colony and for isolation of mainly political prisoners. To date, three former inmates of Robben Island have gone on to become President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma.
Robben Island was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1999 and offers daily tours. Tour to this world Heritage site begins at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.
After pick-up from your hotel in Cape Town, you will be driven to the V&A Waterfront where you board the Robben Island Ferry to the world-famous place of incarceration of Nelson Mandela for 18 of his 27 years. This place dubbed “South Africa Alcatraz” served as a leper colony, a place of isolation, banishment, and imprisonment.
The Island is a state reminder of the harsh conditions endured as a reward for freedom from the Government of apartheid. After the historical, emotional, educative and informative tour which is conducted either by ex-prison warders or ex-prisoners of Robben Island, you board the ferry back to the Waterfront.
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Cape Town
In Cape Town, there are plenty of restaurants offering delicious traditional African dishes from various countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Congo, and Ethiopia. We will visit one of them and that will leave you finger-licking. You may also want to try the famed South African braai (barbecue) and Malay curry dishes that Cape Town restaurants are famous for.
1 hour, 30 minutes
Guga S'thebe
Washington St, Langa, Cape Town, 7455, South Africa
In South Africa, the term township or location refer to the often underdeveloped racially segregated urban areas that, from the 19th century till 1994 – the era when apartheid came to an end, where reserved for non-whites, that is, Africans, Coloureds and Indians
Townships were or are still referred to as locations or lokasies in Afrikaans and also called “Kasie” in slang, which is a short version of “lokasie”.
Townships have large informal settlements sprouting up in unexpected areas. Despite all this, townships in South Africa are known to be very vibrant, steeped in history with a strong sense of togetherness and a great sense of belonging, community, and cohesion.
It is also a place where great entrepreneurial spirit thrives, with art and culture among the most notable characteristics of the townships. Here is a place which doesn’t go to sleep especially during the pay days.
ITINERARY
Experience- The Oldest Township in South Africa.
>Take a walk in Langa Township.
> Learn a bit of Xhosa for greeting the locals as you tour Langa.
> If its a Sunday morning visit local church for an African Worship experience.
Visit Guga S'thebe Cultural Centre.
> Enjoy art, design and performance. You may even learn how to play the African drum
Apartheid Hostel Visit
> Hear the heart-rending stories of great-grandchildren of migrant workers that lived in the ‘bachelor flats’ whilst their wives and kids worked at farms many kilometers.
> Learn the history of apartheid
Art and Craft Market Visit
> Walk through the art and craft market where you have the opportunity to buy locally made art and craft. These include:
*bead-work,
*stone curving,
*wooden sculptures,
*wire art and craft and many more.
*traditional dresses
African Witch-doctor visit
This witchdoctor is available for consultation by all visitors at a minimal price. Since Africans are very superstitious, meeting the witchdoctor will make you understand township life from a spiritual viewpoint.
Langa Taxi Rank
See how the township transportation system works. At the taxi rank you will see many small businesses selling their wares and services including braai (barbecue). If fortunate, you might even catch some free public performances by local musicians and artists.
2 hours, 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Details & Important Info
Additional Experience Details & Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress comfortably/ wear comfortable walking shoes
Cancellations & Refunds
Reservation Changes, Cancellations & Refunds
Changes to reservations for tickets can be made until 3 days prior to the date scheduled. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.
Organized by
Raw Tours Cape Town
Product SKU: ZA-12826-0029
Google Business Profile: Raw Tours Cape Town
Cape Town Robben Island and Langa Tour
WC
people
1 participant
hours
- • Explore Cape Town's Rich History on a Tour of Robben Island
- • Enjoy an 8-Hour Insightful Journey Through Apartheid History
- • Experience the Oldest Township in South Africa with Local Insights
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