• Robben Island Museum - Located in Table Bay, Cape Town, Robben Island has a rich history. Originally named by the Dutch as Robben Island and later called Seal Island by the British, it has served various purposes including an animal quarantine station, a leper colony, and a place for isolating political prisoners. Notably, three former inmates, Nelson Mandela, Kgalema Motlanthe, and Jacob Zuma, have become Presidents of South Africa. In 1999, Robben Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and now offers daily tours. These tours start at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.

After being picked up from a hotel in Cape Town, visitors are taken to the V&A Waterfront to board the Robben Island Ferry. This ferry takes them to the renowned site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years. Often referred to as “South Africa’s Alcatraz,” the island was a leper colony and a place of isolation and imprisonment. It stands as a poignant reminder of the struggles endured for freedom from apartheid. The tour, led by former prison warders or ex-prisoners, is both educational and emotional. After the tour, visitors return to the Waterfront by ferry.

• Cape Town - Cape Town boasts a variety of restaurants serving delectable traditional African dishes from countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Congo, and Ethiopia. A visit to one of these restaurants promises a delightful culinary experience. Additionally, the city is renowned for its South African braai (barbecue) and Malay curry dishes.

• Guga S’thebe - In South Africa, the term township or location refers to the often underdeveloped, racially segregated urban areas that were reserved for non-whites, including Africans, Coloureds, and Indians, from the 19th century until the end of apartheid in 1994. These areas are also known as locations or lokasies in Afrikaans and “Kasie” in slang, a shortened form of “lokasie.”

Townships are characterized by large informal settlements that emerge in unexpected places. Despite these challenges, South African townships are vibrant, rich in history, and foster a strong sense of community and belonging. They are also hubs of entrepreneurial spirit, with art and culture being prominent features. Townships are lively, especially during paydays.

ITINERARY
Experience the Oldest Township in South Africa.

Take a walk in Langa Township.
Learn some Xhosa greetings to interact with locals during the Langa tour.
If visiting on a Sunday morning, attend a local church for an African worship experience.

Visit Guga S’thebe Cultural Centre.

Enjoy art, design, and performances. You might even learn to play the African drum.

Apartheid Hostel Visit

Listen to the poignant stories of the descendants of migrant workers who lived in ‘bachelor flats’ while their families worked on distant farms.
Discover the history of apartheid.

Art and Craft Market Visit

Explore the art and craft market, where you can purchase locally made items such as:

• beadwork,
• stone carvings,
• wooden sculptures,
• wire art and crafts, and more.
• traditional dresses

African Witch-doctor Visit
A witchdoctor is available for consultations at a minimal fee. Understanding township life from a spiritual perspective is enhanced by meeting the witchdoctor, as superstition is prevalent in African culture.

Langa Taxi Rank
Observe the township’s transportation system. The taxi rank is bustling with small businesses offering goods and services, including braai (barbecue). Visitors might also enjoy free public performances by local musicians and artists.

• Pick up and drop off at your hotel
• Visit to Langa township
• Robben Island Museum return ticket
• Bottled water provided
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• African lunch at a local restaurant

• Drinks
• Gratuities

This tour offers an in-depth exploration of the history of renowned world statesman Nelson Mandela, focusing on his imprisonment and life on Robben Island for 18 of his 27 years in captivity. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage directly with individuals who continue to experience the harsh realities of apartheid during the Langa segment of the tour. Although independence was achieved in 1994, many black individuals still reside in shanties and deteriorating homes.

• Dress comfortably/ wear comfortable walking shoes

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.