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Western CapeCulture & history

Our most recommended Western Cape Culture & history

Stellenbosch: Guided Historical Walking Tour

1. Stellenbosch: Guided Historical Walking Tour

Explore the “village of the oaks" with its shady oak avenues bordered by the water furrows of the Mill Stream. Admire the charm and harmony of the Cape Dutch Architecture and listen to tales about the colorful inhabitants across the four centuries of the town’s existence. Discover where Simon van der Stel, the town’s colonial founder, set up camp on the Eerste River, and where the river got its name. Perhaps you'll meet an angel at the "Angel Factory," or a ghost in the graveyard of the ”Moederkerk.” Amble The Braak, or village green, with its historical buildings surrounding it on 3 sides, and Dorp Street, the oldest residential street in South Africa. Learn about the famous graduates of Stellenbosch University, who include prime ministers and sportsmen alike. Over the course of the 1.5-hour tour, gain local insights into one of South Africa’s most historic towns.

Stellenbosch: Historical Bike Tour & Wine Tasting

2. Stellenbosch: Historical Bike Tour & Wine Tasting

Start your tour at 9 AM at the tour operator's shop to collect a bicycle or E-Bike and helmet to suit your size. The guide will carry saddle panniers for those who would like to buy wine en route. Set off on your ride around interesting historic sites in Stellenbosch Town. Then, cycle further along the scenic Jonkershoek Valley where the mountains form part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Follow a winding road through oak and poplar forests which leads to a wine estate nestled in the valley bottom. Here you can take in the stunning views while enjoying a wine tasting of some award-winning wines. On the way out of the valley, stop at another wine estate which sports beautiful grounds and historic Cape Dutch architecture. Participate in a private cellar tour before you sit down for a chocolate and wine pairing that will make your taste buds tingle. After the tasting, head back into Stellenbosch Town via the famous Stellenbosch University before ending the tour back at the tour operator's offices. There are some variations on this guided bike tour for varying levels of difficulty so the tour can be tailored to suit your cycling ability. The tour lasts between 4-5 hours.

Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Townships Tour

3. Cape Town: Robben Island Ferry Ticket and Townships Tour

Discover some of Cape Town's most famous townships on a guided tour in an air-conditioned minivan. Visit District Six, take a walking tour in Langa, and learn about Bonteheuwel as you drive through it. After, explore Robben Island on your own with an included ferry ticket. Explore District Six, where 60,000 inhabitants were forcibly removed during the 1970s by the apartheid regime. Drive to Langa and learn the history of the oldest township at sites like the Old Pass Office and the monument to Robert Sobukwe. Learn about life during apartheid on a walking tour of the hostels and shacks. Visit a shebeen (pub), try some homemade beer, and see a traditional healer in action Then, drive through the Bonteheuwel township, reserved for the "colored" community during the days of apartheid. Hear about the division of people and its impact on the communities today. See the Gugulethu 7 Memorial to the members of an anti-apartheid group killed by the South African Police in 1986, and the memorial to the American student Amy Biehl, murdered by PAC supporters in 1993. Afterward, get dropped off at the V&A Waterfront to take your ferry to Robben Island.

Cape Town: Robben Island Discovery Tour with Hotel Pickup

4. Cape Town: Robben Island Discovery Tour with Hotel Pickup

Join a guided tour in Cape Town and explore the small island off the coast that was once used as a prison for political prisoners and convicted criminals. Learn about the island's past as you explore with a knowledgeable guide. Begin your tour with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Cape Town. Then, head to the V&A Waterfront to board the ferry to the island. Join your knowledgeable guide as you set out to discover the haunting corridors of the maximum-security prison. Delve deeper into the history of Robben Island and step into the very cells that once housed iconic figures like Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Ahmed Kathrada. Hear stories of resilience, courage, and the unyielding spirit of its prisoners come to life. Listen closely to the anecdotes shared by former inmates and guides, gaining a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom. Next, discover the island's natural beauty as you explore its rugged coastline, indigenous flora, and diverse birdlife. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh ocean breeze and soak in the scenic surroundings, enjoying the contrast to the weight of the island's history. Your tour culminates with a visit to the limestone quarry, where Mandela and his fellow inmates toiled under the scorching sun. Learn about the immense physical hardship endured by these courageous men in their fight for equality. As you leave the island, carry with you the stories of the heroes who emerged from its dark cells to change the course of history.

Cape Town: Robben Island & Table Mountain w/Hotel Transfer

5. Cape Town: Robben Island & Table Mountain w/Hotel Transfer

We will start this amazing experience with a pick up from your hotel at approximately 08H00 en route to the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island for a 3 to 4-hour experience to see where Nelson Mandela and so many other civilians, politicians were incarcerated during the Apartheid regime. Skip the line of buying the tickets as this tour will have your pre-booked ticket ahead of time. Please take note that Robben Island Museum reserved the right to cancel any given tour at their own discretion. In the case of cancellation, you will be entitled to a full refund or an option to reschedule. Your guide-driver will not escort you to the Island as they have their own guides. You will be on the boat with other people. You will be given a full tour by an ex-prisoner. Soon after returning from your Robben Island Tour experience, we will allow you to grab a sandwich or light lunch at own account at a nearby restaurant. Our next stop before we arrive at Table Mountain, we will allow you a 15 minutes stop for a photo opportunity in the Bo-Kaap ( The Colourful houses). From here, we will drive to the Cable Car station, where you will be given your return ticket by your guide. The guide will escort you for maximum experience. From here, we will drop you off at your accommodation in Cape Town.

Cape Town: Half-Day Guided Township Tour

6. Cape Town: Half-Day Guided Township Tour

Traveling is only as deep as the people you interact with, and on this half-day tour, you will get to discover Cape Town in an up-close and personal way through the eyes of the locals. During your time together, you will have a chance to dig deeper into the multicultural side of Cape Town, and hear their personal stories of forceful removals from District Six to the rich cultural landscape of township life. The day either begins at 08.00 or at 13.00, returning approximately four-and-a-half hours later. You will begin in District Six with the Museum (closed Sundays). Here you can educate yourself on the forceful removal of over 60,000 inhabitants in the 1970s by the apartheid regime. This once lively community of former slaves, artisans and merchants was once home to almost 1/10 of the city of Cape Town's population before the brutality that came. After your education, you will move to Langa, the oldest formal township in South Africa. This suburb was established in 1927, and was established specifically for Black Africans before the apartheid era. There is a history of violent uprisings here, and your visit will be benefited with the local's stories and perspectives. From here we move onto Shebeen (township pub) with the option to taste some traditional beer! How can you turn down a beer with the locals? Finally we move to Khayelitsha - the largest and fastest growing township in South Africa today. Its local name is Xhosa, which means New Home. Here you will get to meet with some of the township entrepreneurs who are breathing new life in to these historic towns. If you're fortunate enough to be with us on a Sunday, we'll even have the chance to visit a charismatic church service in the townships! It's truly an experience not to be missed!

Cape Town: Robben Island & Diamond Museum w\Hotel Transfer

7. Cape Town: Robben Island & Diamond Museum w\Hotel Transfer

Explore Robben Island, South Africa"s former maximum security prison which held Nelson Mandela and numerous other political prisoners. Experience the Diamond Museum located in the heart of the city. You will be picked up from your hotel at the start and dropped off at the end of the tour. Take a ferry ride to the famous Robben Island Museum. Here you will be taken on a guided tour by one of the ex-prisoners who will give you first hand information about this facility. You will learn about South Africa"s history and how it was linked to the prison and its inmates. After this enlightening experience, you will take the ferry back to the mainland where you will visit a Diamond Museum located in the heart of the city center. Marvel at the beautiful gems that South Africa has to offer and purchase a keep-sake or two!!

Full Day Township & Robben Island Heritage Tour

8. Full Day Township & Robben Island Heritage 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. We combine this with a tour of Robben Island 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.

Cape Town: Private Guided Tour of Cape Town Diamond Museum

9. Cape Town: Private Guided Tour of Cape Town Diamond Museum

Take a private guided tour of the Cape Town Diamond Museum, located at the V&A Waterfront. Tour the museum for 45 minutes with your guide, who will give fascinating commentary and answer any questions that come to mind. Start with some welcome drinks on arrival, either soft drinks or some South African wine, that are also available throughout the tour.  Discover about South Africa’s 3-billion year diamond history; how Shimansky hand selects and ethically sources their diamonds; and how they are cut and polished to their aesthetically pleasing final state. See over 3000 pieces in the diamond cutting factory and jewelry workshop. Best of all, have the opportunity to buy and design your own diamond with your own personal designer on-site and GIA certificate.

Museum of Contemporary African Art: Fast-Track Zeitz MOCAA

10. Museum of Contemporary African Art: Fast-Track Zeitz MOCAA

Visit the world's largest museum for contemporary African art in the heart of the V&A Waterfront with skip-the-line access. This museum includes 6,500 square meters (about 69,965 square feet) of exhibition space in 100 galleries, a rooftop sculpture garden, state-of-the-art storage and conservation areas, a bookshop, a restaurant, a bar and various reading rooms. Explore the galleries and atrium space at the center of Zeitz MOCAA. Learn how they were carved from the silo's dense cellular structure of 42 tubes that pack the building. Discover why this museum is an important cultural landmark and how it contributes to a stronger appreciation of Africa's cultural heritage.

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What people are saying about Western Cape

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,747 reviews

Learned a ton, must do if you want to go beyond drinking champagne at the Waterfront and really learn about local history and a side of South Africa you may not know. We felt very safe throughout. Note that robben island itself has tour guides on the island so you just take the ferry and get a guided tour once you arrive there.

The exhibits were masterful and the facility is amazing. There were many mediums represented and pieces from SA and around the world. It was just enough. Something exciting around every corner but not so long that you felt drained and overwhelmed.

The staff is so kind , humble and welcoming. The (Miss) tour guider ......wooow she knows the story. Having sound human relations with the tourists. Excellent tour yo the uphill constitution street

Our informative guide explained Township life very well. It was interesting, thought provoking and fascinating all at the same time.

Great guide and driver! I highly recommend this tour.