Cape Town Urban Adventures - Township Experience

Discover for yourself the many stories and people who make up the Gugulethu township on Cape Town’s city fringe. Learn about the country’s apartheid history with a walking tour before escaping downtown for this colourful township. It is here that the Xhosa people live, and their music, song and shebeen bars are sure to show you a different side of this vibrant city. Enjoy a day in these lively surrounds, feast on a traditional South African brae barbecue and soak up the sites of this very distinct part of the city.

Itinerary

Set off on an adventure into the heart of the real Cape Town. Get acquainted with the sights, sounds and smells of the city with a walk around the iconic Grand Parade, the city’s main public square. Learn about Apartheid’s segregation policies, discover iconic District Six and grab the chance to a take a picture of City Hall. It was here, on the famous balcony, that Nelson Mandela made his freedom speech in 1990.

Bid farewell to the bustle of the inner city and climb aboard a commuter taxi, complete with typical local music and fellow South African passengers, for a drive to Gugulethu. Pay a visit to the Gugulethu Seven Memorial, which remembers the dark days of apartheid, then stroll down Main Road to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, complete with street vendors, Spaza shops and hairdressers doing business from decorated steel containers. Get to know the Xhosa people, who live in squatter camps and have come from rural South Africa to make a new life in Cape Town.

Experience firsthand the African concept of ‘ubuntu’ – a shared or communal way of life – which is intrinsic to these communities. Call by a pre-school to meet the township’s children and listen to their contagious rhythm and song. Enjoy a drink at a local shebeen, where there’s plenty of time to listen to Kwaito music or play a round or two of pool. For the brave, there’s even the chance to try freshly brewed umqombothi, a traditional Xhosa beer that is made from maize and has a thick and slightly gritty consistency. Feast on a traditional South African ‘braai’ (barbecue) at one of city’s favourite hotspots – Mzoli’s – before bidding farewell to Gugulethu. Call by the scenic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront before heading back into the bustle of downtown Cape Town.

Inclusion

All Taxi Transportation to Gugulethu and back, Local Taxi in Gugulethu from Mzoli’s to the Taxi Rank, Barbeque Lunch at Mzoli’s and one soft drink included.

Exclusion

Transportation to and from Hotels to meeting and greeting points, items of a personal nature, tips & gratuities for your guide.

Voucher Exchange details

Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.

Confirmation of booking

Please contact the local supplier to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.

Your trip

This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12

Dress Standard

Please wear comfortable shoes and dress as you see appropriate to the weather. June – August it may be cold and it can rain so be sure to check the weather forecast and come prepared.

Tipping

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this trip.

Child policy

Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children under 6 years of age are not permitted on this tour.

Language

English
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