Cape Town Shaping A Nation Walking Tour
If you have an interest in history, economics, and the shaping of a nation, this Cape Town Walking Tour unravels the complex dynamics that have influenced South Africa.
Our skilled guides appraise the roles played by people, institutions and politics and share insights into the events and policies that shaped South Africa. They will highlight fateful events and legislations, how the arrival of Europeans changed a uniquely African way of life, and the injustice of colonization, slavery, racial segregation and apartheid. History provides many lessons to be learned.
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Cape Town Shaping A Nation Walking Tour
What's included in Cape Town Shaping A Nation Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Company's GardensPass-by Only
Our certified tour guide will accompany you on a journey through the remaining section of South Africa's oldest garden. Originally established by Dutch settlers upon their arrival at the Cape in 1652, this garden was designed to cultivate fresh vegetables for their ships en route to destinations in Southeast Asia. Presently, the Company Gardens stand as a serene and picturesque haven, cherished by local residents who frequent its lush surroundings.
Iziko Slave Lodge
At this location, you will see exhibits that delve into the profound history of slavery and the harrowing experiences endured by enslaved people in South Africa. When the VOC (the Dutch East Indian Company) arrived to establish their presence at the Cape in 1652, they quickly realized that enslaving the indigenous Khoisan population to fulfill their labor needs was impractical. As a result, they made the decision to import cargoes of slaves from the Gulf of Guinea (today the area from Angola to Benin and Guinea in West Africa), who were initially housed at the Slave Lodge. Over a span of more than 200 years, additional human cargo arrived from Ceylon, Batavia, and various other locations in the Southeast Asian region, satiating the insatiable appetite for the slave trade prevalent during that era.
Great Church
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to see the magnificent Great Church (Groote Kerk), constructed in 1665 to serve the needs of the members of the Dutch East Indian Company who began arriving in 1652. The church's significance later extended beyond religious worship, as it also played a crucial role in the baptism of former slaves who were required to convert to Christianity before attaining the status of citizenship once slavery was abolished in 1834.
Inclusions
- All Fees and Taxes
- Free WiFi
- A local Tour Guide
- Entry Tickets
- Discretionary Gratuities
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Go to the open square on the corner of Spin & Parliament Street. Our tour guide will be waiting at the feet of Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr (Onze Jan).
