Full Day Township and 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. During a township tour with your Langa born and bred guide, you’ll experience Langa and meet many people who actively work to make a difference throughout the community. We combine this with a tour of Robben Island (Guaranteed Tickets) 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.
Options
Full Day Township and Robben Island Heritage Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Full Day Township and Robben Island Heritage Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
A diverse mix of people lived in District Six, a neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa. They were freed slaves, artisans, merchants, and labourers. In 1867, it became the Sixth Municipal District of Cape Town. The apartheid government took over the area and forced about 30,000 residents to leave their homes and move to segregated areas. They destroyed most of the buildings and turned the district into a wasteland of apartheid’s cruelty. The District Six Museum keeps the district’s memory and culture alive, and some of the people who were evicted have returned to their land or received some compensation. We spend some time here acquiring knowledge of our guide about the history and progress of this historical district.
The apartheid regime established Langa, a historic township in Cape Town, South Africa, to separate the black African people from the city. The township’s name means “sun” in Xhosa, and it also pays tribute to Langalibalele, a rebellious chief and rainmaker who fought the colonial government in 1873. Langa is among the oldest townships in South Africa and has seen many battles and movements against apartheid. On 21 March 1960, police shot and killed several anti-pass protesters in Langa, in a brutal massacre. Langa is now a lively and diverse community that keeps its culture and heritage alive through various institutions, such as the District Six Museum, the Guga Sthebe Arts and Culture Centre, and the Langa Heritage Museum. Langa also has a vibrant music scene, street art, and local cuisine. We spend a good amount of time getting to know Langa's residents and learning about her history and culture through our guide.
V&a Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront’s history and heritage go back to the 17th century, when it was a bustling port and trade centre. It got its name from Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, who came to Cape Town in 1860 and started building the breakwater that made the harbour. The V&A Waterfront still has many of its old buildings and landmarks, such as the Clock Tower, the Chavonnes Battery Museum, and the Robben Island Museum. We have a free hour to grab some lunch before meeting at the Robben Island Gateway.
Inclusions
- Fully Guided Tour
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch
- Gratuity for your guide
- Robben Island is charged separately and available to be paid in cash to your tour guide.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 30 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
The Robben Island portion of the tour is weather permitting, but ticket is guaranteed. Please be ready 15 minutes before departure. Be on the lookout for a Just Safaris branded vehicle. The front desk will be notified upon our arrival.
