This is a full day tour which delves deep into South Africa's political past and opens up doors to communities not always encountered in the city itself. You will start off at the colourful Bo- Kaap, home to the Malay community and one of the oldest residential areas in the city, before crossing over to District Six, once a vibrant Coloured neighbourhood, before forced removals under the Group Areas Act of Apartheid turned it into a desolate wasteland. The museum makes for interesting viewing. Then visit one of the townships - created specifically for black residents under Apartheid. Join local community workers on a walk about through the township, meeting many friendly faces en route and also seeing the changes being brought about here with the advent of the New South Africa. Stop at one of the many successful projects operated by uThando, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the upliftment of communities.
Return to the city and board a ferry to Robben Island. Here you will be joined by a local guide - someone who spent time on the island during the Apartheid years - thus able to give a personal and often moving account of time spent there. You will also learn something about the island's most famous prisoner - Nelson Mandela - and see his cell where he spent nearly 27 years of his life.
Return to the Waterfront where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Note: Half Day Walk to Freedom is as above but does not include Robben Island in the afternoon.
Please note that the actual touring on Robben Island is not private but is part of a group.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
