Cape Town Tours with a Twist (Part 1)
We recently had John and Pam in our offices and they’ve developed some unique Cape Town day tours for us ranging from cooking workshops through to wine and chocolate tours and even Table Mountain walking tours. What’s particularly good is that a number of these Cape Town tours are ‘scheduled tours’. I appreciate that this may summon up images of coach tours but in practice it’s rarely more than six people in a minibus. What ‘scheduled’ really means is that we are committing to run these tours, on specific days, with only two people. Given that the vast majority of our clients are couples and families, this is more cost effective than having a private guide and vehicle. Over the next few posts, I shall outline some of these exciting new excursions…
I am particularly positive about the development of some interesting township experiences where you can meet the local people. People don’t want to have a goldfish bowl experience being bussed into a township for a ‘tour’ and bussed out again. We have offered an authentic African Heritage tour for a number of years but more and more people are opting to extend this to a full day tour where they can chat to the locals, have lunch at an African restaurant, (serving a mix of African and Western dishes), and an afternoon drink at a local shebeen (or tavern).
Another option which used to only be possible for groups is to visit the Township for dinner and jazz. We now offer this as a scheduled tour on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This is a great evening experiencing a completely different side of Cape Town life. You usually enjoy a short orientation of the townships before heading to a local township restaurant where you meet local people and experience local township cuisine. What’s clear is that the local people are as interested in finding out about you, and where you come from, as you are about them. Later on there is story telling and local jazz bands playing and after some drinks, everyone becomes more relaxed and it’s not uncommon to find yourself dancing the evening out.
On Sunday mornings we show you a complete different slice of life as we visit several different church services in the townships surrounding Cape Town. You’ll witness the important role these churches play in the local community’s lives and hear the beautiful gospel choirs. Please note that dress code is semi-formal/smart in keeping with local custom.
During the summer months of November to February we offer a Xhosa Heritage tour on Saturday afternoon which enlightens our visitors about the Xhosa culture and specifically its initiation rites. Even under the tremendous influence of urbanization, the Xhosa people of the townships of Cape Town hold their customs dearly. You’re introduced to Xhosa folklore by an English speaking Xhosa guide. You witness the performance of ‘Igongqo’ (ancestor rituals) and ‘Umcimbi’ and you’ll meet a traditional healer. There’s also plenty of opportunity to interact with the local people and learn more about their culture in a relaxed and informal way.
Alternatively you can join us every Saturday morning for a walk on Table Mountain as part of a group (or book your own private guide to walk with you on the mountain). You meet up with a group of hiking enthusiasts early in the morning to walk up the world famous Table Mountain. You will be led by a guide who has intimate knowledge of the mountain: its paths, its fynbos vegetation and its fauna. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the city of Cape Town and its surrounding suburbs. The specific route taken will vary depending on the fitness of the group but you should be of above average fitness, be a regular walker/runner and also be used to tackling mountain hiking. The paths are not difficult but it is a continuous upward climb for approx 3 to 4 hours depending on the route taken. You can walk down the mountain or take the cable car down instead. The cable car tickets, and transfers to the meeting point, are not included in the basic tour price.