Cultural tour in South Africa

Day 1: arrival

You are met at Cape Town International Airport or collected from a nearby address. Early arrivals can head for the beach and the views of Table Mountain. In the evening, a home-cooked South African dinner at the hostel, then a free evening in the local bars.

Day 2: the townships and Robben Island

After breakfast, a local guide takes you through the history and daily life of the townships: District Six (museum optional), Langa (family hostel, shebeen, traditional healer), Bonteheuwel, Gugulethu (the Gugulethu Seven and Amy Biehl memorials) and Khayelitsha (Philani Centre, pre-school). Then the ferry from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island, a World Heritage Site where Nelson Mandela was held.

Day 3: the Winelands or the Cape Peninsula

Two options. A day in the Cape Winelands with a local guide, in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl, returning in the late afternoon. Or the Cape Peninsula, with its wildlife, plants and sweeping views, and a stop to see the African penguins at Boulders Beach.

Day 4: the historic centre and Bo-Kaap cooking

In the morning, a walking tour of the historic sites (Castle of Good Hope, Grand Parade, the Parliament buildings, the District Six Museum, Greenmarket Square) or the Hop On Hop Off bus. In the afternoon, a guided walk through the Bo-Kaap, a stop at a spice shop and a halal butcher, then a hands-on Cape Malay cooking class in a local family’s home.

Day 5: departure

Breakfast, a last look at Table Mountain, and on to your next adventure.