Historical Tours

SOUTH AFRICA

10 Best Historical Tours In South Africa

South Africa's standouts.

A shortlist of the 10 historical tours most worth booking in South Africa, with what each one is like on the day, who runs it, and what it costs.

10 Best Historical Tours In South Africa

Cape Town: Art, Culture & History Walking Tour

Cape Town: Art, Culture & History Walking Tour - Bo-Kaap: houses, heritage, and the meaning behind the colors

1.Cape Town: Art, Culture & History Walking Tour

Most Popular★ 4.9

2-hour Cape Town walk through Bo-Kaap, art-filled streets, Slave Lodge, District Six, and Mandela-linked stops. $37 with local guide.

“We joined today a guided tour of Bo-Kaap and the surrounding city, and it was truly a wonderful experience. Our guide, Mandi, was incredibly sweet, kind, and welcoming. She showed us the beautiful, colorful neighbourhood and many other interesting sights in the city, all while sharing fascinating stories and insights. Thanks to her warmth and…”

392 reviews2 hoursFrom $37by One Day Africa

Check Availability →Read the review →

Stellenbosch: Guided Historical Walking Tour

Stellenbosch: Guided Historical Walking Tour - Simon van der Stel’s camp on the Eerste River

Stellenbosch: Historical Bike Tour & Wine Tasting

Stellenbosch: Historical Bike Tour & Wine Tasting - Jonkershoek Valley cycling: UNESCO setting, real hills, real fun

3.Stellenbosch: Historical Bike Tour & Wine Tasting

★ 4.9

Cycle Stellenbosch history and Jonkershoek Valley, visit 2 wine estates for cellar tours and wine-chocolate tastings. Small group, 4-5 hrs.

“This guided bike tour around Stellenbosch was an absolute highlight of our holiday. Our guide, Lance, was fantastic — really funny, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. Along the way he explained a lot about the history of Stellenbosch, as well as how the local wineries operate and how wine is made and bottled, which made the…”

248 reviews4.5 hoursFrom $92by Adventureshop Stellenbosch

Check Availability →Read the review →

Soweto Township Cultural Tour incl Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela House

Soweto Township Cultural Tour incl Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela House - Stop One: Apartheid Museum, Emotion First (and a Real Schedule Check)

4.Soweto Township Cultural Tour incl Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela House

★ 5.0

Private 5-hour Soweto tour from Johannesburg/Pretoria: Apartheid Museum, Orlando Towers, Hector Pieterson and Mandela House, pickup included.

“I was a little worried that this would just be a taxi guide, but this wasn’t the case at all. I was so impressed with our guide Nkululeko (& his articulate English) and the way he shared the history made this experience incredible. This is a must do tour to take in the essence of…”

30 reviewsFrom $230.87by Sandton Taxi Cabs (Pty) Ltd

Check Availability →Read the review →

Cape Town Guided City Cycling Heritage Tour – Private Tour

Cape Town Guided City Cycling Heritage Tour - Private Tour - Green Point Park, the Stadium area, and a scenic pause that doesn’t drag

Apartheid History of South Africa (Full day Experience with lunch

Apartheid History of South Africa (Full day Experience with lunch - Maboneng and Marshalltown: Street Art, Design Museums, and Lunch

6.Apartheid History of South Africa (Full day Experience with lunch

★ 4.5

Full-day Johannesburg and Soweto tour tracing apartheid from gold mines to Constitution Hill, Mandela’s home, and the Apartheid Museum.

“This is the best experience I have had with a travel agency that was personalized to see Johannesburg and its surrounding attraction. This tour was personalized: Johannesburg, Soweto, Apartheid Museum, Hector Pietson Museum, Read more”

24 reviewsFrom $106.78by Honest Travel Experience

Check Availability →Read the review →

Robben Island Tour; Pickup, Drop-off; Guided Tour Historic Prison

Robben Island Tour; Pickup, Drop-off; Guided Tour Historic Prison - The ferry crossing: short ride, real sea air

7.Robben Island Tour; Pickup, Drop-off; Guided Tour Historic Prison

★ 4.5

Robben Island tour from Cape Town with ferry and a guided prison visit led by an ex-political prisoner, plus V&A Waterfront pickup.

“The company running this tour did not provide anything as promised, ( other than ferry /mueseum ticket) no water, no wifi, tour was over 180 passengers on boat , and 57 on bus, not max of 30 ! There was no wheelchair assistance or ramps as advertised. You can do this on Read more”

23 reviewsFrom $63.49by Cape Oasis Travel and Tour

Check Availability →Read the review →

Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site - Maropeng Visitor Centre: the place that makes the science click

8.Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

★ 5.0

UNESCO Cradle of Humankind tour with hotel pickup, snacks, and a guided visit to Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng fossil exhibits.

“As always Viator & affiliates did an excellent job. We had to make a last minute change and staff was very responsive. Hope you use you again soon.”

15 reviewsFrom $86.29by Stephenson Adventures

Check Availability →Read the review →

Robben Island and Long Walk To Freedom Historical Full day Tour.

Robben Island and Long Walk To Freedom Historical Full day Tour. - Long March to Freedom: a bronze timeline you can walk

9.Robben Island and Long Walk To Freedom Historical Full day Tour.

★ 5.0

Cape Town full-day tour to Robben Island and Long March to Freedom with hotel pickup, included admission, and Wi-Fi on board.

“Mind blowing experience! While the stories and reality will hit you hard, it is a very memorable experience. The tour itself is given by former Prisoners of the prison. You will learn a lot but it can hit you heavy. The experience itself is pretty crazy. YoRead more”

14 reviewsFrom $202.01by Safari Private Tours.

Check Availability →Read the review →

Johannesburg: Soweto History Tour with Hotel Pickup

Johannesburg: Soweto History Tour with Hotel Pickup - Johannesburg orientation moments you don’t want to miss

Most recent

Explore South Africa

Cape Town

Safari

Winelands

The Coast

Johannesburg