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.
2-hour Cape Town walk through Bo-Kaap, art-filled streets, Slave Lodge, District Six, and Mandela-linked stops. $37 with local guide.
“The guide was amazing and patient! she was very accommodating and I would not change anything about the tour!”
A 90-minute guided walk through historic Stellenbosch: oak-lined streets, Cape Dutch buildings, founder stories, fires, and $18 value.
“If you ever visit Stellenbosch (which you should !) I warmly recommend a guided tour with Johan NEPGEN (Visitors Bureau, Kerkstraat 47).”
Cycle Stellenbosch history and Jonkershoek Valley, visit 2 wine estates for cellar tours and wine-chocolate tastings. Small group, 4-5 hrs.
“Our guide Michel was very informative. It was a very hot day and he made sure we had regular stops in the shade on our way round Stellenbosch.”
Private 5-hour Soweto tour from Johannesburg/Pretoria: Apartheid Museum, Orlando Towers, Hector Pieterson and Mandela House, pickup included.
“Great day for the whole family. Truly discovering a unique place.”
Private 3-hour Cape Town bike tour with Sea Point, Bo-Kaap, Company Gardens and V&A Waterfront, including snacks and coffee.
“It was a great tour. We cycled all over the place, seeing loads of beautiful and interesting things. Our guide Abi was great - so informative and friendly. Answering tonnes of our questions and telling us so much history of Cape Town. Great way to get your bearings in the area when you first arrive!”
Full-day Johannesburg and Soweto tour tracing apartheid from gold mines to Constitution Hill, Mandela’s home, and the Apartheid Museum.
“We had a great private walking tour in Johannesburg and Soweto with those guys. They did a great job and arranged the tour very spontaneously according to our needs and wishes. We had a local experience for a very fair price. Afterwards thRead more”
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”
UNESCO Cradle of Humankind tour with hotel pickup, snacks, and a guided visit to Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng fossil exhibits.
“Our guide, Zodwa and driver, Albert were both very knowledgeable on the discovery and development of the Cradle of Humankind and provided excellent commentary during our tour. The thoughtfulness of the tour operator substituting the Wonder Cave as the Sterkfontein Caves were closed due to flooding was appreciated.”
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”
Guided full- or half-day Soweto history tour with hotel pickup. Visit Kliptown, Mandela sites, Hector Pieterson Square, and lunch.
“Our guide Yves told us a lot about the country's history and present day, giving us a comprehensive overview of Johannesburg and Soweto. A great day!”
