Exploring Cape Town’s history is most meaningful through its expertly guided tours. The must-see Robben Island tours, where former political prisoners share firsthand accounts, stand out as the most powerful way to understand South Africa’s path to democracy. We love the Long Walk to Freedom tour for its well-organized route through key historical landmarks, while the Township & Robben Island combination offers exceptional value and cultural authenticity.
Walking tours provide intimate glimpses of colonial architecture and hidden courtyards, and modern electric scooter tours add a fun twist to traditional sightseeing. The city’s textile heritage tours, though less known, reveal fascinating stories of Cape Town’s trading past.
Let’s look at our favorite historical tours that showcase Cape Town’s rich past.
Key Points
- Robben Island Tours provide personal insights into prison life and Nelson Mandela’s incarceration, led by former prisoners.
- Long Walk to Freedom Tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour exploration of significant historical locations in Cape Town.
- Full Day Township & Robben Island Heritage Tour combines a township visit and a ferry ride to Robben Island, providing a deep understanding of the city’s complex history.
- Cape Town Heritage Walking Tour immerses visitors in the vibrant history and culture of the Bo-Kaap, Company’s Garden, and Castle of Good Hope.
- Historical City & Table Mountain Tour offers a private, personalized adventure for history enthusiasts, with a perfect 5-star rating.
Robben Island and Long Walk to Freedom Historical Full Day Tour.
What better way to explore Cape Town’s rich history than the Robben Island and Long Walk to Freedom Historical Full Day Tour?
This highly-rated tour offers an immersive experience, with guides who are former prisoners providing personal insights. Travelers can expect to explore the prison cells, yard, kitchen, and bathrooms, learning about the realities faced by prisoners.
The tour also includes entry to the Long Walk to Freedom exhibition. With private transportation, bottled water, and lunch included, this comprehensive tour is a great value at $197.86 per person.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and suitable for most travelers.
Read our full review: Robben Island and Long Walk to Freedom Historical Full Day Tour. Review
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Historical Long Walk to Freedom Tour With Tickets& Transfer
For those seeking a deeper exploration of South Africa’s liberation struggle, the Historical Long Walk to Freedom Tour provides an immersive experience.
The 5-hour tour includes tickets, hotel pick-up/drop-off, private transportation, and a guided visit to the Long March to Freedom exhibit and the Castle of Good Hope. Priced at $110 per person, the tour offers excellent value, with a knowledgeable guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and complimentary lunch and refreshments.
Wheelchair-accessible and not suitable for those with heart problems, the tour is a must-do for history enthusiasts visiting Cape Town.
Customers can reserve their spot with no upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Historical Robben Island, Pre-Booked Tickets & Iconic Table Mountain Full Day.
This full-day tour combines visits to the historic Robben Island and the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town. Priced from $84.74 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, admission tickets, and a knowledgeable driver/guide.
Travelers can expect spectacular views from Table Mountain and insightful historical information at Robben Island, where they may even meet former political prisoners.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, some have expressed concerns about high costs and delays.
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Cape Town Heritage Walking Tour: A Journey Through Time
A captivating Cape Town Heritage Walking Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Priced from $60.54 per person, this 4-hour tour takes participants on a journey through iconic locations, including the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood and the historic Company’s Garden.
Along the way, guests can explore the Castle of Good Hope, Greenmarket Square, and other significant sites, while learning about Cape Town’s past from a knowledgeable guide.
With a maximum group size of 8, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience.
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and a reusable shopping bag are recommended to make the most of this immersive historical adventure.
Read our full review: Cape Town Heritage Walking Tour: A Journey Through Time Review
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Historical City & Table Mountain
Visitors seeking to enjoy Cape Town’s captivating history and iconic landmarks will find the Historical City & Table Mountain tour an unparalleled experience.
This private tour allows guests to explore the city’s rich past while marveling at the stunning natural beauty of Table Mountain. With a professional guide, travellers will discover the city’s historical gems, from significant landmarks to hidden gems.
The tour includes private transportation, entrance fees, and beverages and meals, ensuring a seamless and personalized adventure. With a perfect 5-star rating and free cancellation, this tour is a must-do for anyone looking to uncover the essence of Cape Town.
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Cape Town: Robben Island Guided History Sightseeing Day Tour
Offering a unique glimpse into South Africa’s tumultuous past, the Cape Town: Robben Island Guided History Sightseeing Day Tour provides an immersive experience for visitors seeking to uncover the island’s complex history.
Over six hours, guests can explore the former prison, learn from ex-political prisoners, and witness the resilience of those who fought for freedom.
The tour includes a scenic ferry ride, optional activities in Cape Town, and comprehensive inclusions like transportation, bottled water, and pre-booked Robben Island tickets.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues, this emotional journey promises an in-depth understanding of apartheid and South Africa’s struggle for justice.
Read our full review: Cape Town: Robben Island Guided History Sightseeing Day Tour Review
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Private Historical Robben Island Pre Book and Table Mountain
Combining the thrill of exploring Robben Island’s storied past with the breathtaking views of Table Mountain, this private historical tour delivers an immersive experience for those seeking to explore Cape Town’s captivating heritage.
Over 8 hours, you’ll enjoy a private tour with hotel pickup, roundtrip ferry tickets, and a guided visit to the former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
Explore lesser-known sites like the Lime Quarry and Leper Graveyard, and learn about the island’s complex history.
Top it off with an optional Table Mountain Aerial Cableway excursion, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of this iconic destination.
Read our full review: Private Historical Robben Island Pre Book and Table Mountain Review
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Robben Island and Long Walk To Freedom Historical Day Tour
This comprehensive historical tour allows visitors to explore the captivating and complex past of Cape Town, offering a well-rounded exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Priced at Kč 5,997 per person, the 5-hour tour includes a visit to the Long March to Freedom exhibition, a guided tour of the Robben Island Museum, and the opportunity to see African Penguins.
Accessible by private air-conditioned transportation, the tour also provides bottled water, Wi-Fi, and entry tickets.
Visitors can choose from various departure times and have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide, providing an immersive and informative experience.
Read our full review: Robben Island and Long Walk To Freedom Historical Day Tour Review
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Table Mountain, Historic City & Winelands Private Day Tour.
For visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to the rich history and natural wonders of Cape Town, the Table Mountain, Historic City & Winelands Private Day Tour is an excellent choice.
Priced from $133.74 per person, this 8-hour private tour provides access to iconic landmarks, including the cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, a stroll through the colorful Malay Quarter, and a visit to the oldest wine farm in the Southern Hemisphere.
With an English-speaking guide, wheelchair accessibility, and flexible booking options, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that highlights Cape Town’s diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and renowned wine industry.
Read our full review: Table Mountain, Historic City & Winelands Private Day Tour. Review
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Full Day Township & Robben Island Heritage Tour
The Full Day Township & Robben Island Heritage Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Cape Town’s history, from the vibrant townships to the infamous Robben Island.
This 8-hour guided tour starts with a visit to Khayelitsha, one of the largest townships in South Africa, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the local community.
Travelers then take a ferry to Robben Island, where they tour the former prison that housed Nelson Mandela for 18 years.
The guided prison tour offers a powerful and poignant experience, bringing to life the island’s complex history.
This comprehensive tour provides a rich understanding of Cape Town’s past and present, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Full Day Township & Robben Island Heritage Tour Review
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Salt River Art and History Tours
Offering a captivating alternative to the immersive yet sobering Robben Island experience, the Salt River Art and History Tours take visitors on a vibrant journey through this dynamic Cape Town neighborhood.
Lasting two hours, the English-language tour explores the area’s rich textile heritage and showcases over 100 pieces of public art.
Led by a live guide, the tour departs from the Old Biscuit Mill, and flexibility is ensured with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Priced from Kč 554 per person, the tour can be booked with no upfront payment, making it an accessible and engaging way to discover the cultural treasures of Salt River.
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Cape Town: E-Scooter History Experience With Coffee
Exploring Cape Town’s captivating history has never been more exhilarating than with the Cape Town: E-Scooter History Experience With Coffee.
This four-hour small-group tour takes you on an electric scooter journey through the city’s key landmarks, neighborhoods, and coffee culture. Priced from €75.93 per person, the experience includes visiting Parliament, District Six Museum, and the vibrant suburbs of Salt River, Woodstock, Bo-Kaap, and the CBD.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy a coffee tasting and a provided lunch, while learning about Cape Town’s role as one of South Africa’s capitals and the British-Dutch agreement post-Anglo-Boer War.
With a 5/5 rating, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to enjoy the city’s rich history and diversity.
Read our full review: Cape Town: E-Scooter History Experience With Coffee Review
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Half Day Township Cultural Tour
Enjoy the vibrant culture and resilient spirit of Cape Town’s townships on this half-day guided tour.
Over 3 hours, you’ll explore the iconic Langa township and learn about its history and challenges.
Visit a local school, meet artisans, and attend a gospel choir performance.
The small-group experience ensures personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.
Pickup is available, and the tour is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 618 reviewers.
At $46.78 per person, this is a deeply immersive and insightful way to discover the heart and soul of Cape Town’s diverse communities.
Read our full review: Half Day Township Cultural Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Cape Town offers a diverse range of historical tours, from the iconic Robben Island to immersive walking tours that showcase the city’s rich heritage. Whether you’re interested in the struggle for freedom or exploring the vibrant art and culture, there’s a tour that caters to your interests. With options for full-day experiences and shorter excursions, visitors can easily find the perfect historical adventure to complement their Cape Town itinerary.