Coffeebeans Routes

Political History Walking Tour

Our walking tour begins with explorations in the city’s water origins, and proceeds through indigenous, colonial and apartheid eras, before explorations in post-apartheid democracy through to present times. The District Six Museum and Slave Lodge feature.

Cape Town’s origins as a city are in fresh water. 

The indigenous name for the city is Camissa, which means the Place of Sweet Waters. Cape Town is the only fresh water source between Mossel Bay, about 4 hours up the East Coast, and Saldanha Bay, two hours up on the West Coast. 

Fresh water drew the indigenous Khoekhoe people here, and it is the reason that the Dutch established a colony much later. As Cape Town’s Day Zero drought fiasco in 2018 showed, this is still a city that is very much about water. 

Go deeper on our Revolution Route

Our walking tour begins with explorations in the city’s water origins, and proceeds through indigenous, colonial and apartheid eras, before explorations in post-apartheid democracy through to present times. The District Six Museum and Slave Lodge feature. 

Guests are introduced to key figures from these periods including Cissie Gool, Steve Biko, Imam Haron, Philip Kgosana, Kratoa, Massavana and of course Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela. Part of the tour focuses on Nelson Mandela’s first speech as a free man, at City Hall.

Combine this with our afternoon City Futures to create a full day city and township exploration

Highlights

  • Get insight into the indigenous history of the city
  • Meet key historic figures such as Massavana, Cissie Gool, Steve Biko, and Imam Haron
  • Visit the District Six Museum and the Slave Lodge

Inclusions

  • Any entrance fees
  • English speaking guide
  • Mineral water

Exclusions

  • Discretionary tips
  • Hotel collections and drop-offs

Best suited for

  • Travelers looking for insights into Cape Town’s social and political history
  • Lovers of history and walking
  • Those wanting a short but strong overview of the city’s origins and political history

 

Private tour only
Type of tour: Walking Tour
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (approx)
Mornings, 10h00 – 13h00

Pricing (per person) ZAR

QTY PP TOTAL
1 R5 660 R5 660
2 R3 100 R6 200
3 R2 415 R7 245
4 R2 015 R8 060
5 R1 810 R9 050
6 R1 670 R10 020
7 R1 575 R11 025
8 R1 500 R12 000
9 + R1 450 R13 050

To book, please send an email to info@coffeebeansroutes.com

In the Media

NEW YORK TIMES
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"...authenticity ...an adventure"
NEW YORK TIMES
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"A cultural treasure hunt"
NEW YORK TIMES
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"A Culinary Gateway to Cape Town"
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
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"A fascinating window on life"
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
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"A fascinating window on life"
SUNDAY TIMES UK
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"A new & novel way to get inside the city"
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
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"...an especially rich experience"