South Africa · HISTORICAL TOURS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 11 historical tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
A 2-hour walk from Bo-Kaap to District Six, mixing art, culture, and Cape Town history with a local guide, plus coffee.
“I’m so happy with the tour I did today! Olwethu was so knowledgeable and showed us many important places in Cape Town. I recommend this tour to everyone! Definitely a highlight on my trip here. Recommend it 100%!”
A 90-minute Stellenbosch historical walking tour with a local guide, oak-lined Mill Stream, Cape Dutch streets, and Simon van der Stel stories.
“Johan was an amazing guide. Full of interesting anecdotes and an easy style of guiding. Very happy with questions or just general chatting. A must do if you visit Stellenbosch.”
Small-group bike tour in Stellenbosch and Jonkershoek Valley, with Cape Dutch sites, two wine tastings, and wine-chocolate pairing.
“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 Soweto Cultural Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria with Apartheid Museum, Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Orlando Towers.
“Nelson Mandela House, Constitution Hill were very intriguing. The tour featured a variety of destinations. Tour guide was informative.”
A 3-hour private bike tour through Cape Town’s Seapoint, Greenmarket Square, Company Gardens, and Bo-Kaap, with snacks and great views.
“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!”
Robben Island tour from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront with ferry, pickup, and a guided Robben Island Museum visit led by an ex-prisoner.
“Absolutely a sobering experience and a shame our world had to experience this. It is a reminder to speak up about change in this world.”
Half-day Cradle of Humankind tour from Johannesburg with Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng, guided pickup, snacks, and mobile ticket.
“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.”
A guided Soweto history day from Johannesburg with hotel pickup, key sites like Mandela’s House and Kliptown, plus lunch on full-day tours.
“Amazing Tour,learnt so much and saw so much,my guide Albert was Excellent,his knowledge about the various areas is commendable.i Highly recommend him and this tour,I'm south African but the knowledge I left from this tour is knowledge I never had before.Thank you again Albert”
Full-day Mandela tour in Cape Town: hotel pickup, Wi-Fi ride, Robben Island prison visit, and Long March bronze icons.
“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”
Private Johannesburg history tour with Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct, and Soweto landmarks, plus a stop at the Apartheid Museum.
“Lesiba loves his city, loves to share details, well connected with everyone in Soweto and all locations. I had a-great rush sightseeing tour at Johannesburg, he helped to focus on locations i was interested to see , shared insights all the way through, and drop back on tome to catch the flight back home. Many thanks”
Half-day Cape Town bike or e-scooter history tour with coffee tasting, from Old Biscuit Mill to Bo-Kaap, District Six, and Parliament.
“Khuma was fantastic guide. Full of knowledge and happy to share. Had a great day. Definitely recommend”
The mountain, the parks, the coast and the cities — and the best of each.
