Township Tours - Capetown
 

Can anyone recommend a reputable guide for a township tour that isn't too invasive on the people who actually live in townships? Am really interested in something authentic. Thanks for your help!

Turtle78

The guide that we used in South Africa mentioned that they did township tours. I'll see if I can find the name and address. She was really good and knowledgeable.

Kim

nomvuyos-tours.co.za
Jenny does tours in private car.

Not by experience, but do know that Wilderness Safari's have a township tour in their "Cape Town and Surrounds" booklet published in 2005. One of their guides, Tessa Redman who is cited on their website in the guides section thus:-

"As the Treasurer of the New Rest/Kanana Community Development Trust she is involved in promoting township tourism. This is a community-based project responsible for an in-situ upgrading of this area of the Cape Flats. She is working with the University of Cape Town and the city council on this project, which as a self-help community project will enable people of this area to build their own houses and learn skills enabling them to gain employment."

May be that getting in touch with Wilderness in South Africa to ask your question may yield results [email protected]
The booklet which includes a visit to a township in a half or full day CT Cultural Tour cites :- "Visit a community development project in a township. Meet the locals, see how they live, hear their stories, buy beautiful handcrafted items."

For the record! In case I look like a spruiker :) We do not have any connection to Wilderness - but travelled with WS for a 9 day camping trip in Botswana in 2005 and in process of booking 25+ nights with them in lodges in Zambia, Botswana and Namibia for 2008 - we were very impressed with them when we were there in 2005 and their connections to community involvement and environtmental conservation also gives us impetus to support them.)

I agree contact Widerness Safaris. We did a wonderful, informtive township tour with Tundo. He lives in Guguleetu. Also Rob from Wilderness took us allover CapeTown. We Kayaked. Rode Horses. Played with Cheetah Cubs. and Hiked.

turtle: I think you will find just what you are looking for at this link:

http://www.ilovecapetown.com/km.htm

Selwyn is a well known guide who is a frequent contributor to this board and has guided many fodorites.

He has a unique relationship with the folks in Kayamandi which allows for a unique experience. I had the same desires as you and was to do this experience with Selwyn but unfortunately I had to modify my travel plans and miss out on Cape Town during that trip. Throughout my dealings with Selwyn he was outstanding! He also was very helpful with lodging and other activities.

If you like what you see at that link you can find contact info for Selwyn on that website.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions! Looking forward to my trip!