Township Tour by Lwafika Tours and Transfers in Cape Town

Prior to visiting Cape Town, my limited awareness of past injustices that continue today had largely been gained via the news and the arts. Yet, nothing can compare to the experience of actually walking through Langa, participating in vibrant street life, attending sunday church, being warmly invited into family homes, hearing first-hand experiences about the Dumpas system, District Six and so many other things. A huge thank you to Nelson for providing this opportunity in such a joyful and hopeful way, while also allowing for the presence of sadness, anger and despair. I came away truly grateful for what I'd experienced and learnt.

My wife and I met Nelson at Langa and had a terrific half-day walking tour. He is deeply knowledgeable about Langa, having grown up there and living there again now. Highly recommend.

Nelson told us a lot about townships and especially about the township of Langa. The tour was very well organized and very informative and competent.

Nelson collected us at our hotel and brought us to Langa township his own home. We felt so privileged to share our day with the beautiful township people. We went to church to experience the local gospel choir. Then onto the original Dumpas centre where during apartheid the black people were obliged to register for a pass in order to work. We continued to the heart of the township to a local coffee shop and market with local art which was empowering locals to become self sufficient. We spent time with families in their homes learning how they live day to day in cramped conditions. There was much joy and happiness in this community where we were very much welcomed.

Nelson picked us up & welcomed us like family! He is a proud local who grew up in Langa. He first took us to District Six Museum so we could understand the foundation of how townships came to be. It was a thoughtful touch that helped guide the rest of our tour. As we walked through Langa we even met some of Nelson’s family members who still live in the community. There were many locals saying hello and waving to Nelson as we walked around with him. We visited the exact spot where he grew up, and seeing the place through his eyes added a level of authenticity that’s truly indescribable. Nelson’s knowledge is unmatched, but it’s his passion, kindness, and deep connection to the community that make this tour extra special. You feel his love for Langa in every story he shares. This tour isn’t about poverty tourism, but about people and the community’s deep culture and hope. My husband and I recommend this tour over and over again with Nelson!

This tour was so eye opening! The Langa township is like one big family and most people seem happy even though living in such poverty. Our tour guides Godfrey and Mshula were amazing and shared much of their own story of living in the township. We were also able to go to part of a church service because it was a Sunday morning. We highly recommend doing this tour to learn about how resilient the people of the township are, as well as the need for them to be provided assistance to live in better conditions.

Our visit into District 6 and Langa Township with Nelson was an amazing experience. Having lived within Langa Township for most of his life meant that Nelson could give us a unique insight. We enjoyed meeting and interacting with local business people, families and children. Being invited into family homes and sharing a home brewed beer is something we will remember forever. Thank you Nelson!

Fantastic informative morning with our amazing guide Nelson. Nelson had so much knowledge to share and real lived experience in the township. He made us feel safe at all times and let us get a deep insight into townships their struggles and their triumphs. We also visited the district 6 museum and he gave an informative ato r driving tour. Highly recommended.

I can not recommend taking a guided tour highly enough. I think if you come to Cape Town and only go to the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and Stellenbosch you are doing yourself a disservice. It is important to see all of a city; not just the pretty parts, but the good, the bad, and the ugly. Nelson offered us a curated visit to an important part of South African history and it's present day, with the pride and knowledge of someone who grew up there. A must-do!

Nelson was a great guide and gave us a fascinating insight to real life in his home town, the Langa Township. We learnt so much about the history of District 6 and the challenges faced by the people of Langa today. We recommend this tour to anyone who wishes to experience and understand the real South Africa.