Historical sites in Cape Town
Cape Town has a rich and interesting heritage. The most fascinating thing about our beautiful city is that you can experience the diversity of South Africa within a couple of minutes drive around the Mother City. Below are a few "must see" spots to explore our history and vibrant cultures.
Nox Rentals can arrange tours and guides for any places of interest. Just give us a call and we'll be happy to organise for you.
Robben Island
For nearly 400 years, Robben Island, 12 kilometres from Cape Town, was a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that rulers sent those they regarded as political troublemakers, social outcasts and the unwanted of society.
Now Robben Island has come to symbolise, not only for South Africa and the African continent, but also for the entire world, the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship and adversity.
Take a boat trip to this historical Robben Island – where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years in the now famous cell number 46664 – and enjoy a guided, highly educational and fascinating tour of the prison and surrounds.
Townships
Discover the multicultural side of Cape Town and interact with the locals. Be inspired by their spirit, ingenuity and dynamism – striving to build a better future for all.
A visit to one of the many townships surrounding the city is an experience that will open your eyes to the way in which the biggest portion of Cape Town's population are living. Despite difficult circumstances and poor living conditions, you will experience the vibrancy and spirit of the South African people.
Take a township tour of Langa, the oldest township in SA, or Khayelitsha, the second largest township in SA. Township tours are usually co-led by a resident in the area, showcase local industry and community projects and include a visit to a township bar or “shebeen”.
Most township tours also include a historical drive around the Bo-Kaap (see below) and District 6, where the first non-whites were evicted from their land and displaced into the townships.
Bo-Kaap
Enjoy a relaxing day with a guided tour of the famous Malay Quarter of Cape Town with its colourful houses and rich history. Walk the streets with a local who will give you all the low-down on what's up and even take you to a resident’s home for lunch.
Cape Town Minstrel Carnival
The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival is Cape Town’s major New Year Event, which lasts the whole month. It has its origins in the late 18th century when the slaves were allowed their one day off on January 1st. It is the city’s biggest and most raucous event of the year with over ten thousand costumed dancers and musicians and a month of parades, marches and street festivals.
Company Gardens
These gardens were originally established in 1652 by the VOC (Dutch East India Company) to supply passing ships with fruit and vegetables. They now contain a variety of trees and plants and provide a perfect spot for a bit of relaxation. You can stroll down Government Avenue which runs through the Gardens taking you to The South African Museum and National Gallery.
Groot Constantia
This is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, originally granted to Simon van der Stel in 1685. As well as being a magnificent example of Cape Dutch Architecture, it houses a wine museum and has wine tasting and restaurants where one can enjoy some traditional Cape cuisine.
Slave Lodge
This is the second oldest building in Cape Town. Initially serving as a lodge for slaves of the Dutch East India Company it then went on to be used as a post office, library and Supreme Court. Today it houses a collection of ceramics, toys, sliver and textiles.
Rhodes Memorial
Rhodes Memorial was built in 1912 by Sir Herbert Baker in memory of Cecil John Rhodes. It lies on the slopes of Devils Peaks and has fantastic views over the Southern Suburbs and Cape Flats. There is a restaurant and a tea garden, a great spot for a relaxed lunch, with delicious food.
There are also some great walks around this area that can take you to Rhodes Memorial. Click here to read more about them.
