Come with me and follow the trail of Nelson Mandela's story in Cape Town on a private tour. I will tell you how Mandela went from political figure to prisoner and how he became President of South Africa. Explore Cape Town's landmarks through Nelson Mandela's eyes.
Destination
Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
Category
City Highlight Tours
Duration
3 hours
Transport mode
Walking tour
Available languages
English
Included
Entrance tickets
Private guide
6 reasons to book this tour
Follow Nelson Mandela's footsteps
Visit District Six Museum & Iziko Slave Lodge
Go to the 'People's Chathedral'
Pass by City Hall and the Grand Parade
100% personalized experience
Discover more about the Rhodes Foundation
What you can expect
Nelson Mandela represents inspiration and hope all over the world. But the motherland is specifically representative in his story and fight against inequality and segregation. Today, Cape Town is a culturally-vibrant city, and Nelson Mandela's influence is to thank for.
On this enlightening private tour, we will follow Mandela's footsteps. From political figure to prisoner and then President of South Africa. Let's explore Cape Town through its politically significant landmarks that show you his fight to ensure freedom.
I'll take you to the very beginning of his story. The Iziko Slave Lodge is significant in telling you the story of slaves who were captured in South East Asia and brought to the Cape by the Dutch East India Company. The museum unveiled an exhibition celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela in February 2010 to mark 20 years since his release from prison. Let's check it out.
The Company's garden and Tuynhuys are highlights of Cape Town as well as highlights in the history of Nelson Mandela. Let's check them out and hear the stories behind them. If you're up for it, we can visit the District Six Museum, illustrating the history of forced removals and why the evil of apartheid had to be eradicated under the leadership of a leader and visionary like Nelson Mandela.
And for a triumph finale, I'll take you to see the City Hall and the Grand Parade. On 11 February 1990, it was from the City Hall balcony that Nelson Mandela addressed thousands of people after his release from prison earlier that day. Now, a statue symbolises this historical event.
If there are other places relevant to Nelson Mandela's life and history you wish to visit. Let me know! I can personalize the tour according to your interests.
This is the plan
Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Christopher .
Meeting point
Meet at Iziko Slave Lodge - Cape Town to start your journey
Itinerary
This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.
Intro History
Get an introduction to the history of slavery in Cape Town at Iziko Slave Lodge
Mandela Foundation
Explore the initiatives inside The Mandela Rhodes Building
Oldest Cathedral
Visit the 'People’s Cathedral' known for its role in the resistance against apartheid
Presidential Office
Pass by the Tuynhuys and learn about its relevance - past & present
District Six Museum
Learn about how this district of a mixed community went through a process of removals and marginalization
Historical Balcony
See the balcony from where Nelson Mandela addressed the people of Cape Town after his release from prison
End of Tour
Personal recommendations and goodbye
Make it yours
Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.
Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.
Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.
I can personalize this tour for you
I can personalize this tour for you
Tell me your preferred date and group size
Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!
Flexible cancellation policy
Feel confident booking
Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.
Change of plans?
Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.
Loved by travelers worldwide
Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.
Reviews from guests
Matthias🇩🇪 Germany
22 April 2025
Heidi🇬🇧 United Kingdom
10 December 2023
Christopher was very punctual and very kindly picked us up from our accomodation. Christopher was extremely affable and gave us huge insight into the history of South Africa. Taking us places we would never have ventured. We particularly loved the museum at District 6. We would highly recommend his tour. On a personal note Chris we have the booked the Gold Restaurant. The history behind the history
Anne🇱🇺 Luxembourg
8 September 2023
What a great tour with a great guide, Christopher. Very knowledgeable and full of wonderful stories and fun facts. The 3 hours flew by…! Loved every minute..!!Great tour
Vanessa🇬🇧 United Kingdom
30 June 2023
Christopher was amazing! He was extremely flexible as the weather was not always on our side.
Met us at our hotel and took us on a 3 hour tour to several key landmarks. We had a stop at a famous coffee shop with some delicious food!
Overall it was one of our highlights to our Cape Town trip and we will be back! Amazing experience - highly knowledgable
Lakiesha🇺🇸 United States
20 April 2023
Great time with Christopher. He is very knowledgeable about the history of Cape Town and Nelson Mandela. Great tour
kurtulus🇹🇷 Turkey
24 January 2023
Chris was amazing. Beyond expactations. He was fun, knowledgeable and professional. Thanks for a great tour Chris! Amazing Guide
david🇺🇸 United States
9 June 2021
Chris was funny, knowledgeable and very accommodating to my specifications.
Everything he showed us was interesting and told the stories I wanted to hear along with other pieces from his lived experiences. All these combined together to give a great experience so I highly recommend him.Great Experience
Phoebe🇩🇪 Germany
9 March 2020
What a great tour with Christopher! He was very insightful and patient when we were distracted by the amazing sites. We were able to learn immensely about Nelson Mandela and his life.History and Heritage
Michael🇦🇹 Austria
27 December 2019
Lovely person, very friendly and professional
Booked him for another tour right away Great guide
Hilary🇺🇸 United States
18 August 2025
Our family (parents plus 17 year old and 10 year old daughters) spent our first afternoon in Cape Town walking and eating and learning with Christopher on the 10 Tastings of Cape Town experience. It was a great way to start our time in South Africa. Right up front, Chris told us that there were no questions or topics that would be off-limits, and we really enjoyed our few hours with him. We ate some wonderful food and learned about the culinary and cultural melting pot that is Cape Town, as well as a lot more about South African history. He arranged vegetarian food for us, which was delicious. We sampled Cape Malay food in addition to some Dutch derived goodies and traditional foods. A wonderful afternoon of history & eating
Famke🇳🇱 Netherlands
6 August 2025
We had a great experience. Even though it was pouring from the sky, Christoffer made sure the tour was still lots of fun and we weren’t bothered about it. Christoffer was very approachable and friendly. We had delicious foods which are really from this area only, so a unique experience. We had a great time, thank you so much! Delicious
Rebecca🇺🇸 United States
15 July 2025
We had a wonderful time with Christopher exploring downtown Cape Town! He knew everyone on the walking tour, treated us to some tasty treats at the Eastern Food Bazar, and let us take our time exploring the churches, museums, and other sights along the tour. Would definitely take this tour again! Great tour!!
Robert🇩🇪 Germany
23 June 2025
Christopher led me on a great walking tour around Cape Town, making sure I felt safe and well looked after throughout. His tour covered all the must-see things, included a very tasty snack break, and was interspersed with good conversations. Christopher's trademark bright shirts are apparently well-known throughout Cape Town! As a fellow aviation geek, we got to chat about our hobby in addition to all the topics of a historical nature that Cape Town and a trip to South Africa entails.
I had a very enjoyable day.Highlights of Cape Town with Christopher
Kristi
28 May 2025
Christopher is amazing! He is responsive and he worked with me and all of my (admitted excessive requests). He is knowledgeable and entertaining, and we just down right loved him. It was our best day in Cape Town and it was all because of him Couldnt have had a better day!
stephen🇬🇧 United Kingdom
22 April 2025
We had the pleasure of being guided by Christopher, and I must say he was an outstanding tour guide! His knowledge about the area and its history was impressive, and he was always ready to help with any questions we had. Not only that, his friendly demeanour made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Thank you for providing such an excellent guide.
Isabella
13 March 2025
Going on a walking tour of Cape Town with Christopher was an excellent start to our trip. He catered the trip for our needs and shared his knowledge of the city. We would highly recommend.With locals Cape Town tour
Nick🇬🇧 United Kingdom
28 February 2025
Our tour with Christopher was interesting and informative. Christopher was the perfect guide and we learnt lots of interesting facts about Capetown. We enjoyed the food particularly the bunny chow. Highly recommend Chris as a guide, he has a great sense of humour and you felt that you were travelling with a friend. Thank you.Food and culture tour Capetown
Sabina
31 October 2024
Christopher war ein toller Guide. Wir haben sehr viel interessantes erfahren und hatten auch viel Spaß. Beim nächsten Mal auf jeden Fall wieder mit Christopher. Ein toller interessanter Nachmittag
sophie🇳🇱 Netherlands
14 October 2024
We had a very pleasant, interesting and lovely tour with Chris! I truly recommend him! Just great!
Bill🇺🇸 United States
27 September 2024
Christopher contacted me quickly after a last minute idea to see the city in an in depth way. He brought us to so many interesting places. For example, we walked through the Indian market and experienced Bo-Kaap famous baked lemon and anise treats. Learning the area from a local!
Andy🇬🇧 United Kingdom
6 April 2024
Christopher was a pleasant guy with a wealth of local knowledge - we felt very comfortable with him and enjoyed our tour Great Guide
Kari🇺🇸 United States
25 March 2024
Our experience with Christopher in Cape Town was fantastic. He was knowledgeable about the history and architecture of the area as well as the local food. He was personable and friendly. The food was delicious. I would recommend Christopher and this experience to anyone. Fantastic!
Wouter🇳🇱 Netherlands
19 November 2023
Christopher took us on a customized tour of Cape Town center with delicious foods and very interesting and comprehensive stories about the city’s history and culture. Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience! Kind regards Bianca & WoutGreat tour with Christopher
Gerlin🇳🇱 Netherlands
27 October 2023
Christopher heeft ons rondgeleid door de stad en naast alle lekkere hapjes hebben we ook meteen veel geleerd over de geschiedenis van Kaapstad. Je krijgt verschillende hapjes en we vonden het leuk om typisch lokaal eten te proberen. Ideaal om met een local te zijn en tips te krijgen over dingen die je kunt doen in de stad!Leukste host en top ervaring
Manfred🇮🇹 Italy
26 October 2023
Mike🇬🇧 United Kingdom
25 October 2023
This tour is a must-do. We arrived late due to previous engagements running over but Chris was more than accomodating and managed to grab some samples from local restaurants which we might have missed. He gave us a tour with visits of local street food combined with history lessons. We could not have asked for a better guide. The kids loved it as well. Definitely ask for him!A must do when in Cape Town
Peri🇦🇺 Australia
15 October 2023
Many thanks to Christopher, guide, historian, foodie, and friend. A great experience, as he went over and above to provide an exceptional afternoon out in his city. Oh the bunny chow…so good! Highly recommend. What a great day!
Judith🇺🇸 United States
16 September 2023
Chris was an absolute delight! What a fun and educational day spent with Chris walking around the business district and District Six. We snacked on local cuisine, chatted along our journey and saw town from a local’s viewpoint. I highly recommend the tour. It’s well worth it! Thank you Chris - you are a beautiful person. Fantastic Day Trip Around Town
Lisa🇺🇸 United States
12 September 2023
My mom and I had a fantastic afternoon in Cape Town with Chris. He combined history and South African foods along with a walking tour of areas we hadn't seen yet. He was kind, thoughtful, and a lot of fun. Would definitely recommend!10 out of 10 recommend
Kristin🇺🇸 United States
5 March 2023
Christoper was such a joy to spend the day with! He picked us up at our hotel promptly and the fun began the minute we were safely in his car.
Appreciated his ability to share information as we drove to many interesting sights. His driving is exceptional-always felt very safe and appreciative of the care he took of us. The highlight of our day was our stop for lunch and being able to sit and talk over a glass of wine. He is a walking encyclopedia of information. He truly cared about our experience.
Wonderful day
Wolfgang🇩🇪 Germany
20 March 2020
Wir haben wunderbare 3.5 Stunden mit einem kompetenten Guide erlebt. Da wegen des Corona Virus alle Museen geschlossen waren, war Improvisation gefragt. Christopher hat dies mit Bravour und Charme gemeistert. Wir können die Tour und Christopher nur wärmstens empfehlen.Interessante Stunden in kompetenter Begleitung
Paul🇦🇹 Austria
2 March 2020
It was our first time to Cape Town and we got to spend our first day with Christopher. We had an amazing day with lots of stories, fun, and laughter. Christopher's knowledge goes way beyond the stuff you can learn from a book. He can share personal stories which makes everything more tangible. If you are looking for your personal tour in Cape Town stop searching. You have found it with Christopher. Thank you very much for your time. We loved the tour with you!Start your Cape Town experience with Chris
Bernadette🇦🇹 Austria
24 February 2020
Oh what a day!! We spent almost 12 hours with Chritopher and he did a great job. We asked him in advance to adjust the tour a little, couse we wantet to go to Hout Bay to "Fish on the Rocks" an he also came with some ideas to rearange the programm and so it was a very personal tour. Because of the hugh amount of visitors we decided to visit Table Mountain in the afternoon, the best decision we could make! I don't know where to start, we saw some beautiful landscapes, pinguins, seals,.... also went to Cape of Good Hope and had a stuning view!!
Christopher was so friendly and passioned even when my partner was so cheeky and told him all the information which we heard the days before in the Hop on Hop off Bus :)
The sentence of the day: "Where do you know from? -- Let me guess-from the red bus!" :)
Christopher is great and I could not imagine to spent the day with somebody else!!!an amazing day in Cape Town
Sarah🇨🇦 Canada
21 February 2020
We booked Christopher for a hidden gems tour and it was terrific. He was knowledgeable, interesting, entertaining - he was flexible when we asked to see certain things - totally open to any kind of question with a thoughtful answer - and it turned out that my husband went to high school with his cousin so a total small world experience.
We booked a tour because we wanted to ensure we learned the important history of the city and got some context for our visit in this important place - Christopher provided all that and more. I would highly recommend.
SarahInteresting, entertaining and totally recommendable
Kathryn🇺🇸 United States
13 February 2020
Our last day in Cape Town was amazing because of the wonderful tour provided by Christopher. The day started with a pickup at the cruise terminal. Next, we had coffee at a quaint coffee establishment to plan the sites we wanted to see. The highlight was visiting the Victor Verster prison where Mandela was released 30 years ago. Also, a visit to the Fairview Wine and Cheese farm. During our 8 hours together, I learned so much of the history of this interesting city. My only regret is I didn't book more tours with Christopher. Our day ended with a dropoff at the airport. It was the best tour EVER!Best Tour Guide -ape Town
Leigh🇺🇸 United States
12 February 2020
We had the pleasure of Christopher's company for a tour around Cape Town. He is knowledgeable and fun. We loved the areas so much we revisited the next day to shop at some of the locations and to get another koeksisters or 2. Don't hesitate to go on the tour, it is very helpful. Marvellous
Charles🇬🇧 United Kingdom
20 January 2020
Charles picked on a terrible wet and windy day in Cape Town. Because of the weather, he drive us all around the town. He was really interesting about the history and life today in South Africa. He then lead us to the waterfront to visit the MOACC. Great!
Dennis🇩🇪 Germany
16 January 2020
Had an awesome experience with Christopher. He's extremely kind and helpful with everything. Enjoyed it a lot. Great day with Christopher
Alaa
4 January 2020
Christopher was a lovely tour guide and gave us a fantastic tour of Cape Town that grounded us in the city’s long and tumultuous history. Christopher provides us with deeper understanding of the many perspectives that have defined the city. Christopher was friendly, patient, and just a joy to learn from. If you’re looking for a tour of the Cape Town - look no more and book now!A Must Try Experience in Cape Town
Christine🇩🇪 Germany
20 December 2019
It was a fantastic day with Christopher. after a short time it was as if I were traveling with a friend. he gave me a very good impression of Cape Town. I am very grateful for the time with him.WOW-TIME with Christopher!
Tom🇦🇹 Austria
9 December 2019
Chris as a local was so knowledgeable about Cape Town and South Africa in general and gave me an incredibly varied tour around the city and the wider peninsula. He tailored everything to suit my needs, taking out things I had already done myself and adding in extra highlights. One of those was going to buy and watch some locals make koeksisters a traditional sweet in the colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood. The wine tasting and the visit to the Cape of Good Hope were particular highlights.
I was also very interested in the old and modern history of Cape Town and Chris was very objective in his views, which gave me a wonderful 360 point of view on the history of the city and South Africa.
I would highly recommend Chris as your tour guide if you are visiting Cape Town, I will most certainly be booking a tour with him again should I return to Cape Town in the future. Fantastic Experience with an Amazing Tour Guide
Fabienne🇨🇭 Switzerland
1 December 2019
I travelled alone and it was my best decision to discover with Chris the city again from another side. Chris has a very solid knowledge of Cape Town and its history as well as the most beautiful corners and sights. He also knows the place for the best coffee and his joie de vivre and cheerful manner is really contagious. I felt very well and enjoyed the day absolutely. I would book another tour with Christopfer immediately.Cheerful tourguide wirh great knowledge
Jo🇬🇧 United Kingdom
12 November 2019
Chris was a very friendly, easy going guide. We talked all about Cape Towns history and culture and he answered my many questions. Would definitely recommend this tour and Chris as a guideGreat guide
Maby🇮🇹 Italy
19 August 2019
Christopher ci ha guidato per una visita a piedi in CapeTown con grande gentilezza e disponibilità. È molto preparato e conosce bene la storia della sua città e del SudAfrica. Consigliatissimo!!! Ottima esperienza Ottima Guida
monica🇬🇧 United Kingdom
8 August 2019
Thank you chris for a wonderfully morning.
The tour was very interesting and you made it very easy for the kids!!
We will do it again..
Thank you
Anita🇪🇸 Spain
16 May 2019
Christopher is a loving person who took me and my son on a walk through Cape Town , he showed us the best restaurants and the nicest places
We had a lovely time
We asked him questions about Cape Town and he answered them all gladly
Best of Cape Town Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Kath🇸🇨 Seychelles
15 April 2019
Chris was an amazing guide. He was attentive to my needs and was willing to be flexible. I managed to see everything I wanted to on a tight schedule. He is knowledgeable and knows all the hidden gems. He is a real gentleman and
An asset to Cape Town. I highly recommend Chris.Absolutely brilliant!
Piet
1 March 2019
We had an amazing time in Cape Town. Thanks to Chris for uncovering the hidden gems and revealing the side street cafes and restaurants.Cape Town Classics Tour: Wine, Nature & Culture
Chris
26 February 2019
Very informative tour, relaxing and a real pleasure to see the sights and sounds of Cape Town with ChrisBest of Cape Town Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Chris
26 February 2019
Very informative tour, relaxing and a real pleasure to see the sights and sounds of Cape Town with ChrisBest of Cape Town Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Withlocals experiences
are always
Private & personalizedNo strangers, just you. Fully customize your trip to your needs.
With a local expertFrom historical facts to the most up-to-date health regulations.
Without the crowdsExperiences designed to take you away from the crowds towards authentic local spots.
More about me
I love sharing my unique experiences of Cape Town with visitors. As a local I get to know the hidden tourism gems and showcase these South African experiences with interested tourists and guests. Being cultural sensitive to visitors and locals alike , my tourism offering will always be a memorable experience which will make visitors return to our shores time and time again.