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Gugulethu: the official neighbourhood guide

Gugulethu – Xhosa for “our pride” – is a colourful, vibrant and lively township on the outskirts of the city. A visit to the township is an unforgettable experience and a stark reminder of how life need not be all five-star luxury to be friendly, welcoming, and real.

Originally named Nyanga West, “Gugs”, as Gugulethu is often called, was established in the 60s to help accommodate the many migrant workers who moved to Cape Town from the rural Transkei region in the Eastern Cape. It is 20km from the centre of Cape Town. The roads in Gugs were originally named and numbered with the prefix NY which stood for “Native Yard”. The City of Cape Town began renaming the streets, beginning with the main route, Steve Biko Drive (formerly known as NY1). Others are Albert Luthuli, Amy Biehl, Ray Alexander and Gugulethu Seven (the group which was fatally ambushed by security police in Gugulethu in 1986).

The Amy Foundation, named for anti-apartheid activist Amy Biehl, is an NGO that provides children and youth programmes. Experience their projects in action before visiting Amy’s Bistro, a student restaurant and great place for coffee.

The community has embraced the tourism industry, and as such there is no shortage of restaurants, jazz clubs and B&Bs.

The infamous Mzoli's Meat

The township is best visited as part of a guided tour for taking in all the sights and sounds. Most tours take visitors past the Gugulethu Seven Monument, built to commemorate the death of seven young black activists during the dark days of apartheid. The Cape Town Jazz Safari, run by Coffeebeans Routes, which takes place in the evenings is a wonderful way to experience Gugs. This musical history tour will allow you to experience the very local tradition of jazz while enjoying a drink at one of the township’s many shebeens. You could also take a 40-minute guided walk through the houses (mostly built of roof sheeting) to experience the everyday life of the people. Ask us about the best guided tour options by calling +27(0)86 132 223.

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About Us

Cape Town Tourism is the city of Cape Town's official Regional Tourism Organisation, responsible for tourism marketing, visitor and industry services.

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