Khayelitsha Township Tour

Take a township tour to Khayelitsha on the Cape Flats. See the view from Look-Out Hill, buy crafts and eat at an African restaurant.

Khayelitsha (meaning “new home”) is one of Cape Town’s largest townships, and is situated some 30km from the Mother City. It consists of both formal accommodation (houses of bricks and mortar) and informal settlements (makeshift shacks).

The township was created in the 1980s under then Prime Minister PW Botha, and for many years it was a desperate place with few facilities and little infrastructure to house the large influx of people living here.

These days, things are looking up in Khayelitsha, although poverty and unemployment are still rife. This is a township with its eyes on the future. Tourism is a major drawcard to the township, and gives visitors some insight into the lives of those who live here.

One of the first places you’ll experience on a visit to Khayelitsha is the Look-Out Hill tourist facility on the corner of Mew and Spine Road. The centre consists of an arts and science centre, a restaurant, gift shop and information kiosk. The facility has a look-out point on the highest dune with a 360-degree view that incorporates False Bay, the Hottentots Holland Mountain range, Helderberg and Groot Drakenstein.

Another popular stop is the Khayelitsha Craft Market, +27 (0)21 361 5246, at the St Michael’s and All Angels Anglican Church. Here, you can buy all sorts of hand-made curios, pottery, beadwork, baskets and fabric paintings. The market is aimed at alleviating poverty in the area and all goods are made by the local community. You might be lucky enough to be serenaded by a marimba band as you browse.

If you’re feeling peckish, many of the township tours make a stop at Gugu le Africa restaurant on Spine Road, +27 (0)82 423 8479, where you can enjoy a traditional Xhosa meal with a Cape flair.

If you’re planning on staying over in the township, Vicky’s B&B (+27 (0)21 387 7104) in Site C is a good option. Vicky is well-known for her warm hospitality and entrepreneurial spirit.

View our database of tour operators who offer township tours.