The Cape Flats is fast becoming a must-visit attraction in Cape Town and continues to play a significant role in shaping the city’s unique identity. With its appealing offerings focussing on art, history, culture, food and adventure, a trip to one of the many Cape Flats areas is worth adding to your must-see neighbourhoods the next time you’re in the Mother City.
The Cape Flats is vast, with each area offering unique charm. Travellers visiting the Cape Flats can explore Athlone, Bonteheuwel, Khayelitsha, Manenberg, Heideveld, Mitchell’s Plain, Strandfontein, Langa, Lavender Hill, Vrygrond, and Capricorn.
Anita Hermanus from the popular Aunty Nita’s Tours, hosts tours in the Cape Flats daily.
She said: “The Cape Flats is dynamic and ever-changing. Its people are vibrant, musical and passionate and exhibit a tenacity that comes from the trials they have endured. There’s an indescribable vibe on the Cape Flats that you can’t find anywhere else in Cape Town.”
Art, Culture and History
Langa Pass Museum in Langa
Go back in time when you visit the Langa Pass Museum. The museum houses a collection of memorabilia documenting the history of Cape Town’s oldest township and what life was like for black South Africans during the Apartheid era. The museum aims to inform and educate present and future generations.
Location: Corner of King Langalibalele and Lerotholi Avenues, Langa
Contact: Call 084 949 2153 or 021 694 8320
Gugulethu Seven Memorial in Gugulethu
The Gugulethu Seven Memorial consists of seven granite statue-like constructions sculpted by South African artists Donovan Ward and Paul Hendricks. The memorial was built to commemorate the murder of seven young black activists from the Cape township who were killed by the South African Apartheid police in 1986.
Location: Gugulethu Memorial, Corner of NY1 and NY111, Gugulethu
RLabs (Reconstructed Living Lab) in Athlone
RLabs is an award-winning non-profit company that started on the Cape Flats in 2009. The main aim of RLabs is to create environments and systems where people are impacted positively through hope, innovation, and opportunity. RLabs hosts regular events like First Thursdays in and around the Cape Flats areas. The events aim to showcase local talent and bring together the community.
Location: Shop VR 6A, Vangate Mall, Jakes Gerwel Drive, Athlone
Contact: Call 065 822 7756 or email info@rlabs.org/media@rlabs.org
Website: https://rlabs.org/
Eat and Drink
Wajid’s Chicken Tikka and Takeaways in Strandfontein
Catering to “all those who love good food”, Wajid’s Chicken Tikka and Takeaways is a hidden gatsby gem in Strandfontein that serves up an assortment of delicious fast-food options. For an authentic Cape Town experience, grab a few friends and tuck into one of their mouthwatering gatsbys.
Location: No 2 Admirals Drive, Strandfontein
Contact: Call 073 110 1106 or email wajidtikka@gmail.com
Rands Cape Town in Khayelitsha
Rands Cape Town is a popular lifestyle space in Adventure through Khayelitsha“>Khayelitsha, known for its live entertainment, delicious dining, and one-of-a-kind events featuring top South African artists. Officially launched by brothers Mfundo and Mshayi Mbeki in 2015, Rands has fast become one of Cape Town’s most sought-after hangout spots for those planning an unforgettable night out.
Location: Shop 6 Khaya Bazaar, Makhabeni Road, Khayelitsha.
Contact: Call 078 616 7550 or email bookings.randscpt@gmail.com
Website: rands-cape-town.business.site/
Outdoor Activities
Edith Stephen’s Nature Reserve in Phillipi
The story of Edith Stephen’s Nature Reserve dates back to 1955 when botanist Edith Stevens bought a 3.7-hectare piece of land surrounding the Isoetes Vlei and entrusted it to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
However, in 1999, the City of Cape Town expanded the plot a further 35 hectares to form the park that currently exists today. Here, bird watchers and nature lovers can appreciate unique fauna and flora life and revel in lush landscapes.
Location: Edith Stephen’s Nature Reserve, Govan Mbeki Rd, Philippi
Contact: Call 021 444 6479, 021 444 6483, or email luzann.isaacs@capetown.gov.za
Wolfgat Nature Reserve in Mitchell’s Plain
This coastal conservation area is home to endangered dune vegetation, including evergreen shrubs, flowering succulents, and a variety of daisies. Visitors here can enjoy scenic hikes along the majestic cliffs, laidback picnics, fishing, and paragliding.
Location: Baden Powell Drive, Mitchell’s Plain
Contact: Call 021 392 5134/021 392 5135 or email wolfgat.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Mnandi Beach – Stretches through Strandfontein and Mitchells Plain
The limestone cliffs of Wolfgat Nature Reserve serve as a backdrop at this popular beach. Awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Beach status since 2004, travellers here can enjoy walking, fishing, and swimming. Stroll, jog, walk along the beach, or try your luck with fishing at designated spots.
Location: Lukannon Drive, Strandfontein
Nantes Park in Athlone
Situated in the vibrant suburb of Athlone, Nantes Park is a 17-hectare park perfect for picnics, scenic walks, and sports. The most popular feature of Nantes Park is the skateboard and BMX area, a hotspot for the local youth to enjoy activities, fresh air and socialising.
Location: Appledene Road, Bridgetown, Athlone
Contact: Call 021 684 4073
Culture and Thrill
Aunty Nita’s Tours
Anita created Aunty Nita’s Tours in 2017 with the aim to put the Cape Flats on the map. Born and raised in the area, Aunty Nita is passionate about sharing the Cape Flat’s culture, history and compelling stories with travellers. Her tours, which include full day and walking tours, showcase the untapped aspect of Cape culture and food.
Location: Various
Contact: Call 082 572 7377 or Anita@auntynitas.co.za Website: www.auntynitas.co.za/
Ubuntu Khayelitsha on Bikes
Discover the beauty of Khayelitsha when you embark on a thrilling bike tour hosted by Ubuntu Khayelitsha on Bikes. The insightful tour showcases some of the area’s unique attractions and historical landmarks and provides a new perspective on the community.
The tour includes transportation from the Cape Town city center to Khayelitsha’s Look Out Hill (starting point of the cycle tour) and back.
Location: 23 160 Dullah Ouma Street, Mandela Park, Khayelitsha
Contact: Call 063 709 8382 or email loyisodamoyii@gmail.com to make a booking.
Website: www.townshipbiketour.com/index.php
Safety Tips
Here are some safety tips to consider when visiting these areas:
• It is recommended that you explore the area with a trained tour guide. They have a wealth of experience and can show you many hidden gems.
• As with any large city, there may be instances of petty theft, so always remain vigilant.
• If you require tips or guidance, please contact Cape Town Tourism at 0861 322 223.
• If you are involved in any incident during your stay, please contact 021 487 6552 for assistance.
For more information, visit www.capetown.travel/travelwise
