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The Untold Story of Cape Town's Homelessness.

Cape Town is known for its extraordinary beauty and vibrant culture, yet behind the tourist image lies a growing homelessness crisis shaped by colonialism, apartheid forced removals, inequality, addiction, and poverty.

This walking tour explores the historical roots of homelessness in Cape Town, from indigenous land dispossession during colonialism to the forced removals of apartheid. Travellers will gain a deeper understanding of the social realities that continue to affect vulnerable communities today.

The experience includes visits to organisations supporting homeless and formerly homeless individuals through rehabilitation, shelter, and reintegration programs, as well as a museum dedicated to the history of forced removals.

This is an honest and human experience for travellers seeking to understand a different side of Cape Town beyond its landmarks and tourist attractions.

The tour lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes

Available in English

Guide: Nathan Arthur

PRO

Guiding since 2023

Hi I am Nathan Arthur Festus. I am a South African citizen and was born in Cape Town, also known as the Mother City. I am an experienced and seasoned City tour guide. I started my career as a City guide in 2018 and have found it to be immensely fulfilling. My tours are authentic, exposing you the guest to the various political dispensations through which our city and country have gone. Discover the Bo Kaap with me. Ŕŕtťþ

6 stops

1.7 km walking

2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting point:Punto de encuentroSpot the Big Red Guruwalk Umbrella at the Old Townhouse Museum 149 Longmarket Street, Cape Town Central. Open in Google Maps →

1

Outside visit

Trafalgar Place Flower Market / Thomas Lightfoot MemorialThomas lightfoot memorial. Erected in memory of Archdeacon Thomas Lightfoot, humanitarian and servant to the poor and downtrodden of Cape Town. He was one of the founders of the first soup kitchens and homeless shelters in Cape Town.

2

Outside visit

Castle of Good HopeThe Castle of Good Hope is the oldest colonial structure built by the Dutch and completed in the year 1679. It is also considered the beginnings of the first land possession by the colonists as it is located on what was once lush pasturing grounds of the Khoi Khoi. This would also eventually lead to the first Dutch Khoi war on 1659. This war would eventually dispossessed the Khoi-San off pasturing and hunting grounds.

3

Outside visit

Central Library, Cape TownOns is nog hier We are still here Silapha This is a poignant mosiac memorial which highlights the history of child labor and poverty in the Cape. It was designed to provoke thought regarding historical social issues in Cape Town.

6 stops

1.7 km walking

2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting point:Punto de encuentroSpot the Big Red Guruwalk Umbrella at the Old Townhouse Museum 149 Longmarket Street, Cape Town Central. Open in Google Maps →

1

Outside visit

Trafalgar Place Flower Market / Thomas Lightfoot MemorialThomas lightfoot memorial. Erected in memory of Archdeacon Thomas Lightfoot, humanitarian and servant to the poor and downtrodden of Cape Town. He was one of the founders of the first soup kitchens and homeless shelters in Cape Town.

2

Outside visit

Castle of Good HopeThe Castle of Good Hope is the oldest colonial structure built by the Dutch and completed in the year 1679. It is also considered the beginnings of the first land possession by the colonists as it is located on what was once lush pasturing grounds of the Khoi Khoi. This would also eventually lead to the first Dutch Khoi war on 1659. This war would eventually dispossessed the Khoi-San off pasturing and hunting grounds.

3

Outside visit

Central Library, Cape TownOns is nog hier We are still here Silapha This is a poignant mosiac memorial which highlights the history of child labor and poverty in the Cape. It was designed to provoke thought regarding historical social issues in Cape Town.

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Accepts bookings of up to 12 people.

Pets

Not suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 2 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour requires payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.