The Portuguese were the first Europeans to land here during the 1400s, en route for the Indies. The prominent Table Mountain became a significant navigational landmark and during the 1650s the Dutch constructed a fort and settled at what was to become Cape Town. Your students can explore the Castle of Good Hope, South Africa's oldest building, to investigate life in what was once a remote outpost. The British acquired the castle and port in 1814 for £6 million. Dutch settlers, the Boers, resented British rule and moved north to found the Boer republics. Tensions between the Boers and British neighbours finally erupted in the Boer Wars of 1899-1902.
Cape Town offers the students opprotunities to investigate colonial history and slavery as well as explore the sites of modern history. The legacy of apartheid can be investigated in the townships. Whilst the District Six Museum eloquently tells the story of an entire inner city community which was forcefully removed by the apartheid authorities during the 1960s. A visit to Robben Island will be a emotional journey your students are unlikely to forget.
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Key Study Areas
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Location Click here to view map
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History Excursions
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Our best value sample itinerary from £1405
10 Days to Cape Town
Day 1:
Flight from London to Cape Town.
Day 2:
Arrive Cape Town and transfer to your accommodation. In the afternoon, weather permitting, take the cable car up Table Mountain for an awe inspiring panorama of this beautiful city.
Day 3:
Full day excursion through the fishing villages of the southern Cape to the Cape of Good Hope where it is said the two oceans meet. Stop on your way back to Cape Town to see the colonies of Jackass Penguins at Boulders Beach and visit the Aquarium.
Day 4:
Leave Cape Town for the Garden Route through the dramatic arid valley environments of the Klein Karoo to the resort town of Oudtshoorn. In afternoon visit the famed Ostrich Farm.
Day 5:
Morning visit to the world famous Cango Caves with their array of vast limestone stalactites and stalagmites and visit Cheetah Land. In the afternoon travel onto Knysna with time for a little shopping.
Day 6:
In the morning depart for the Elephant Sanctuary, and a chance to experience the great African Elephant. Afterwards return to Knynsa and enjoy a cruise on the tranquil Knysna Lagoon before a visit to the Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Day 7:
In morning depart for the Addo Elephant Game Reserve. With a visit en route at Storms River. Arrive late afternoon at the reserve and enjoy an open vehicle game drive.
Day 8:
Enjoy a full day in the Elephant Game Reserve including an open game drive and a guided bush walk.
Day 9:
Depart by coach for Cape Town airport for your return overnight flight to London.
Day 10:
Arrive back in the UK in the morning.
