History school trips to South Africa

The Cape of Good Hope is a rugged headland on the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, about 70 kilometres south of Cape Town. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and rich biodiversity, it’s a symbol of exploration and maritime history as a key landmark for sailors rounding the southern edge of Africa.

Located off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island was a place of banishment and imprisonment between the 17th-20th centuries, serving as a maximum-security prison during apartheid where it held Nelson Mandela for 18 of his 27-year imprisonment. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolises South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy.

On this guided tour, student groups will walk through historically segregated areas such as Khayelitsh or Langa to gain an insight into the country’s apartheid past, present-day community life, and ongoing social challenges. Tours include visits to local sites and social projects that promote cultural exchange, and awareness of resilience, inequality, and development.

One of the oldest buildings in Cape Town, Slave Lodge today serves as a thought-provoking museum. Its primary exhibition titled 'From Human Wrongs to Human Rights', the museum features an abundance of pictures, information, artefacts, and a film – all based around the history of slavery in Cape Town.

One of South Afriday's most iconic landmarks, flat-topped Table Mountain soars 1,086m above Cape Town, offering dramatic cliffs, unique biodiversity and sweeping panoramic views across the city, ocean and surrounding landscapes. Students can reach the top by hiking or by taking the cable car.

Telling the story of a once-vibrant, multicultural community forcibly removed during apartheid, this museum preserves the memory of District Six’s residents through photos, maps, personal stories, and artefacts. The museum highlights the impact of forced removals and celebrates resilience, culture, and the ongoing journey of restitution.

A charming fishing village just outside Cape Town, Hout Bay is known for its scenic harbour, fresh seafood, and vibrant markets, offering beautiful coastal views and a relaxed atmosphere. Nearby Seal Island is famous for its large colony of Cape fur seals – a must when visiting Cape Town.

The oldest surviving Colonial building in South Africa, the Castle of Good Hope was built between 1666-79 by the Dutch East India Company as a 'replenishment' station for ships passing through treacherous waters around the Cape.

Home to the South African Navy, pretty Simon's Town is located on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula, and features Victorian buildings, quaint streets and walkways. Boulders Beach is Simon's Town's most famous beach; here you can see 3,000 African penguins!

The Huguenot Memorial Museum in Franschhoek explores the journey of French Huguenots to South Africa, connecting their story to themes of persecution, exile, and belonging. Here, students will discover artefacts, personal histories and the enduring legacy of this refugee community – including the signature of every settler in 1685.

The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is a bustling harbour-side complex that combines shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, the waterfront's markets, museums, and aquarium offer a great place to spend some free time. 

On this day trip, school groups can enjoy the beauty of South Africa's countryside through a visit to the Cape Winelands. As well as visiting one or some of the region's scenic wine estates, highlights of this trip include picturesque Franschhoek, known for its French Huguenot heritage; the Spice Route, featuring artisan food and drink produces; and the Fairview Cheese Factory.