History of Simon's Town South Africa Tour

Walking Tour

3 hrs

Cape Town

Simon’s Town, located just outside of Cape Town, might be best known for its dramatic topography, proximity to the penguins on Boulders Beach, and large naval presence. However, this charming seaside town belies a darker, more complicated past. This historical Simon’s Town Tour focuses primarily, but not exclusively, on the history of slavery in Simon’s Town, using the slave trade as a lens through which to view the impact of the practices of the Dutch East India Company and the development of South Africa as a whole. Our group will meander through the town, stopping for vignettes and stories along the way that cover the early Indigenous history, the period of Dutch, and later British, colonial settlement, and the plight of the Cape Malay people here, all while considering some of the sordid misdeeds committed in Simon’s Town. This walk is ideal for those with an interest in history, particularly the hidden histories and silenced voices of slavery.

Itinerary Details

Simon’s Town’s history is deeply tied to the sea, shaped by colonial settlement, indigenous dispossession, and the slave trade. Our Simon’s Town Tour begins at a key site of cultural exchange, exploring how Dutch traders established a colony at the expense of the San and Khoi people, transforming the area into a trading and slave-trading hub. Along the way, our expert guide will shed light on the city’s transatlantic and indigenous history, including a visit to the Simon’s Town Heritage Museum, where we’ll delve into the experiences of the Cape Malay people expelled during apartheid and their cultural legacy. The tour concludes with a visit to the mosque in the old Malay Quarter, uncovering further layers of Simon’s Town’s rich and complex history.

Take Aways

By the end of the tour, we will have traveled through layers of history and ‘met people in history’ who will charm us, disarm us, and stay with us long after the tour is done and our sneakers are dusted. We will emerge with a greater understanding of Simon’s Town, from its role in the South African slave trade to its serving as a microcosm of the devastating impact of apartheid policies, to the importance of representation and history in ensuring we remain cognizant of, and grow from, the mistakes of previous generations.

FAQ

Does this walk take place outside? What if it is raining?
With the exception of the museum visit, the majority of this walk takes place outside. If it is raining, please bring an umbrella and sensible shoes. Our walks happen rain or shine.

Where does this walk begin and end?
The tour begins outside Admiralty House, which is the first building as you enter Simon’s Town, just after the Simon’s Town Railway Station.

Do we visit the penguins?
We do not visit the penguins on our tour, although you can explore Simon’s Town at your own leisure afterward.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Simon's Town Heritage Museum
Simon's Town old Malay Quarter

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Simon's Town History Tour general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

3 Reviews

As professional historians, who have done a lot of different historical walking tours before, this was simply the best we've ever experienced. Based on original archival research and extensive oral history work, Joline is able to present information and narratives that simply aren't available in published histories (yet!). I cannot recommend taking this tour highly enough. You will gain a unique perspective of life in Simon's Town and the Cape, and it's an unforgettable experience.

Christine Dec 16, 2022

We have done many Context Tours. Your question as to whether I would recommend Context is not logical since we just brought 5 guests to this tour. We have clearly already recommended you. All of us were glad to have done this tour.

Lucille Mar 2, 2020

Joline had to overcome our being delayed and, one of our group of 3 had to return to Cape Town, ill. She was most accommodating, very cordial and clearly very knowledgeable. She also tried to put 100 lbs of cement into a 10 lb. bag. Too much information given our circumstances. That said, she is remarkably well informed and totally pleasing and accommodating. If anything, too much detail and not enough story-telling.

James Oct 3, 2018

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