Cape Town's Secret Tunnels and Lost Rivers
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About the Tour
About the Tour
Join Matt Weisse on a leisurely walk through the city, following in the path of the old underground rivers and tunnels to the Castle of Good Hope. Parts of the underground Canals and Rivers date back to 1652. They used to supply the passing ships with fresh water. Later these rivers became pleasant walkways shaded by Oaks with bridges going over them. As the years passed and the city expanded they were eventually covered up and forgotten.
To book an actual Underground Tunnel and Dungeon Tour please contact Matt directly. Booking well in advance is essential.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Matt Weisse
Matt is the founder of Goodhope Adventures, a private tour operator that was established in 2010 for the Soccer World Cup to provide visitors with an insight into the historical and cultural importance of Cape Town. We cater for group and individual tours throughout the Western Cape and we will take you to all the places you want to see - and to those you have yet to discover.
Matt was born and bred in Cape Town, and has an immense insight into the Fairest Cape - from famous landmarks to hidden treasures.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 15
Canals
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Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Iziko South African Museum
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The Planetarium
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The Company’s Garden
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St George's Cathedral
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Iziko Slave Lodge
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Trafalgar Place Flower Market
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Cape Town City Hall
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Castle of Good Hope
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location8001, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
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Total distance2km
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Final locationDarling St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
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Distance back to start location1km
Directions to Starting Point
Make your way to the Iziko SA Museum which is at the top of the Company Garden. You can find parking in Queen Victoria street or on Museum street if you intend to visit the SA Museum first.
If you use the MyCiti Bus hop off at the bus station in lower Orange street or upper Long street and then walk down Grey’s Pass to the Museum. You can also just walk on Government Avenue to get to the Museum.
When you arrive, make your way to the Delville Wood Memorial (a fountain with a horse). This is where your walk starts.
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Visit the Company Garden Info Centre for all the history, there is yummy food at the Company Garden Restaurant, walk the St Georges Cathedral Labyrinth, The Crypt, Slave Lodge, talk to the Flower Sellers, enjoy some spicy Malay food at the Grand Parade food stalls or visit the Eastern Food Bazaar in Darling street. And very importantly, do not forget to look through the old 1895 - 1903 man-holes to follow the historic river below your feet.
Best time of day
Any fine day in Africa. Sundays are my favourite as that is when the city sleeps. The Castle opens 9am to 4pm. Allow time to visit the Castle after your Tour if you'd like to see it - finish the route by 2pm to have time to see the Castle. If you do visit the Castle look for the horse drawn carriage and if you are lucky catch a ride back to your starting point in the Company Garden. Otherwise, you can take the MyCiti bus and enjoy a nice sightseeing ride back.
Precautions
Try not to walk alone, blend into your surroundings, don't flash your valuables, and be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for Pickpockets.
Buy some peanuts at the Company Garden Tea Room to feed the squirrels but take care as they are greedy. Also buy half a loaf of bread for the fish in the Castle moat. Take care not to fall into the moat. The fish are very hungry.
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