If you’re looking for an activity that combines fun, learning, and giving back, this tour in Cape Town might just be your next must-try. Hosted by Side by Side Experiences & Tours, this two-hour adventure offers more than just a typical activity — it’s a chance to connect with local communities in an authentic way.
What really makes this experience stand out? First, the insightful guides who bring local stories to life; second, the interactive dance and storytelling sessions that are engaging at any age; third, the positive impact as a portion of the proceeds supports community initiatives. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the group size is small, capped at 10 travelers, which might limit spontaneity during busy times. Still, this tour is best suited for those eager to learn about Cape Town’s social fabric while having a good time with friends, family, or colleagues.
Key Points
- Authentic Local Engagement: Meet inspiring community changemakers and participate in meaningful activities.
- Family-Friendly: Kids from community programs join if you opt for the kids add-on, making this perfect for family outings.
- Interactive Experience: Dance, storytelling, and drumming keep everyone involved.
- Support for Local Causes: A percentage of your booking goes toward local projects like bursaries and equipment.
- Guided Convenience: Transport and entrance fees are handled, so you just focus on the experience.
- Affordable Value: At just over $29 per person, it offers a rich cultural experience with real social impact.
What to Expect from Your Cape Town Community Experience
This tour offers a taste of Cape Town’s lively and resilient community through the lens of local changemakers, with a mix of dance, storytelling, and natural interaction. The process begins with a convenient pickup (if you’ve added the hotel transfer) and a guided drive through Langa, one of Cape Town’s most vibrant townships. Your guide, who is often a local with inspiring stories, will set the stage with some background about the community and the projects your participation supports.
Looking for more options in Cape Town? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
The Meeting Point and Transportation
The activity starts at Guga S’thebe on Washington Street in Langa, a hub for arts, culture, and social projects. If you included the hotel pickup, your guide will collect you from your accommodation, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Because of the small group size, the experience feels intimate, allowing your guide to give personal attention and answer questions along the way.
The Activities: Dancing, Storytelling, and Interaction
Once at Guga S’thebe, you’ll be greeted by local community partners. The guide will help break the ice before jumping into activities, which typically include a lively mix of African Dance, Afro-Fusion, Kasi Jive, Pantsula, Kwela, and traditional Xhosa and Tswana styles.
Dance is at the core — don’t worry if you’re not a pro; the emphasis is on fun and participation. One reviewer mentioned, “Try your hand (and foot) at some of the local styles,” reflecting how accessible this part is. If dancing isn’t your thing, you can jam on djembe drums, adding a rhythmic layer to the experience.
The storytelling aspect offers insights into how local entrepreneurs, like Zumb entrepreneurs, turned passions into livelihoods. One guide shared how dance and exercise helped a community member escape a tough past involving gang activity, highlighting the tour’s deeper social message.
The experience is designed to be responsive to guest preferences, with equal time allocated for dancing, storytelling, and natural social interactions. This flexible setup ensures everyone feels involved and leaves with a sense of connection.
Kids Add-on and Family Friendly Elements
For families, the kids add-on means children from local after-school programs will be present, which adds a genuine community vibe. As one reviewer noted, the presence of children makes the experience more engaging and heartwarming. Kids get to participate in dance and storytelling, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
Impact and Contribution
What sets this experience apart? A portion of the booking fee (10%) goes toward charitable projects — from bursaries to equipment grants. You might find that knowing your participation makes a tangible difference in local lives enhances the enjoyment.
The Optional Photoshoot
For those who want a souvenir, the Photoshoot add-on offers HD pictures and videos sent via Google Drive on the same day. This is a simple way to capture the fun moments without the hassle of taking your own photos, especially during lively dance segments.
How the Tour Feels in Practice
The whole experience is designed to be lighthearted, inspiring, and authentic. An actual participant described the guide, Francesca, as “an amazing person — friendly, beautiful, and very knowledgeable.” Her energy and storytelling skills seem to be a highlight, making the tour feel more like a shared adventure than a scripted activity.
The group remains small, which enhances the personal connection and allows everyone to participate fully without feeling lost in a crowd. The tour is perfect for those interested in cultural exchange, family groups, or anyone wanting an active few hours that blend fun with meaningful social impact.
Duration and Price
Clocking in at approximately 2 hours, the experience offers great value for its price of $29.22 per person. For this cost, you gain not only a fun activity but also a chance to support local initiatives, making it a worthwhile investment.
Logistics and Additional Costs
Most elements are included, like entrance fees and the guide’s time, but extras such as bottled water are available for purchase. The hotel pickup is an optional add-on, convenient for those staying in Cape Town’s central area.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This activity is ideal for families, corporate groups, or individual travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience with a social impact. If you enjoy dancing, storytelling, or simply want to meet inspiring locals, this tour offers a welcoming environment.
Travelers who appreciate small-group experiences with personalized attention will find this especially satisfying. It’s also perfect for those who want to contribute to local causes while learning about Cape Town’s vibrant townships.
The Sum Up: Why It’s Worth Your Time
This tour combines cultural engagement, social impact, and fun, wrapped into a neat two-hour package. With friendly guides like Francesca, lively dance sessions, and meaningful storytelling, it’s a refreshing and authentic way to experience Cape Town beyond typical tourist spots.
The inclusion of local community members, especially children, adds a genuine warmth to the experience. The tour offers a rare glimpse into how local entrepreneurs and changemakers are shaping the city’s future, making it more than just a dance class or storytelling session — it’s a small but powerful contribution to meaningful social projects.
For travelers eager to connect with Cape Town’s heart and soul, this activity provides a heartfelt, joyful, and educational outing that balances fun with purpose.
FAQs
Is transportation provided for this tour?
Yes, if you add the hotel pickup option, your guide will collect you from your accommodation, making logistics hassle-free.
How long does the experience last?
Approximately 2 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the activities without feeling rushed.
Can kids participate?
Yes, kids from a community-based after-school program will be present if you choose the kids add-on, making it family-friendly.
What activities are included?
Dancing (African, Afro-Fusion, Kasi Jive, etc.), storytelling about local entrepreneurs, and drumming with djembe.
Is there a specific dress code?
Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for dancing and moving around; no special gear needed.
Is this experience suitable for non-dancers?
Absolutely. The focus is on participation and fun, not professional dancing skills.
How much does it cost?
$29.22 per person, with optional extras like Photoshoot or hotel pickup available.
What is the impact of my participation?
A portion of your fee (10%) goes toward supporting local community projects like bursaries and equipment.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
What makes this tour different from other Cape Town activities?
It’s centered around community engagement, storytelling, and making a social impact, rather than just sightseeing.
This engaging experience is a fantastic way to connect, learn, and contribute while enjoying Cape Town’s vibrant culture. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a family, or with colleagues, this tour offers a memorable and meaningful outing.
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