Savannah Slavery to Freedom Guided History Tour

If you’re heading to Savannah and want to understand the city’s complex past, the Savannah Slavery to Freedom Guided History Tour might catch your eye. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour bus journey that promises to shed light on the African American experience from the days of slavery through to the ongoing fight for liberation. While I haven’t experienced it myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary make it sound like a compelling way to engage deeply with Savannah’s history.

What really stands out about this tour is its focus on storytelling from a Gullah Geechee perspective—Sistah Patt, the guide, is praised for her authenticity, passion, and knowledge. The second highlight is how it combines historical landmarks like River Street, Johnson Square, and Laurel Grove Cemetery with powerful narratives that make history come alive. That said, it is a bus tour, so if you’re expecting lots of walking or outdoor exploration, this might not be your first choice.

This experience feels best suited for history enthusiasts, those interested in African American culture, or anyone wanting a meaningful, educational perspective on Savannah’s history. It offers more than just sightseeing; it’s a chance to listen, learn, and reflect on stories that are often overlooked in traditional tours.

Key Points

• Deep historical focus on the African American journey from slavery to freedom in Savannah.
• Engaging narration by a master Gullah Geechee truth-teller, making complex history accessible.
• Visit key sites like River Street, Johnson Square, and Laurel Grove Cemetery, with meaningful stories at each stop.
• Two-and-a-half-hour tour offers a balanced, in-depth look without feeling rushed.
• Affordable value at just over $68 per person, considering the depth of storytelling and historical insight.
• Suitable for most travelers, with some need for notice regarding accessibility or parking arrangements.

An In-Depth Look at the Savannah Slavery to Freedom Tour

What’s Included and How It Works

At around $68.50, this tour isn’t the cheapest in Savannah, but reviews suggest you’re paying for a rich, authentic experience. The price includes a narrated 2 to 2.5-hour bus ride, led by Sistah Patt, a guide praised for her vast knowledge and engaging storytelling. Not included are tips, bottled water, or parking fees, so plan for those extra costs.

You’ll be meeting at 223 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, a central spot that’s easy to find. The tour is designed for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 32, and it runs in the morning or afternoon to fit your schedule.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Hear

1. Savannah’s West African Roots

The journey begins with a look at the tribes brought to Savannah, exploring how they were used in slave labor. You’ll learn about the slave ships, their destinations, and the role these ancestors played in shaping the city’s economy.

2. Slave Auctions at Johnson Square

Next, your guide points out where enslaved Africans were auctioned. This spot is a stark reminder of the city’s past, and the narration will help you understand the brutal reality of those times. One reviewer describes the guide as “amazingly knowledgeable,” which helps bring these dark chapters to life.

3. River Street and Slave Labor

As you pass along River Street, you’ll hear about how enslaved people contributed to building the warehouses and infrastructure that make Savannah what it is today. The tour emphasizes the resilience and contributions of these communities, often overlooked in traditional narratives.

4. Journey to Freedom & Civil Rights

The tour moves on to highlight the incredible fight for freedom, passing by landmarks like the Second African Baptist Church. This part of the tour underscores the community’s efforts to resist and survive oppression, making the history not just a story of captivity but one of resilience and hope.

5. Laurel Grove Cemetery & African American Monuments

Your final stops include Laurel Grove Cemetery, where many notable African Americans are buried, and the African American Monument. These sites serve as powerful symbols of endurance and remembrance, adding emotional depth to the experience.

The Guide: Sistah Patt, The Truth-Teller

Multiple reviews sing praises about Sistah Patt. Known for her authenticity, humor, and deep-rooted activism, she brings history to life with stories that resonate. “She is an inspiration,” many say, and her storytelling is described as honest, insightful, and sometimes sprinkled with humor and song. Such authenticity makes the experience more than just listening to facts; it’s about feeling the stories she tells.

What Past Travelers Say

• “Great information about what it was like in Savannah in the past and how it is now,” writes one reviewer, emphasizing the tour’s ability to connect past and present.
• “Her knowledge & history shared, and her backstory and current efforts,” says another, highlighting how it’s not just about history but ongoing social justice.
• “She made history come alive,” and “She is a rare treasure,” are common sentiments among those who’ve experienced her guide.

Comfort, Accessibility, and Practicalities

The tour is weather-dependent, so check the forecast if you’re visiting during uncertain weather. It’s suitable for most travelers, with the note that ADA accessibility requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Parking is not included, so plan accordingly.

The Value: Is It Worth It?

Considering the reviews, many find this tour well worth the price. It offers a detailed narrative, engaging storytelling, and meaningful reflection, making it stand out from standard sightseeing options. It’s not just about seeing sites—it’s about understanding their significance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is fantastic for history buffs, students of African American culture, or anyone eager to understand Savannah beyond its picturesque facades. It’s especially suited for those who prefer stories and personal accounts over just looking at landmarks. If you’re looking for a respectful, honest, and emotionally impactful experience, this tour delivers in spades.

While not a walking tour, it involves bus transportation, so it’s ideal for those who prefer not to walk long distances or have mobility concerns. It’s also a good choice for travelers who want a structured, guided experience with a focus on social justice and resilience.

Final Thoughts

The Savannah Slavery to Freedom Guided History Tour offers a rare and powerful perspective on the city’s past. Its emphasis on storytelling, led by the passionate Sistah Patt, makes history accessible and meaningful. The sites visited are significant, and the narration provides context that deepens your understanding of Savannah’s Black community and their ongoing fight for justice.

While it’s priced at around $68, many reviewers feel the experience is more than worth the money, especially given the emotional and educational value. It’s a tour that can leave a lasting impression, making history feel close and real.

If you’re open to confronting the realities of slavery and celebrating resilience, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect—an experience that could change how you see Savannah and the wider story of American history.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for older children and teens given the serious subject matter. The storytelling is engaging but also intense at times.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, providing a thorough overview without feeling rushed.

What sites are visited during the tour?
You’ll visit River Street, Johnson Square, Laurel Grove Cemetery, and pass by the Second African Baptist Church, among others.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Requests for ADA accessible vehicles need to be made at least 24 hours in advance, so check with the provider beforehand.

What should I bring?
Bring water, especially on hot days, and wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for sitting on a bus and short stops.

Are tips included in the price?
Tips are not included, so if you appreciate the guide’s storytelling, consider tipping at your discretion.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others in Savannah?
Its focus on African American history told by an authentic, passionate guide, and the way it combines historical significance with present-day efforts for justice.

If you’re looking for an educational, heartfelt experience that adds depth to your understanding of Savannah, this tour is a standout choice. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s storytelling that echoes long after the bus has left.