Viator Rating : 5 (406 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.6/10 (Solid Experience)
Savannah
Savannah's Slavery to Freedom History Tour: Sistah Patt
180
Overview
Savannah Slavery to Freedom Guided History Tour: Discover the untold stories of Savannah's past, tracing the journey from slavery to freedom. This tour, led by the renowned Gullah Geechee storyteller Sistah Patt, offers a powerful exploration of the struggles, resilience, and contributions of those who fought for equality.
Guests will experience the sights and stories of where West African slaves first arrived, were held, and were sold. Key stops include the historic River Street Warehouses, Johnson Square, and the Second African Baptist Church, each offering a poignant connection to Savannah's complex history. This 2 to 2.5-hour narrated tour honors the past and inspires a commitment to a more just future.
The tour includes visits to the African American Monument, Laurel Grove Cemetery, and Johnson Square. Participants will gain insights from 'Sistah Patt', a master Gullah Geechee truth-teller. Please note that gratuities for guides, bottled water, and parking costs are not included. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (10 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Guide Quality (10 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (5 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (6 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Powerful Storytelling: Hear untold stories from a Gullah Geechee master storyteller.
Historic Landmarks: Visit significant sites like River Street and Johnson Square.
Lasting Impact: Reflect on the journey from slavery to freedom.
Expert Narration: Enjoy a 2-2.5 hour tour led by knowledgeable guides.
Sentiment Analysis
Guests love Sistah Patt's storytelling.
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Visitors find the tour very informative.
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Many appreciate learning about the African American experience in Savannah.
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Customers say the tour guides are very passionate.
Some guests mention issues with traffic affecting tour length.
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A few reviews note difficulty hearing the guide at times.
The Journey
River Street Warehouses
Explore the historic warehouses lining River Street, built with the forced labor of enslaved West Africans. These structures stand as silent witnesses to a dark chapter in Savannah's past, representing the immense human cost of the cotton trade. Learn about the West African tribes whose expertise and lives were exploited, and reflect on their enduring legacy as you walk along the cobblestone streets that once bore witness to unimaginable suffering.
Johnson Square
Visit Johnson Square, Savannah's oldest and a somber location where enslaved people were once auctioned. Reflect on the human stories behind this site as you contemplate the indignity and injustice endured by those who were bought and sold here. The square, now a peaceful public space, serves as a powerful reminder of Savannah's complex history and the ongoing need for remembrance and reconciliation.
Second African Baptist Church
Journey past the Second African Baptist Church, a beacon of hope and resilience for the African American community during and after slavery. This historic church served as a vital center for spiritual guidance, education, and organizing for freedom. Consider the incredible courage and determination of those who sought solace and strength within its walls, contributing to the long struggle for civil rights and equality.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes visits to the African American Monument, Laurel Grove Cemetery, and Johnson Square, featuring a 2-2.5 hour narrated experience led by 'Sistah Patt', a master Gullah Geechee truth-teller. It excludes gratuities for guides, bottled water, and the cost of parking. There is no pickup or dropoff service; guests will need to meet at the designated meeting point.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Arrive early to find parking, as it can be limited. Many guests found it helpful to sit near the front of the group to hear the guide clearly.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour highly engaging and educational, with Sistah Patt frequently praised as a knowledgeable, passionate Gullah Geechee storyteller who delivers moving narratives on Savannah's Black history at sites like Laurel Grove Cemetery. Reviewers highlight the tour's enlightening depth on slavery and resilience, calling it unforgettable and well-paced at 2.5 hours for groups up to 32. No significant negatives are commonly mentioned, though some note weather dependency and the need for advance ADA requests.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
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