EASTERN CAPE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

The Xhosa tradition is an extremely powerful social to find her seated among her peers smoking a long- force binding together the people of the Eastern handled pipe. Cape province, most evident in Xhosa beliefs by Beadwork similar to the Ndebele is an integral revering their ancestors. The original ancestor is aspect of Xhosa tradition. It forms part of the Tshawe, but it is direct family members that Xhosa ornamentation that reflects the different stages of people call upon for guidance, support and to turn a woman’s life. A certain headdress will be worn by the tide of favour. a newly married girl, while a woman who has just There are approximately 7.1-million given birth to her first child will wear a differently in South , the majority of whom live in the styled headdress. Eastern Cape, and ancient traditions remain strong Xhosa beliefs recognise the presence of ancestral in this proud people. They are descended from the spirits and a supreme authority. The spirits Nguni, who began migrating south from central and of those who have passed on are honoured in northern Africa more than a thousand years ago. rituals and ceremonies. They are called upon for The Xhosa comprise of a number of clans, such as guidance, support, or to turn the tide of fortune. , Ngika, Ndlambe, Dushane and the Qayi. A The ceremonial slaughtering of animals is one of certain amount of intermarriage with the the many ways by which ancestors are invoked. people they found here also gave rise to clans like Some Xhosa beliefs dictate that the Xhosa people the Gqunkhwebe. turn to a diviner or healer, usually attired in a Enchantment winds through the Xhosa language, headdress and shawl of fur, when needing advice dress and rituals. Their language is often called on how to deal with the spirits, to help with the ‘click’ language because of its three dominant illnesses, or to ward off evil from unnatural forces clicks, which entered the isiXhosa language when such as the tokoloshe − a potentially malevolent the Nguni arrivals mixed with the Khoisan. goblin who attacks at night. Other figures are Xhosa women are easily recognised by their the huge lightning bird (impundudu), and the heavy dress, matching turban and coloured dots gentle abantu bomlambo − aquatic human-like decorating their faces. If a woman has children, beings who accept into their family those who whom she has raised to be adults, then it is usual drown. WILD COAST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE TOUR ISINUKA MUD CAVES AND WITH IMONTI TOURS SULPHUR POOLS AMATHOLE & WILD COAST For a unique cultural experience, come and visit the Eastern Cape Cultural Experiences is a unique and natural sulphur springs; a traditional healing site authentic experience of living with the Xhosa people to the Pondo people. in different villages of the Eastern Cape, cooking and staying with them in their living villages. Immerse yourself in the tradition by smothering yourself in the mud. Dry in the glorious sun and The Eastern Cape is the second biggest province visit the sulphur pools afterwards to rinse off. in where the majority of people are Xhosa speaking. Most of the land is occupied by Amanda Weerdenburg rural villages where most of these communities Port St Johns Tourism Forum still live in their mud houses. This tour is designed +27 (0) 76 581 2845 for guests who want to spend time with these rural [email protected] communities and learn about Xhosa culture and traditions. You will enjoy traditional meals and also learn how to cook and how to make your own beads. Meet with the local community, be part of their daily activities, cook and stay with the village XHOSA CULTURAL VILLAGE community. This tour will help you learn about the Xhosa Culture in the different Xhosa living villages. EXPERIENCE WITH AMAPONDO Eastern Cape is the second biggest Province in South Africa where the majority of people are Xhosa BACKPACKERS speaking. Most of the land is occupied by rural villages where most of these communities still Amapondo Backpackers north of Port St Johns is leave in their mud houses. situated close to Mthumbane, a Xhosa village which can be reached via a hike through mountainous +27 (0) 83 487 8975 terrain boasting scenic ocean views. After braving +27 (0) 43 721 2082 the trail’s ropes and ladders you can sit down to a [email protected] well-deserved traditional Xhosa meal in the village before heading back to the backpackers.

Amanda Weerdenburg Port St Johns Tourism Forum +27 (0) 76 581 2845 [email protected] NELSON MANDELA MUSEUM NQILENI VILLAGE, THE XHOSA

The Nelson Mandela Museum was officially opened COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE on 11 February 2000, to coincide with the tenth anniversary of his release from prison in 1990. Situated on the breathtaking Wild Coast, the Lodge Nelson Mandela insisted that the museum was is nestled in one of the most beautiful locations in not to be a static collection and tribute to him, but South Africa. An eco-friendly, Fair Trade certified, a living memorial to his values and vision. It was affordable, multi-night destination for South African to inspire and enrich all who visit it and serve as a and overseas visitors alike; the Lodge is superb for catalyst for development and share the heritage backpackers and cultural wanderers of this Earth. resources linked to him. The Bulungula Lodge sustains local culture and His gift is a living one, that embodies his commitment the planet, and is 100% owned and managed by to the principles of human rights, freedom, peace the vibrant, traditional Nqileni village, a Xhosa and democracy. Located in Qunu (Nelson Mandela community. The Xhosa community is an integral part Youth and Heritage Centre) and in Mthatha (Bhunga of daily life in and around the Lodge. With no fences, Building ). At Qunu, the young Rolihlahla assumed no crime, and no hassles, the village is full of friendly the name Nelson, as was the custom at missionary smiles and lots of animals. You are invited to be part schools. In his book “Long Walk to Freedom” Madiba of this community throughout your stay - becoming states that Qunu is where he spent the happiest part of the Bulungula Lodge and village community moments of his childhood. Visitors are able to is the whole point of coming here! view various exhibitions and several sites directly associated with Nelson Mandela, such as the ruins The Lodge is powered by the sun and includes the of the school he attended. legendary ’rocket’ hot-water showers, our water comes from our own borehole and the virtually The Nelson Mandela Museum is more than a place; odourless compost toilets are the most colourful in it is an experience that allows visitors to follow Africa. 10 theme-painted traditionally built rondavel the footprints of the man affectionately known as huts have beautiful sea and forest views. Stay in ‘Madiba’, who’s long walk to freedom began in the permanent tents on platforms under the trees or foothills that rise from the banks of the Mbashe bring and pitch your own tent. Whichever roof you River in Mvezo. Enquire about the accommodation choose, you’ll sleep well, to the sound of the Indian available. Ocean’s surf.

+27 (0) 47 532 5110 +27 (0) 47 577 8900 [email protected] +27 (0) 83 391 5525 http://www.nelsonmandelamuseum.org.za [email protected] VILLAGE DINNER EXPERIENCE A COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE WITH COFFEE SHACK WITH WILD LUBANZI BACKPACKERS BACKPACKERS

Coffee Bay is still a deeply traditional area of South Wild Lubanzi Backpackers is 50% community owned Africa where visitors can experience a way of life - our staff are our extended family, all of them are far removed from Western culture. Here Xhosa directors of the company, and all of them make the culture, values and beliefs preside over daily life. place what it is. The backpackers is nestled on one Coffee Shack Backpackers is an accommodation of the hills overlooking the beach, providing you establishment that gives visitors the chance to with stunning sunrise views. It is surrounded by interact meaningfully with the local Xhosa people. local village huts, people, livestock, laughter and the lovely hum of Xhosa village life. South Africa is/has When Coffee Shack first started, the local Headman a powerful mix of politics, people and complexities invited the owners to his home to share a meal with that frame the context of our lives post-. his family and celebrate the making of new friends. This has progressed to what is now called the For these reasons we do not accept any guests who Village Dinner and every Friday, guests are invited are racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic, xenophobic, by one of three local families to attend a traditional ethnophobic or just a horrible person in whatever dinner, song and dance. Be treated to a warm Xhosa way. If you are, then we will happily drop you off at welcome, enjoy a home-cooked traditional dinner, the nearest minibus taxi stop. (We are however open and join the dancing if you can keep up! to debate any of the above if you are unsure of where you stand.)

+27 (0) 47 575 2048 Wild Lubanzi is a place for the young-at-heart, a place http://www.coffeeshack.co.za for dreamers, adventurers, travellers, or anyone [email protected] who ever felt that “there must be more to life”. Here’s more. You wanna come see?

Please note: We are still rebuilding our backpackers from scratch - three years in and still going strong. However, some accommodation is available (check the accommodation page), the self-catering kitchen is operational and toilet/shower facilities are provided. The beers are cold and the view and short walk to the beach are the same as always.

+27 (0) 78 530 8997 [email protected] ELUNXWEMENI TOWNSHIP TOURS NGXINGXOLO VILLAGE

Have you ever been inside a spaza shop or a Visit Ngxingxolo village and meet Zinzi Tofu who shebeen (local tavern)? Have you ever consulted a speaks with passion and pride about the Xhosa traditional healer or drank umqombothi (traditional culture. beer)? Have you seen amaXhosa in their traditional attire? Listened to their music and eaten their food? Asked why she thinks it’s important to do so, and Come and experience a day in the life of the locals how others can learn about her way of life, she said of iCwili township situated close to Kei Mouth and simply: “It’s really important because it’s totally experience all of this and more! different from other cultures.”

Elunxwemeni Township Tours has been sharing the “In the Eastern Cape, 80% of population are Xhosa Xhosa culture with local and international visitors people. It forms a huge part of the essence of what since 2013 and will walk you from door to door as the Eastern Cape is.” you meet the locals, learn some Xhosa customs, play with their children and experience some aspects of Tofu and her team host cultural tours at the award- the Xhosa life. winning Ngxingxolo Cultural Village, welcoming guests in song, with Tofu beating on a drum. Siyabulela Aubrey Kema is your friendly and The tour settles down then as your guide Tofu welcoming guide, and he started Elunxwemeni explains various cultural aspects among the Xhosa Township Tours with the purpose of sharing people, including – Intonjane, the female rite of his African roots with visitors and reducing the passage – courting and the roles of men and women unemployment rate. in the home.

The walk takes two hours and can be customised to She also shows off the kraal, where only men are meet your requirements. allowed to enter, and the Intonjane hut where a young woman is kept while undergoing the female Please note: Three days’ notice is required if you rite of passage. Unlike the male rite of passage wish to try umqombothi beer, as Aubrey will need which includes circumcision, there is no physical time to brew some for you. contact with the young woman during Intonjane. “To people [visiting] it’s complicated but to me, I live Bookings: Call Aubrey on +27 (0) 78 064 8487 in the village,” she said.

“I’m not speaking of something I’ve read in a book. It’s my every day. I live in the village.” The tour also includes a lunch of traditional Xhosa food, such as umngqusho (samp and beans), steam bread, stew and spinach.

Book this tour through Imonti Tours for a great guided experience: +27 (0) 83 487 8975 +27 (0) 43 721 2082 [email protected] DISCOVER QOLORA WITH TREVOR’S TRAILS them came lung-sickness. Thousands of their prized Trevor’s Trials has a variety of tours that include cattle, a sign of wealth in the Xhosa culture, had The Gates, Kobonqaba River estuary, visiting a succumbed. The British had murdered King Hintsa local Xhosa home, Gxara Waterfall and the Khoisan and they had fought and lost many wars against middens at Halls Point, a sunset cruise on the Qolora the European settlers, who had taken large tracts River and the ‘pool of prophesy’. of Xhosa territory and cattle. They were looking for a miracle, something to turn around this spell of THE GATE TRAIL: misfortune. The trip is a three-hour outing by boat and on foot and will take you about 1,5km up the Qolora River from Into the spotlight stepped Nongqawuse. She was the river mouth through a gorge and to a waterfall the young niece of Mhlakaza, a priest/diviner who with a deep pool. Here a tempting high jump awaits was held in high regard by the Xhosa King, Sarhili. the brave of heart. Trevor and Carlos lead you One day, as she looked into the pools in the Gxara through the riverine forest, stopping occasionally to River, Nongqawuse had a vision. She claimed to have point out medicinal trees and plants, whilst boulder spoken to the ancestors who promised that they hopping across the river to another pool. You will be would rise from the dead and drive the hated white hard pressed to find a better way to spend a morning man into the sea and replace their sick cattle with or afternoon in this little patch of paradise at Qolora strong, healthy cattle. All the ancestors asked for in Mouth. return was that, as an act of faith, the people would kill all their cattle and destroy all of their crops. THE CULTURAL TRAIL: A great commotion arose at the sound of this news This is where you can enjoy singing , traditional and men from far and wide came to see Nongqawuse dancing and the preparation and tasting of and to peer into the pool. Some said they had seen traditional food. You will end this off with an informal the faces of their ancestors in the water, others chat with a traditional healer. For this trail we need to claimed to have seen whole armies of spirits waiting book a day in advance as this is a lived in authentic to arise, eager to destroy the Europeans. African home. For the next ten months, the Gcaleka Xhosas set THE KHOISAN MIDDEN AND GXARA about the destruction of all the cattle and crops. Then, on the appointed day, the 18th of February WATERFALL TRAIL: 1857, they awaited the rising of a blood red sun, the This is where you can see the last remains of a San awakening of vast spirit armies and the arrival of fat Midden. Trevor will pick you up in his car and will take cattle and ripe crops. The sun arose that morning just you to visit a Khoisan Midden at Halls Point where the same as it always had, there were no armies, no about 4000 years of Khoisan history is exposed. You crops and no cattle, only ruin and the grim prospect will then take a drive to the spectacular falls on the of starvation. An estimated 25 000 people died of Gxara River before being returned home. starvation and Nongqawuse fled for her life. She was housed for her own safety on Robben Island POOL OF PROPHESY: and ended her days in obscurity on a farm near King Nongqawuse (also spelt Nongqause) is a name that William’s Town in the Eastern Cape. will haunt the Xhosa people forever. In 1856, the Xhosa nation was in despair. A number of Friesland +27 (0) 73 575 7223 Bulls were imported from Holland in 1850 and with +27 (0) 47 498 0095 AMATHOLE ELUNDINI – AFRICAN RURAL CATA VILLAGE

VILLAGE EXPERIENCE Cata Chalets, only 120km from East London and near the town of Keiskammahoek, is a 3-star self- Elundini Backpackers is an ‘off the grid’ backpackers catering establishment nestled in the Amatole just 20 minutes away from Hogsback, high in the Mountains in rural Eastern Cape. Surrounded by Amatola Mountains, in the picturesque African rural indigenous forest and grasslands, the spectacular village of Elundini. Created from the desire to give panoramic scenery and authentic Xhosa hospitality guests a true African experience, this community found within the village and its surrounds places based backpackers has it all; great views, yummy Cata Chalets amongst the most beautiful tourism food, and cosy vibes. destinations in South Africa. Consider a week-long stay with a Xhosa family and learn how to speak If you are curious to venture off the beaten path isiXhosa. and experience authentic sustainable living at the very heart of South Africa’s Xhosa land, then Visitors can learn about Cata’s history of land Elundini is ideal. Here, at Elundini, we try to attain dispossession and successful restitution by visiting a self-sufficient lifestyle in harmony and tight the Village Museum or walking the Heritage Trail. collaboration with the local community. Along this trail are the ruins of homesteads that were demolished during forced removals in the 1960s, Elindini Backpackers offers one dormitory rondavel as well as a topo scope – a viewpoint containing and two family rondavels. These traditional historical information engraved in stone. rondavels are warm in winter and cool in summer, and solar lighting is provided, there is no electricity. +27 (0) 72 568 7926 The rooms have use of a communal bathroom with [email protected] showers.

Just a few steps away from the rondavels is a communal kitchen, lounge and dining area with a pool table, a fireplace, and a hammock. Self-catering facilities are available, but you are welcome to join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner on request. Visitors can try Xhosa bread making, have Xhosa language lessons, or do a Xhosa village tour. Other activities include mountain biking, hiking, and horse riding.

+27 (0) 78 357 3285 http://www.elundinibackpackers.com/ SUNSHINE COAST ROUTE 67 NELSON MANDELA

The Mandela Bay Development Agencies Route 67 METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM consists of 67 Public Art Works symbolising Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of work dedicated to the freedom This Art Museum’s collections reflect the rich of South Africa and includes 67 steps leading up to diversity of cultural groups in the Eastern Cape the second largest flag in Africa. The artworks were province, consisting of South , particularly designed by local artists from the Eastern Cape. The that of the Eastern Cape, British art, international route is a proud celebration of our city’s heritage printmaking and Oriental art. The permanent and history. This is a must see stop for the whole collection is supplemented by an active programme family to walk and to enjoy. Guided tours of Route 67 of temporary exhibitions, which showcase the best is available at the Donkin Visitor Information Office that art has to offer in South Africa and from abroad. inside the lighthouse building. Route 67 starts at A variety of educational services are offered for the the Campanile and climbs the staircase to Vuyisile whole community, including guided tours and art Mini Market Square which is the centre of the city. workshops. From the city centre the route continues through the staircase at St Mary’s Terrace, the experience +27 (0) 41 506 2000 of the route erupts in a celebration of colour, art and http://www.artmuseum.co.za heritage that meanders up to the Donkin Reserve to [email protected] the great flag on top of the hill.

Route 67 forms part the greater Nelson Mandela Bay Arts Journey which includes a number of Art Galleries and different locations such as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Museum, the newly renovated Athenaeum Building, the Red Location Museum, Uitenhage .

+27 (0) 41 585 8884 https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/route_67.html [email protected] KOUGA SARAH BAARTMAN

According to history, Sarah Baartman was born in President Nelson Mandela formally requested that 1789 in the Gamtoos Valley. When she was barely in France return the remains of Sarah Baartman to her 20’s, she was sold to London by an enterprising South Africa. Her remains were reburied during a Scottish doctor named Alexander Dunlop, ceremony on 19 August 2002, on Vergaderingskop, accompanied by a showman named Hendrik Cesars. a hill on the edge of Hankey, where the multi- She spent four years in Britain being exhibited for her million multi-purpose Sarah Baartman Centre of unique anatomic features. Her treatment caught the Remembrance is under construction. attention of British abolitionists, who tried to rescue her, but she claimed that she had come to London on The 4804.5 m² heritage site will include the declared her own accord. In 1814, after Dunlop’s death, she gravesite, a museum, archives, story-telling pits, traveled to Paris. a healing pond, a symbolic and productive garden, a reception building, retail spaces, workshops, With two consecutive showmen, Henry Taylor and S. restaurant, multipurpose hall, auditorium, Reaux, she amused onlookers who frequently visited classrooms, accommodation, parking, a road the Palais-Royal. She was subjected to examination underpass and walkways. by Georges Cuvier, a professor of comparative anatomy at the Museum of Natural History. The museum will consist of two sections, one dedicated to the Khoi-San and the other to Sarah In post-Napoleonic France, sideshows like the Baartman. Visitors will follow a route depicting Venus lost their appeal. Baartman lived a narrative about Khoi-San history that will on in poverty, and died in Paris of an undetermined contextualise Sarah Baartman’s life. inflammatory disease in December 1815. After her death, Cuvier dissected her body, then displayed her Gamtoos Tourism remains. For more than a century and a half, visitors +27 (0) 42 283 0437 to the Museum of Man in Paris could view her brain, [email protected] skeleton and genitalia. www.baviaans.net HEARTLAND MEDICINAL PLANT TOUR @ TOUR

GANORA GUEST FARM Ganora Guest Farm has various shelters where ancient rock art paintings/images were found. Henry, better known as Punky, is a local guide of Guests are taken to one easily accessible site Bushman descent who works at Ganora Guest where there is a variety of rock art to view. The Farm. His knowledge of Karoo plants and those paintings date back from a few hundred years of with medicinal qualities was passed onto him by the Khoi to about 8 000 years of the . A his grandfather. He enjoys guiding people on walks guide will explain everything about their spiritual through the farm as he shows visitors the various beliefs and the meaning of the paintings as well as local plants and discusses the healing qualities how they mixed the paints and how it was applied. they have and how to best use them. He can also Near the shelter guests will also be able to read the guide you on longer hikes through the canyon where engravings of a young man that hid in the shelter he points out birds, reptiles and insects of interest. during the time of the Anglo Boer War. The story of this family during that time will also be retold. +27 (0) 82 698 0029 [email protected] +27 (0) 82 698 0029 [email protected] FRIENDLY N6 MEHLODING ADVENTURE TRAIL TSHAKA ROCK ART AND OTHER

Discover the Mehloding Adventure Trail for yourself! TOURS For the fit and the adventurous this is a stunning guided trail into the lesser known part of the A little-visited area of the Eastern Cape between uKhahlamba / National Park (a World Maclear and Mount Fletcher has yielded one of the Heritage Site). most impressive rock paintings found in South Africa. The richly-painted polychrome images of a Discover , protea and tree ferns, herd of leaping eland are well preserved and occupy indigenous forests, wild flower gardens and rare a large overhang about 70m long and 25m high. birds that pass through rural villages and be greeted Local shepherds have known about the paintings for by friendly local communities and experience years, but only recently have they been brought to traditional culture. At the end of each day be the attention of community guides and academics. welcomed by your hostess at comfortable chalets Perched under a band of sandstone overlooking where you can enjoy a hot shower, African cuisine the Tsitsana River Valley, the site is known as and an inviting bed! KwaBhaliwe, a Xhosa name meaning “˜place where it is written’. Thabathani Tshaka, a community guide Trail package includes: who runs the Mount Fletcher tourist information • Twin or dormitory room accommodation office is the ideal person to guide you on this journey • Dinner, breakfast and free service tea/coffee of discovery. • Hot showers, linen and towels • Professional guiding +27 (0) 73 242 6952 • Packed lunch [email protected]

Extras: • Return transfers from • Bag transfers between chalets

+27 (0) 39 737 3289 [email protected] SAN ROCK ART

The Rhodes, , Maclear and Mount Fletcher New England and Wartrail areas. areas of the Southern Drakensberg in the Eastern Contact: Dawn Green Cape Highlands are famous for some beautiful rock Tel: +27 (0) 45 971 9078. art sites. The public are only allowed to view the Mount In the Rhodes/Barkly East areas, a three-day Rock Fletcher site in the company of a guide. Art Tour takes you into the heart of one of the wildest Contact: Thabathani Tshaka and most awe-inspiring landscapes in South Africa, Tel: +27 (0) 73 242 6952 if not . The tours are conducted Email: [email protected] by qualified mountain guides and archaeological experts, and start with the Denorbin Farm site right Maclear above Barkly Pass. Here you will see lots of hunter- Contact: Sheila gatherer rock art under a large sandstone overhang Tel: +27 (0) 45 932 1437 – including animals, depictions of San rituals, serpents and dancing figures. The tour continues on Day 2 and 3 to several other sites in the ‘Wartrail’ area, Ancestral Cave and Cathedral Cave.

The tours give you an opportunity to savour the ancient beauty around you, while giving you an insight into the amazing ancient culture and spirituality of the San Bushmen – an almost extinct tribe who were the first people in southern Africa. Accommodation, meals and packed lunches are all included and are arranged on the route. Dawn Green offers a guided service to sites in the New England and Wartrail areas.

The Mount Fletcher area also has an excellent site, one of the best preserved in South Africa. This herd of leaping eland are worth the rather strenuous walk up the mountain to the overhang of rock, but once you arrive, you can imagine the San sitting there with this amazing backdrop and outlook over the Tistsana River Valley. The public are only allowed to view the site in the company of a guide.

Maclear also has its own treasure of San Art as featured in National Geographic magazine. Guided tours are available.