HD Khaya La Bantu
Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Khaya La Bantu
Half day excursion to Khaya La Bantu, a Xhosa village.
Itinerary
FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Depart the quayside and drive through East London, passing Orient and Eastern Beaches. Travel along the national highway toward the former homeland, known as the
Transkei, enjoying views of rolling hills, farmland and traditional Xhosa villages en route to Khaya La Bantu.
On arrival at this authentic village, you will be welcomed by the local villagers – and invited to join them at the community center, which the villagers built by hand using mud
for the walls and thatch for the roof. Wooden benches provide seating. At the community centre, you will be given a talk during which you will be introduced to the various
Xhosa customs and traditions. Also enjoy a performance of traditional dance and song. You will then be invited to join your guide for a walk through the village. See the
traditional kraal, a round building of interwoven branches that houses cattle, pigs, goats and chickens. The friendly villagers invite you to look into their huts as they explain
the techniques used to build them. Complimentary refreshments will then be served at the community centre– and you will also have the opportunity to taste a variety of
traditional Xhosa foods, including samp and beans, wild spinach with maize-rice, and pot-breads. During your visit, a variety of handcrafts including beadwork and clothing
will be on display – and are available for purchase. At the end of your visit, return to the quayside.
will be on display – and are available for purchase. At the end of your visit, return to the quayside.
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Drive through rolling hills and farmland to Khaya La Bantu, an authentic Xhosa village, where the friendly villagers welcome you and share their lifestyle. On a guided walk
through the village, the locals invite you to look into their huts as they explain the techniques used to build them, while at the community centre you can experience the Xhosa
customs with song and dance performances and tastes of the traditional cuisine.
TIMING BREAKDOWN
00:00 – 00:45 Depart the quayside and drive to Khaya la Bantu
00:45 – 01:15 Welcome by the local Xhosa people, with singing and dancing
01:15 – 01:45 Cultural experience – talk about various customs and traditions of the Xhosa people
01:45 – 02:15 Visit to the Xhosa village
02:15 – 02:45 Food tasting and refreshments at the community centre
02:45 – 03:15 Free time to browse through the handcrafts
03:15 – 04:00 Drive back to East London
Approximate duration: 4 hours
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Please wear flat, comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sun block
- Only local currency (South African Rand in low denominations) is accepted when buying handcrafts
- The WC facilities are very basic
- This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; however those with walking difficulties can manage this tour with a little assistance