3 Nights “Madiba’s” Village/History Tour.
We visit Nelson Mandela’s childhood village.
Tour details:
Day 1
Meet guests in East London Airport and drive to Alice.We can pick you up in Port Elizabeth as well.
If we have time,we will show you parts of historic East London,visit a township,and a local soup kitchen.These activities depend on what time you arrive into East London.
We will visit the Art Gallery in Fort Hare University popular for its breathtaking art collection.The art work here is done by African artists.
It depicts life in the Townships and rural areas as well as life during the struggle.You will have time to walk through the campus and if you have a particular interest we can arrange a meeting with a local University academic for a short discussion.
Lunch at a local BB
Proceed to Bisho where will visit Steve Biko’s home and the Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance where his grave is.
Steve Biko died in the hands of the South African Police while on the struggle for the liberation of the oppressed in South Africa.
On the way we will stop by to see the a local creche( day care center) started by Steve biko and his wife.
As well there is a medical clinic that we can visit as well, that was also started by him as well.
Our visit to the Amatole Museum popular for its natural history and also the last resting place for “HUBERTA” the Hippo who is known worldwide for her wanderings in the 1930’s, will give you more insight in to the lifestyle/culture of the locals…
This town also has a large variety of church buildings with varied architectural styles,and we will pass by and stop at a few of the them when combined with the older buildings that have been preserved it gives you a moment to step back in time.
We will mix with the village people in their shopping area and the taxi rank.They only shop here on the outskirts of town as they don’t want to go deep in to the town.
Thereafter we will leave back for the Kings place to walk in the local village meeting locals observing village life
We overnite at the Kings Place,the palace of the King.The complex which has 40 rondavels (roundish Xhosa traditional houses).
These rondavels depict 40 tribes that they represent and each with it`s own chief and they are also accommodation for guests visiting the palace.
Day 2
After breakfast we will proceed to the Wild Coast via the Kei Mouth and cross the river Great Kei on a pontoon over to the Transkei homeland.
We travel all the way to the Wild Coast through villages experiencing the rural way of living.
For lunch traditional food will be organised in one of the villages.
We will also be able to see and walk around Nelson Mandela`s home in Qunu village.Nelson Mandela is buried in a graveyard close to his private residence.
After visiting Qunu,we drive down to our lodging for the night at q lodge in the village which is a sleepy little place on the Indian Ocean surrounded by rolling hills dotted with local huts/local gardens.
Its a place where time slows way down.The local beach has been awarded the beach best in South Africa.
Day 3
Today is a free day and after breakfast you can choose from many different activities ie walking in the local hills among the local gardens,sangomas(traditional doctors),walking trails,kayak,surf,get a massage,laying on the beach, the water is the warmer Indian ocean,caves and cliff jumping,or enjoying a slow laid back day.
Day 4
After breakfast we will drive to the Umtata,East London or Port Elizabeth airport,to drop you of.
If we have time we will stop at the Nelson Mandela Museum,well worth the time.
If you need it we can transfer you up to the Kwa Zulu area, or to the local town where you can pickup a car to continue on with your self drive,or if I have prearranged for you to meet another guide transfer you to your meeting point.