Mthatha (Umtata) #CulturalTourism

Mthatha
(Umtata)

Location of Mthatha (Umtata) in South Africa.

Simplicity of destinations to some people can be more satisfying then the site of a grand hotel or lodge! I would definitely use the term ‘simple’ in a good way when describing this humble town in the Eastern Cape. Mthatha or formerly spelt Umtata, was founded as a colonial military post in 1882 and is located in the King Sabata Danilyebo Municipality district, this town has no military importance to South Africa anymore.

King Sabata Danilyebo was the king/ traditional leader of the AmaTembu people, but he was also a renowned anti-apartheids activist in the apartheid-era, and fought for the Xhosa way of life in the Transkei (today the province of the Eastern Cape). Xhosa is one of the eleven official languages of South Africa.  Apartheid only ended in April 1994, although sanctions placed on South Africa by other countries were lifted in 1990. Sanctions where brought onto South Africa because of the county’s inability to see every human being as equal.

 

The AmaTembu people, in their traditional clothes. This Xhosa-group still live in the Transkei (Eastern Cape) today.



Traditional homes (huts) in the Transkei (Eastern Cape).

Another key factor which makes Mthatha stand out over other places in Southern Africa is, in the nearby village of Qunu, South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918. This small little village just outside Mthatha is so rural the infrastructure consists mainly of dirt roads and traditional huts, former President Nelson Mandela’s retirement home since 2004, over shadows the simple way of living of the AmaTembu people, who still live in the area today!

 

The humble village of Qunu, just outside Mthatha, the childhood home of former President, Nelson Mandela.



Nelson Mandela's retirement home since 2004, in Qunu.

Nelson Mandela was born to be the prince of the AmaTembu people, before he made fighting for the rights of his people in a country that he loved, a priority. Imprisonment on Robben Island for 27 years showed his dedication. Within Qunu the Nelson Mandela Museum was created out of the old Bunga building (domed shaped building, was also the former seat of the Transkei Parliament). Qunu is still an important commercial center for the area with its fascinating history.



A young Neslon Mandela, before his imprisonment and sentence to Robben Island.

South Africa's first black President (1994-1999)!

Tata Madiba today...

The Nelson Mandela Museum consists out of three components that include:

1.      Nelson Mandela’s original home on the banks of the Qunu River, a tributary of the Mbashe River.

2.      Also the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre, where young people from all over the world come and learn his story and the story of South Africa, from his own personal point of view.

3.      The third component is the new Bunga building that displays the gifts given to Nelson Mandela (including his Nobel-prize of Freedom in 1993) and an exhibition of his autobiographical book – ‘Long Walk to Freedom’, published in 1995. This book is available electronically since 2008 (eBook).

 

Nelson Mandela's autobiographical book -' Long Walk to Freedom' was published in 1995, an electronic version of the book is available!

But for those people out there who don’t find politics, like myself very interesting, natural attractions in the area still make Mthatha a place worth visiting! Some natural attractions in the area include the Lucaba- and Nduli Nature Reserves. These reserves showcase what this region in the Eastern Cape is all about – the combination of open water and grasslands makes this a site to behold, and an extra bonus added to the region unasked for is the enjoyable weather throughout the year, making these reserves any nature-lovers dream destination.

The Nduli Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Mthatha.



The Luchaba Nature Reserve a short drive from Mthatha...



An example of a flora-species that can be seen in the Nature Reserves!



An example of a fauna-species that can be seen in the Nature Reserves!

Mthatha is that little South African town in which indirectly housed possibly one of the most famous people, who set foot on earth. Although the town’s main focus may be attracting tourist interested in history, politics and heritage, I wouldn’t count out the nature reserves within the area.  This town caters for national, but also international tourists…

Till next time…

C.R.

 

Port Nolloth #HeritageTourism

Port Nolloth

Location of Port Nolloth in South Africa!



The faint smell of the morning mist, called “Malmokkie” by the local Nama people can be smelt to some distance over this semi-desert area of South Africa. The town Port Nolloth is situated in the north western corner of the Northern Cape and is definitely one of the towns in South Africa, which about 90% of the population within the country, doesn’t even know exists.

 

The "Malmokkie"on the Port Nolloth harbor...



Port Nolloth and the neighboring McDougall’s Bay, are coastal holiday resort towns on the shores of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Both these destinations are very popular holiday destinations, offering the nature-lover, angler and diver a unique experience. Beaches also play a huge part in the town’s recreational activities and offers relaxation and entertainment for the whole family, of any social class. The main beach in McDougall’s Bay was awarded a prestige’s Blue Flag award in 2011, for excellence.



Beaches in Port Nolloth!

Beaches in the neigboring McDougall's Bay.



Another place of interest in Port Nolloth is the Oyster Farm, located on the outskirts of the town, here you can learn how oysters grow from a micro-organism and over a period of eight years develop in one of the world most sought after food products. 

The Oyster Farm on the outskirts of Port Nolloth, where there can be learned about the oyster growing process.



Match made in heaven... Fresh Oysters, White wine and olives -oysters are one of the worlds most sought after food products!

Port Nolloth is the only holiday resort town on the ‘diamond coast’; the ‘coast’ also includes Kleinsee to the south and Alexander Bay to the north. The name ‘diamond coast’, originated from the diamond mines located in the nearby area of the West Coast. Most of the diamond mines were managed by De Beers Company in the 20^th century, but unfortunately most of the mines where closed in the late 1990’s due to this natural resource running dry, leaving Kleinsee and Alexander Bay to become ghost towns, these towns didn’t have a ‘backup-plan’ if the diamonds ran dry.

 

The main export of the 'diamond coast'...

Although you might think by know…

Port Nolloth equals beaches and old diamond mines (Port Nolloth = diamond mines + beaches)! In modern times yes, but the town originally was established in 1854 as an export for copper to the overseas market, but the original use of the town changed somewhat when the harbor’s entrance became, to narrow and Cape Town’s harbor proved to be the practical option, Shipwrecks in and around the town is evidence of this former major harbor in Southern Africa.

  

Port Nolloth Harbor, once used as a major exporting harbor in South Africa.



Former railway that was used to bring copper from the mines, to Port Nolloth's harbour!



Shipwrecks in and around Port Nolloth is evidence of this former major harbor in Southern Africa. 



Although not situated in this World Heritage Site, accredited by UNESCO since 2004, Port Nolloth makes for the main entrance to the Richtersveld National Trans Frontier Park, also known locally as the Ais-Ais National Park.

  

The magnificent site of the Richtersveld Trans Frontier Park, the 'Jewel of the Northern Cape'!



Examples of the succulents in bloom during mid-August to mid-September in the Richtersveld National Transfrontier Park...



The Richtersveld National Trans Frontier Park is home to the largest diversity of desert plants in the world!



A nature-lovers dream destination- Richtersveld National Trans Frontier Park.



This magnificent, desolate and forbidden landscape in this harsh environment makes this national park in my opinion the ‘Jewel of the Northern Cape’. This park is managed by SAN Parks and the indigenous, Nama people. The Richtersveld National Trans Frontier Park holds the world’s richest diversity in desert flora. These succulents are in bloom during the transition from winter to spring, from mid-August to mid-September, and the blooming site of these desert plants will be every nature-lover and photographers dream! Because of the rugged terrain the park is only accessible for 4x4-driven vehicles, and this activity probably holds the key to every adrenalin-junkies heart.

Although the Richtersveld Trans Frontier Park is relatively new, compared to the other national parks in South Africa, it’s definitely worthwhile to pay a visit to the park and experience this amazing natural wonder for yourself, tours through  the park are available, with some companies for the people preferring to travel with trained guides.

 

The Richtersveld National Trans Frontier Park is only accessible for 4x4-driven vehicles.



 Port Nolloth is purely for relaxation and to get away from the ‘hustle- and bustle’ of the city. Although a small town, Port Nolloth offers a variety of activities for every age! Port Nolloth is a beach town you WON’T forget! The town will created a long lasting impression on you as a person. I would advise Port Nolloth for any tourist, nationally or internationally.

Till next time…

C.R.




Franschhoek #HeritageTourism

Franschhoek

Location of Franschhoek in South Africa.

Upon arrival in this small town in the Western Cape, I was immediately taken aback by the “home sweet home”-feeling. Settled between the mountains, Franschhoek offers breath-taking scenery, world class cuisine, warm hospitality and the finest wines typify the Franschhoek Valley.

The vineyard-covered mountain slopes were settled by the French Huguenots 300 years ago, and their influences remain firmly in the town’s French food and wine culture. Apart from the excellent wine estates in the district of Franschhoek that include La Motte-, Moreson- and Maison Wine Estates, the town has become known as the food- and wine capital of the Western Province and South Africa. 

Excellent wines can be sampled in Franschhoek!

Cultural attractions within the Franschhoek area include: The Boschendal Manor House, a Cape Dutch building dating back to 1812, showcasing the history of the French Huguenots, a must see site when history is one of your passions. This is also one of the original farm houses that were built by the French Huguenots. Another cultural attraction is the Huguenot Monument and Museum which commemorates South African Huguenot Heritage, this monument is also the focus point of people retracing their family roots if the families surname has a French background for example; ‘Du Toit.’

The Boschendal Manor House one of only a few originsl farmhouses that where built by the French Huguenots in 1812.

The Huguenot Monument and Museum!

Another fascinating attraction is the Solms Delta Museum van de Caab showcases the Cape winelands history since pre-colonial times. This museum covers a wide historical period in its exhibitions from the Stone Age 5 000 years ago to the influences of the Dutch East India Company, colonialism, slavery and “apartheid”, right up to the release of former President, Nelson Mandela, from the Drakenstein Prison in 1990. This museum is still an open archaeological site.

The Solms Delta Museum van de Caab!

Natural attractions in the region include the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, this 1759 ha reserve, adjoining the Hawequas- and Nuweberg state forests, consists of rugged, mountainous terrain with its own unique diversity of fauna and flora. Another natural attraction or sight I personally found mesmerising was the Franschhoek Pass; this is one of the most scenic mountain passes in the country, with lovely views over the Valley in which Franschhoek is situated. The pass gives you a clear view of how the old town became a modern city. The combination of the natural surroundings and the buildings, old and new, makes this a view you will never forget.

The spectacular view of Franschhoek from the Franschhoek Pass...

I feel the town is more suited for the people who have a passion for history, heritage and culture. The town mainly attracts more mature tourist. The lack of social gathering places and adventurous attractions will create a sense of “boring” among young people. This town is well suited for national but also international tourists.

Till next time...

C.R.