Mothers of Creation ~ Homestay Experience Route

South Africa is known to be a land of great contrasts and the Mothers of Creation Experience Route, which parallels the Garden Route, showcases some of these contrasts: the lush coastal region and the stark Karoo; the despair of poverty and unemployment and the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the local people; and even the difference of starting off a mere tourist to become a welcome guest in the community. Within this region of natural beauty are eight communities fighting to keep their land. Their struggle has given rise to the community-based Sustainable Women’s Tourist Route. On this route tourists have the opportunity to meet local people while directly supporting the community to create a sustainable economic future. Other communities have also joined the route, enlarging and adding value to the existing route.

The Southern Cape Land Committee Trust (SCLCT) initiated this project. The mission of the SCLCT is to seek redistribution of land for the economic empowerment of the community, with particular focus on women. Eight communities were identified based on their geographic location. These are situated in diverse but equally beautiful places and eight women from within the communities were identified to own and manage their routes. All of these communities have a claim to the land, either an ancestral claim, a claim under the land restitution process or simply because they have nowhere else to go.

Vision of the Mothers of Creation Experience:
The development of a tourist route owned by women;
A route that focuses on sustainable development, for example alternative services, organic food, cultural crafts and alternative building methods;
A route which offers visitors the opportunity to interact with the communities and in particular local women;
A route that will provide income generation opportunities to the broader community through the provision of peripheral commodity supplies;
A route that will enable rural women to own the businesses and resources and not just benefit through employment; and
A route that will challenge the land-holding patterns of the region and shift power relations.

What to expect when visiting the communities and enjoying a homestay:
Toilet Facilities: The majority of the toilets are long drops (outside toilets with either a bucket or a large open hole beneath the toilet).
Towel: Although it is not necessary for all homestays, it is suggested that own towels are taken.
Linen: Linen is provided at the majority of the establishments however, confirm this when making reservations.
Water: Some of the establishments do not have running water inside the homestays.

This is a different experience! Leave behind running water, electricity, flushing toilets and preconceived ideas. Choose the excitement of the unknown and the opportunity to share the reality of other people’s lives.

Guidelines when visiting the communities:
Directions:
As far as possible, directions are supplied for most communities and local establishments. However, once you arrive in the community, locals can usually give you further directions.

Etiquette:
Treat all residents with respect and dignity;
Ask for permission before taking photographs;
Don’t hand out money – rather make a donation to a local charity that will put your money to use for community projects;
Take general safety precautions such as keeping valuables locked away; and
And most importantly, enjoy yourself and have fun.

Overnight starts at ZAR 210 pp sharing based on B&B

Please read our terms and conditions and extended FAQ to inform yourself about our booking procedures

What travellers say

This destination is carefully selected according Responsible Tourism Guidelines Abang Africa Travel & Trust and undersigned Memorandum Of Understanding with Abang Africa Travel

Complaints Procedure

During the journey you can contact Abang Africa Travel regarding any problems or complaints. In case of an emergency the 24hours emergency number can be contacted Tel: +27(0)832702000, contact numbers are included in the travel-documentation.

It is imperative that any complaints be made known to Abang Africa Travel without any delay so that appropriate action can be taken. Once a complaint has been received it will be investigated and the relevant findings, solutions or comments will be communicated back to the client. Abang Africa Travel only acts as an agent for the owners and operators of accommodation, transport companies and excursion operators and can therefore only be held responsible up to a maximum of the purchase price of the service(s) provided.

Abang Africa Travel cannot be held responsible for, or be held liable for the consequences of; strikes, war, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, weather, acts of nature or other circumstances beyond its control. Abang Africa Travel does appreciate your feedback and comments on services you used during your journey; please refer to our comment report which can be found with your travel documents or download the Abang Africa Feedback & Evaluation Form.

Accommodation Description

In most travel arrangements and where applicable, Abang Africa Travel is aiming for a personalized and responsible selection of accommodation.

Descriptions of types of accommodation such as Dorm, Standard, Superior, Deluxe, Suites, Sea-Mountain-etc view, are terms used by the providers of the accommodation and are not an Abang Africa Travel classification.

In general the accommodation can be booked on basis of RO (room only) – BB (bed and Breakfast) – DBB (dinner bed and breakfast) and FB (full board = room and all meals included). Some private game lodge use the term FB for dinner, bed, breakfast/brunch and game drives (safari).

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Responsible Tourism selection

Accommodation offered are, where available and applicable, accredited by Fair trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA), Namibian Community Based Tourism Association (NACOBTA), Heritage Environmental Rating Programme, Green stay or The Natural Step. We ask suppliers to sign our Memorandum of Understanding of Responsible Tourism. Look out for the logos and stamp of approval.

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Frequenty Asked Questions

LEGAL TRAVEL PAPERS – DRIVERS LICENCES AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Travelers are responsible for obtaining valid travel documents (such as passport–driver’s license) and information regarding immigration and custom rules and regulations.

Please note that all foreign travelers wishing to drive in South Africa require an international driver’s license. Travelers are advised to consult the local consulate or embassy of the destination country for special requirements. Travelers must consult their physician for any applicable health considerations and medical requirements.

CAR / MOTORBIKE RENTAL POLICY

Kindly be advised that when a rental car is hired, your credit card details will be requested when the vehicle is collected from the car-rental company. A holding deposit will be held on your credit card for the duration of the rental. Amounts that could be charged on your card include petrol (if you have not filled the tank when dropping off the car), any excess damages or any other options such as baby seats, one way fees or drop off fees not included in the original booking request.

SPECIAL REQUESTS

Clients can request special preferences, which we will note and forward to its suppliers. However, taking note of these special requests does not in any way constitute a guarantee by Abang Africa Travel or its service suppliers.

What makes this trip different

We stay in accommodation and participate on excursions that are dedicated to staff and local community as well as the conservation of the areas in which they develop.

We stay in these accommodation and participate on these excursions to assist in the growth of sustainable tourism.

These tours offer tourists the opportunity to uplift the communities by visiting the projects we support through our non-profit organisation.

Your visits benefits the people you meet!

Price, Included and Excluded

Package Rate (price valid until: 31/10/2011)
South African Rands ZAR 11,132.00pp; minimum of 2 person sharing accommodation.

Including: Meet and Greet at arrival, extended route descriptions, accommodation: 15 nights Bed and Breakfast (B&B), 14 nights Room Only (RO). Accommodation in selected accommodation. 4 nights in the national parks, 4 nights in community owned accommodation.

Excluding: Car hire (please let us know what type of car you are looking for you and we book it for you at competitive prices), Entry fees for World Heritage Sites and National Parks and Panorama routes/ toll ways; luggage service/portage, insurance, visa, optional excursions and extra meals.

This tour is also available as group tour, from 6 pax (ZAR 26.000 pp) up to 22 pax (16.000 pp).

For the group tour an accredited south african tourguide is inlcuded on the whole route as well as transport in comfortable airconditioned bus with driver.

On this particular tour

You visit the Soutpansberg mountain in one of Southern Africa’s most spectacular bio-diverse and beautiful natural environments. Overnight in community owned Shewula Lodge, Fairtrade Leshiba Bushcamp, Eco friendly Nkambedi Tented Lodge, Mlilwane Nature reserve and Storms River, Mpungubwe National Park. Visit Madiba’s village Qunu; meet the Tembu and Xhosa women in their colorful and traditional dress with white ochre tattooed faces to protect their skins from the sun and enhance their beauty.

Participate in an unique Fairtrade township excursion in Port Elizabeth is included; you visit local community project and also learn about the two oldest townships in Port Elizabeth that was at the centre of the ANC based liberation struggle, with Govan Mbeki and Raymond Mhlaba being very active here. Stay in Southern Drakensberg in Himeville and reveal the history of the pass, geology of the mountains, flora & fauna, and a unique experience with the Basotho people. You can optionally visit Fairtrade Soekerhof and Fairtrade Tsitsikamma canopy tours.

Sondela included

Including: Transfer from Johannesburg International Airport to accommodation Johannesburg or Pretoria. Meet and Greet, extended route descriptions, train ticket JHB – Matjiesfontein & Matjiesfontein - Cape Town Tourist Class Shosholoza Meyl. Accommodation: 12 nights Bed and Breakfast. Guided tour in Khayelitsha including dinner & transfers to accommodation.

Excluding: Car hire (please let us know what type of car you are looking for you and we book it for you at competitive prices),(inter) national Flights, Entry fees for National Parks and Panorama routes/ tollways; luggage service/portage, insurance, visa, optional excursions and extra meals

Sondela Highlights

Venda & Shangaan Culture & crafters Rural Village Thsakuhma & Olifantshoek Cape Town & area Wildlife in National Krugerpark Karoo Winelands & Stellenbosch Magnificent Traintrip

Included

Tour Highlights
Sunny Wildcoast
Mountain Kingdom Lesotho
Try African cuisine & meet different cultures

Package Rate: ZAR4,862 pp, Single Supplement ZAR1,350 (valid until 01/03/2012)

Purchase a Moola Magic card with us for ZAR 120 and receive great discounts on this tour, excursions and transport

Luxury Rate: ZAR 7, 980 pp, Single Supplement ZAR4,575.00 (valid until 01/03/2012 )

Includes: Meet and Greet, extended route descriptions, 1 night Dinner Bed & Breakfast, 9nts B&B, 1nt Selfcatering, 4nts Room Only in selected accommodations, 1 guided Shebeen tour.

Excludes: (inter) national Flights, Entry fees for National Parks, border fees, luggage service/portage, optional excursions and extra meals. Car Hire

What makes this trip different

This is a fully guided tour, paying conservation and entrance fees - these fees immediately contribute to South Africa's heritage by conserving the nature reserve, the diverse regional habitat and topographic biomes and you support environmental education. Overnight in a Shangaan traditional hut.

We promote visiting World Heritage Sites: Cultural and natural heritage are irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration and these sites ensure Protection of natural and cultural heritage. On this trip you have the opportunity to visit World Heritage Site: Victoria Falls.

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Featured Project

Bafanakids, one of the first projects of its kind; initiated by Abang Africa Trust works closely together with sports specialists like Ajax Cape.