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Tsitsikamma tours | Tour2.0 | Coldstream

Coldstream, Tsitsikamma

Walk, talk and taste Tsitsikamma

with Stanley Grootboom
Walking
  • Rating

  • 2 hours

  • Monday to Sunday

  • 3+

  • 2 to 16 people

  • Incl. Food

  • Reviews

2 hour Walking tour

Tour highlights:

1. Medical plant tour.
2. Rock art education.
3. The culture and heritage of the Khoisan.
4. Indigenous art exhibition.
5. Cultural storytelling.
6. Khoisan food.

Includes:

Food and non-alcoholic refreshments.

Excludes:

Transport to and from the tour.

Show Detailed Itinerary

The South Coast of South Africa is known to have one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world and boasts the incredible Garden Route. Here is where we find the area the Khoisan have aptly named Tsitsikamma or “place of abundant or sparkling water”. The region, which sits on a 200m high plateau stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to the Tsitsikamma River in the east, is bordered on the north by the imposing Tsitsikamma Mountains and in the south by the Indian Ocean. This is the picturesque setting for our tour of Khoisan history and taste of Khoisan cooking.

We meet our guide Stanley in the community of Coldstream within Tsitsikamma. Stanley is a renowned local artist, an author and a historian with an insatiable interest in the Khoisan. Stanley’s interest in facilitating tours is his way of teaching people about Khoisan heritage and culture in a casual setting where they are likely to be more receptive and have fun while learning. By sharing a meal, Stanley believes he can share his experiences and the history of the Khoisan more easily.

But before we can sit down to enjoy a meal together, Stanley introduces us to the ways and customs of the Khoisan. He begins by speaking to us about the medicinal plants, such as Wild Dagga, Buchu and Mphepho, which the Khoisan people have used for countless years. Afterwards we receive an invaluable lesson on rock paintings and how to interpret these historic artworks. Stanley provides a brief analysis of the various elements one might see depicted in Khoisan rock paintings. A handprint for instance often reflects healing while Elands represent rain. Fish, he suggests, are related to healing ceremonies that are conducted by a healer or Shaman. The healer would enter a trance and channel the ancestors as counsel for the living.

Once we have learnt a little bit more about the traditions and customs of the Khoisan people, we settle down for lunch. The lunch is a spread of traditional Khoisan favourites and a sprinkling of familiar Xhosa dishes. Stanley introduces us to Ma Elna Grootboom our chef, who talks us through the ingredients and lets us slip one or two of her secret ingredients. The meal is a mouthwatering menu made up of Roester broed (this is a roasted form of bread), Sweet potato, Sousboontjies (homemade beans), Umngqusho (samp and beans recipe), Sorted potatoes and Gemmer beer (ginger beer).

During our meal we have a chance to draw from Stanley’s well of knowledge on Khoisan history. The conversation over food is a natural progression from our walk through the community and flows uninterrupted. Stanley shares his knowledge on Khoisan and Griqua customs and practices as generously and willingly as he does the meal before us. We leave with tummies full and hearts swollen.

  • From R1499 ZAR
    Per Person
  • From R2574 ZAR
    Transport Incl.
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    Grand Total:
    R1499 ZAR

2 hour Walking tour

Tour highlights:

1. Medical plant tour.
2. Rock art education.
3. The culture and heritage of the Khoisan.
4. Indigenous art exhibition.
5. Cultural storytelling.
6. Khoisan food.

Includes:

Food and non-alcoholic refreshments.

Excludes:

Transport to and from the tour.

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