So what IS cultural tourism?
I sometimes feel that we cannot win when promoting cultural tourism within South Africa! People come to us with such differing cultural perceptions of their own that it is hard to please everyone.
Some people are expecting to see village life such as it might have been in the 19th century!. In the days of David Livingstone and the colonial explorers… They are somewhat disappointed to see that African people wear contemporary dress, have access to TVs, cellphones and use tinned food, alongside the more traditional staples.
Do they really believe that people haven’t changed their customs and behavior in today’s global world?
Others are very keen to understand what it’s like to live in the modern South Africa. They don’t just want to interact with the waiters in their 5 star hotels. But also meet ‘normal’ South Africans going about their lives. Some people positively DON’T want a historical or ‘packaged’ experience. They want the real facts. And have real conversations.
Hard Facts. . .
Yet others, to my somewhat wry amusement, say that they want this sort of authentic cultural experience. And yet are horrified when they realize that they can smell the cows and the manure of the kraal next to the house. Or have to walk through mud. And yes, encounter poverty at its grittiest and most heart-wrenching. Perhaps it makes them feel too uncomfortable about the comfort in their own lives? That’s certainly how it makes ME feel. . .
Finally others – and I include myself in this category – are torn between wanting to understand what it’s like to live in a modern day township. But feel great discomfort going into someone’s house. . . They feel embarrassed, concerned that it is condescending and arrogant. . .
Thus with all these conflicting emotions and expectations, it is difficult for us to say whether you will enjoy a “cultural tour” or not.
I recommend that you carefully read the description of any tour you are considering. . . To ascertain which type of tour it is. (See below for more on that) and whether this is what YOU are looking for.
