Visit a traditional rural Xhosa village and meet members of the local community on this fascinating tour led by our local guide. You will visit the Sacred Pools - an important site believed to be the dwelling of the ancestors. The pools are used for blessings and traditional animal sacrifice is still performed as ancestral offerings.  You will be surrounded by indigenous forest making the pools a great spot to see fish eagles, leguaans (big lizards), monkeys and snakes while enjoying the gushing water of the holy waterfalls. Other tour highlights include visiting a local Shebeen (bar) for a local brewed beer and a chat with the locals, providing further insight into their rural way of life.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Experience the untamed beauty and cultural vibrance of the Wild Coast.

From the Great Kei River in the south to the Umtamvuna River in the north, the Wild Coast is host to Coffee Bay, Nelson Mandela’s birthplace and the powerful Xhosa tribe.

The Xhosa people were amongst the first to come into contact with white travellers from the many ships that were wrecked along the Wild Coast. Their language is characterised by the frequent use of three clicks with a tradition of verbal storytelling passed down through the generations.

In rural areas such as Coffee Bay, the Xhosa people live in homesteads built on slopes facing the rising sun and are commonly arranged in a semi circle to include relatives as well as “kraals” – a secure area for large cattle and smaller animals. The political system typical of traditional areas has men almost exclusively in positions of authority. The Sub-Headman has responsibility for a village, the Headman for a group of villages and the Chief is in charge of a whole district. Land ownership is for the most part communal, with power vested in the Chief who “owns” it on behalf of the people.

During the days of apartheid, this area known as the former “Transkei” was starved of investment, infrastructure, quality education and organized tourism. Many of the rural population struggle on subsistence lifestyles living within thatch roof homesteads that are dotted sporadically along the hilly coastline without electricity or plumbing. However, the Xhosa tribe who dominate this region and the Eastern Cape have a rich and proud cultural history as well as a brighter future with eco and cultural tourism initiatives, in part being established and supported by Bomvu Paradise.

The marital bond between a man and a woman in this African society must first start with the man asking the potential bride’s parents for approval. Once this is granted, negotiations begin over “lobolo” (like a dowry). The lobolo is usually cattle transferred from the groom’s family to that of the bride’s which traditionally legitimises the marriage. The ceremony includes the ritual slaughter of animals to bring together the ancestors of both families and unlike Western cultures, the bride is expected to show reluctance and sadness during the day because she will be leaving her own family to live with that of her husband’s – essentially a group of strangers.

For girls, initiation into adulthood is defined by her first menstruation. She will spend one month in the family home sectioned off with drapes from other people and is only allowed out at night. Two specially selected girls stay with her and cook for her. Once the month is passed, a ceremonial ritual slaughter of animals takes place as offerings to the ancestors and the girl is recognized as a woman.

In this patriarchal society, the initiation for boys is far more detailed. Boys are first circumcised and then spend one month in seclusion away from the family home in the bush. They wear only white clay adorned on their face and body to ward away evil spirits and a blanket while being supervised by a specially appointed guardian. After the month has passed, they must discard their blanket and clothes from their youth by burning them along with any makeshift shelters they used while in the bush. A grand feast is then given, again with the ritual slaughter of animals and the new men are given instructions highlighting the manner in which they are expected to conduct themselves as men of the community.

Despite attempts by missionaries in the early 19th century, the Xhosa people still retain their belief and worship of ancestors; this is now mixed in with varying Christian-based beliefs. Ancestors concern themselves with the fate of their descendents and are believed to be able to help or hinder them in their life – some negative influences are blamed on magic or witchcraft. Witchdoctors are known as “Ixhwele” and dispense traditional medicine that can heal or poison. Sangomas call on the ancestors when someone comes for help; in doing so they perform rituals and can also offer healing remedies; they are bound by ancestors not to do wrong.

Bomvu Paradise in Coffee Bay works closely with the local Bomvana tribe; Bomvu means red which the tribe is characterized by their red dress and clay used to dye their clothes. We focus on community participation and the majority of our staff are from the local area. Many are trained in roles of their interest and have further training and employment opportunities within the organization.

Other community members also benefit whereby school children perform nightly traditional performances to raise money for school fees and other performance groups have the opportunity to participate in our festivals.

We are grateful to have been accepted by this amazing tribe and feel privileged to share it with you.