Image (c) Natural Selections
While the wildlife is undoubtedly the main draw for many visitors to Africa, the destinations offered by The Grown-up Travel Company are also home to a wealth of African cultural experiences that can add depth and meaning to a safari itinerary. From learning about traditional music and dance to exploring ancient ruins, there are countless opportunities to immerse oneself in the rich history and culture of the area. Here are just a few examples for each country to consider adding to your safari itinerary:
Botswana
- Meet the San Bushmen, one of the world’s oldest indigenous groups, and learn about their hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
- Visit a traditional village in the Okavango Delta to experience the culture and traditions of the Batswana people.
- Attend a performance of traditional music and dance, such as the Tsutsube or Setapa dance.
Image (c) Natural Selections
Namibia
- Visit a Himba village to learn about their unique culture and customs, including their distinctive red ochre body paint.
- Attend a Damara cultural experience, which includes traditional song and dance, as well as food and drink.
- Learn about the Herero people and their history, including their role in the Namibian War of Independence.
Uganda
- Visit a Batwa community to learn about their traditional way of life and the challenges they face as one of the most marginalized groups in the country.
- Attend a cultural festival, such as the Kampala City Festival or the Nyege Nyege Festival, to experience the music, dance, and food of Uganda.
- Take part in a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Ugandan dishes such as matoke (steamed green plantains) and groundnut stew.
Zimbabwe
- Visit the Great Zimbabwe ruins to learn about the history and culture of the ancient Kingdom of Zimbabwe.
- Attend a Shona sculpture workshop to see the traditional art form in action and meet the artists.
- Visit a traditional homestead and learn about the daily life and customs of the local people.
Tanzania
- Visit a Maasai village to learn about their customs and traditions, including their close relationship with the land and their cattle.
- Attend a traditional wedding ceremony, where you can witness the rituals and customs of a Tanzanian wedding.
- Take a Swahili language class to learn the local language and connect with the people on a deeper level.
Zambia
- Visit a Tonga village to learn about their traditional way of life, including fishing and farming.
- Attend the Kuomboka ceremony, where the Lozi people move their king from the floodplain to higher ground on a ceremonial barge.
- Learn about the history and traditions of the Lunda people, who have lived in Zambia for centuries.
South Africa
- Visit a Zulu village to learn about their customs and traditions, including their distinctive dance and music.
- Attend a performance of gumboot dancing, a traditional dance form developed by South African miners.
- Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare local dishes such as bobotie (a spicy meat dish) and chakalaka (a vegetable relish).
Madagascar
- Visit a traditional market to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in Madagascar and sample local street food.
- Attend a performance of Malagasy music and dance, which combines African and Southeast Asian influences.
- Visit a village of the Vezo people, who are known for their fishing skills and traditional wooden sailing boats.
eSwatini:
- Visit a traditional Swazi homestead to learn about the customs and traditions of the local people, including the importance of cattle.
- Witness the famous Umhlanga Reed Dance, a week-long event that takes place every year in August or September and is celebrated by thousands of Swazi maidens dancing and singing. It’s one of the most spectacular African cultural experiences you can have.
- Enjoy the country’s traditional cuisine, such as Umncweba (dried meat), Sishwala (maize porridge), and Umkhunsu (sour porridge).
Malawi:
- Visit the Lake Malawi Museum to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the people living in the surrounding areas.
- Participate in the Gule Wamkulu ceremony, a dance ritual performed by the Chewa people to celebrate ancestral spirits and honour the dead.
- Explore the vibrant marketplaces, where you can find a wide range of traditional Malawian crafts and artwork.
Mozambique:
- Visit the Island of Mozambique, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and colonial history.
- Learn about the local customs and traditions by visiting one of the many small villages scattered throughout the country.
- Enjoy the country’s diverse cuisine, which is heavily influenced by Portuguese, Indian, and African flavours and spices.
Kenya
- Visit a Maasai Village to experience their traditional way of life, including their unique style of dress and dancing.
- Attend a traditional ceremony such as a wedding or a bullfight, where locals showcase their customs and rituals.
- Sample local dishes such as ugali (a maize-based porridge), nyama choma (grilled meat), and sukuma wiki (collard greens).
Lesotho:
- Visit a traditional Basotho village to learn about their unique culture and way of life, including their traditional dress, music, and dance.
- Take a guided pony trek through the stunning mountain scenery, which is an essential part of Basotho culture and history.
- Explore the country’s many historic sites and landmarks, such as the Thaba-Bosiu Mountain, the Basotho Hat Museum, and the Katse Dam.
Overall, incorporating these cultural experiences into your African safari itinerary can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the people and history of the continent. It’s a chance to step outside the typical tourist experience and engage with local communities, learn about their customs, and witness their traditions firsthand.