Township Experience

Download the Hotel Portao Diaz Township Experience Brochure

Township Tourism is described as an interactive, socially minded and potentially empowering activity for the communities involved.

With this in mind, The Point Hotel, a four star hotel located in Mossel Bay, in the heart of the Garden Route and Hotel Portao Diaz, a comfortable 3 star hotel located within a previously disadvantaged area of Mossel Bay, have formed a partnership which aims to benefit the local community and provide our overseas visitors with a unique and life-enriching experience.

Township Tourism has in the past courted controversy with particularly safety concerns and fears that the South African culture is being misrepresented. However, the partnership of The Point Hotel and Hotel Portao Diaz wants to continue offering visitors this unique insight into the cultural diversity on offer, but within a safe environment and in a manner which allows visitors to contribute directly to the local community, whether buying a piece of artwork or enjoying an exhibition of dancing and singing.

Visitors are given the unique opportunity to stay in a good 3 star hotel located within a previously disadvantaged area but which also offers stunning sea views and a panoramic view over the varying residential areas ranging for up market to shanty town: a clear reflection of the cultural diversity available in the Mossel Bay area.

A visit to the townships of this area will open your eyes to the way in which the biggest portion of the population are living. Despite difficult circumstances and poor living conditions, you will experience the vibrancy and spirit of the South African people.

The history of Mossel Bay starts at Munro’s Bay more than 500 years ago when Bartholomew Diaz landed and encountered the Khoi inhabitants for the first time. Descendants of the Khoi, Malay and Europeans mixed into the colored community and made their home mainly in this bay at the turn of the 1900’s. The growth of the community moved them into different areas within the boundaries of town i.e. Long Street, Tarka and the centre of town. Mossel Bay was declared a Municipality in 1852 and at that time already had a large Colored community.

After 1950 the colored community moved to Tarka, The Valley and what is today known as D’Almeida (formerly New Hope) where the Hotel Portao Diaz is located. The previously disadvantaged community of Mossel Bay has increased over the years and now incorporates larger areas including Kwa Nonqaba, Kaya Letu (formerly known as JCC Camp) and Asla Park.

A historical tour guided by a local tour guide will provide facts and insights into the creation of these communities with highlights including a visit to a local shebeen, a home made beer operation and a Sangoma (traditional healer).

After a day touring Oudtshoorn, the visitors return to spend their last night in Mossel Bay at The Point Hotel, a four star hotel located on the rocks below the St Blaize Lighthouse. Luxurious well-appointed rooms each with their own balconies offer your guests a tranquil and peaceful setting in which to reflect on their day’s activities with the possibility of viewing whales or dolphins passing.

PROPOSED ITINERARY

DAY ONE


Arrive for your stay over at the 3 star Hotel Portao Diaz, situated in a previously disadvantaged area, where you will be welcomed with cultural song and dance and view the Arts and Crafts exhibition of the local township artists.

By arrangement, a 1-2 hour tour through the streets of the township. Highlights would include a visit to the local shebeen, traditional home made beer brewery and the local Sangoma (Traditional Healer).

Dinner and overnight at Hotel Portao Diaz.

DAY TWO


Early Breakfast at Hotel Portao Diaz

After breakfast we suggest a day trip to Oudtshoorn. Highlights include a visit to a working Ostrich farm, the world famous Cango caves, a Cheetah touch experience or cage dive with Crocodiles at the Cango Wildlife Ranch.

During the day, the Tour group’s luggage will be transferred to The Point Hotel, located at the Point area of Mossel Bay with stunning views over the Indian Ocean.

On their return, the group will check in at the 4 star The Point Hotel and enjoy sundowners before dinner. Depart after breakfast the following morning.

RATES ON APPLICATION

  • Includes: Two nights Accommodation

  • Traditional South African Fare (Buffet) at Hotel Portao Diaz

  • Three Course Set Menu at The Point Hotel

  • Local Entertainment


• Excludes costs for Day Trip and Township Tour

For more information email admin@pointhotel.co.za.