While we’re in lockdown, we can still dream of the places we’ll go and the things we’ll see. It is important for eager travellers to think local when deciding on their next destination once restrictions ease and recreational travel is allowed.
Until then, the ‘One Day’ initiative will keep your wanderlust alive and remind locals why the Western Cape is a top travel destination. The initiative is the brainchild of the Western Cape Government and the Western Cape’s Official Tourism, Trade, Investment Promotion and Film Agency (Wesgro), and allows you to virtually tour the Western Cape’s best spots from the comfort of your couch.
The campaign’s primary aim is to showcase the Western Cape’s natural and cultural richness, while supporting local tour guides via SnapScan who would otherwise have little to no income. Virtual tours form one part of it and various downloadable Zoom backgrounds transport us to the iconic locations we all miss the most.
The tours allow you to take a Cape Malay cultural tour, journey up the Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay and the fabled forests of the Tsitsikamma.
Here is a look into the Cape Malay cultural tour:
The Cape Malay cultural tour is hosted by Latifa Cozyn is from Cut Above Tours, who shows viewers the Bo-Kaap and its beautiful surrounds. The tour starts with a Bo-Kaap museum visit and a walk through the cobblestone streets to admire the colourful houses on the route. Viewers also visit a local spice shop, then head to Kalky’s. The route takes you past tree-lined Constantia, Oudekraal, Llandudno and over the breath-taking Chapman’s Peak.
These virtual tours allow people to financially support tour guides like Cozyn, who are unable to work during the current lockdown restrictions.
Beat the cabin-fever and feed your wanderlust by joining a virtual tour and supporting local guides in the process. To participate in Cape Town and the Western Cape’s ‘One Day’ campaign and take part in a tour, follow @Discoverctwc on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or mail [email protected] for more.
Videos will be posted weekly on Facebook and YouTube. Remember, tipping your guide is encouraged!
Image: screenshot from Youtube video
