!Khwa ttu, The San Culture & Education Centre

Website: www.khwattu.org
E-mail: info@khwattu.org
Phone: +27 (0)22 492 2998

Who they are

!Khwa ttu is the only San-owned culture and education centre in the Western Cape of South Africa. In honour of their ancestors, the project name ‘!Khwa ttu’, is the term for ‘water-hole’ in the language of the now extinct |Xam San. It is a joint-venture owned by the San people in partnership with the Swiss UBUNTU Foundation. !Khwa ttu is a legal entity that is a 50/50 joint venture between the San, as represented by WIMSA , and the UBUNTU Foundation. The joint venture is contained within two registered companies: Meerkat Community Development and !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, both of which are registered not-for-profits

What they do

!Khwa ttu – A Celebration of San Culture, Past and Present, works to:

- Restore and display San heritage, culture, folklore, visual arts, cosmology and languages

- Educate the general public about the world of the San

- Provide training to the San in literacy, entrepreneurship, tourism, health issues, community development, craft production/marketing and gender awareness.

!Khwa ttu’s mandate is that they, as San people, must gain control over their own image and presence in the tourism industry. They strive to acquire the skills for income generating activities and to be proactive in preventing exploitation of their San relatives who are have not had the opportunity to receive an education. !Khwa ttu workshops are an important way of reaching these goals.

What they offer

San Guided Tours
A group of qualified San guides will take you on a fascinating journey into the culture, heritage, knowledge and modern-day life of the San people of Southern Africa. During this three-hour tour the San will demonstrate their skills, share their ancient knowledge about oral history, tracking animals and identifying plants with you. They will also teach you words in some of their languages and will tell you about the recent achievements in obtaining their rights to land and intellectual property. The San-guided experience provides a unique opportunity for you to listen to accurate accounts of the past and present lives of the San.

Activities include:
- Taking a ride on an open vehicle through the landscape viewing game and breathtaking vistas. The 850ha nature reserve is home to hundreds of plant species of the indigenous fynbos flora and a wide array of indigenous fauna.

- A nature walk where you learn about tracking skills and gain botanical knowledge.

- A visit to a replica traditional village where you can see fascinating demonstrations of ancient tools and other extraordinary glimpses into the San’s traditional way of life. Get ready to attempt shooting an arrow and igniting a fire with sticks under the guidance of experienced San members!

- Take a break and enjoy a refreshing drink at the Boma, the highest point of !khwa ttu’s landscape. Relax as you enjoy the peace and tranquillity of their treasured land while the guides deliver a captivating introduction to the tomes and clicks of the San languages.

- Finish up with an artistic and informative display at the photo gallery and the screening of an ethnographic film at the audio-visual theatre.

Location

Grootwater Farm
R27 Yzerfontein
Western Cape
South Africa

Situated at the R27 on the West Coast, less than an hour drive from Cape Town.
GPS coordinates: 33°21’44.55” S 18°16’14.12” E
Coming from Cape Town you will see a huge sign on your right-hand side.

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What you need

- Hat
- Sun cream
- Insect repellent
- Good walking shoes
- Warm jacket and raincoat (May-October)
- Towel (if you are staying in the Bush Camp or Bush House)
- Utensils (if you are staying in the Bush Camp)

Accommodation & Amenities

Guest House: Sleeps 6 persons, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully self-contained unit with open fire place and stunning views.
Bush House: Sleeps 4 persons, 2 bedrooms, fully self-contained unit with open fire place. The bathroom is semi outdoors and provides an unforgettable shower. There is solar lighting and the kitchen stove and refrigerator run on gas.
Bush Camp (tented camp): Each unit sleeps 4 persons, camp sleeps 20 persons, shared ablution facilities.
Shared ablution facilities in Bush Camp, private facilities in Guest House and Bush House.
There is solar powered lighting.
As a visitor at !Khwa ttu, you can enjoy a tasty international style breakfast or lunch in the restaurant – or enjoy coffee or tea with delicious cakes on the patio. !Khwa ttu can also arrange for special functions or celebrations.
Guest House: ZAR 880 for one night only or ZAR 750 per night when staying for 2+ nights.
Bush House: ZAR 770 for one night only or ZAR 650 per night when staying for 2+ nights.
Bush Camp: ZAR 500 for one night only or ZAR 400 per night when staying for 2+ nights.
San-guided tours Tuesdays to Sundays: In the mornings at 10h00 and in the afternoons at 14h00.
Rate per person: ZAR 220 for adults and ZAR 110 for children, students and pensioners (complimentary drink included in the price). Family Special: ZAR 450 for 2 adults accompanying 3 children under 12 years.