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EEast London in the Eastern Cape may seem like an underrated destination, but the city's art and culture scene is anything but.
Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency launched The East London Urban and Cultural Experience (ELUCE) in September 2018. The experience has since become one of the province’s most popular day tours.
The tourism agency partnered with nine tourism establishments to create the day tour. Dubbed as a “first of its kind” for East London, the route covers 60km and guests can arrive the night before, or fly to the city in the morning.
The fun starts with go-karting or paintball at Drifting Raceway Theme Park. Here travellers put on their adventurous hats as they race to the finish line. Luvuyo Mpambani, owner of the Eastern Cape’s only outdoor go-kart track, says: “The team of Eastern Cape Tourism really helped us because through them I’ve been to Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban and Meetings Africa in Johannesburg promoting Driftaz. They’re doing their best to put us on the map, and it’s up to us to have that staying power and making sure our business improves.”
Did You Know?
TThe Eastern Cape covers over 170 000km2, from snow-capped peaks of the southern Drakensberg mountains to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma and along a 800km coastline from Cape St Francis to the Wild Coast.
AAfter breaking a sweat, the group will visit Art Versatile Ceramics Studio for an interactive art activity where they mould and shape items like mugs with clay. Spear-headed by Litha Ncokazi, a visual artist, founder and entrepreneur, Art Versatile is a space whereby creativity and imagination thrives. As you enter the creative hub, expect to be wowed by incredible art pieces that’s “authentic and evocative African-art-experience”. After getting their hands dirty, a freshly brewed cup of coffee at Art Versatile’s in-house coffee shop is the perfect way to unwind.
Eastern Cape urban and cultural experience
TThe 45-minute drive to Mdantsane allows guests to take in the views of the city and its locals. Once there, guests will learn the art of beading and create jewellery from recycled glass. You’ll be amazed by how recycled glass bottles is used to create a kaleidoscope of unique glass beads at Xhobani Projects. The women who create magic here are led by BCM Local Economic Development Unit’s Business Woman of the Year, Nomaci Qabaka.
The tour ends at Mthombo's Palace known for their traditional meals and shisa nyama (barbequed meat) experience. This vibrant establishment is just the venue to unwind after an eventful day, dance to the beat from local DJs or be serenaded by talented singers who reside within the area of Mdantsane and surrounds.
There’s no excuse not to take advantage of East London’s latest tourist offering (the East London Urban Cultural Experience) and explore the beauty of the Eastern Cape. Locals are ready to welcome you with the warmest hearts and show you what they have to offer.
Velile Ndlumbini of Imonti tours said the new route gave small businesses within the community the chance to introduce its offerings to travellers. For further information, email info@imontitours.co.za.
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