Whether you’re a true city-slicker or a five-star hippy, you can turn your stay and adventures into eco-friendly experiences with the Fair Trade Tourism organisation.
In this month’s issue of Africa Geographic, traveller and journalist Catherine Sempill leaves only footprints as she spends some guilt-free time discovering sustainable tourism accommodations, tours and high-adrenalin adventures around Cape Town.
Jan de Jager takes journalist Catherine Sempill on a tour in his Para-Taxi. © Fair Trade Tourism
1. The foodie
The Bo-Kaap is a colourful and spicy getaway: Catherine skips into the Atlas Spice Shop and discovers shelves lined with intriguing powders as she is taken beyond the shop’s front counter and deep into its realm of goodies where the fun really starts. She also learns some self-control: no matter how great the temptation, you shouldn’t sprinkle the rainbow-coloured spices around the shop!
2. The culture-vulture
If an informal and laid-back bicycle tour around the small township of Masiphumelele (outside Kommetjie) suits your style of moseying about then the leading hiking and cycling operator AWOL Tours will be right up your alley. Accompany Catherine on a genuine experience packed with interesting cultural tidbits as she pedals off into the bustling sprawl.
3. The thrill-seeker
A good dose of ‘scary’ from time to time does wonders for your psyche. Jan de Jager takes adventure to the next (green) level: he is the owner of the only Fair Trade-certified paragliding outfit in Africa and was also Catherine’s pilot. The two climbed up Lion’s Head for a breathtaking experience in thin air…
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