Beyond the Safari: Why Venturing into Townships Matters

The mere mention of a trip to Africa conjures images of breathtaking landscapes and thrilling game drives. However, what truly sets a journey apart are the experiences that go beyond the expected — those that immerse us in the rich tapestry of local culture, traditions, and daily life. That’s why a township visit is a must.

"Townships are not typically places that a tourist would visit,” says Roger Clulow, a product design manager for Collette and expert on planning travel experiences in Africa.

Townships, generally on the outskirts of major cities and towns throughout Africa, are hubs of culture and community. While townships are typically underdeveloped, “they’re normally a little bit more advanced and sophisticated than an African tribal village,” Roger explains. “At Collette, we go into townships because we want our travelers to see what life is like and meet local residents."

Take Chinotimba, a vibrant township in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The name, derived from the Nambya language meaning “the mighty roar,” reflects the thundering sound of the area’s namesake falls. With some 60,000 residents, it’s where the majority of those who live in Victoria Falls call home. On a Wilderness of Southern Africa small group journey, a visit to Chinotimba offers an opportunity to connect with a local family during lunch hosted in their home. More than a meal, it’s a chance to learn about Zimbabwean culture and gain a new perspective about township life.

Interactions like these are invaluable, offering a deep understanding of local life and fostering genuine connections. “It’s a very rich learning experience for our travelers to see how these people live,” says Roger. “It truly is something that is very memorable for our travelers and stays with them.”

Travelers can discover the vibrancy of African culture and thrilling safari experiences on our Wilderness of Southern Africa small group journey.