COOPERATIVE TOURS
At Meraki Bay we organize tours of the Hangberg community, located in Hout Bay, with the objective that anyone, from anywhere in the world, can get to know the community, understand its social-economic context, understand its problems and learn more about our projects from our local guide Niklaas Hansen.
What is sustainable tourism?
Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that aims to create meaningful and authentic interactions with local people. It is a way for travelers to have an enriching experience and also provide support to the local community.
The idea is that travelers can have a more authentic experience by experiencing what the locals do on a daily basis. They can learn more about the culture and interact with the locals in ways they might not otherwise be able to do while traveling.
Tourists are encouraged to visit and volunteer in local communities, learn more about their culture and help with local community projects. The aim is to create a sense of solidarity between visitors and locals, as well as to promote sustainable development.
Is it safe to go sightseeing in Cape Town?
As always when you travel to an unknown country, there are certain precautions you should take, for example, try not to wear flashy clothes, in places where there are many people put your suitcase in front of you… but most importantly, have common sense.
Also our star guide Niklaas, will take care of you at all times so it is a safe adventure.
What is the In the Hood project about?
In the Hood is a project that was born during the covid. Meraki Bay is located in Hout Bay, where Niklaas is also from. Niklaas has always been interested in teaching and educating tourists about the values of his community, located in Hangberg.
Hangberg is a suburb of Hout Bay in Cape Town, South Africa. It is situated on the mountain slopes between the Hout Bay harbor and The Sentinel peak, and many of the residents are employed in fishing and other harbor-related industries. Historically it was the designated township for people categorized as colored during the apartheid era. Most of the approximately 6,000 people living in Hangberg self-identify as Métis or Khoisan. The main sources of employment are fishing, working in fish processing plants and within the tourism industry. Afrikaans is the most widely spoken language.
The tours have a duration of 2 hours and take place every day of the week in the mornings and afternoons.
100% of the proceeds go to charitable funds.
Click below to book your tour on AIRBNB.
This tour was absolutely amazing. We recommend it to anyone visiting Cape Town who wants to see a different side of South Africa. Niklaas has so much love for his community and he very easy to talk to. And you surely learn 1-2 things for your own life just listening to Niklaas.
Niklass has to be the most passionate man I’ve met who is infatuated & well versed about
his heritage, culture and people, aka family!
I was warmly welcomed by him and the community he proudly represents. Him and the others were warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy to meet me. All gave genuine greetings & we’re more than willing to share a piece of their story and history which made the tour that much more intriguing!
Niklass happily shared his testimony & that of others who were not available. As a solo female traveler, I felt extremely safe throughout the entire tour. I highly recommend Niklass. I promise you won’t be disappointed!!