A NEW tourism route in the Western Cape, “The Ghoema Route”, was launched this week. The inception of the Route evolves around the desire to see the restoration of pride in the history, traditions and customs of the colourful Cape population.
The Ghoema is a music instrument made originally by the slaves in the early Cape history by using a small wine barrel, removing both lids and stretching a skin over the top end to form a drum.
Its dual characteristics make this a perfect symbol for the development of Culture and Wine tourism – the essence of the Ghoema Route which extends from the Overberg over the Winelands (including the Paarl Valley) to the West Coast along the R44.
Coast to coast it is brimful of scenic attractions, rich in cultural and viti-cultural diversity – the many festivals en route far exceeding the number of weekends per year.
The inaugural Ghoema Festival Guide with the subtitle “Uncork Cape Culture” highlights products and activities characteristic of each town along the Route, for example Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai or Paragliding in Porterville.
The publication gives an overview of the major festivals in the Cape and features nine thematic “Ghoema Experiences” for example Wine & Cape Dutch Architecture Route; The Pinotage or Olive Route or The Wine & Adventure Route.
The Route is designed primarily for the domestic tourism market, with a strong Western Cape flavor, and provides day-drive or weekend breakaway opportunities (all within a one to two hour radius from Cape Town).
The international visitor will be attracted to experience something typically South African.
By giving the R44 official status as a Route, the towns and communities along the route benefit from a common brand identity, a joint marketing and job creation strategy, pooled resources and the opportunity to raise skills and service standards. For enquiries contactinfo@ghoemaroute.co.za or call 021 559 2958.
