The Rastafarian Cultural Tour – #WalkKnysna
The Rastafarian Cultural Tour, #WalkKnysna was held in Judah Square on the 12th of September 2017.
A group of locals who had never been to Judah Square before, were treated to a walking tour of the Knysna Rasta Community hosted by tour guide, Brother Zebulon, who had us in fits of laughter fo most of the way.
The Rastafarian Cultural Tour celebrates South Africa’s largest Rasta community, where more than 30 families of all nationalities live together practicing the traditions.
Judah Square started off as an informal settlement, which developed into a formal settlement in 1993. At first, there were no fences and only shacks, but once the title deeds and subsidized dwellings were received from the Knysna municipality, the Rastas set to work.
New dwellings were erected, rooms built on, fences installed and organic gardens grown. They even managed to build a tabernacle (a church), an Educare Centre (creche), 2 B&B homestays, an holistic healing centre, an office, a food stall and a community hall – all through self-fundraising efforts.
Youth workshops are held on most Sundays, imparting Rastafari teachings, black history, crafts, arts, music, permaculture and various life skills – adults also take part in the skill sharing.
The goal is to rise together in One Love.
The local store holders take turns manning a boom gate for security at the entrance to Judah Square. The good news is that Judah Square is much safer than the surrounding areas, having no violent crime and very little theft. Parents take comfort in the knowledge that their children are safe while they play.
The majority of the residents work in town, many with their own businesses. The vision is to grow tourism so that these businesses can operate sustainably within Judah Square itself.
You can do a walking tour of the community, go on a hiking trail and overnight in the Rastafarian community.
Individual tourists and tour companies visit Judah Square most days. These are trained and registered guides who showcase the community and educate tourists on the Rastafarian way of life.
Community Walking Tour – R80.00 per person
You can book by phoning Brother Zebulon +27(0)76 649 1034.
The B&B home-stay compliments the tours – to book contact Sista Kerri +27(0)83 502 2229.
Rastafarian Cultural Tour Gallery
Related Articles
Book your accommodation right here on ShowMe.
You can find the top hotels, lodges and Airbnb establishments conveniently placed on the map below. All you need to do is click on the place that’s conveniently located and within your budget and then make a booking. What could be easier?
If the map is not where you want to be, click on the ShowMe Pin and then enter the exact name of the location and the map will adjust accordingly.
