!Khwa ttu
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
!Khwa ttu, the San Education and Culture Centre, 70 km north-west of Cape Town offers you the unique experience of being introduced to the world of the descendants of the first indigenous people of southern Africa. The San themselves will take you on a journey into their history, traditional knowledge, skills, languages, customs and current affairs. This enjoyable and eye-opening event will stay with you for a long time. Besides our San-guided tours, we present creative dishes in our cosy restaurant, unique San-produced items in our craft shop and the efficiency that goes along with our conference room. If you would like to stay at !Khwa ttu for a few days our guest house, bush camp and bush cottage provide appealing accommodation.The San are looking forward to welcoming you at !Khwa ttu!
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- simontrip2 contributionsSan Spirit Shared - a new unmissable stop on the West Coast roadThe site is wonderful, set in natural vegetation atop a hill with spectacular views of Table Mountain in the far distance. The natural gardens are lovely, with tortoises and butterflies and many birds, including nesting weaverbirds. The architecture and interiors are very nicely done and we found the staff helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The interpretation / displays are truly exceptional and it would take an essay to do them justice. They combine state of the art knowledge with ease of access even fun. The hard elements are presented but this does not dominate the presentation of the art, lifestyles, archaeology and spirit of ths San peoples. We wished we had longer - were returning from West Coast NP. Finally, do yourself a favour and eat the restaurant - the food was some of the best we had in 2 weeks in the Cape.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 2, 2023
- Job SitholeMokopane, South Africa36 contributionsA day of learningWe visited this heritage site whilst on holiday. It's a beautiful area, clean facilities, easily accessible from R27 road, with friendly staff. The information presented is balanced. It was an informative visit. I learnt things I did not know about the San people. The restaurant offers some locally produced drinks. Our teenage kids enjoyed the visit.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 7, 2023
- ChristinaJHSWestern Cape, South Africa1 contribution!Khwa ttu a heritage worth the travelHad you be a traveller sight seeing the World or someone out for adventure fond of historics and love Nature and the Animal Kingdom I refer you to visit the heritage site that of !Khwa ttu facing the Atlantic sea surrounded by Nature the Animal Kingdom and snakes too. The people of !Khwa ttu since 2016 up to current Year 2023 has always shown kind to me and to us myself and my puppy dog recent visits to !Khwa ttu has been a place of restoration where Nature the wind and the sun the moon and the stars brace one in the heart atmosphere of the Khoisan heritage people. Visit if you can. Kindest Regards, Christina J . HEROICIS Shows ™Visited December 2023Written December 23, 2023
- Harry Wels2 contributionsMeditation!Khwa ttu was a formidable and meditative experience for me. The wood cabin amidst the fynbos was lovely, basic and clean, with a lovely view. What add tremndously to the value for me was that I could make lovely walks through the fynbos and my walk to the restaurant for a breakfast was a great start of every day of my stay. In the restaurant I was always welcomed with a smile and kind and professional personel and there was lovely variety in the breakfast and they were all tasty. In short, I will come back to !Khwa ttu, whenever I am in Cape Town.Visited March 2024Written March 12, 2024
- Olivia Hastie1 contributionAmazing stat from start to finish!Absolutely amazing visit to Khwa Ttu! Great customer experience from start to finish. Friendly staff, amazing food and drinks and service. Very educational and shall definitely return… from England with family. It is so worth a visit! Thanks so much, Liv 🌱Visited March 2024Traveled on businessWritten March 15, 2024
- mlu4London, United Kingdom9 contributionsA wonderful place to visit, highly recommend!What a fabulous place. First we stayed in a Fynbos house and liked it so much we returned a second time to stay in a Hilltop Huisie. We loved both, though the Hilltop Huisie so easy to walk to breakfast and enjoy the hikes. The welcome and service are excellent and the house interiors a complete delight. We spent some time learning more about the San way of life and history by doing the interesting tours and exploring the museums. The food was really delicious. Cannot wait to return.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 22, 2024
- Roving062682778391 contributionFantastic Family Adventure & Learning ExperienceWe visited !Khwa ttu not knowing what to expect, but left having learned so much and only wished we could have stayed longer. Kids enjoyed the activities, museum is world class, and locally sourced meals absolutely delicious. Leanring of the organization's mission made it all the more worthwhile. Definitely a gem in the Western Cape.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 6, 2024
- Etienne26 contributionsAwesome gem!We stayed in one of the Fynbossie cottages and it was absolutely amazing! Lunch and breakfast at the restaurant was beyond tasty, not even to mention the dinner basket. Loads of food options and the basket was delivered to our door. Our stay was bliss, no noise, just birds chirping as you sit in the hot tub drinking bubbly. We braaied and afterwards snuggled infront a roaring indoor fireplace. Service from EVERYONE was superb! Especially from Baby Rose, she's a perfect example of customer service excellence. Baie dankie vir alles Baby Rose and co. We will no doubt go again. Etienne en Reese.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 6, 2024
- Jenna-JH24Cape Town, South Africa2 contributionsRelaxing, educational, delicious stay at !Khwa ttuWe did an overnight stay in one of the Fynbos Cabins as a Mother’s Day treat and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The accommodation was modern, clean and well stocked with an amazing view and every comfort you could need. A delicious breakfast of your choice was included just making the stay all that much more enjoyable. The staff were friendly and attentive and the educational centre on the property offering museums, tours and experiences made the stay enlightening and memorable. We will definitely be back again!Visited May 2024Written June 6, 2024
- Andries GFranschhoek, South Africa14 contributionsAwesome stayWe had an amazing stay. Stayed in both the Hilltop Huisie and Fynbos Cabin, which was both excellent. The Breakfast at the restaurant was really great and the exhibitions very informative. My son and I took the 5km MTB Trail and was such a great experience. Got close to Zebras and Eland, and saw Springbok, Bontebok, a Hare, Eagle and Dassie as well. The woodfired jacuzzi at the Fynbos cabin was also a highlight! We will definitely be back again.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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GabiMohale
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa31 contributions
Nov 2020
We had the pleasure of staying at one of the guesthouses - and what a pleasure it was! We arrived on one of the Cape's typical windy, rainy, grey evenings and enjoyed the fire place. The houses are very tasteful and purpusefully equipped. It was just perfect! The entire project is well situated, with places such as Darling around and even Paternoster in reach, apart from being a stone through away from Cape Town. It is absolutely well managed and has the most peaceful atmosphere, which also comes across from staff which are so easy to bond with and share stories. And we were absolutely pleased to hear young people speak Khwedam, one of the Northern Khoisan languages. The San tour guides are committed, very pleasant and fun to engage with. Museum spaces well curated, the nursery filled with indigenous plants. The food interesting, with young chefs trying their ideas. Walking trails easy to walk, meeting nature at its best. We stayed 6 nights - !Khwa ttu appeased our spirits, which were battered during COVID-19 this year, at least making 2020 memorable for a different reason now. We are most grateful and wish !Khwa ttu well!
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon P
2 contributions
Feb 2020
What a wonderful experience. We were lucky enough to be there last month (Feb 2020) and so enjoyed learning about these amazing people. The displays are very modern and easy to understand and we were shown round by the most enthusiastic guide. We also had a delicious lunch there. I could not recommend it more highly. It should be part of the curriculum in all South African schools.
Written March 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
F2861ZJp
Cape Town, South Africa1 contribution
May 2021
Our stay here was excellent. The wildlife in terms of birds visiting right next to our cabin and the outdoor shower was superb. The walk to the museum and restaurant was also superb, alongside the ostriches and eland and beautiful landscape.
The museum was very good and so was the tracking tour. All staff were very enthusiastic about the place and it felt good that our money spent was going to uplifting a marginalised group of people. A special mention to the chef who carefully catered to our food allergies, nut and gluten.
The one negative aspect was the one male tourguide who open berated women in front of the whole tour, saying women aren't fit to drive cars or do conservation work because they are stupid. He went on about this for a while to a mixed group of men and women. He did this in front of his female colleague on top of it. She was completely silent for the whole of the tour, and I am not surprised given how abusive her colleague is. I don't think this sort of attitude belongs in a place that is supposed to be uplifting people, when he is very clearly acting to undercut women in the institution. This made me feel unsure about whether this institution was to the benefit of mostly men who decended from San, rather than the women decendents of San as well. I wouldn't want to support such an institution.
I hope this will be addressed as an institution where all staff get training because it is very odd that he feels unashamed to say such things publicly. It gives the feeling that this kind of behaviour is tolerated in the institution. The incident happened on the morning of Sunday the 16th May.
I hope this overall very good project continues and the sexism within the institution is dealt with asap. It is a blight on an otherwise superb project.
The museum was very good and so was the tracking tour. All staff were very enthusiastic about the place and it felt good that our money spent was going to uplifting a marginalised group of people. A special mention to the chef who carefully catered to our food allergies, nut and gluten.
The one negative aspect was the one male tourguide who open berated women in front of the whole tour, saying women aren't fit to drive cars or do conservation work because they are stupid. He went on about this for a while to a mixed group of men and women. He did this in front of his female colleague on top of it. She was completely silent for the whole of the tour, and I am not surprised given how abusive her colleague is. I don't think this sort of attitude belongs in a place that is supposed to be uplifting people, when he is very clearly acting to undercut women in the institution. This made me feel unsure about whether this institution was to the benefit of mostly men who decended from San, rather than the women decendents of San as well. I wouldn't want to support such an institution.
I hope this will be addressed as an institution where all staff get training because it is very odd that he feels unashamed to say such things publicly. It gives the feeling that this kind of behaviour is tolerated in the institution. The incident happened on the morning of Sunday the 16th May.
I hope this overall very good project continues and the sexism within the institution is dealt with asap. It is a blight on an otherwise superb project.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay and that you had a good experience particularly in the museum and restaurant. We really also are happy that you appreciated our enthusiasm and of course our role in empowering the San in Southern Africa.
It is with shock that we learn of your bad experience with the sexist tour guide. This is something that !Khwa ttu as a team would never support or approve. Gender equality is by default not an issue that our team normally struggles with. After reading your comments we have immediately followed this up and we have engaged in positive discussions. !Khwa ttu is a development organisation where we take time to learn from each other to improve our lives and our organisation. We would love to ask you to please contact us again and to be kind enough to engage with us on this matter, this would help us to understand more and to learn better from our mistakes.
Thank you for your constructive observation and responsible response.
Written June 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
darrinjh2021
1 contribution
Apr 2021
We were desperate to get away for the Easter weekend, and booked a night to stay at !Khwa ttu. On a budget it was great value - clean organised tent with an absolutely delightful breakfast in the morning with warm greetings and friendly smiles.
While I understand it was a long weekend and people were having fun the neighbouring Bush Camp was incredibly loud until early hours of the morning. There's no one in the camp after hours to keep a tight lid on things which is a pity because it does influence your level of relaxation. Other than that people complain about road noise but quite honestly it's minimal - and again for the value it's not an issue to us! Boma was great, outdoor shower was THE BEST THING EVER under the stars. Loved our stay - we learnt so much about The San people at the museum. Great surprising getaway.
While I understand it was a long weekend and people were having fun the neighbouring Bush Camp was incredibly loud until early hours of the morning. There's no one in the camp after hours to keep a tight lid on things which is a pity because it does influence your level of relaxation. Other than that people complain about road noise but quite honestly it's minimal - and again for the value it's not an issue to us! Boma was great, outdoor shower was THE BEST THING EVER under the stars. Loved our stay - we learnt so much about The San people at the museum. Great surprising getaway.
Written April 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manya B
Cape Town Central, South Africa490 contributions
Jan 2022
This is a wonderful cultural centre, the menu and what they offer is different, interesting and and cultural work the centre is doing also on an educational level is excellent. The only draw back is: why have bus loads of school children have drumming lessons right at the entrance to the restaurant ? There are other areas available. It is noisy, distracting and very unpleasant when one sits outside to enjoy a meal.
Written January 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excursion812201
1 contribution
May 2021
We booked the place mainly because it is advertised as pet friendly. We stayed at the Bush House, which we really loved especially the outdoor bathroom.
Our troubles started when the gas stove in our cottage did not work. We phoned for help but they were on voicemail, so we ate cold food. Also there's a fire place but no wood. It was freezing cold last weekend.
We phoned again in the morning and managed to get through and we were promised help was on the way. After waiting for an hour with no help coming we decided to go to their restaurant before they closed for breakfast.
To our shock, we were told to sit outside or leave the dogs outside as they are not allowed in the restaurant. It was cold and raining and besides we could not leave the dogs unattended. We opted to leave even though we had already been charged for the breakfast.
Eventually we were told to go in but sit far away from other people. We were about to eat when one of my dogs barked and someone in the restaurant shouted "it's not supposed to be here any way!" That, was my que to leave.
The whole experience was just horrible for us. Waste of time and money 😏
Our troubles started when the gas stove in our cottage did not work. We phoned for help but they were on voicemail, so we ate cold food. Also there's a fire place but no wood. It was freezing cold last weekend.
We phoned again in the morning and managed to get through and we were promised help was on the way. After waiting for an hour with no help coming we decided to go to their restaurant before they closed for breakfast.
To our shock, we were told to sit outside or leave the dogs outside as they are not allowed in the restaurant. It was cold and raining and besides we could not leave the dogs unattended. We opted to leave even though we had already been charged for the breakfast.
Eventually we were told to go in but sit far away from other people. We were about to eat when one of my dogs barked and someone in the restaurant shouted "it's not supposed to be here any way!" That, was my que to leave.
The whole experience was just horrible for us. Waste of time and money 😏
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are very sorry to hear about your bad experience.
It is so, we are proudly pet friendly for well behaved animals. It is clear in our pet friendly policy that well behaved animals are welcome everywhere on the premise except inside the restaurant, This arrangement always works well and is much appreciated because we have such a large and cozy lawn and stoep where pet owners and their pets enjoy lunch or breakfast. Of course we understand that this is unpleasant when it is clod and rainy and on many occasions we have made special arrangements or bent the rules by offering guests with their well behaved dogs to discretely find a quiet corner with their animals. I am so sorry in your case this was not possible, your dog made the experience for others so unpleasant. The particular guest response was out of utter frustration and he raised his voice for all others who also had to suffer from your barking dog. This would not be expectable anywhere.
Written June 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle L
72 contributions
Jan 2020
Cant say enough...first, Mellisa at the reception area is great. She was so helpful and accommodated me about everything. Hatta waited on mr in thr restaurant and was so friendly and helpful. Na. Was the tour guide. She is so cute and animated, explaining everything so clearly, welcoming questions and trying to teach us the San language clicks.
,Khwa ttu's accommodations are spotless, comfortable and very safe.
I was supposed to stay just two nights, but extended my stay by another night as there is so much history to take in, as well as enjoy the people, peace and quiet. Like thet say "Welcome back." And, if you are fortunate to go there, you'll know why.
,Khwa ttu's accommodations are spotless, comfortable and very safe.
I was supposed to stay just two nights, but extended my stay by another night as there is so much history to take in, as well as enjoy the people, peace and quiet. Like thet say "Welcome back." And, if you are fortunate to go there, you'll know why.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ede
4 contributions
Sep 2022
Enjoyed our stay in the Bush House. The staff are friendly and welcoming. The night was clear and orchestrated by the frog choir. Sitting at the fire pit under the stars was just the nature needed to revive the soul. Can't believe this piece of heaven is only 70km outside Cape Town. Had lunch at the restaurant, and the food was good, as were the prices. The Art was fantastic. As the restaurant was full in next morning due to a large booking, we were given the option to have our breakfast at the Bush House. The food was cold by the time it got there, so I suggest that maybe a better breakfast option, in this case, would have been a continental
breakfast. Everything else was perfect.
breakfast. Everything else was perfect.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ppmvharen
Groenekan, The Netherlands1 contribution
Mar 2020
We enjoyed our visit at !Kwa ttu. The training opportunities offered to young people are a good example of this empowerment. The policy on bringing back the Fynbosenviremoment is very interesting and valuable. The site beautiful situated with an overview to the Altantic ocean. Their museumpart is designed carefully and balanced. The staff stimulates you in enjoying what the have to offer. Their enthusiasm works positively.
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jimmy
New York City, NY129 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Located on a small hilltop, the museum is great for anyone interested in learning more about the San people, who occupy the entire Western coastal region (up into Namibia). Friendly staff and a mixture of modern and older buildings. They also offer various programs for schoolchildren. Be sure to check out the various handicraf at the gift shop to support local women.
Written June 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there any public transportation or shuttle from Cape Town ? If yes what is the average fee? Thanks.
Written November 23, 2019
There is no public transport
Written November 25, 2019
Hi, what time will your kitchen close tomorrow afternoon? If we are staying in the tented camp will we be able to have dinner at the restaurant and if not, what cooking facilities do you have at the Bush camp?
Written August 8, 2018
Hi
The restaurNt closes at 16:00. You are welcome to order food to take along to the tented camp.
I am not sure in which camp you are booked. tented bush lodge has basic cooking facilities while the bush camp has none.
We are looking forward to have you
Written August 9, 2018
Is there electricity points in the tents or around the tents?
Written June 5, 2018
Hi Sunelle
There is 12 v lights from solar pannels but no 220v electricity to run any appliences. If you have something in particular like charging a phone we are always eager to assist at the main building.
I hope this helps
Written June 6, 2018
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