Uthando Philanthropic Tours
Uthando (Love) South Africa is an award-winning Fair Trade in Tourism certified non-profit organization creating a unique link between tourism and community development projects. Their tours offer meaningful, authentic, engaging, respectful visits to a broad range of innovative and inspiring community projects. All the while, bringing enormous benefits to the local communities we support
During their non-voyeuristic project visits, a light is shone on the remarkable and courageous community activists driving social change in their communities. These tours reflect a heartfelt desire to showcase the best of South Africa, the positive, impactful, and very often untold stories of triumph over adversity
GUEST EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS :
Historical overview of South Africa particularly the recent apartheid history
Visiting 3 or 4 very inspiring and innovative community development projects
Meeting and engaging with local community activists in a mutually respectful manner
In-depth discussion on up-to- date political, social, economic issues and other current challenges facing South Africans
The tours take place in the expansive “townships” located on the eastern part of the city known as the Cape Flats. While driving from the city bowl to the townships, our expert guides provide an indepth overview to the history of South Africa and particularly the role that apartheid and institutionalized discrimination and inequality played in creating these communities. Once in the townships the guide will discuss the challenges confronting the locals with reference to issues such as healthcare, education, social, political and economic opportunity.
The focus of the tour however is the visits to a broad range of inspiring and innovative community projects. We visit three or four projects on every tour. Guests will meet ordinary people doing extraordinary things. They will hear the inspiring and remarkable stories of these community builders. The projects showcase their work and lives to the visitors, and guests have an opportunity to interact with the locals at these projects and find out about the inspiring work they are doing.
Uthando (Love) South Africa is committed to the principles and philosophy of Fair Trade Tourism and at all times ensures that Responsible Tourism best practices are applied and integrated into our organization and Philanthropic Educational Excursions. Our excursions bring significant benefit to local communities by providing income and other forms of assistance, while cultural exchanges are conducted in a sensitive, respectful and mutually beneficial manner.
2020 WTM World Responsible Tourism Awards. Highly Commended
2020 Trip Advisor Travelers Choice AWard
2020 Winner : Africa Responsible Tourism Awards, Caterogry : Benefitting Local People
2019 Certificate of Excellence – Trip Advisor
2018 Award Winner : Cape Town Tourism Future Forward Thinking for Community Benefit
2018 Certificate of Excellence – Trip Advisor
2017 An Ashley Award :Recognizes,celebrates,creates & guides people to perform deeds to help communities
2017 Certificate of Excellence – Trip Advisor
2017 We Are Africa Innovation Awards – Joint Winner in category Engage Africa
2017 African Responsible Tourism Awards - Winner Best Tour Operator for Impact in Urban Areas
2016 National Winner, Lilizela Tourism Awards, Best Cultural Tour Guide in South Africa
2016 Western Cape Winner, Lilizela Tourism Awards, Best Cultural Tour Guide
2016 Certificate of Excellence – Trip Advisor
2015 Certificate of Excellence – Trip Advisor
2015 Best Charitable Organisation in Africa – The Good Safari Guide 2015
2014 Best Charitable Organisation in Africa – The Good Safari Guide 2014
2014 Certificate of Excellence – Trip Advisor
2013 Winner - Cape Town Tourism Responsible Tourism Award
2013 James Fernie Finalist on the “Who’s Who” in African Diaspora World Tourism Awards
2013 Certificate of Excellence - Trip Advisor
2012 Winner - Skal International Sustainable Development in Tourism Award – Category Cities-Villages
2012 Certificate of Excellence - Trip Advisor
