Slum Tourism
Slum tourism is one the latest travel fads (along with safari companies adopting schools and orphanages for their well-heeled clients to pop into and deliver pens and soccer balls). One of Africa’s biggest slums – Kibera in Nairobi, is on the tour list and of course Soweto is a must for anyone traveling through Johannesburg. I’m sure there are many out there who find it inconceivable that someone would want to spend a day of their vacation visiting shacks and taking photos of urban poor. But it’s often a highlight of someone’s trip, and certainly not the main reason people visit a country like Kenya, Namibia or South Africa.
Visiting a township or slum is an optional side trip. Why not see how many locals live and have a chance to interact? Because the townships and slums are not just poor people living in shacks surrounded by trash. They are vibrant communities. There are schools, restaurants, shops, laughter, life and music. It’s an education for both parties involved. It’s also an opportunity for local folks to benefit directly from tourism to their country.
I’m fine with township and slum tours as long as it’s done responsibly. I’m also fine with safari companies adopting schools and orphanages. The more the merrier.
Image of a Soweto Barber – © Getty Images/Hamish Blair
Slum Tourism originally appeared on About.com Africa Travel on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 14:48:06.
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