APY3704
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 18 March 2026
Reclaiming African Travel: A Reflection on Tourism Beyond Western Perspectives
1. Introduction
Tourism is often explained from a Western point of view, where travelling is seen as
something that was developed and shaped by European experiences. This creates a limited
understanding of tourism in Africa. African societies were already travelling across regions
for trade, cultural exchange and social reasons long before colonial contact. In this
reflection, I draw from my own experience and understanding of tourism to show that travel
does not always follow Western ideas. I explain how my experience was organised, how it
was presented, and whether it fits the common Western image of a tourist destination.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
Reclaiming African Travel: A Reflection on Tourism Beyond Western
Perspectives
1. Introduction
Tourism is often explained from a Western point of view, where travelling is seen as
something that was developed and shaped by European experiences. This creates a
limited understanding of tourism in Africa. African societies were already travelling
across regions for trade, cultural exchange and social reasons long before colonial
contact. In this reflection, I draw from my own experience and understanding of
tourism to show that travel does not always follow Western ideas. I explain how my
experience was organised, how it was presented, and whether it fits the common
Western image of a tourist destination.
2. Reflection on my tourism experience
2.1 Organisation of the experience
My tourism experience took place within a local rural area where I visited family
members during a cultural gathering. The trip was not arranged through travel
agencies or formal bookings. It was organised through family connections and
community relationships. Transport was shared, and accommodation was provided
within the homestead. Food was prepared collectively, and activities were planned
around cultural practices such as storytelling, music and traditional ceremonies.
This way of travelling shows that tourism can exist outside of formal systems. It is
based on social networks and shared knowledge rather than commercial structures.
In many African contexts, travelling is closely linked to identity and belonging rather
than leisure alone. This reflects how African travel practices have always existed as
part of everyday life and social interaction (Phahladira and Moswane, 2023: 12).
2.2 Exhibition of the experience
The experience was not presented through brochures, hotels or guided tours.
Instead, it was expressed through lived practices. Cultural dances, traditional food
and oral storytelling played a central role. Elders shared histories of the community,
explaining past movements of people and connections to other regions.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 4 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 18 March 2026
Reclaiming African Travel: A Reflection on Tourism Beyond Western Perspectives
1. Introduction
Tourism is often explained from a Western point of view, where travelling is seen as
something that was developed and shaped by European experiences. This creates a limited
understanding of tourism in Africa. African societies were already travelling across regions
for trade, cultural exchange and social reasons long before colonial contact. In this
reflection, I draw from my own experience and understanding of tourism to show that travel
does not always follow Western ideas. I explain how my experience was organised, how it
was presented, and whether it fits the common Western image of a tourist destination.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
Reclaiming African Travel: A Reflection on Tourism Beyond Western
Perspectives
1. Introduction
Tourism is often explained from a Western point of view, where travelling is seen as
something that was developed and shaped by European experiences. This creates a
limited understanding of tourism in Africa. African societies were already travelling
across regions for trade, cultural exchange and social reasons long before colonial
contact. In this reflection, I draw from my own experience and understanding of
tourism to show that travel does not always follow Western ideas. I explain how my
experience was organised, how it was presented, and whether it fits the common
Western image of a tourist destination.
2. Reflection on my tourism experience
2.1 Organisation of the experience
My tourism experience took place within a local rural area where I visited family
members during a cultural gathering. The trip was not arranged through travel
agencies or formal bookings. It was organised through family connections and
community relationships. Transport was shared, and accommodation was provided
within the homestead. Food was prepared collectively, and activities were planned
around cultural practices such as storytelling, music and traditional ceremonies.
This way of travelling shows that tourism can exist outside of formal systems. It is
based on social networks and shared knowledge rather than commercial structures.
In many African contexts, travelling is closely linked to identity and belonging rather
than leisure alone. This reflects how African travel practices have always existed as
part of everyday life and social interaction (Phahladira and Moswane, 2023: 12).
2.2 Exhibition of the experience
The experience was not presented through brochures, hotels or guided tours.
Instead, it was expressed through lived practices. Cultural dances, traditional food
and oral storytelling played a central role. Elders shared histories of the community,
explaining past movements of people and connections to other regions.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
