UNDERGROUND ARTS & CULTURE TOUR

Dates: March 21st–April 8th 2024
(One week in each city: Johannesburg, Durban, & Cape Town)

Are you ready to step off the beaten path for an unforgettable journey into the vibrant heart of South Africa’s arts and culture scene? Unveil the underground secrets of this captivating country as we embark with an intimate group of like-minded explorers from around the world on a tour unlike any other. Join us for an incredible adventure filled with creativity, diversity, and the rich heritage that defines this remarkable country.

 

DISCOVER VISIONARY ARTISTS & CULTURAL PIONEERS

Experience the thriving arts scene in all its glory, with a carefully curated itinerary that takes you off the beaten path. Our expert guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, where underground art movements are pushing boundaries and redefining the artistic landscape.

Prepare to go behind the scenes and meet the visionary artists & cultural pioneers shaping the face of South African art today. From intimate studio visits to interactive workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to engage and gain insights into their creative processes, & discovering the stories behind their works.

“Cydney and Costa hosted and toured me around Durban for a week in 2018 and it was one of the most memorable trips of my life. They knew all the cool restaurants and artists, the best beaches and more. We did a photoshoot at an apartheid era home in the jungle and I met many of their cool friends. I highly recommend a tour with them if you want an uncommon and artsy experience that you couldn’t get on your own without the help of all their connections and local knowledge.” - Alyssa Burtt (Brave Narrative)

 

The ITINERARY:

WEEK 1

Joburg: March 21st–27th 2024

Jozi is the biggest city in South Africa and its hub for arts and culture. It can be an intimidating place to travel by yourself and that is why we are so excited to share this vibrant and trend setting place with you! Cyd spent 2 months in Johannesburg in 2017 completing an artist residency in the district of New Town and Costa and Cyd have spent time in the city over the years, with a large group of artist friends living here it is going to be an epic start to our adventure. We are staying in the suburb of Kensington just outside of the city centre at a great accommodation.

Joburg Tours and Excursions:

  • Thrift tour at the MTN Taxi Rank Piles with Vanessa Mojapelo
  • South African Dance Workshop with @deltatheleo 
  • Tour of Soweto with Mbalemnyama Maat & attend a Seven Colours Sundays at the Soweto Theatre. 
  • Tour of Alexandra township and the Cradle of Mankind with Delta the Leo 
  • Tour of Maboneng Precinct, Braamfontien and Melville 
  • Go out dancing at Kitcheners in Braamfontein & check out local events 
  • Visit Local Designers Wale Mandla and Dr. Pachanga at Rosebank Mall

Accommodations:

Week 2

Durban: March 27th–April 2nd

Durban is the warmest place to be, this thriving tropical city on the Indian ocean hosts the largest port in Southern Africa and although overlooked by many tourists it is a place we don’t want you to miss. Costa lived in Durban for over 10 years and Cyd for 3.5 years, We know and love this city and can’t wait to share it with you. In the province of KwaZulu Natal this beautiful city is rich with vibrant Zulu culture, Gqom Music, an epic thrift scene, stunning beaches and nature spots. We will be staying in Umhlanga the beautiful beach town outside of the city of Durban at a gorgeous beachside villa. We placed this week in the middle so you wouldn't miss it!

Durban Excursions and Activities:

  • Innercity Thift tour with Nipho and Yanga of @Tinz_clothing
  • Private group dinner at our villa with a selection of local artists & all our tour guides with Chef Blue Rock
  • Visit to North Beach and Ushaka Marine Durban Beach front district
  • Trip to Max’s Lifstyle shisanyama (Braii/BBQ) in Umlazi Township for an epic day of Amapiano, Gqom and House music drinks and food with the locals.
  • Visit the BAT Centre - Durban’s hub of Arts and Culture.
  • We will treat you to a meal at the KZNSA art gallery Cafe, check out the amazing artisan shop and gallery in the Glenwood neighbourhood where Costa and Cyd have lived.
  • Go out Dancing with us! It’s easter weekend during when in Durban and the city is going to be turning up! Exact parties TBA closer to the tour dates but we always prioritize supporting LGBTQ2S+ spaces, supporting local artists, Black communities and female run events.
  • Explore the stunning nature of Umhlanga beach which is walking distance from our accomadations.

Accommodations:

Week 3

Cape Town: April 2nd–8th 2024

Cape Town is a truly unique city with its own distinct culture and vibe. Costa and Cyd lived in Cape town for a year and half and absolutely love this city! There is so much arts, culture and fashion to explore that a week will hardly be enough time but we are excited about the activities and excursions that we have to offer you as it will show you many sides of the city while exploring nature and getting to know our amazing community. We are staying in downtown above the Wild Arts Gallery in the heart of the gallery district.

Cape Town Excursions and Activities:

  • Explore the township of Langa and it’s vibrant arts community Masa Township Experience
  • Attend Cape Town first Thursday street party of gallery openings 
  • Day trip to the beach town of Muizenberg and visit to the Blue Priest Shop that stocks Pattern Nation alongside 80+ South African Designers 
  • Visit Green Point Park & Ride Bikes from Sea Point to Clifton along the sea wall, visiting stunning Atlantic Ocean Beaches
  • Dinner at V&A Waterfront Mozambique Restaurant
  • Check out the Bo Kapp neighborhood famous for it’s colourfully painted buildings 
  • Day trip to Woodstock and Observatory and check out Neighbourgoods weekendmarket at Old Biscuit Mill. 
  • Drive Chapmans peak, stunning cliff side and go for fish and chips at Fish on the Rocks in Hout Bay. 
  • Hike Newlands Forest and check out the beautiful look out spot. 
  • Go Dancing at a local event TBA closer to the tour dates

Accommodations:

 
 

Join us!

The first step is a quick application process to make sure you're a good fit.
Start the process here:

 
 

Who Are We?

We are the artists behind Pattern Nation, Cyd Eva & Costa Besta. Cyd is a queer visual artist and fashion designer from Coquitlam BC in So-called Canada who spent 2 months in Johannesburg completing an artist residency in 2017 when she met Costa and they joined forces as creative and life partners. She lived with Costa in Durban for 2.5 years and then they moved to Cape Town to study fashion ofr 1.5 years. She absolutely loved her time in South Africa and cannot wait to share with you all of the places and people that she has connected with during her time in the country. Costa Besta is Zulu South African and was born in the province of Kwazulu Natal, Grew up in the Freestate and then lived in Durban for 10 years in his 20’s, after meeting Cyd he came to Vancouver and moved to Cape Town to study Fashion. He studied tourism in South Africa and worked in Backpackers in Durban and cannot wait to share his culture and community with you all!

If you choose to invest your time and money in travelling with us we promise it will be an unforgettable experience in one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world!

 
 
 

Payment Plan (credit card only)

$3020 CAD for a single bed in a shared room — ($800 Instalment + 6 Monthly Payments of $370)

$3560 CAD per person to share a double/ queen bed in a private room — ($800 Instalment + 6 Monthly Payments of $460)

$4240 CAD for your own double/queen bed in a private room — ($1000 Instalment + 6 Monthly Payments of $540)


Pay in 2 instalments + save $100 (credit card only)

Second payment due within 4 months of the 1st payment

$2900 total = 2 $1450 CAD Instalments for a single bed in a shared room

$3,450 total = 2 $1,725 CAD Instalments per person to share a double/ queen bed in a private room

$4,120 total = 2 $2,060 CAD Instalments for your own double/queen bed in a private room

Pay in full & save over $200 (pay with debit or credit)

$2800 CAD for a single bed in a shared room

$3300 CAD per person to share a double/ queen bed in a private room

$4000 CAD for your own double/queen bed in a private room

What's Included:

  • Flights between Joburg, Durban and Cape Town
  • Accommodations for 18 Days
  • Scheduled excursions & workshops
  • Breakfast & 3 Meals a week
  • Transportation to all excursions & workshops
  • Personalized Swag Bag of Drip from Pattern Nation & Local South African Designers

Not Included:

  • Flights to and from South Africa 
  • Travel and Liability Insurance (required) 
  • Alcohol 

Join Us!

The first step is a quick application process:

 
 

Meet our Tour Guides