Centocow is a small community located in southern kwaZulu-Natal. Situated close to the village of Creighton, it lies roughly between Ixopo, Bulwer and Underberg in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains. Over time, a persistent lack of economic development has resulted in conditions of terrible poverty at Centocow.
Centocow forms part of a network of former Trappist missions, built by the monks of Mariannhill monastery, which lie scattered across a breathtaking landscape. The striking redbrick architecture and exquisite artwork in the churches are among the last remaining artefacts left by the Trappists. While some missions are slowly crumbling, many remain vital centres of the community.
The Ingwe municipality, under which Centocow falls, comprises largely rural districts, and has identified cultural tourism as a significant resource to create jobs for its people. Mission tours form part of a broad strategy to attract vistors, together with the romance of restored steam railway routes and avi-tourism.
Phenduka Africa offers tours of Centocow Mission, as well as other Trappist sites, in an effort to stimulate interest among tourists and nurture the local economy. To enquire further about lectures on the Trappist missions and tours at Centocow, as well other historical lectures offered by Phenduka Africa, please contact:
Steven Kotze 082 318 2243 info@missiontours.co.za
Tour options
Full weekend experience:
A self-drive tour based at Smithfield Guest House in Creighton. On Friday afternoon, people participating in the tour will drive themselves to Creighton, where they will meet Steve Kotze at Smithfield Guest House on Friday evening. After breakfast the following morning, the day starts with a visit to Centocow and a lecture on the origins of the Mariannhill missions, as well as the African communities they were situated amongst. Refreshments will be served before setting off to Lourdes mission, one of the biggest of its kind one hundred years ago, before reaching Emaus where there will be a picnic lunch. The conclusion of the story is heard in the lonely little place where Abbot Franz Pfanner spent the last 15 years of his life. Members of the tour will have an opportunity to climb the ‘hill of Calvary’ on which Pfanner built his beautiful Stations of the Cross. The tour then returns to Smithfield Guest House for the evening, and dinner. On Sunday morning it will be possible to attend Mass at Centocow for those who wish to. This tour includes accommodation and all meals, as well as guiding fees and is available for a cost of R1200 per person sharing (minimum 6 people).
Day trip:
A self-drive trip from Durban that includes visits to five of the Mariannhill mission stations. The tour members will meet Steve Kotze at Mariannhill monastery on Saturday morning at 7h30 in order to depart for Centocow at 8h00. With brief stops at Einsiedeln near Richmond and Mariathal outside Ixopo the drive will take approximately three hours. Steve will present a lecture on the history of Centocow and the other Mariannhill missions at 11h15, after which guests will be served a picnic lunch on the grounds of the mission. The return journey departs from Centocow at 14h30 and includes visits to St Michaels and Himmelberg mission, arriving back in Durban at 17h30. The tour costs R300 per person and is inclusive of lunch and refreshments (minimum 6 people).
Transport:
A bus and driver can also be provided for both of these tours if necessary. This service is provided at an additional cost that varies depending on the requirements of the tour group. Please indicate if you would like to know more about the transport arrangements.
Website: www.missiontours.co.za
