A Look Inside A South African Shanty Town? Well, Not Quite

PHOTOS: A Look Inside A South African Shanty Town? Well, Not Quite

At first glance, these photos of a shanty town appear to offer a glimpse into the lives of millions of South Africa's poor. But that's not the case.

The shacks pictured below are part of a luxury hotel offering tourists the experience of sleeping inside a metal hut for a mere $85 (R 850).

Bloomberg notes shantytowns have grown across South Africa as the nation's affordable housing program has failed to keep up with population growth. With nearly a quarter of the workforce unemployed, millions of South Africans live in makeshift shacks.

And while many have criticized its initiative as highly insensitive and inappropriate, the Emoya Luxury Hotel & Spa boasts:

Now you can experience staying in a Shanty within the safe environment of a private game reserve. This is the only Shanty Town in the world equipped with under-floor heating and wireless internet access!

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One of the shacks at Shanty Town on Nov. 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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A communal fire pit at Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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The shebeen, titled 'Shebeen' at Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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Decor inside one of the shacks at Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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The front door of one of the shacks at Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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One of the shacks at Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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A light inside one of the shacks at Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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The basin inside one of the shacks at Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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Inside one of the shacks at Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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Inside one of the shacks at Shanty Town on November 15, 2013, in Bloemfontein, South Africa.(Charl Devenish/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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