Social upliftment

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South African social upliftment

It's a whole shift in tourism, and South Africa is pioneering a new way. The benefits on the ground are life-changing for all concerned.

Jaci's Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve.

Lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe’s Lodges offer a malaria-free Big 5 experience in South Africa’s North West province. Here conservation, private lodges and the local community make an unbeatable combination.

Cape Town - Contender for World Design Capital, 2014

Cape Town Dignified Places Programme

Cape Town’s Dignified Places Programme seeks to fashion a new identity for the city using urban design as a catalyst for sociocultural change and spatial redevelopment.

Thakadu (aardvark) River Camp, responsible tourism model.

Thakadu River Camp

Thakadu River Camp on the banks of the Marico River is 100% owned by the Batlokwa people living nearby.

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Sabi Sabi responsible tourism

Sabi Sabi has adopted a holistic approach to the environment, cleaning wastewater through a wetland. Upliftment of staff is also a priority.

Responsible Tourism National Minimum Standards

Tourism in South Africa has reached a new level of maturity now that Government and stakeholders have launched the National Minimum Standards for Responsible Tourism.

Responsible Tourism Cape Town

Cape Town has been recognised as 1 of the world’s best responsible tourism destinations. A sustainable city is a great place to inhabit and visit.

African Angels of the Karoo

A tiny miracle started with a 'Hum and Sun' ritual – young women massaging tourists’ hands and feet at an historical hotel in the Karoo.

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The Maropeng Visitor Centre's Tumulus building

Table Mountain from the Robben Island lighthouse

Dramatic views at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

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Top 10

Places to people-watch

Townships, countrywide

For too long, our townships were the ‘other side’ of South Africa. Now they’re the vibrant heart of our country – a blend of tradition, ambition and joie de vivre that will amaze you - watch...
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape

See if you can spot the locals amid the hordes of tourists and the international jet set. If the entire world’s a stage then pick a front row seat beside the water and watch the curtain go up at...
Sporting Events, countrywide

Guts, glory and that’s just the spectators! There’s nothing like a major sporting event to bring out the performer in us. A Blue Bulls vs. Sharks rugby match, or a Premier League Soccer derby –...
Florida Road, Durban

This is where Durban’s party set hangs out after dark. Grab a seat at a trendy pavement café and watch the show.
Newtown, Johannesburg

Watch the cultural creatives and the cognoscenti of the Jozi nightlife scene come out to play - poets, posers, muso’s and trendy night owls doing their thing ‘till daybreak.
Long Street, Cape Town

Bohemian Long Street lets it all hang out. Well, not literally – rather head for Sandy Bay then, but this is where Cape Town’s alternative thinkers and die-hard party animals converge to ‘do life’
Durban Beachfront, KwaZulu-Natal

Mix it up with rickshaw drivers, surfers, hawkers, sun seekers and everyone in between. The interaction between the melting pot of cultures that makes Durban is fascinating.
The Boardwalk Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Cruise the ‘friendly city's' boardwalk and watch South African’s - being South African.
Hatfield, Pretoria, Gauteng

Where the hot and happening crowd of our stately capital city go to let rip. See students, socialites and anyone else in search of a creative blow valve here - no-one minds how you have a good time...
Grahamstown Festival, Eastern Cape

Simply anything goes during festival season, chill at outdoor café and watch street theatre in its purest form. Guarantees are – you definitely won’t be bored.