The South African tourism industry is steadily growing and returning to the progressive state it was in pre-pandemic and has a variety of tourism businesses that are thriving. According to the Department of Tourism, South Africa welcomed over 8 million international tourists in 2023, with more than 75% being from the rest of Africa.
Apart from international travel, domestic tourism is also progressing as it has reached over 130% of what it was in 2019.
South African tourism offers various options for both international and domestic travellers. Here, we will tell you about 5 tourism businesses that are putting South African travel on the map.
1. MoAfrika Tours
MoAfrika Tours offers private and scheduled group tours across South Africa. Having been accredited by the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), MoAfrika Tours ensures that it lives up to the standards and regulations of inbound tourism.
There are various tours in different parts of the country, including, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pilanesberg, and more.
The business has been in existence for over 20 years and has a team of tour guides, offices, and vehicles in various locations. In 2020, MoAfrika Tours received the Travellers’ Choice Award for the category “Attractions”.
2. Township Tours Imivuyo
Township Tours Imivuyo is based in Langa Township in the Western Cape. The organisation aims to make a significant impact by hiring local tour guides and developing the community.
Travellers might be hesitant to explore places like townships on their own but through this tourism business, tourists get to enjoy a township experience and a cultural exchange with locals.
On their website, they offer various tours, including a 2,5-hour walking tour, a full-day tour that includes a Robben Island experience, local beer tasting, a township cycle tour, and much more.
3. Travel With Afrika
Travel With Afrika is a tour company focused on curating group travel packages for the youth. They accommodate ages between 21 and 45 years old. Travel With Afrika provides over twenty destinations that travellers can choose from.
The tours cover both local and international group trips, allowing a maximum of ten people per trip. This business is suitable for tourists who seek to satisfy their adventurous side.
The business was founded to fill a gap in the market for adventurous group travel experiences to locations that might be difficult to access. Since its establishment in 2019, Travel With Afrika has built a good reputation, gaining over 20 000 Instagram followers, as well as a 4,9-star rating from over 250 Google reviews.
4. Lesedi Cultural Village
Lesedi Cultural Village provides a unique experience for visitors. If you’re looking for cultural heritage tourism in South Africa, look no further. This tourism business is more than just a place to lay your head, but an immersive experience filled with South African tribal history.
The name Lesedi, which means light, was inspired by the word of King Moshoeshoe, “Our culture is the light of our nation”. The guesthouses at the cultural village are designed with paint and decor that resonates with various South African tribes.
As part of the cultural experiences, they provide a village tour, a dance show held in the boma, and African design crafts for sale. Additionally, there are packages available for school tours, and team-building activities for businesses. Lesedi Cultural Village has gathered a 4,4-star rating from a whopping 1300 reviews.
5. Imonti Tours
Imonti Tours is an Eastern Cape-based business that mainly operates in the city of East London. This particular tourism business has been in existence for twenty years and is great for people who want to learn about the history of the Eastern Cape, as well as the history of isiXhosa culture.
Some of their tours also provide educational information on iconic historical figures like Nelson Mandela. The company offers a variation of tours from those that run for a couple of hours to day tours like hikes and those that cover various locations in one tour package.
Are you feeling inspired by these successful businesses? You can look into starting your own tourism business by learning how to boost domestic tourism through marketing.
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