: South Africa, more than a safari

 SOUTH AFRICA’S reputation as a leading wildlife destination is renowned but  one travel advisor argues that there is much more to a holiday there than just ticking off the “Big 5” from a safari checklist, and that its culture should be more than just a safari afterthought.

The latest in responsibletravel.com’s series of refreshingly honest 2 minute travel guides, describes South Africa as “accessible Africa” and that discovering the real culture of the country, without the need for clichéd, often contrived tribal tours found in other African nations, is one of the country’s most underrated experiences. 

With contributions from local experts, the guide gives tips on how to make your wildlife escape more culture-filled, enriching and authentic, with a focus on responsible tourism.

Here are the top tips on how to connect with real culture in South Africa:

·  Put culture in context– the best way to understand the present is to read up on South Africa’s complex past. The Apartheid Museum offers an interesting and profoundly moving insight into how the country’s recent history has shaped the lives of local South Africans.

·   Wander through local markets, eat sizzling street food, dance to local music such as the Cape Malay ‘ghoema’ music, found in the Bo Kaap quarter of Cape Town, and visit cultural festivals for a taste of genuine culture from Zulu and Xhosa to Afrikaans.

·  Visit a township– Previously no-go areas such as Soweto and Khayelitsha are becoming vibrant cultural draws. Rather than driving through, hidden behind your camera lens, choose a locally guided walking or cycling tour which allows you to meet local residents, sip a cold beer in a ‘shebeen’, purchase locally-produced food and crafts and directly support community development initiatives.

·  Don’t be fooledby fakes – spot genuine South African beadwork ‘Ndebele’ by its geometric and diamond-shaped design and don’t be tempted by wooden drums and masks in Cape Town’s Green Market Square. These are usually imported from Mali and other African nations and aren’t part of South African heritage.

·  Make your holiday Fair Trade– South Africa has led the world by becoming the first country to integrate the values of Fair Trade into its tourism industry, ensuring fair wages and working conditions for local staff. So look for hotels, tour operators and experiences which carry the Fair Trade Tourism certification.