South Africa’s Lesser Known Attractions

Visitors are venturing beyond the safaris to discover a vibrant food, wine and entertainment scene in South Africa.

Those additional selling points can mean additional profit for agents. Tour operators had this advice for agents who want to capitalize on the country’s food and entertainment attractions.   

Culinary travel
“When people think of Africa, of course safaris automatically come to mind,” said Beth Karlicek, senior vice president of operators and planning for General Tours World Traveler.

“But so many clients like to do more than seek out the Big Five,” she added. “That’s where South Africa stands out. It’s an appealing destination precisely because it offers so much more.”

“If a client mentions something like culinary or specialty travel, we think of South Africa. It has really evolved and can appeal to a number of niche interests,” according to Karin Jones, managing director of Anastasia’s Africa, a tour operator specializing in customized private tours.

Gourmet appeal
South Africa has focused—and excelled—particularly on food and wine.

“Cape Town is not only one of the most beautiful cities in world. It has a food and wine scene that is really bringing the gourmet type of tourism,” said Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures.

“It’s making a mark on a global scale with wine and food and locally-grown foods.”

Jones said if there’s one word to describe South African cuisine its “exciting.”

“The seafood from the Atlantic and Indian oceans is fantastic, as is the game meat in South Africa. The dishes are prepared with a unique array of spices and flavors that you won’t find anywhere else,” she said.

Since gastronomy is such an integral part of the South Africa experience, Jones has compiled a restaurant guide for clients. Her company will even make advance reservations for clients at top venues.

Other tour operators such as Globus offer cooking classes in South African private homes to give clients a feel for the local Malay culture.

Wine country
Winemaking in South Africa has also evolved. The Cape Winelands east of Cape Town offers rolling hills, historic inns set in vineyards, boutique wineries and award-winning vintages.

“The wine country can be a trip in and of itself,” Jones said.

Behind-the scenes activities are also a great option, according to Jone. “For example, we do cooking classes, chocolate tastings, cheese tastings. We also incorporate local beers by visiting a ‘shebeen,’ which is like a local township speakeasy.”

Shopping South African style
Clients may be pleasantly surprised by the array of artwork available to admire as well as bring home from South Africa. Trendy areas in big cities, such as the new Arts on Main district in Johannesburg are on many “don’t miss” lists.

But hidden gems abound.

“The little seaside towns offer so much. It’s like driving between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You can stop at all these little towns and villages,” Jones said.

“The galleries and studios there tell the whole story of South Africa,” she added. “They have everything from modern art to apartheid-era works that symbolize the struggle the country has gone through.

“There are so many different mediums, tribes and cultures represented artistically. South Africa has so many different stories and colors and they all come through in art.”

Wearable art
Some of that art is wearable. Both Cape Town and Johannesburg have great craft markets.

Jones said agents with clients into shopping should advise them to bring along an empty suitcae.

“The wood carvings, bead work, fabrics and African design on everything is really tempting. Another bonus is that the dollar is pretty strong,” said Jones.

City center renaissance
Music is an important part of the South African experience and there’s a booming nightlife scene.

“In Cape Town tourists always wanted to be on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area. The main center of town wasn’t too far away, but it was avoided,” said Ryan Droegemueller, product manager at Globus Family of Brands.

“Now, there’s been a renaissance in the city center with new hotels and restaurants springing up. It’s a hip and chic part of town with a trendy vibe,” he said.

Johannesburg’s entertainment scene
The same thing is happening in Johannesburg.

“There are really great areas of the town that are perfect for visitors to walk around and feel comfortable, Droegemueller said.

“From an entertainment standpoint, there are bars and restaurants, music and cultural entertainment. It’s really an exciting part of the South African experience now.”

One popular option on Globus tours is a dinner accompanied by a drum performance in a local restaurant in Soweto.

More than the food
“It’s about so much more than food. It’s about getting sense of what South Africa is all about,” Droegemueller said. “You accomplish that with cultural activities, music and going out to mix with the locals.

“Most Americans don’t fully understand or appreciate just how many interests and affinities the country appeals to. We’ve barely scratched the surface.”