Social

The project is driven by Africa!Ignite, a leading rural enterprise development agency with a passion for empowering women, youth, and innovative entrepreneurs. By fostering sustainable small businesses and creating opportunities for a fair income, WOWZULU strives to transform these beautiful yet economically deprived areas. Through WOWZULU, visitors discover the concept of 'inclusive destinations' where the previously marginalised communities are linked to the bustling tourism economy. The various destinations offer diverse experiences, from cultural exploration with local cuisine tastings, artist visits, and craft marketplaces to nature-based activities such as village and nature reserve tours, tractor rides, and snorkeling. These places also blend traditional and modern lifestyles, showcased through semi-rural tours, rural life exploration, and a combination of history and comfort with local museum visits. Through WOWZULU's various cultural engagements, guests can observe the harmonious blend of traditional and modern customs in the rural communities across KwaZulu-Natal.

Bordering Namibia and Botswana, the Northern Cape Province is defined by the Kalahari Desert. Though the vast, open landscapes of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park may appear to be desolate at first glance, it is home to a vibrant array of desert-adapted creatures and semi-arid vegetation that thrives in its harsh wilderness. This is also where you’ll find !Xaus Lodge, pronounced ‘kaus’, which means ‘heart’ in the Nama language. This rustic, 4-Star hotel is a tranquil oasis in this sun-baked northern corner of South Africa. It is defined by its peaceful solitude, while its remote location boasts unparalleled stargazing opportunities. To prevent any unnecessary little light pollution, all the lodge lights are covered and directed to the ground.

Setšong Tea Crafters is an Award-Winning Agri-business and vehicle for the development of natural indigenous flora found in the natural landscapes of South Africa, more prominently within the rural areas of Limpopo. The enterprise stimulates the economy in collaboration with rural cooperatives from Limpopo developed by a community development organization; Siyaphila Youth Support Services.

Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, located at the heart of South Africa’s largest township, values sustainability and invites guests to become part of this ethos. Visitors have the opportunity to mingle with locals around a crackling fire and contribute meaningfully to the local economy and community development. Long-term visitors are given the opportunity to contribute to the township through various volunteering opportunities. They can help organise after-school activities and engage children and youth in constructive, meaningful spare time. These efforts are coordinated with Hero Holidays, an organisation promoting responsible tourism. In Lebo's open-air kitchen, guests can participate in an authentic cooking experience, preparing traditional Sowetan meals using fresh ingredients from the garden and local markets. This endeavour not only upholds the concept of 'farm to table', but also supports local producers.

Found in the tiny Karoo town of Prince Albert, De Kleine Prince is an enigma; because on the one hand, it is just a house. Yet after hearing that the visionary, creative owner of this house spent five years renovating, you might wonder what on earth he has been up to all this time! But once you’ve seen, stayed, and experienced De Kleine Prince you will understand, because this space is far more than just a house. It is a carefully considered, beautifully designed, warm, and welcoming home; a place imbued with palpable passion, love, and incredible attention to detail; a carefully curated, layered space, filled with fabulous yet functional furniture, perfectly placed art, and veritable treasure trove of, well, treasures.

Tucked away in the awe-inspiring landscape of the Eastern Cape province, this unique destination invites backpackers and cultural explorers to immerse themselves in the vibrant life of a traditional Xhosa community where sustainability is the order of the day.

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Bojonala District in the North West province, Thaba Legae Guest Lodge has risen from modest beginnings into a beacon of sustainability and community empowerment.

The family-owned and -run Amakhala Safari Lodge was established on three pillars – conservation, community, and to be financially viable well into the future, so as to uphold its ongoing work in sustainable tourism. Nestled within the 8 000-hectare Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province, the lodge is split among eight other owner-managed tourism properties.