The Pilanesberg region, long celebrated as one of South Africa’s premier safari destinations, is evolving its tourism offering to include a deeper cultural and community-driven experience. While spotting the Big Five remains a major attraction, a new emphasis on local heritage is adding a fresh dimension to the visitor journey.
Kgosi Nyala Pilane, leader of the Bakgatla ba Kgafela, believes this shift reflects what modern travellers are seeking. “Safaris will always be a part of what brings people here,” he said. “But we are now adding to that. Visitors want to know the people. They want to understand where they are, not just what they see through a pair of binoculars.”
Two newly opened museums in the community now showcase the rich heritage of the Bakgatla people. One museum showcases the history of the tribe and its traditional leadership structure, while the other explores daily life, cultural customs, and cuisine. Heritage tours from nearby lodges and resorts offer guests an opportunity to connect with these experiences.
“Tourists are looking for more. The feedback has been encouraging,” said Pilane. “Many international visitors are surprised at how much there is to learn here. They come for the animals, but they leave remembering the stories and the people.”
This heritage initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop a more inclusive and participatory tourism economy. “Our short-term goal is to get more of our people involved in tourism,” Pilane said. “That means creating jobs as guides, storytellers, cooks, crafters—anything that connects what we know with what visitors want to experience.”
In the longer term, the community aims to establish cultural tourism as a parallel pillar to the safari industry. “We are building on top of what is already a strong attraction,” said Pilane. “What is on offer is something you cannot get in the bush. A human connection, a cultural understanding. That makes the whole experience richer for everyone.”
Plans are also underway to collaborate with government partners on improving road infrastructure and safety to better support tourism growth. “We want tourists to feel comfortable and confident coming into our villages,” Pilane added. “The community will also play a leading role in keeping these spaces welcoming and safe.”
But for Pilane, the project goes beyond economic opportunity. “It is also about pride. For too long, our heritage has sat on the sidelines. Now it is front and centre. We are showing that our stories, our customs and our knowledge belong in the tourism experience.”
As tourism continues to expand in the region, the Bakgatla ba Kgafela hope that visitors will leave not only with memorable photographs, but also with a richer understanding of the people and place they’ve encountered.
