Menu

13 Sept 2023

South Africa

Are there any non-touristy tribal experiences in South Africa?

?
Asked by: A traveller

Stuart Butler
Answered by: Stuart Butler

If you're expecting colourfully dressed, exotic-looking tribal peoples that you can visit and for it not to feel commercial, then no that's difficult to find. An experience like that that you’re paying for will, by definition, be somewhat inauthentic, if not exploitative.

However, if you want to meet people of different tribes but not necessarily dressed in an exotic manner and dancing around for you then that's possible everywhere in South Africa on almost every street.

For something more in-between, and I suspect, more what you're after then I'd try heading to the Kalahari regions in the north. It's a stunning semi-desert region (lots of interesting wildlife and a real wilderness feel) and is the home of South Africa's small San Bushmen community. These were some of the original inhabitants of southern Africa and some do live a very traditional lifestyle (but well away from tourists).

Stuart Butler

Stuart Butler

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Kenya and Tanzania for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai, a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.

Stuart Butler Rory Sheldon

Ask a question

Get a free, personalised answer from a specialist.

Ask a question →

South Africa specialists

Africa

Discover Africa Safaris

Authentic Luxury African Safaris, tailored for you
Africa

Wayfairer

Tailor-made luxury travel
Zambia

Absolute Zambia Safaris

Custom safari holidays to Zambia
Africa

Wild Frontiers

Safaris into East, West and Southern Africa
Botswana

The African Wild

Botswana tours and safaris
Africa

Take Me To Africa

Experts in tailor-made and small group travel to Africa

Loading...