When visiting South Africa, there is a definite checklist of things to do and see. Overlooking Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain, or watching an African sunrise on an early-morning game drive, for example, are imperative for first time visitors. Luckily, there is also no end of unique products to keep repeat guests entertained.

Private Safaris CEO for Southern Africa, Monika Iuel, says: “We are seeing a focus on special-interest travel for 2018, specifically concentrating on our people, contemporary music, art and gastronomy, as well as eco-initiatives.” Private Safaris is Fair Trade Tourism Approved and, as such, places an emphasis on the properties and excursions that represent best-practice responsible tourism in Africa. Monika adds: “The abundance of wildlife and natural beauty will always be a drawcard to Southern Africa, but the modern traveller seeks authentic and unique experiences, and travelling like a local is becoming an ever-greater focus. The individual experiences and local interactions need to be curated uniquely for each individual traveler.” From street art walking tours and dining with locals to enjoying resident jazz artists and visiting urban agricultural projects, the trend for this year has a definitive focus on the South African people and Responsible Tourism.

Responsible Tourism seeks to involve guests during their travels, recognising that they are not just tourists, they are one of us. Finding ways for travellers to share in the South African story allows them to feel a part of and contribute to the South African reality. A good example of this is the current water crisis that the Western Cape is experiencing. It is imperative that, while in the province, travellers “live like a local” and save water wherever they can.