Southern Africa 360 Exclusive Tours has introduced ‘Home Hosted Dining Experiences’ with local middle-class families in the Western Cape, offering guests an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation with local people.

Talking about what inspired the new offering, Collin Thaver, MD of Southern Africa 360, says: “It was based on our strategy of selling local and bringing lesser known experiences to international guests. With us having our own fleet of small luxury vehicles we had the opportunity to offer something different and unique, and this is one of the things we do.”

Hosted guests take part in personal engagement and interaction with local families while enjoying a true South African cultural experience.

“Guests eat what the family would normally eat for dinner and in that way get a true cultural experience, since you are actually are in people’s homes,” says Thaver.

Travellers opting for the Home Hosted Dining Experience get to dine with South Africa’s diverse ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds, from traditional Cape Malay cooking, to the suburbs, to partaking of a family meal in a township, or enjoying cuisine made by Muslim and Indian families.

“There is no rush, no loud music and so on, making the environment and atmosphere that much more enjoyable,” says Thaver. “Often the time spent talking to local people when abroad is very limited. Most times they only get to speak to staff at their hotel and their tourist guide. Sometimes the hotel staff or guide may be from another country then they miss the opportunity altogether to engage with locals!”

Southern Africa 360 Exclusive Tours tries to accommodate no more than six visitors at one home, thus making way for a more social and interactive environment. Meals are typically two or three courses, served with a glass of red or white wine. Beer and soft drinks are also served. Guests may generally purchase additional drinks, or can take their preferred beverage along.

Hosted guests are asked to remember the following:

• If you are being hosted by a Muslim, Cape Malay or certain Indian and Christian families, there will be no alcohol served.
• Many hosts may not allow smoking on their premises.
• Transport costs are not normally included and this can be arranged if needed.
• Menus will be discussed and prearranged for guests with strict dietary requirements.
• Remember that you are there for the experience and to engage with locals.

“We aim through this opportunity to assist locals cashing in on the tourism spin-off by creating these home hosted dining experiences. We are always on the lookout to grow our network so anyone keen to get involved can send their details to info@southernafrica360.com, or if any other DMC's or inbound tour operators would like to book their guests onto one of these experiences they are most welcome,” concludes Thaver.