South Africa is often sold through postcards, safari images and city skylines. Yet the soul of this country lives elsewhere. It lives in villages, townships, stories shared around fires, songs sung in local languages, and meals prepared from recipes passed down through generations.
That is exactly what the Kasi2Kasi Township Expedition set out to prove.
Organised by SATOVITO (South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation) in partnership with SANTACO, Siyameng Consulting, Jaecoo South Africa and Shotleft, the Kasi2Kasi Expedition was more than a road trip. It was a movement to champion authentic township and village tourism while showing local and international travellers the richness of South Africa beyond the traditional routes.
Positioned ahead of the annual Africa Travel Indaba, one of the continent’s largest tourism trade exhibitions, the expedition created an opportunity for tourism stakeholders from around the world to witness experiences deeply rooted in South African identity.
Our journey began on Thursday, 7 May at the legendary Sakhumzi Restaurant in Soweto. Travel companies, tourism stakeholders and government representatives from Shotleft and South African Tourism gathered with excitement and anticipation. Joining us on the journey was Rebecca Phala, adding her voice and presence to what would become a memorable expedition.
From Soweto we travelled towards Phuthaditjhaba in QwaQwa. The weather greeted us with icy temperatures, but what waited for us there quickly replaced the cold with warmth.
At HaMagriza, an authentic township eatery in QwaQwa, we were welcomed by Abuti Sabata, grandson of Magriza himself. Soft music played in the background while Basotho blankets were wrapped around our shoulders, making us feel instantly at home.
Lunch arrived with the kind of comfort food that tells stories. Trotters, spinach, chicken feet, pap and samp were prepared with care and pride. It wasn’t simply a meal, it was heritage served on a plate.
As the afternoon faded, we made our way higher into the mountains toward Leratong Village and Dinkoeng Tented Camp and Adventure. Surrounded by the towering Maluti Mountains, our glamping experience became one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
As night settled in, we gathered around the fire sharing stories, laughter and reflections, just as generations before us had done. Under mountain skies filled with stars, surrounded by nature and good company, it felt like time had slowed down.
The next morning began with crisp mountain air, a refreshing shower and a hike toward the Lesotho border before breakfast.
Then we continued to a place that captured the essence of Basotho culture, Bothobapelo Country Lodge.
We were escorted to the property on horseback and welcomed by women singing and dancing traditional songs. Before we even stepped inside, there was a feeling of belonging.
I felt warm immediately.
The authenticity was impossible to ignore. Here was a place preserving and celebrating Basotho culture in its truest form.
We learned about indigenous plants used for food and medicine, gaining insight into knowledge systems carried across generations. The property offers an intimate experience with accommodation for just 21 guests, creating a true boutique village escape.
Visitors can enjoy horse riding, storytelling sessions, stargazing, boma evenings, traditional music and firsthand experiences of Basotho life.
Lunch introduced us to dishes many travellers may never have heard of, MOTOHO, NYEKWE, MOROHO, MABELE, DIPABI and traditional beer. Every bite carried culture and every story carried meaning.
Our visit ended the same way it began, with music.
From there we travelled roughly two hours to Ladysmith and arrived at Dongala Boutique Hotel, a peaceful boutique property nestled near the Klip River.
After freshening up, we headed into Mnambithi for another side of township life at 7 Pub.
The atmosphere shifted from tranquil to energetic. Local South African music filled the space while a braai prepared over firewood created a smoky flavour impossible to forget. Plates of phuthu pap and spicy relish accompanied the meat as conversations flowed and barriers disappeared.
We danced late into the evening with industry colleagues before returning to Dongala for the night.
The following morning we headed towards Durban and the final destination, Africa Travel Indaba.
Along the route we stopped at the historic Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962 after being on the run for 17-18 months. Came back to South African to meet with President Chief albert Luthuli in Groutville, disguised as David Motsamayi and pretending to be Cecil Williams Chaufer driver. Walking through the site and viewing memorabilia connected us to another layer of South Africa’s story, one of struggle, resilience and freedom.
Then we climbed back into the Jaecoo vehicles and SANTACO bus, travelling together in convoy toward Durban.
By the time we arrived at Africa Travel Indaba, the Kasi2Kasi journey had already created excitement across social media. People were following the adventure and waiting to hear about the experiences we had encountered.
But for me, this journey became something more personal.
It reminded me who I am.
South Africa’s villages and townships are not side attractions. They are living spaces filled with history, music, culture and people whose stories deserve to be experienced.
As I shared these experiences with international travel buyers at Africa Travel Indaba, many were fascinated. They wanted to know more. They wanted to return.
Kasi2Kasi proved something many of us already know.
South Africa isn’t just a destination.
It is a story, and some of its greatest chapters are still waiting to be discovered.
