As the holiday season approaches, there’s a call to look beyond the country’s usual coastal getaways and discover places where tourism is about empowering communities.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (21 October 2025) – With December just around the corner, it is the perfect time to explore destinations beyond the usual hotspots. But sometimes the most meaningful travel experiences are found far from the spotlight, in places that invite you to slow down, listen, and connect.
That’s something content creator and traveller Ben Herskowitz recently reminded his followers of when he shared his experience at Bulungula Lodge, a community-run lodge tucked away in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. His post was more than just scenic views or comfortable stays; it also reminded us about how travel can genuinely empower the people who live in the places we visit.
This kind of travel falls under what experts like C.R. Botha, a lecturer in Heritage and Cultural Tourism at the University of Pretoria, describe as community-based tourism (CBT). Where travellers step into local spaces not as consumers, but as guests, it’s an approach that encourages meaningful exchange and helps ensure that tourism directly benefits the people who call these places home.
The lodge is 100% owned and operated by the local Xhosa community, offering visitors a glimpse into a way of life that is deeply connected to the land and to each other.
So, as the holiday season approaches, maybe it’s worth looking beyond the familiar destinations. South Africa’s lesser-known corners (like the Eastern Cape’s coastline) offer something richer than just a getaway. They offer community and the chance to see how travel can uplift rather than just entertain.
View this post on Instagram
by 