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In the mood for a winter safari? Get yours with a side of heritage in the beautiful Pilanesberg, north-west of Johannesburg, home to two new community-run museums. Known in South Africa for its five-star hotel in Cape Town, Indian chain Taj moves to wilder climes for its next offering on home turf, with a trio of luxury lodges in Limpopo. Also in this travel update, we share visa regulation changes that make group travel from India and China to SA far easier than ever before. Hopping over to the Mother City, we've got our eyes on a wine bar showcasing black-owned brands and African-inspired cocktails. If adventuring closer to home is what you're after, you'll love our list of Joburg's best guided tours. And we share some recent reviews: from countryside escapes to a Rosebank staycation.
1. Heritage experiences in Pilanesberg
While many of us associate the Pilanesberg National Park and Game Reserve (near Sun City) with gorgeous game drives that deliver big on local fauna and flora, heritage experiences are a newer addition to the region's tourism offerings. Led by Kgosi Nyalala Pilane, leader of the Bakgatla ba Kgafela tribe, two community-owned museums are now open to visitors. The Mphebatho Cultural Museum focuses on the history of the Bakgatla people and the role of traditional leadership. A sister institution, the Phuthadikobo Museum explores the tribe's customs relating to food, cultural practices, and daily life. Heritage tours connect visitors from nearby lodges and resorts directly to these museums, offering a deeper, 'purpose-led' understanding of the region that goes beyond wildlife sightings. Contact mphebatho@executivemail.co.za to book a tour, or find out more here.
3. Luxury hotel brand Taj enters SA's safari market
The Balule Nature Reserve, a protected area in the Limpopo Province that forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, is getting three new lodges from leading luxury hotel group, Taj. Part of India's largest hospitality group, Taj's only South African presence to date has been in the form of its popular Cape Town branch, which opened in 2010, making this expansion particularly significant. Balule Nature Reserve is known for its off-roading and night drives, with unfenced borders allowing free movement of wildlife. The new Taj properties will include the Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp with 30 rooms, the Lion Kings Bush Lodge with six rooms, and the Lion Kings River Lodge, also with six rooms. There's no roughing it here: each lodge will be replete with an all-day restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and leisure spaces. Opening dates are yet to be announced.
3. Greetings from India and China
Good news for groups wanting to visit South Africa from India and China: South Africa's tourism sector is targeting these regions with the new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). This digital initiative (launched Feb 12, 2025) simplifies group visa applications, eliminating long queues and paperwork. It allows approved tour operators in India and China to submit applications online, resulting in digital visas within three days. This breakthrough, a result of two years of effort by the Tourism Ministry, aims to significantly boost visitor numbers from these crucial markets, who typically travel in large groups. Read the full article on IOL.4. Dispatches from the Mother City
NKULA COCKTAIL AND WINE BAR
While Cape Town excels as a city in many areas, integration, diversity, and representation are not always at the top of that list – especially in industries such as hospitality and wine, where a certain amount of gatekeeping still features. A new spot along Cape Town's iconic Long Street is flipping this script. Nkula Cocktail and Wine Bar (opened Apr, 2025) is a premium, black-owned destination celebrating African culture and fresh voices in the wine and cocktail industry. The menu at Nkula exclusively features black-owned wine brands and cocktails with African-inspired flavours. The "Biko Black Wall" pays homage to Steve Biko, as does the Biko Cocktail – a reimagined Old Fashioned. Co-founded by Simbi Nkula (also behind the Black Filmmakers Film Festival), Zita de Bruyn, and Malcolm Johani, the bar is an urban oasis with a focus on an intimate experience that goes beyond signature drinks. It's about promoting pride, ownership, and community in the industry – something we love to see. Nkula is definitely on our list for the next time we visit the Cape.
THE POT LUCK CLUB'S SUNDAY BRUNCH WINTER EXTRAVAGANZA
Our fandom of The Pot Luck Club in Joburg is no secret, as our latest edition of Freshly Plated (Jun 2025) reveals. However, the Cape Town branch of this beloved restaurant is also serving heat with a decadent Sunday Brunch Winter Extravaganza – something to try if you've got winter holiday plans in the Mother City. This luxurious experience features a special 10-course set menu designed by Executive Chef Jason Kosmas. To go with it: bottomless Graham Beck Cap Classiques (Brut and Rosé), or customise your drink at the famous Bloody Mary station. Served from 11:00 every Sunday until Sun, Sep 28. Book here.
5. Be a tourist in your own city
Joining a guided tour is a perfect way to explore the hidden gems of a city and neighbourhoods that might go unnoticed. Whether you're interested in learning about Joburg's history and heritage, its diverse culture, or exploring its street art and gallery scene, fashion, food, cycling, or even birding, we've put together a great list of the best guided tours in the city and surrounds. Bookmark this for your next adventure. Also, see our list of free walking tours in Joburg.
6. Our recent adventures
QUIET MOUNTAIN COUNTRY HOUSE
CAPITAL ON BATH IN ROSEBANK
We recently spent a night at The Capital on Bath in Rosebank – it almost felt like we never left home. Our one-bedroom unit was spacious, stylish, and fully self-contained, with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The cheeky “You Booze, Come Snooze” package included a bar voucher (used for Long Island Iced Teas) and a hangover recovery kit for the next morning – cream sodas and a tasty snack platter included. If you’re looking for a base from which to explore the surrounding district, The Capital on Bath is perfectly situated. Our full review is loading.
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