Africa's Travel Indaba: Limpopo invests in cultural and sustainable tourism to boost African economy

Limpopo is the northernmost province of South Africa, bordering Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and the South African provinces of Mpumalanga, Gauteng and North West. With its capital in Polokwane, it stands out for its natural diversity, which includes the Kruger National Park, and for its economy based mainly on mining, being rich in minerals such as platinum, iron, coal, diamonds and gold.

The Limpopo region in northern South Africa has made a strong showing at Africa's Travel Indaba 2025, the continent's largest tourism fair, which will take place from May 12 to 15 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban. With the theme “Shaping Africa's Tomorrow Through Connection Today”, the event will bring together 1,300 exhibitors, 1,000 international buyers and representatives from 27 African countries. Among the highlights, the Limpopo Tourism stand stands out for its proposal to unite culture, nature and social inclusion as drivers of regional development.

Grassroots tourism: sleeping with a local family

According to Khiba Andrew Dipela, chairman of the board of South Ari Limpopo Tourism, the province’s greatest asset is its people. “Our main differentiator is the way we welcome people. We love to welcome, we love to share our homes. That’s why we have the concept of homestays, where visitors, instead of going to a hotel, stay in the home of a local family,” he explains.

According to Dipela, this experience allows tourists to experience the daily life of the people of Limpopo, learning about their customs and traditions. “Tourism is about culture. It’s about getting to know people. When someone returns to Brazil after visiting us, they take much more than just photos — they take human knowledge, they take connection,” he adds.

Three pillars: mining, agriculture and tourism

With an economy based on three major sectors — mining, agriculture and tourism — Limpopo is banking on the travel sector as a driver of social transformation. “Tourism is essential because it generates jobs — both permanent and temporary — and is a powerful tool in the fight against poverty and inequality,” says Dipela. He also highlights that many of the initiatives at Indaba are led by small and medium-sized companies, which help to boost the local economy and create new experiences for visitors.

Nature in abundance — and with easy access

In addition to its cultural wealth, Limpopo also proudly displays its natural heritage. The region is home to 70% of Kruger National Park, one of the most famous parks in Africa and the world, home to the iconic Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. “We have some of the richest fauna and flora in Africa. In addition, our roads are in excellent condition, making it easy to access tourist attractions,” highlights the director.

Dipela also mentions unique experiences, such as golf courses where players can observe wild animals while playing the sport. “It’s something extraordinary. Playing golf while watching antelopes or giraffes walking in the background makes it even more special,” he says.

Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.