2 New museums open in Pilanesberg to showcase local culture and history
Two new museums in Pilanesberg invite visitors to delve into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Bakgatla ba Kgafela community.
Image: Mphebatho Tours
The Pilanesberg region, widely known for its wildlife and safari experiences, has introduced two new museums that aim to give visitors insight into the area’s cultural and historical background.
Located within the Bakgatla ba Kgafela community, one museum focuses on tribal history and traditional leadership, while the other explores local customs, including food, daily life, and cultural practices.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to diversify the local tourism offering. Tours to the museums are now available through several nearby lodges and resorts.
The aim is to provide visitors with more context about the people who live in the region.
Kgosi Nyala Pilane, leader of the Bakgatla ba Kgafela, said there has been growing interest in learning about the community. “Tourists are looking for more. The feedback has been encouraging,” he said.
Located within the Bakgatla ba Kgafela community, one museum focuses on tribal history and traditional leadership, while the other explores local customs, including food, daily life, and cultural practices.
Image: Supplied
He added that while game viewing remains a key attraction, many international visitors leave with a stronger impression of the culture and stories they encounter during their visit. “They come for the animals, but they leave remembering the stories and the people.”
Pilane said the project supports long-term goals to involve more local residents in the tourism sector. This includes employment opportunities as guides, cooks, crafters, and storytellers.
“Safaris will always be a part of what brings people here,” he said. “But we are now adding to that. Visitors want to know the people. They want to understand where they are, not just what they see through a pair of binoculars.”
There are also plans to work with government to improve local roads and visitor safety, particularly for those travelling into villages as part of the cultural tours.
According to Pilane, expanding the tourism offering is not only about economic development, but also about recognition. “It is also about pride. For too long our heritage has sat on the sidelines. Now it is front and centre. We are showing that our stories, our customs and our knowledge belong in the tourism experience.”
The new museums add a community-based layer to the region’s tourism economy, offering a more complete experience for visitors interested in both nature and local history.
IOL Travel