Our Story: Preserving Culture, Empowering Communities
Traditional African Homestays South Africa (TAHS-SA) was created to bridge the gap between travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences and rural communities seeking sustainable opportunities.
Founded by Kylie and Cameron Murray, TAHS-SA connects guests to immersive heritage homestays in South Africa, where you can stay with local families, discover traditional village life, and directly support community development.
"Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do" — Nelson Mandela
Why We Exist
In many rural villages, young people and women face limited employment options. At the same time, travellers want more than hotels and safari lodges — they want genuine encounters with culture, people, and traditions.
Kylie and Cameron saw this gap during their years working in South African tourism. Their vision was simple: create a platform where community tourism in South Africa could thrive, ensuring hosts and guests both benefit.
Today, TAHS-SA provides authentic cultural accommodation in South Africa, where every booking contributes to livelihoods, skills training, and cultural preservation.
How it Works
Our approach combines training, hospitality, and community investment. Each homestay family receives professional support and a “homestay kit” to ensure comfort for travellers while keeping the authenticity of village life intact.
With TAHS-SA you can:
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Stay with local families in South Africa in safe, comfortable homes.
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Join cultural experiences — from traditional cooking and floor-making to beadwork and dance.
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Explore villages across Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape.
Behind the scenes, Kylie and Cameron personally guide the process — from onboarding communities to maintaining high standards for guests — making sure both sides feel supported.
Our Impact
Every stay funds local progress. A percentage of your booking is reinvested into:
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Community Fund: Infrastructure such as boreholes, schools, and communal facilities.
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Skills & NGO Fund: Education and training for women and youth.
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Micro-enterprises: Sewing groups, transport providers, bakeries, and small businesses that grow around tourism.
By choosing a cultural village stay in South Africa, you’re not only gaining memories — you’re creating opportunities that ripple through the entire community.
Recognition & Trust
Our approach has been recognised nationally and internationally. TAHS-SA is proud to hold multiple Lilizela Awards and a WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Award (Silver, 2024). We are fully insured, POPIA-compliant, and committed to responsible guest practices.
With Kylie and Cameron’s leadership, TAHS-SA has become a trusted partner for NGOs, universities, and travel operators looking for reliable, authentic, and ethical cultural stays.
A Journey for Every Traveller
We design homestay experiences for:
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Families and leisure travellers seeking meaningful connections.
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Students and international volunteers looking for authentic learning.
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NGOs, universities, and companies wanting South Africa cultural homestays for groups.
Whether you’re joining a Zulu homestay experience, a Venda village stay, or walking in the footsteps of Mandela in Qunu, our communities will welcome you as one of their own.
