Abstract As is the case in many developed countries, tourism has come to be seen as an important driver for local economic development in South Africa as it provides opportunities for pro-poor and community-based initiatives. This study examines the theme of route tourism and local economic development. Two examples of route tourism, the Magalies Meander and Crocodile Ramble, in the Gauteng and the Northwest Provinces of South Africa, have been surveyed in order to assess what impact private sector route tourism initiatives have on local economic development in the Magaliesberg area. The results are compared with those of other similar route tourism initiatives in South Africa.