The Republic of South Africa, known as a country of contrasts, exhibits strong disparities between rich and poor alongside the heterogeneity of its population, cultural diversity, and varied landscapes as well as flora and fauna. Enormous social inequalities still exist, rooted in the apartheid era. The tourism sector, in particular, is seen as one of the fastest-growing industries in the country and a potential means to combat social inequalities. This study explores the extent to which alternative forms of tourism can serve as a tool for alleviating social inequalities in South Africa. Using township and volunteer tourism as examples, the advantages and disadvantages regarding their impacts on social inequalities are discussed. The study indicates that while striving to use tourism as a means of poverty alleviation, further transformations are a crucial prerequisite for mitigating social inequalities; additionally, a high degree of responsibility, sensitivity, and respect towards local groups on the part of the organizers is necessary to counteract negative effects.