Let’s talk about South Africa and the reasons to travel South Africa.
I’ve been travelling South Africa as a travel blogger since 2017. The great thing is, it never gets boring. There is ALWAYS more to look forward to.
It’s not just me that thinks South Africa is a worthy destination. Hear it from these 11 travel enthusiasts who share this excitement for South Africa.
Subscribe to gophari.com
Reasons to Travel South Africa:
How does traveling South Africa make you feel and why?
Hi, I’m Lindsay! My love for travelling South Africa ignited after I did a 2-week road trip through Spain with Contiki and realised I hadn’t even done the same thing in my own home! Since then, I’ve travelled our beautiful country extensively.
“Travelling South Africa makes me feel loved and liberated. I have experienced incredible kindness from Airbnb hosts, tour guides and locals in the areas I have visited. I have also found myself placing less focus on material things as I get to experience the warmth of our people and see the natural beauty of our country.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the city hustle. Getaways always remind me what the most important things in life are and that some of the best things in life don’t cost much at all!”
Hi! I’m Darren, a full time engineer and part time explorer. I love documenting my explorations through photographs and inspiring and enabling others to also get out there and explore!
“I’ve only recently started to really explore the wonders that South Africa has to offer as I’ve always opted to travel overseas instead. Having explored a bit more of SA during the lockdown, I regret my life choices of always wanting to travel abroad.
Recently, I’ve seen so many prominent influencers moving to and visiting South Africa which gives me mixed feelings. On the one hand, I’m so excited that many more people are going to want to explore our beautiful country but on the other hand, a part of me feels like I’ve missed out on exploring relatively unknown (and uncrowded) destinations in our country.
If I can recommend one place that you absolutely need to visit before the crowds start flooding in, it’s the bottom of Lisbon Falls in Mpumalanga. Seeing the falls from the bottom, up-close and in person will leave you speechless. Adventure is out there right in our backyard, we only need to get out and explore it!”
My name is Baby Thembekile Ncongwane. I am a primary school teacher from a place called Nhlazatshe in the beautiful Mpumalanga province.
“I started working in 2019, but way before that,I have always wanted to travel the world. My friend and I would sit in our dorm room in varsity and fantasise about the different countries we would visit once we started working, and everything we would get up to.
I guess the universe had other plans, because just after I made a booking for my first international trip to Zanzibar, coronavirus hit. This forced me to look for gems in our beloved country because I am a traveler at heart.
So as soon as intra-provincial travel was allowed, I booked a trip to the Panorama Route for me and my friends. Nothing could have prepared me for the beauty my own province has to offer. Unfortunately, we could not visit all the different attractions as we were only there for one night, but that trip and seeing the beauty of my country ignited a desire in me. I made a vow that I will explore all the nine provinces in South Africa before I venture out to other countries.
The trip to the Panorama Route made me realise that I love nature and just marvelling at God’s incredible creations, which is why my next trip after that was a visit to the Drakensberg.
I love being high up in the mountain and seeing things from a bird’s view. Being out in nature brings a feeling of aliveness and awareness that sharpens my senses and helps put life into perspective. I am looking forward to exploring the remaining seven provinces and seeing what my beautiful country has to offer.”
What lessons have you learnt from travelling South Africa?
My name is Tebogo Pin-Pin, a South African Cape Town-based Travel Writer, Travel Content Creator, Travel Planner, Destination Host and Digital Marketer.
‘Having been to all the South African provinces and lived in six, I have learned that we are blessed to call South Africa our home. The diversity of culture, official languages, the food we eat and the way community members respect each other and visitors is what makes us real South Africans.
I have also learned that no matter who you are and no matter where you are coming from, as long as you respect people, they will always treat you like one of their own.
Get out and explore our beautiful country because there is always someone waiting to share their story with you”
Why is it important to you that you travel South Africa?
Hi, I am Thabang Ligaraba. I am a travelholic who enjoys discovering new places and having new experiences.
“South Africa is such a VIBE!!!. There is no other country like it in the world. From the oceans to the mountains to the winelands and the bush, there is something for everyone. We need to travel the country to immerse ourselves in all the beauty and culture, meet the vibrant people of our land and taste all the amazing food.
It is also important to support the South African tourism industry as it plays a pivotal role in the South African economy and creating employment. South Africa is my birth place but also my chosen home and I cannot imagine calling any other place home.”
Hi, I’m Penelope Tshilwane. I’m a Filmmaker & Travel Host. I enjoy the thrill that comes with exploring a new place and connecting with people.
“South Africa caters to my travel style which is a blend of adventure & cultural travel. SA is home to the most iconic wildlife and scenic routes. We have to continue exploring the untapped parts of our beautiful country, especially the small towns, which have so much to offer.
More than ever, it’s become more important for me to travel South Africa to learn more about the history of our country and its diverse people. It is also satisfying to know that money spent on trips contributes towards strengthening the domestic travel ecosystem.”
My name is Shubaika, a Ugandan by nationality but currently residing here in South Africa. I am a nurse by profession.
“I am very passionate about traveling and adventures even though I have not really traveled as much as I’ve always wanted to. The reason I want to travel South Africa is because I have fallen in love with it more than ever when I started following you (@Gophari) on Instagram.
International visitors are paying lots of cash to travel to South Africa for all of these attractions. Since I am already here, why can’t I use this opportunity to start exploring my love for travel.
I downloaded a few posts from your stories and this coming summer, I would really like to visit Mpumalanga as you made me fall in love with it”
I am Tlalane, a 28-year-old Civil Engineer that loves God, life and giving back.
My name is Mpho Malemela. I’m an aspiring travel blogger. I am originally from Limpopo and I work as a geologist. I have travelled to 11 African countries and I can’t wait to explore more.
“I have made it a point, without even knowing that I was doing it, to explore every part of South Africa. I can’t wait to explore more of Limpopo in my future travels.
Exploring South Africa will expose you to different cultures and how all the provinces are different but yet once country. I was shocked to see how Cape Town is different from the rest of South Africa. It has a slow pace of life and is very relaxed.
We really have it all and we don’t know it I guess. We have the perfect weather, beautiful hiking trails, rich history, the big 5, beautiful beaches, city life and friendly people.
There is still a lot to explore and to see in South Africa and I can’t wait to travel more. It’s important that we present the beautiful South Africa that we know not only to locals but to the world to encourage more travel into the country.”
What types of South African attractions are your favourite to visit?
Hi, I’m Thirusha from The Roaming Taster, a blog about travel and food. The blog was created with the aim of inspiring exploration of South Africa and abroad.
“South Africa is a diverse and multi-cultural country and has so much to offer with incredible destinations for everyone. You can choose from beautiful mountains to scenic oceans and everything in between. But for me, one of my favourite types of attractions in South Africa has to be wildlife viewing, in particular seeing the South African Big 5 animals.
We are lucky to have an assortment of game reserves and parks throughout the country, both national parks and private reserves. The exciting part about having so many parks and reserves is that no two reserves are the same. Every park offers something different which is largely dependant on their location. It’s a fun experience driving around the reserve trying to spot the animals and hoping that you see your favourites on your trip. I am generally on the lookout for the African Rhino, with its declining population, it is a very rare sight.
Two of my favourite South African attractions would be the Kruger National Park and Boulder’s Beach. I was lucky enough to see all the Big 5 animals during my trip to the Kruger National Park and it was amazing. Boulder’s Beach has the largest population of the African penguin and if you venture onto the beach where the penguins are, there is no barrier between you and the penguins. It is a magical experience.
A fun tip for anyone visiting a game reserve, travel on the 4×4 trails, if you can, it’s the road less travelled and as a result you tend to see more wildlife which you would not ordinarily see travelling on the main roads.”
My name is Rethabile and I am a travel enthusiast that recently became a Food and Travel Blogger.
“I grew up in Johannesburg which made me accustomed to the busy city life. It has made me appreciate the mountains and beaches. South Africa’s beaches are my favourite.
I am a fan of quiet and still getaways so first preference is always a secluded beach house to maximise on the experience. I love sleeping to the sound of the ocean and waking up to a morning walk on the beach because I can’t swim to save my life but I do find the water very calming and healing to be around.”
Hey! I’m Farirai, the travel writer behind this website – gophari.com. Travelling South Africa is my JOY.
When I started this website, it was with the goal of highlighting the beauty of South Africa. The more I travel, the deeper my travel experiences have become. I’ve learnt that the reasons to travel South Africa go beyond the beauty of its landscapes.
As the other travel enthusiasts have mentioned in this post, travelling South Africa is also about the connections you make along the way, the emotions it brings out of us, the stories we hear and share and the support we give to the economy. Whichever reason resonates with you most, I hope you are left convinced that it is very worthwhile to travel South Africa.
This was a lover read Fari, and I enjoyed reading other’s stories. Thank you for the opportunity to feature on your blog.
Beautiful read and the features and their responses have me feeling nostalgic about the moments that made me feel alive during my travel experiences.