We have recently come out of a bumper local tourism year-end, the best since the subsiding of the pandemic, showing that tourism in South Africa is on its way back to its former glory. It was also good to see so many locals staying within our borders to enjoy the many great tourist attractions we have here and this was partly because we have everything one can think of in this beautiful county – and because it was considerably affordable to enjoy our destinations than to wing our way to foreign lands.

At this time of the year, the wallets are empty and the spending budgets have been exhausted for most of us, but the clever ones will be planning their holidays now in January and in February after the madness dies down, and they can enjoy the benefits of highly reduced packages throughout the country.

We also need to start looking to book for that romantic getaway in the month of romance so, North, South, East and West, let’s take a look at a few destinations and packages on offer to prove that local is lekker – and affordable – in 2023! …

North and North East

These are our famous Wildlife preservation areas like the iconic Kruger National Park and many other private game reserves, most of which offer the opportunity to spot South Africa’s famous “Big 5” - Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Buffalo and Leopard. There are also magnificent sightseeing areas like God’s Window and the Blyde River Canyon – and a little further South is the magic of Egoli – Johannesburg, “the City of Gold” or affectionately known by locals as Josie!

A great package in this area and very affordable is Pafuri Tented Camp is situated between the Limpopo and the Luvuvhu Rivers in the northern sector of the Kruger National Park, in a 24 000-hectare area called the Pafuri or the Makuleke. This area is the ancestral home of the Makuleke people and is one of the most diverse, romantic and scenically attractive areas in the Kruger National Park.

East

Kwa-Zulu Natal has everything for everyone. Durban and the South Coast resorts offer the family a chance to enjoy everything from sunny days on the beach and fun parks to extreme sports and excellent diving areas. The majestic Drakensberg offers extremely romantic, cosy accommodations nestled in the mountains for lovers young and old – and hiking galore for the more adventurous.

One very affordable package right now, is the famous Little Switzerland resort situated at the foot of the Northern Drakensberg mountain range. This family-friendly resort boasts a history that spans over a hundred years. With incredible breath-taking views and serene surroundings, this makes it the perfect location to enjoy a restful holiday. Whether it is relaxation at the spa or exploring the many activities on offer, there is plenty to do for all.

South 

Hit the road and head south to the world-renowned Garden Route, which for adrenalin junkies boasts the highest Bungee jump in Africa and one of the longest ziplines through the Tsitsikamma forest. For the most part though, it is about taking chilled drives from beautiful little coastal towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay to golfing paradise resorts like George and Mossell Bay.

An excellent more upmarket package there right now (off the Garden route but still in the Eastern Cape) is Shamwari Private Game Reserve providing the perfect ambience of a tented bush camp in a truly magical setting. The camp is located on a plateau set amongst the only basalt and granite extrusions on Shamwari.

West

Cape Town and the Western Cape as a whole, offer every tourist; from wine connoisseurs and food buffs to shark cage divers, hikers, surfers and everyone in between one of the best international vacations available – and all in one spectacular area!

A must-do experience is a trip to Franschhoek for the Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour. It is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300-year history.

Rennies is here, there and everywhere!

Rennies Travel are a locally based travel company with a global footprint and travel partners in every nook and cranny of the world proving that we are, in the words of the Beatles song, “here, there and everywhere”.

We love South Africa though and will always be up with the very best that she has to offer all our travel clients, so contact us today to get our experience on your side. Local is lekker – and affordable – in 2023 and Rennies Travel is ready to ensure that you can always experience the very best that SA has to offer!

Bon voyage - and keep the wanderlust alive!