South Africa: New routes and reforms to attract visitors
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 10
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 14
South Africa is actively working to reestablish direct flights to India by 2025, aiming to strengthen tourism and business ties between the two nations as part of its broader efforts to boost tourism.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance accessibility and attract more Indian travelers to South Africa.
Historical context
Direct flights between South Africa and India were according to Aviation A2Z operational until 2015. In 2010, Jet Airways introduced daily flights between Mumbai and Johannesburg, and South African Airways (SAA) also operated four weekly non-stop flights on the same route.
However, Jet Airways ceased operations on this sector in 2012, leading SAA to increase its frequency to daily flights before withdrawing from the Indian market in 2015. Since then, there have been no direct flights connecting the two countries.
In addition to India, SAA has recently launched flights to Dar es Salaam and is planning to resume routes to Perth, London, and key destinations in Europe, the U.S., and Asia. To support these expansions, the airline is increasing its fleet, with several new aircraft expected to join by the end of the year.
Current developments
As part of its recovery strategy, South African Airways is exploring the reinstatement of direct flights between India and South Africa. In December 2024, SAA, along with Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, participated in a high-level delegation to India to strengthen aviation and tourism ties between the two nations.
Visa reforms and tourism initiatives
To complement the efforts of reestablishing direct flights, South Africa is implementing major visa reforms to facilitate easier travel for Indian tourists. The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system aims to streamline visa applications for Indian travelers, ensuring quicker processing. Additionally, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) will expedite group visa applications, making South Africa more accessible for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and group travel.
Economic and cultural significance
Reestablishing direct flights is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between South Africa and India. With the growing Indian outbound travel sector, South Africa aims to position itself as a top-tier destination for Indian travelers, offering diverse experiences ranging from wildlife safaris to luxury retreats.
Top attractions in South Africa
South Africa is home to some of the most popular travel destinations in the world, offering a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural experiences.
Table Mountain One of the top attractions is Table Mountain, an iconic landmark in Cape Town. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the top or hike for breathtaking views of the city and ocean. The V&A Waterfront, also in Cape Town, is a lively area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a must-visit for tourists.
Kruger National Park and The Cape of good hope For wildlife enthusiasts, Kruger National Park is a top destination. It offers the chance to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—on safari. The Cape of Good Hope is another scenic spot, known for its rugged coastline and diverse wildlife, including baboons and penguins.
Robben Island Robben Island is a historic site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Today, it serves as a museum and an important symbol of South Africa’s history. The Panorama Route, with its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and deep canyons, is a favorite among nature lovers.
Johanneburg and Soweto Johannesburg is home to the Apartheid Museum, which tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The city is also a gateway to cultural and historical experiences, including Soweto, where visitors can explore the heritage of the country’s past.
Table Mountain (Cape Town)
A flat-topped mountain offering panoramic views of Cape Town and the ocean.
How to get there: Take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway or hike up.
Kruger National Park
One of Africa’s largest game reserves, home to the Big Five and diverse wildlife.
How to get there: Fly to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or drive from Johannesburg (about 4-5 hours).
V&A Waterfront (Cape Town)
A lively harbor area with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
How to get there: Located in central Cape Town, accessible by taxi, bus, or car.
Cape of Good Hope
A scenic coastal reserve with dramatic cliffs, beaches, and wildlife. How to get there: Drive from Cape Town (about 1.5 hours).
Robben Island (Cape Town)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as Nelson Mandela’s former prison. How to get there: Ferry from the V&A Waterfront.
Blyde River Canyon
One of the world’s largest green canyons, with waterfalls and dramatic landscapes. How to get there: Drive from Johannesburg (about 4-5 hours).
Addo Elephant National Park
A top safari destination, famous for its large elephant herds. How to get there: Drive from Port Elizabeth (about 1 hour).
Stellenbosch Wine Route
A famous wine region with historic vineyards and tasting experiences. How to get there: Drive from Cape Town (about 45 minutes).
Durban’s Golden Mile
A stretch of sandy beaches with a lively promenade, ideal for surfing and relaxation. How to get there: Fly to King Shaka International Airport, then take a taxi or bus.
Drakensberg Mountains
A stunning mountain range with hiking trails, waterfalls, and ancient rock art. How to get there: Drive from Durban (about 3 hours).
Sani Pass
A scenic, winding mountain road leading to the highest pub in Africa. How to get there: A 4x4 vehicle is required; tours are available from Underberg.
Pilanesberg National Park (North West Province)
A malaria-free safari park with abundant wildlife, near Sun City. How to get there: Drive from Johannesburg (about 2.5 hours).
Cango Caves
A series of impressive limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites. How to get there: Drive from George or Oudtshoorn.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
A UNESCO-listed area with diverse ecosystems, from beaches to wetlands. How to get there: Drive from Durban (about 3 hours).
Tsitsikamma National Park
A coastal paradise with dramatic cliffs, forests, and the famous suspension bridge. How to get there: Drive along the Garden Route from Port Elizabeth or Cape Town.
Crime and safety in South Africa
South Africa is a beautiful and diverse country, but safety is a concern for travelers due to high crime rates in certain areas. However, with the right precautions, visitors can enjoy their trip safely.
Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are common, especially in busy tourist areas, markets, and public transport hubs. More serious crimes, including armed robberies and carjackings, can occur, particularly in major cities. Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates and are best avoided, especially at night.
Stay in safe areas – Stick to well-known tourist zones, reputable hotels, and secure accommodations.
Avoid walking alone at night – Use registered taxis, ride-hailing services, or hotel transport instead of walking after dark.
Be cautious with valuables – Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or large amounts of cash. Use hotel safes when possible.
Use secure transport – If renting a car, keep windows up and doors locked. Avoid stopping for strangers. When driving, be alert at intersections and avoid driving at night in rural areas.
Watch out for scams – Be cautious of people offering unsolicited help or deals that seem too good to be true.
Stay updated on local safety advice – Follow news reports and ask hotel staff or locals about any areas to avoid.
Musk and Trump’s growing feud with South Africa
Elon Musk and Donald Trump have both found themselves at odds with South Africa, but for very different reasons.
Musk has been battling the government over Starlink, accusing officials of blocking internet access for rural communities. Meanwhile, Trump has stirred controversy by offering to welcome white South African farmers to the United States, fueling debates over land reform and racial tensions. As these two global figures clash with the country, their influence is reshaping discussions on technology, policy, and South Africa’s future.
Black economic empowerment (BEE) laws
The recent tensions between Elon Musk and the South African government primarily revolve around the country's Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. These regulations mandate that at least 30% of a company's local equity be owned by Black South Africans, aiming to redress historical inequalities from the apartheid era.
Musk has publicly criticized these laws, labeling them as "openly racist" and claiming they hinder his satellite internet service, Starlink, from operating in South Africa. citeturn0news9 However, South African authorities refute this, stating that compliance with local laws is required and that the issue is unrelated to Musk's race.
Impact on South Africans
Due to the current impasse, South Africans, especially those in remote or underserved areas, are unable to access Starlink's satellite internet services. This limits their options for high-speed internet connectivity, potentially affecting education, business, and communication.
Musk's comments have reignited discussions within South Africa about the effectiveness and fairness of BEE laws. While these policies aim to address past injustices, some argue they may deter foreign investment, impacting economic growth and job creation.
High-profile criticisms from figures like Musk can influence global perceptions of South Africa's business environment. This could affect foreign investment decisions, which are crucial for the country's economic development.
Intervention that fuels racial tensions.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to welcome white South African farmers to the United States has sparked mixed reactions in South Africa. While some see it as an opportunity to escape uncertainty surrounding land reform policies, others view it as an unnecessary intervention that fuels racial tensions.
The South African government has dismissed the offer, emphasizing that land reform is a national issue that should be handled internally. Many political leaders argue that external involvement misrepresents the situation and could harm social cohesion.
Among the public, opinions are divided. Some white South Africans feel that the offer acknowledges their concerns over security and property rights, while others reject the idea of leaving, expressing a deep commitment to staying in their homeland. Meanwhile, critics argue that the proposal reinforces misleading narratives about racial conflict and ignores broader economic and social challenges facing all South Africans.
The debate has intensified discussions on land ownership, race relations, and national identity. While some believe international attention could pressure the government to handle reforms more transparently, others fear it may deepen divisions and distract from constructive solutions.
