LOCAL TRAVEL
NORTHERN CAPE
The Northern Cape is becoming the cosmic playground for stargazers. Vast silences, near-empty landscapes, and off-grid lodges powered by solar and wind energy create a universe-scale escape. Think of it as the ultimate“ get lost” trip, except you’ ll never actually be lost under these pristine skies. In fact, you might even find yourself. And with green hydrogen projects taking off, the province isn’ t just chasing stars; it’ s also positioning itself right at the forefront of sustainable energy.
NORTHERN CAPE
LIMPOPO
Community-owned lodges and conservation initiatives in Limpopo, such as Mulambwane Wildlife and Hunting Safaris and Awelani Lodge, are transforming tourism by placing ownership, profit, and management in local hands. Along with community-based game farms on restored land, these provide sustainable economic growth, creating jobs and preserving heritage.
LIMPOPO
NORTH WEST
Adventure doesn’ t have to leave a scar, and North West is proving it. Eco-safaris, mountain biking in the Magaliesberg, and conservation-focused walking routes offer gentle thrills for those who seek excitement without being exploitative. It’ s adrenaline minus the guilt trip.
GAUTENG
GAUTENG
Johannesburg and Pretoria are shedding their old reputations and evolving into destinations in their own right. Revitalised precincts like Victoria Yards, Maboneng, and 44 Stanley are buzzing creative hives where art, artisan workshops, and urban gardens thrive. Boutique hotels are opening in once-overlooked corners of the city, inviting visitors to slow down and soak up the culture rather than just tick off tourist boxes. Johannesburg’ s urban renaissance feels both global and unapologetically local; a city in style, on its own terms.
These shifts may not be visible everywhere yet, but across the country, small, meaningful changes are reshaping how South Africa is travelled. IB
28 INBOUND SA / MAY 2026