Did you know South Africans spend more than half of their awake hours (56.8%) staring at a screen? And no doubt a significant portion of that is spent scrolling on TikTok (stats say most TikTok users spend an average of 95 minutes on the platform every day).
#Travel boasts a staggering 45 million+ posts as of May 2024. In short, TikTok has become something of a virtual passport to the world.
South Africa’s very own TikTok travel stars are proving that the cure to wanderlust is just a tap away (and often more affordable than you might think!). These homegrown influencers are redefining how we explore – from van life adventures to family-friendly escapades, solo journeys, and secret staycations.
“These local TikTok influencers perfectly encapsulate the wanderlust spirit of our nation, and their dream destinations mirror the trends we predicted in our ‘South Africa’s Year in Travel 2023’ report. Their content resonates deeply, sparking a desire to explore both the familiar and the unknown,” comments Tamsyn Grundlingh, Area Leader for Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa.
So, which destinations and accommodations have grabbed these TravelTok content creators’ attention? Let’s dive in.
@life_of_betts (75.4K followers, 817.6K likes)
This dynamic duo has travelled South Africa full-time for three years in their well-equipped van. They’ve captured the hearts of South Africans with their incredible adventures showcasing the diverse destinations right on our doorstep. Their TikTok account has a dedicated following of 75.4K users who have collectively showered them with over 800K likes.
One of their favourite destinations was a recent visit to Montagu, Western Cape, where they spotlighted The Mountain House at Abrikoos Kloof, aligning perfectly with the growing trend of slow travel. The house sleeps two and operates off the grid. Amongst many other creature comforts, it boasts an outdoor shower for soaking up the views, a private pool reservoir, and a fully-catered kitchen.
@gopharitravels (186.5K followers, 1.8M likes)
This TikTok star is all about inspiring women to travel solo – both domestically and internationally – with confidence, style, and sass.
“The solo travel trend has skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, Flight Centre South Africa’s most ‘common’ customer was a 50 – 59-year-old woman travelling alone,” says Grundlingh.
Fari’s love for solo adventures began when she took her first solo trip along the Panorama Route. She was astounded by the beauty of the Blyde River Canyon and wanted to share with South Africans the magical experiences just a stone’s throw away. This led her to create a TikTok account and a travel blog, gophari.com, which covers topics like solo travel, saving for travel, girls trips and much more.
While she’s journeyed solo to countless local and regional gems, including Limpopo and Zanzibar, her recent trip to Mexico was a definite highlight, involving relaxed afternoons spent in the calm waters of Cenote Nohoch (a breathtaking underground reservoir).
@explore_365 (44K followers, 1.5M likes)
Adventurous couple, Hannah and Jean-Luc, have amassed a following of 44K followers and 1.5M likes by curating content that highlights off-the-beaten-path accommodations and experiences, from unique African getaways to hideaways in the mountains and secret lakeside cottages.
Most recently, they posted about a luxurious stay in Yzerfontein at Thyme & Tide Beach Villa, a clapperboard villa perched right on the dunes that embodies the rising trend of ‘staycations’, where travellers seek to unwind in picturesque settings without venturing too far from home. It accommodates up to 16 guests and has a TV lounge, office (workcation, anyone?), a wind-free deck with a sparkling swimming pool.
@campsbaygirl (225.9K followers, 3.4M likes)
With 225.9K followers and 3.4M likes on TikTok, Carlinn stands out for her educational and visually stunning travel content. She posts stunning view reveals, accommodation recommendations, safari diaries, and must do experiences, like the best tidal pools to visit in SA.
One of her favourite destinations is Nosy Iranja, Madagascar, a tiny, crowd-free tropical island paradise known for its beautiful beaches and diverse marine life.
@themarriedwanderers (1.9K followers, 27.3K likes)
Inspiring family-friendly adventures with their reviews and authentic travel diaries, Jen and Rudolph (high school sweethearts who’ve been together for 15 years) love nothing more than glamping, camping, and hiking with their two little girls, Willow and baby Tommi. They’re a great follow for local travel content for families, as well as some wholesome parenting lifestyle content.
A few months ago, they enjoyed a getaway in the Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn, at AFRICAMPS AT KAROO 1. The property has 13 boutique glamping tents overlooking a working farm and gorgeous rock formations. Plus, it’s just a two-hour drive from Cape Town!
@zandi.durr (20.1K followers, 295.7K likes)
Zandi has garnered over 20K followers by providing valuable insights and guidance to fellow South African travellers looking for ‘lekker’ new destinations near and far. She also has an especially helpful Schengen visa series, highlighting documents needed for applications, processing times etc.
Zandi also recently posted about her trip to Croatia, a European favourite renowned for its stunning coastline, historic cities, and culture.
Plan your own TravelTok-inspired escape
South Africa’s TikTok travel stars are influencers, storytellers, adventurers, and guides who inspire wanderlust and keep the love for travel alive when jet-setting isn’t on the menu. Of course, while their content is often useful and motivational, there’s no replacing a knowledgeable travel agent when attempting to replicate these viral TravelTok adventures.
“TikTok videos often capture the highlights of trip, destination, or experience, but it’s essential to dig deeper to ensure a smooth, stress-free journey of your own. Research the destination thoroughly to understand the costs, logistics, local customs, and potential challenges you might face. Look beyond TikTok for reviews, travel guides, and official tourism websites,” advises Grundlingh.
“TravelTok often showcases a holiday’s most picturesque moments, but rarely reveals the less glamorous aspects like long layovers, jet lag, or navigating unfamiliar public transportation. Every trip has its ups and downs, so it’s important to set realistic expectations and ensure you have the right support at hand,” Grundlingh concludes.