This Africa Day, why not celebrate the beautiful wonders of our continent by visiting a
neighbouring country? For those of us who live in Africa, we have a wealth of natural beauty to choose from. So whether it’s a beach resort holiday or an intimate bush escape, we’re blessed to have it all and FlySafair has direct flights to get you there.
1. Mauritius
Mauritius is an all-time favourite for South Africans, especially for anyone with young kids.
In fact, for 2023, South Africans fell in the top five international tourists to the island with
106,169 visitors.
If you’re looking for the best time to visit, Mauritius Tourism says you should plan your trip
between April and June or September and December. This is to avoid the winds between
July and August and the high levels of humidity and rain from January to March. Despite
this, the average annual temperature in Mauritius is 25°C, so no matter when you decide to
go, you’re likely to enjoy a mild summer’s day.
Places to visit include the capital city of Port-Louis, where old meets new. Being a former
French colony, the city is full of important historical sites from the 18 th century paved streets to the Jardin de la Compagnie and Citadelle. After some historical sight-seeing, it’s time for the beach and in Mauritius you’re spoilt for choice. The calm sheltered lagoons of the North are great for a little R&R, while the Wild South offers up views of the basaltic cliffs.
South Africans enjoy visa-free travel to Mauritius for stays no longer than three months. The island doesn’t require any vaccinations for entry and there is no malaria risk.
2. Mozambique
Just over an hour’s flight away from Johannesburg is Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
This neighbouring country offers travellers all the wonders of a tropical paradise. From
azure waters to white sandy beaches, Mozambique is a picture perfect beach holiday.
Given that it’s tropical, there is of course a rainy season. This runs from October to March
with the rest of the year remaining warm and dry. The average temperatures at the coast
can be between 25°C and 27°C in summer and between 20°C and 23°C in winter.
If you’re willing to delay your beach trip for some time in Maputo, you won’t be disappointed. Stop in at historical sites such as Praça da Independência (Independence
Square), Maputo Cathedral and Casa de Ferro (Iron House). Once out of the city, be sure to
visit the Bazaruto National Park. Made up of five islands, the site is protected and is
brimming with all kinds of marine life – perfect for a snorkel or a scuba dive. The Ilha de
Moçambique (Island of Mozambique) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see.
Mozambique is visa-free for South Africans and does not require any travel vaccinations for
entry. There is, however, a malaria risk, so be sure to take the necessary precautions.
3. Zambia
Did you know that Zambia is considered the birthplace of walking safaris? It’s not surprising given the country’s diverse wildlife, birding and pristine landscape.
According to Zambia Tourism, the country’s sub-tropical climate has three distinct seasons.
November to April is hot and rainy with major thunderstorms that end with dramatic
sunsets. May through to November is the dry season and offers up some ideal weather for
game drives and bush escapes.
Many visitors to Zambia base themselves in Livingstone and explore from there. The town’s
proximity to Dubbed ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, Victoria Falls means you’re a stone’s
throw away from having a front row seat to one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural
World. is a bucket list item for many and is home to some of the most jaw-dropping views.
Hop on a game drive and enjoy a tour of South Luangwa National Park, which is known for
its leopard sightings. For the thrill seekers, you can paddle your way down the Zambezi River in a canoe and get up close and personal with crocodiles and hippos.
Zambia is visa-free for requires South Africans to apply and pay for a visa on arrival at any
port of entry, butand no vaccinations are required. Malaria is present in Zambia, so be sure
to protect yourself.
4. Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania, you’ll find the picturesque archipelago of Zanzibar. It was
dubbed the ‘Spice Island’ for its wealth of cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg and cloves.
The dry season for Zanzibar is from June to October when visitors can enjoy sunny skies and warm sea temperatures. According to Visit Zanzibar, March to May are the months that see the main rains set in, while from November to December is the short rains season when showers are only for a few minutes in the morning.
Dip into Zanzibar’s spice history with a tour of Stone Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site,
this labyrinthine city is an amalgamation of African, Middle Eastern, Indian and European
cultures, which can be seen in its architecture and experienced in its food. Head to the east
side of the island and explore the Kuza Cave, an ancient limestone cave surrounded by
jungle with a crystal clear pool for swimming. On the Northwest coast, you’ll find Kendwa
Beach, which was voted the best beach in Africa and number four in the world.
Tanzania does not require South Africans to have a visa or vaccinations for entry. Zanzibar’s
malaria risk is low, but can increase during the rainy seasons.
5. Zimbabwe
If you’d like to see Victoria Falls from another angle, you can catch a flight to Victoria Falls
International Airport from Johannesburg and be there in less than two hours. Or you canhead off to Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, and be there within a mere 90 minutes from
Johannesburg. Wherever you choose to go in Zimbabwe, you’ll be greeted by the warm
hospitality the country has become famous for.
Zimbabwe’s dry season is from May to September, while the rainy season runs from
December to March. Temperatures start to drop in June and days remain cool and sunny
through to August, creating the perfect conditions for game drives in the bush.
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe are a must-see during any visit and are a window into the
country’s ancient past. Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest park and is home to the Big Five. It is also renowned for its large elephant population. Lake Chivero Recreational Park sits southwest of Harare and offers up fishing, canoeing, bird watching and rhino trails.
South Africans do not need a visa or yellow fever vaccination card to visit Zimbabwe.
Malaria is present and it is strongly recommended that visitors take the necessary
precautions.
Before travelling to any of the countries in FlySafair’s regional network, it is important to
check the latest visa regulations and entry requirements. This is especially important for
families traveling with children as there are specific entry requirements for young
passengers flying abroad. Visa regulations These are not always set in stone and can change, so chat to a travel agent or travel operator before you fly.