South Africa is a new destination from Belgium since September 2022, when Air Belgium commenced flights from Brussels to Johannesburg and Cape Town. The country is a great destination, for business and for tourism.
South Africa offers tourists a wide variety of options, among others the picturesque natural landscape and game reserves, diverse cultural heritage and highly regarded wines. Some of the most popular destinations include several national parks, such as the expansive Kruger National Park in the north of the country, the coastlines and beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces, and the major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Air Belgium and South African Tourism organised a press trip in September 2022 to discover some of the main touristic attractions and business centres of the country. Aviation24.be is presenting some of the highlights of that trip, hoping to inspire some future travellers.
Thursday, 15 September 2022: Soweto
Air Belgium flight KF2305 from Brussels, operated by a new Airbus A330neo registered OO-ABG, arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport in the early morning. A trip report is available here. The brand-new aircraft and the new route, as well as the country, were presented at a special event in Brussels on 13 September reported here.
After a transfer to the hotel for luggage drop-off and a light snack, the day was devoted to a visit to the township of Soweto.
First, an interactive township cooking experience at Lebo’s Backpackers (participants prepare their own township lunch under the guidance of an experienced township chef).
After lunch, a short one-hour guided cycle tour of Soweto including the vibrant Vilikazi Street for a visit to the Nelson Mandela House Museum.
The tour concluded with a beer-drinking ceremony.
Dinner at Proud Mary at the Voco Rosebank Hotel Johannesburg and overnight at the hotel.
Friday, 16 September 2022: Cullinan & Tshwane
After breakfast at the hotel, a guide took the participants to the picturesque mining village of Cullinan for a guided surface diamond mine tour, followed by lunch at Harrie’s Pancakes, Cullinan Village.
Afterwards, the group proceeded to a visit to the Administrative Capital of South Africa, Tshwane (formerly known as Pretoria), which started with a tour of Freedom Park. The 52-hectare Freedom Park is an impressive memorial to South Africa’s history and heritage and is themed around humanity, freedom and healing. Visiting the site is a humbling experience as you get to appreciate the different struggles South Africa has faced along the path to democracy. The most striking of the many thought-provoking memorials spread through the park is the vast Wall of Names that lists the heroes and heroines who died in the struggle for freedom.
Later, visit to the Union Buildings with its postcard views over the City of Tshwane, also known for its impressive 9-metre Mandela Statue in the Union Gardens.
Dinner at Kream, followed by post-dinner drinks from the top of Maslow Hotel to view the night skyline of Tshwane and overnight at the hotel.
Saturday, 17 September 2022: Magaliesberg
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, departure for Harties in the North West Province.
Ascending to the top of the Magaliesberg by cable car enabled amazing bird-eye views over the fertile valleys of the North West Province. Follow the pathways for a circular walk on top of the Magaliesberg, one of the oldest mountain ranges in South Africa, a staggering 2 billion years old. A short stop at the Chameleon African Market for some authentic African souvenir shopping.
Depart for a safari lodge located in the nearby Big Five Pilanesberg Game Reserve and check in at the Bakubung Bush Lodge.
After lunch at the lodge, a private uniformed ranger drove the participants through the game reserve, with an early evening return to the lodge to freshen up and prepare for a bush braai dinner, and overnight at Bakubung Bush Lodge.
Sunday, 18 September 2022: Full-day safari lodge
An early morning game drive with the ranger was followed by breakfast at the lodge. In the afternoon, another game drive in a safari vehicle with a private uniformed ranger. All meals were taken at the lodge, with another overnight at Bakubung Bush Lodge.
Monday, 19 September 2022: Transfer to Cape Town
After an early morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge, the group departed for O.R. Tambo International Airport and checked in for the domestic flight Safair FA290 to Cape Town, operated by a Boeing 737-800.
From Cape Town Airport, transfer to the Taj Hotel, followed by dinner at Gorgeous George Hotel GiGi’s Rooftop and overnight at Taj Hotel.
Tuesday, 20 September 2022: Cape Town
After breakfast at the hotel, the guide took the participants for a visit to Table Mountain, one of the seven wonders of the World, followed by a city tour and a visit to the Bo Kaap, known for its colourful Malay homes and rich history.
Lunch was taken at one of the finest addresses in Cape Town, the Silo Hotel.
In the afternoon, exploration of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, followed by dinner at La Parada on the Waterfront and overnight at the Taj Hotel.
Wednesday, 21 September 2022: Stellenbosch
After breakfast at the hotel, the guide met the group for a transfer to Stellenbosch for a tour of the wine-growing region followed by lunch.
And then it was time to return to Cape Town International Airport and to check in for the Air Belgium flight KF2306 to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, continuing to Brussels, operated by the new Airbus A330-900neo registered OO-ABF.
