12 pages of South African travel inspiration — explore, discover and experience the country’s destinations

South Africa is a country that rewards the curious. Whether it is a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Maluti Mountains, a penguin feeding at the Two Oceans Aquarium, or a festive-season concert on the beach at Jeffrey’s Bay, the experiences are as diverse as the landscapes themselves.

The Destination Guide 2026 brings them together in one place — a 12-page tabloid guide, free in selected community newspapers and available to read online right here on NovaNews.

Rediscover Cape Town

Start in the Mother City, where the City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off red bus offers a relaxed way to see the sights from the top deck. Three routes link the V&A Waterfront to beaches, mountain lookouts and city landmarks — all from R375 per adult when booked online. Nearby, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has made visiting the summit easier than ever, with new WhatsApp ticketing via Webtickets, a Universal Access Walkway, and special rates for children, seniors and students.

Beyond the city limits

Travel east to Jeffrey’s Bay, where the Kouga Local Municipality presents the inaugural JBay GrootFees from 17 to 31 December — a programme of concerts featuring Kurt Darren, Prime Circle, Emo Adams and more, alongside family days, carols and fireworks on Main Beach.

Head north to Sutherland, where the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) offers guided day tours and the Sutherland Planetarium hosts evening stargazing sessions beneath some of the darkest skies in the world.

Wind through the Helderberg’s craft markets along the N2 — from the Country Craft Market at Southey’s Vines to the steam-punk charm of the Elgin Railway Market — or escape to the Eastern Free State, where Clarens and Fouriesburg offer horse trails, 4×4 routes and farm stays beneath sandstone cliffs.

Plan your next adventure

The Destination Guide 2026 is free. Read the full digital edition below. Explore. Discover. Experience.

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