Looking to travel to one of Africa’s most naturally diverse, cultural hot spots? South Africa is rated as one of the best travel destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, and for good reason.
With a highly efficient and affordable domestic airline network, it’s simple to explore this deeply beautiful country without spending an absolute fortune! Simply catch a Mango flight – one of South Africa’s most popular local airlines – and you’ll be transported to all corners of the country in just a couple of hours.
Why Catch a Mango Flight?
Mango Airlines is South Africa’s youngest domestic airline carrier, established in 2006. Since then, the airline has grown in leaps and bounds to become one of the country’s most trusted, reliable, affordable and accommodating airlines.
The airline is government-owned and a subsidiary of South African Airways, and as such, is the pride and joy of local South African travel.
Domestic Destinations with SA Airlines
For avid travelers, both local and foreign, it couldn’t be easier to hop on and off at some of South Africa’s most spectacular cities. When traveling across the country, it takes no longer than 2-2.5 hours to reach a destination on most domestic routes. This makes for less time in the sky, and more time to explore!
The principal cities in South Africa each have their own domestic and international flight network with local SA Airlines flying between most of the airports.
A Mango flight, for example, will take you from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and George, and even between Cape Town and Bloemfontein.
Exploring South Africa’s Most Popular Cities
Johannesburg
If you’re traveling from any of the major hubs of the world, you’ll most likely land in the heart of South Africa’s travel network, Johannesburg International Airport, also known as OR Tambo International Airport.
From here, you have access to a plethora of daily Mango flights across South Africa. But if you are staying on in Johannesburg for a spot of exploration, here’s what you should add to your must-see list:
Popular Sites:
- The Apartheid Museum for a brush up on South Africa’s tumultuous political past.
- Gold Reef City for a spot of gambling and a thrill of roller coasters.
- The Cradle of Humankind – a World Heritage Site containing the first fossils of humankind and other wildlife.
- Nelson Mandela Square for shopping and dining.
- Soweto walking tour for an immersive cultural experience in one of South Africa’s largest informal settlements.
- Arts on Main for a melting pot of galleries, art studios, funky eateries, and eclectic stores.
Lesser-Known Sites:
- Zoo Lake or Emmarentia Dam for a spot of nature and wildlife in the heart of a large, metropolitan city.
- Nelson Mandela’s House for a tour of the home the icon lived in during his time in the city.
- The Living Room for an afternoon cocktail and stunning views of the Johannesburg skyline.
Cape Town
Cape Town International Airport is South Africa’s second-most popular airport and another important travel hub within the country. Most international tourists arrive at either OR Tambo International or Cape Town International and have the option of traveling further throughout South Africa on a Mango flight or other domestic airline.
However, it goes without saying that Cape Town is South Africa’s most popular travel destination, at the heart of South African tourism.
Popular Sites:
- Table Mountain – the 7th Natural Wonder of the World which stands tall and proud over Cape Town city.
- The V&A Waterfront for a hub of fine dining, shopping, and harbor cruises.
- Boulders Beach for its stunning scenery and its colony of native penguins!
- Camps Bay for a sunset cocktail and an array of restaurants, bars, and chic bistros.
- Robben Island for a historical tour of the prison which held Nelson Mandela for 26 years.
- Stellenbosch for a wine tour and taste of some of the world’s finest vintages.
Lesser-Known Sites:
- Sea kayaking around Simon’s Town harbor where you’ll be able to spot dolphins and penguins.
- The Vue Skybar and Lounge for epic views over Cape Town and amazing drinks.
- Take an Honest Chocolate Bonbon Class in Woodstock.
- Hike up Lions Head at sunset and enjoy a sundowner picnic with 360-degree views over Cape Town.
Exploring Durban
Finally, Durban is South Africa’s tropical, warm, and perpetually sunny East Coast city which is yet another important domestic travel destination in the country.
It is also the home of the Zulu Kingdom and the gateway to the UKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest mountain range in South Africa.
Popular sites:
- Durban’s Golden Mile beachfront for cycling, sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
- Ushaka Marine World for a day of waterslides and a world-class aquarium.
- The Sky Walk at Moses Mabhida Stadium for a thrill and epic view over the city.
- Gateway Theatre of Shopping -one of the largest shopping malls in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Durban Botanic Gardens- home to the world’s rarest collection of cycad and other wonderful botanical variations.
Lesser known sites:
- Little Gujarat for 100% authentic and affordable Indian cuisine – for which Durban is very well-known.
- A steam train ride through the Valley of 1000 Hills, a little way outside the city for spectacular views over the province.
- A free city walking tour organized by Beset.
- The Chairman – a hole-in-the-wall jazz bar with a twist!
Uncover the Magic of South Africa
South Africa is one of the continent’s most uncomplicated and friendliest countries to explore thanks to its well-established internal flight network and popular domestic airlines. Mango Airlines, along with the many other domestic carriers in South Africa is affordable and well trusted – quite simply, it’s the easiest way to get around the country. You can find an internal flight across South Africa to suit your budget and your itinerary with the help of SA Airlines – your one-stop shop for internal flight shopping!
