Top 5: Reasons to Visit South Africa This Year

If South Africa’s been on your travel bucket list for quite a while and you just haven’t made it there yet, there are plenty of reasons to visit in 2020. Here are five that might make the upcoming year the one where you finally take the plunge and book that trip.

New Service from United

You can easily reach Cape Town thanks to new direct service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. Even if Cape Town isn’t your end destination, from there you can go on to other destinations in South Africa. United is the only carrier to serve the route from the United States, with service available three times weekly.

New Service from South African Airways

If you’d rather fly directly to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, you can now do so via South African Airways service from New York (JFK). The airline just introduced the new Airbus A350-900 on the route, for a better flight experience for all passengers, no matter where you’re seated.

A Burgeoning Culinary Scene

South Africa’s dynamic culinary scene features amazing top chefs and impressive restaurants, with food tourism opportunities all across the country. One of the 30 best restaurants in the world is located outside Cape Town; 4Roomed serves South African fare in a nostalgic atmosphere.

LGBTQ+ Travelers are Welcomed

South Africa makes a concentrated effort to protect and support its LGBTQ+ citizens. It was the first country in the world to include a sexual orientation protection clause in its constitution and the fifth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Cape Town is known as the LGBTQ+ capital of Africa.

History is Abundant

It’s no secret you could spend an entire trip exploring the history of South Africa, but if it’s history you’re interested in this year, you’ll want to visit the Cradle of Humankind, now celebrating the 20th anniversary of its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cradle of Humankind is made up of 300 limestone caves and is the source of nearly half of the discovered human fossils that date back to 3.6 million years.