From lions to penguins: Discover the wonders of south Africa in style

On 3 April, I attended a special event at the Radisson Blu Béke Hotel in Budapest, where Travel with Flair (Pty) Ltd (TWF) showcased South Africa’s tourism opportunities. Representatives from the South African Embassy, TWF leadership, and the local office shared in-depth insights into what travellers can expect and why this destination is worth exploring.

South Africa for Hungarian travellers

HE Ganga Tsengiwe, South Africa’s Ambassador to Hungary, opened the event. He emphasised that South Africa doesn’t just captivate visitors with awe-inspiring landscapes, natural beauty, and its rich cultural heritage. Representing the homeland of Nelson Mandela, he noted that Hungarians could travel to South Africa for up to 30 days with a visa, and the embassy offers full support to Hungarian travellers.

Johanna Makgalemele, co-owner of TWF, encouraged the audience to visit South Africa at least once:

“Anyone who experiences the beauty and hospitality of this country will surely want to return.”

Exploring South Africa with local support

Piroska Magyar, head of TWF’s Budapest office—who spent 35 years living in South Africa—greeted attendees in Hungarian. She explained that South Africa is the continent’s second-largest country, boasting modern cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. The country is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and during Hungary’s daylight saving time, it’s in the same time zone, eliminating jet lag concerns. Malaria is only a risk in limited areas, and no mandatory vaccinations are required, making travel easier. The climate is dry and warm from September to May—even during Hungary’s winter. But even summer visits are worthwhile, as the local “winter” offers plenty of experiences.

Piroska highlighted that TWF is now operating in Budapest—along with locations in Washington and Dubai—making its services easily accessible. She cautioned against underestimating the size of the country, which is 13 times larger than Hungary. For example, flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg take two hours. She recommended planning at least a two-week trip to truly explore the country.

Known as the “land of adventure,” South Africa offers everything from shark diving and kayaking to motorbike journeys. The most popular itinerary is a 9-10 night tour covering Pretoria, the malaria-free Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Sun City (often dubbed the “mini Las Vegas”) and the picturesque Cape Town. Here, two oceans meet, offering stunning views and opportunities for wine, brandy, and chocolate tastings.

The “Big Five” (lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and Cape buffalo) can be spotted in the northern national parks and at the southern Aquila Private Game Reserve. One of Cape Town’s iconic landmarks is Table Mountain, which rises over 1,000 meters and is accessible by cable car—a must-see, just like watching penguins on the southern coast or taking a tractor tour on an ostrich farm.

Motorbike tours and unique experiences

Next, Buza Sándor took the stage to discuss motorcycle tours. The most extensive program lasts 18 days, and these tours are organised with the same high standards as traditional trips. Riders should prepare for left-side driving, but the excellent road conditions—thanks to a frost-free climate—make navigation smooth. TWF’s local knowledge ensures both excitement and safety for participants.

South African cuisine prominently features kudu, ostrich, and beef. With its ideal climate and fresh ingredients, the country is also renowned for its wine industry. French Huguenots and Dutch settlers helped shape today’s world-class wine regions.

Excursions to neighbouring countries

Piroska also highlighted nearby destinations:

• Lesotho requires an e-visa (USD 150),
• Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is visa-exempt,
• Zimbabwe offers visas at the border.

The Victoria Falls, straddling Zimbabwe and Zambia, is another excellent add-on—a must-see from above, though water levels vary throughout the year. Park accommodations may include tents, and caution is advised as African elephants are larger and more aggressive than their Indian counterparts, especially when calves are present. In areas like Kruger Park and Victoria Falls, malaria tablets are recommended.

Botswana offers a pricier yet thrilling option. Home to the San people—the continent’s ancient inhabitants—visits require consent from tribal leaders to preserve their peace and culture.

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Experiences over itineraries

TWF does more than organise trips—they curate unforgettable memories. A new addition to their offerings is fishing excursions in South Africa. For newlyweds, the country presents romantic and adventurous possibilities, and can be reached from Budapest in roughly 14 hours, typically with a layover in Amsterdam or Istanbul.

The evening wrapped up with a raffle and informal networking session. While some left with prizes, every attendee departed with a wealth of information and inspiration to explore South Africa’s unparalleled attractions. TWF and its partners invite curious travellers to discover this magnificent country with an open heart—and as everyone says: once you go, you’ll surely want to return.

To read or share this article in Hungarian, click here: Helló Magyar

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