Twice during the pandemic, we were told to be scared of Southern Africa. First, there was the early “South African variant” that turned out to be a bit of a non-event. Then, in late 2021, we again got sent into a panic about the “South African omicron variant”. Of course, the media elected to ignore the fact that it was actually detected in two Dutch tourists who’d just arrived in Botswana and presumably carried it from Amsterdam, but I guess that’s close enough to South Africa for a modern-day journalist.
So without any concern, I head off in March to experience travel in a post-COVID South Africa. Should I be scared? Am I being irresponsible? Given Australia has one of the highest rates of COVID on the planet, I can’t say I’m concerned.
On arrival in Cape Town, an officer is checking COVID tests and taking health declaration forms. And that’s about all that’s changed. A few short weeks later, both of these requirements would be removed. Customs is easy as ever, bags out quickly and I’m off to Thrifty to collect my car. At this stage, masks are still required in all public spaces, but it seems most folk are over it. The rule would be dropped a few days after my arrival. Masks are now nothing more than a distant memory in South Africa (including on aeroplanes).
What is different? There’s a distinct lack of international tourists. While the Brits and Germans have made a comeback (in smaller numbers), the lack of Americans and Australians was noticeable (no doubt a result of restrictive arrival policies at home). What was nice to see, however, was a large number of domestic visitors. Many hotels and lodges have implemented “local rates”, and it’s certainly great to see South Africans (who are often priced out) enjoying their country’s amazing offerings.
In my three weeks in the country, I can quite honestly say that I almost forgot the coronavirus was still a thing. As one guide remarked, “everyone in South Africa has moved on, except for the government”. Crowds were well down, there were no lines at popular tourist sites, accommodation was even more affordable than usual and forgetting to make a restaurant reservation wasn’t a drama. In many ways, it was the best trip I’d ever had. The resilience of the tourism industry (which makes up a huge portion of the country’s economy) is impressive. Having spent 2 years in a country where people were beyond petrified of COVID, it was refreshing to see a community that respected the virus and took appropriate precautions, but also realised that it’s not the only problem that the world faces.
So when should you look to travel again? I’d say as soon as possible. I've lost count of the number of times I've taken the cable car up Table Mountain, but I can confidently say this is the only time in my life where I didn't stand in line! Travel agents across the country are reporting massive booking booms as people feel confident to hit the skies again. I’d say crowd-free travel in a post-COVID South Africa will be a short-lived phenomenon, so get in while you’ve got the chance!
Get in touch if I can assist with your South Africa trip plans, or check out my perfect South Africa holiday package for first-time visitors, Ultimate South Africa Introduction.
