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.