TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bilateral ties between Indonesia and South Africa have entered a promising new chapter with the introduction of a reciprocal visa-free policy. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka officially announced the move at the Indonesia–Africa CEO Forum in Johannesburg on November 21, 2025.
The agreement follows a bilateral meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Jakarta last month.
Vice President Gibran said the visa-free arrangement reflects a shared commitment to boosting business mobility, strengthening investment links, and expanding new avenues for cooperation across sectors.
For Indonesian travelers, the policy opens easier access to one of the world’s most diverse and spectacular destinations. From wildlife-rich savannas to cosmopolitan cities and dramatic coastlines, South Africa, often referred to as the Rainbow Nation, offers a wide range of experiences.
Based on recommendations from global travel platform Go2Africa, here are some of the country’s top destinations worth exploring.
1. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserve, renowned for having one of the continent’s richest biodiversity profiles. As one of Africa’s oldest conservation areas, it shelters thriving populations of cheetahs, wild dogs, and large mammals.
Visitors enjoy an almost year-round chance of spotting the “Big Five,” namely elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, and leopards, making Kruger one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
2. Cape Town
Cape Town consistently ranks among the world’s top tourist cities, celebrated for its scenery, vibrant food culture, and pleasant climate. Known as the Mother City, it features scenic beaches and the legendary Table Mountain, listed among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Travelers visiting the nearby Whale Coast may even catch sight of migrating whales from the shore.
3. Cape Winelands
Just an hour from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands offer sweeping valleys framed by mountains and home to some of South Africa’s most acclaimed vineyards.
Visitors can enjoy award-winning wines, farm-to-table cuisine, and charming art galleries in small historic towns. With its serene countryside atmosphere, the region is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
4. Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most picturesque coastal drives, stretching from the outskirts of Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay. The journey reveals sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, forests, and inviting seaside towns. A popular stop is Knysna, famed for its fresh oysters and sunset cruises.
5. Madikwe Game Reserve
Located about five hours from Johannesburg, Madikwe is a lesser-known gem offering a quieter safari experience. Its grasslands and Kalahari woodland shelter the Big Five, African wild dogs, brown hyenas, and the elusive aardwolf.
With accommodation ranging from family-friendly lodges to romantic suites, Madikwe caters to a wide range of travelers.
6. Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape offers malaria-free Big Five safaris with easy access from the Garden Route or Port Elizabeth Airport. Known for being welcoming to families, the region also hosts luxury lodges ideal for couples seeking intimate safari retreats.
7. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
Popular among South Africans themselves, KwaZulu-Natal combines subtropical beaches, dramatic mountain landscapes, historic battlefields, and wildlife reserves. Its blend of nature, culture, and history makes it an increasingly attractive destination for international visitors.
8. Johannesburg
Johannesburg has evolved into a dynamic urban destination with upscale hotels, trendy cafés and restaurants, and a lively arts and nightlife scene. The Gautrain offers easy access from the airport to Sandton, the city’s financial and shopping hub.
The Apartheid Museum remains a major highlight for travelers seeking deeper insight into South Africa’s history.
9. Sun City
Just three hours from Johannesburg, Sun City is known as Africa’s “Entertainment Kingdom.”
The resort features championship golf courses, a casino, nightlife venues, restaurants, a water park, and artificial beaches. Its close proximity to Pilanesberg National Park also makes it ideal for travelers wanting to combine leisure with wildlife excursions.
10. Pilanesberg National Park
Set within the crater of an ancient volcano, Pilanesberg offers an accessible safari experience close to Johannesburg. Its central lake, home to hippos and crocodiles, adds to the park’s distinctive landscape.
While many visitors stay in Sun City and take half-day drives, spending a night or two in Pilanesberg allows for a richer experience of its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
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