--- title: "Itchy feet? Your guide to local travel" description: "It’s hard to believe that around this time last year South Africa was facing heavy travel restrictions after the discovery of the Omicron variant of Covid-19." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "ESCAPE" author: "Maverick Life Editors" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/maverick-life-editors/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-12-24-itchy-feet-your-guide-to-local-travel/" published: "2022-12-24T06:00:26" updated: "2022-12-23T14:08:12" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 734 --- # Itchy feet? Your guide to local travel > It’s hard to believe that around this time last year South Africa was facing heavy travel restrictions after the discovery of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. By Maverick Life Editors · Published 24 December 2022, 08:00 SAST · Updated 23 December 2022, 16:08 SAST ## Content *This story was first published as a newsletter; [click here](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/about/newsletter/) if you would like to sign up for our [newsletter](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/about/newsletter/) to get the best of Maverick Life delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning.* The pandemic has left many of us with itchy feet, eager to grab our passports and head abroad. But two years of travel restrictions have also given rise to an appreciation for all the incredible destinations that Africa has right on our doorstep: from the colourful [Namaqualand](https://subscriptions.touchbasepro.com/t/d-i-zjtoit-wyddrmtu-i/) flowers that litter the West Coast National Park, to the vineyards and luxury wineries that dot the [Cape Winelands](https://subscriptions.touchbasepro.com/t/d-i-zjtoit-wyddrmtu-d/) and big-game viewing in [neighbouring African countries](https://subscriptions.touchbasepro.com/t/d-i-zjtoit-wyddrmtu-h/). This year, we at *Maverick Life* tried to do our bit to help you scratch your itchy feet (yuck) by giving you the practical tips to start putting together a travel itinerary. These included our reader-vetted suggestions for the [top holiday](https://subscriptions.touchbasepro.com/t/d-i-zjtoit-wyddrmtu-k/)[pick](https://subscriptions.touchbasepro.com/t/d-i-zjtoit-wyddrmtu-u/)s in the country and a brief and comprehensive breakdown of the [best airlines](https://subscriptions.touchbasepro.com/t/d-i-zjtoit-wyddrmtu-o/) to help you get there. We also explored trends in travel such as [working](https://subscriptions.touchbasepro.com/t/d-i-zjtoit-wyddrmtu-x/) and [living](https://subscriptions.touchbasepro.com/t/d-i-zjtoit-wyddrmtu-m/)[https://subscriptions.touchbasepro.com/t/d-i-zjtoit-wyddrmtu-c/](https://subscriptions.touchbasepro.com/t/d-i-zjtoit-wyddrmtu-c/)on the road as a digital nomad. If you’ve missed any of the travel tips, tricks and guides that we’ve published, you’re in luck: we’ve pulled out some of our best work and put together a list of evergreen stories that’ll aid you in your future travel endeavours. Bon voyage and enjoy these reads. \*\*\* #### Travel-wise ![Vultures sit in trees silhouetted against the setting sun near Satara Camp in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger Park was a specific top destination within Mpumalanga, which came sixth overall. (Photo: Gallo Images / Mike Copeland)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/dMTPufC-izL5ysMNsZdTa1ihRrM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/Leonie-Wonderplant-main-option-2.jpg) *Vultures sitting in trees silhouetted against the setting sun near Satara Camp in the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. (Photo: Gallo Images / Mike Copeland)* **[Backyard wonders – our readers’ top holiday picks at home in South Africa](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-05-25-backyard-wonders-our-readers-top-holiday-picks-at-home-in-south-africa/)** *DM168* readers share their favourite South African holiday destinations. [By Karabo Mafolo and Sahra Heuwel](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-05-25-backyard-wonders-our-readers-top-holiday-picks-at-home-in-south-africa/) ![Nieu-Bethesda chooses dust over tar, when it comes to their village streets. Image: Supplied / Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ofNKj98_HzC1ANwTaxlbDcCqVAU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-2_resize.jpg) *Nieu-Bethesda chooses dust over tar, when it comes to their village streets. Image: Supplied / Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit* **[Townsizing to the Karoo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-04-20-townsizing-to-the-karoo/)** Why moving permanently to South Africa’s dry heartland could be just the adventure you’ve been dreaming of. [By Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-04-20-townsizing-to-the-karoo/) ![Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The pans there were bathed in a warm late afternoon glow and made it feel that we were part of a Disney landscape. Compared to where we had been it was like an upmarket complex for wild animals. Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana. 27 December 2021. Photograph: John Hogg](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/54ZcIvnlMlJa0Kpa2fJcJGdQoAk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HEADER-DM_19.jpg) *Khama Rhino Sanctuary. The pans there were bathed in a warm late afternoon glow and made it feel that we were part of a Disney landscape. Compared to where we had been it was like an upmarket complex for wild animals. Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana.27 December 2021. Photograph: John Hogg* **[Road trip to Botswana: Cowbells, expanse and splendour](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-02-02-road-trip-to-botswana-cowbells-expanse-and-splendour/)** The build-up to our first trip to Botswana in December 2021 was a draining mix of anticipation and anxiety: Covid-19 and the fluctuating travel ramifications that are but side-shows of the pandemic; there were three of us – my wife Nicolene, Adele du Toit (friend and wife of the late Duif du Toit) and I. The trip was in memory of Duif, as he and Adele travelled through Botswana in 2009. [By John Hogg](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-02-02-road-trip-to-botswana-cowbells-expanse-and-splendour/) ![Sonja and Reinholdt Van Niekerk and their children. Image: Louis Botha Photography](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/O4DGyt23cBMeBF2df6iFm9vsUtM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/DSC_8510_2.jpeg) *Sonja and Reinholdt Van Niekerk and their children. Image: Louis Botha Photography* **[Van Life – the beauty of living and travelling South Africa in a mobile home](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-28-van-life-the-beauty-of-living-and-travelling-south-africa-in-a-mobile-home/)** As “Van Life” has become more popular around the world over the past few years, some South Africans have swapped living in their brick-and-mortar homes for life on the road. [By Malibongwe Tyilo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-07-28-van-life-the-beauty-of-living-and-travelling-south-africa-in-a-mobile-home/) ![The magical natural phenomenon where fields of flowers appears out of dry conditions of the West Coast National Park on August 26, 2020 in Postberg, South Africa. Image: Gallo Images / Jacques Stander](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/pF9_VMB5KoiGWG-1CwjVkDwUeq8=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/HEADER-ED_243465.jpg) *The magical natural phenomenon where fields of flowers appears out of dry conditions of the West Coast National Park on August 26, 2020 in Postberg, South Africa. Image: Gallo Images / Jacques Stander* **[Flower season – exploring the blooms of the West Coast and Namaqualand](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-09-07-flower-season-exploring-the-blooms-of-the-west-coast-and-namaqualand/)** South Africa’s flower season is upon us. Here is a handy guide to visiting the blooms this spring.[By Sarah Hoek](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-09-07-flower-season-exploring-the-blooms-of-the-west-coast-and-namaqualand/) ![Copper the Fluffer Stallion – Gelykfontein Thoroughbred Stud Farm, Venterstad, Eastern Cape. Image: Chris Marais](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/0UOc0XaPquDcqeoE5Yvd3Il4rQo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/HEADER-Karoo-Roads-III-Photo-Essay-6.jpg) *Copper the Fluffer Stallion – Gelykfontein Thoroughbred Stud Farm, Venterstad, Eastern Cape. Image: Chris Marais* **[Karoo Roads III – From the studios of snowy Nieu-Bethesda to the stony heights of the Richtersveld](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-09-01-karoo-roads-iii-from-the-studios-of-snowy-nieu-bethesda-to-the-stony-heights-of-the-richtersveld/)** Here is another heritage collection of journeys into the past and present of South Africa’s Karoo region. [By Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-09-01-karoo-roads-iii-from-the-studios-of-snowy-nieu-bethesda-to-the-stony-heights-of-the-richtersveld/) ![Lauren Melnick, a South African freelance writer, blogger, copywriter and digital nomad, is part of the new world of work. (Image: Lauren Melnick)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ABvPBwaiyKDeH8wpzuX8kHI9sPw=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/IMG_1822.jpg) *Lauren Melnick, a South African freelance writer, blogger, copywriter and digital nomad, is part of the new world of work. (Image: Lauren Melnick)* **[Working on the road: How digital nomads have the best of both worlds](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-01-17-working-on-the-road-how-digital-nomads-have-the-best-of-both-worlds/)** Always wanted to travel but never thought it would be possible because of your work? In 2022, with the world and many habits disrupted, taking your professional activity on the road might be easier than you think. [By Sarah Hoek.](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-01-17-working-on-the-road-how-digital-nomads-have-the-best-of-both-worlds/)**DM/ML**