South Africa has it all. Majestic mountains, beaches and deserts. Vibrant cities and quaint small towns. Incredible safaris, world-famous hiking trails, ancient forests, glorious waterfalls, gorges, caves and a thousand other places that will make you instantly want to pack up your bags for an adventure!
To help fuel your wanderlust we decided to share the travellers accounts we follow on Instagram for some inspiration. Here’s our list of 10 local Instagrammers to follow.
2summers
Heather Mason, aka 2Summers is an American blogger and photographer who has been living in and writing about Joburg for more than a decade. We love following her adventures as she goes on the road where she has a thing for finding quirky attractions off the beaten path, whether in Joburg or across the country. Follow 2summers here.
Black Tony Stark
Award-winning travel filmmaker Black Tony Stark, aka Neo Mokuene, is an African travel youtuber whose videos are an enticing snapshot of contemporary African travel. Putting young black travelers front and centre of the African travel experience, through his video and imagery he celebrates the burgeoning #blacktravelmovement, celebrating South Africa and Africa’s incredible destinations to new audiences. Follow Black Tony Stark here.
Cabin Seekers
Former air stewardesses Tanja and Anna travel across South Africa in search of the nation’s most beautiful and unique cabins. After years spent sleeping off jetlag at international city hotels, the duo now love nothing more than seeking out remote farmhouses and picturesque cabins to enjoy some slow South African travel. Follow Cabin Seekers here.
Gophari
A former chemical engineer turned full-time traveler, Farirai Sanyika, aka Gophari, left her career working in the small industrial town of Secunda to chase her dreams of travelling across South Africa and sharing a love of travel with the world. Now a certified South African travel specialist, she offers coaching on everything you need to plan the perfect trip, and organises group trips to African destinations for solo female travelers. Follow Gophari here.
I Love Nelz
Nelly Zwane has a serious passion for travel and has made it her mission to visit all corners of South Africa. Hiking, camping, diving, horse riding and anything else to do with the outdoors, Nelz is a traveller with a love of the outdoors and she always finds new outdoor adventures to try out. Follow I Love Nelz here.
In Africa and Beyond
A safari addict, Sara Essop is a South African blogger and freelance travel journalist always on the look out for wildlife. Her Instagram feed and her packed travel blog cover both local and international travel destinations, and she has a wealth of suggestions on where to stay in both famous and lesser-known South African safari destinations. Follow In Africa and Beyond here.
Jaredincpt
Based in Cape Town, Jared Ruttenberg is a travel journalist and photographer whose Instagram feed is a luscious display of the most gorgeous hotel views, captivating sunsets and the best wines to enjoy them with. Jared also shoots travel photography for luxury hotels and lodges, while taking his followers to the places he visits by curating bespoke tailormade experiences. Follow JaredinCPT here.
Melanie van Zyl
A regular contributor to leading South African travel magazine Getaway and to Lonely Planet, Melanie van Zyl is a freelance photojournalist with a soft spot for responsible travel and sharing awareness about environment sustainably in travel. Her images beautifully capture South Africa’s huge skies and special light qualities, and if you love wildlife adventures you’ll find plenty of inspiration. Follow Melanie van Zyl here.
Senz M
A local travel influencing powerhouse, 27-year old Senzelwe Mthembu travels across South Africa and the continent, encouraging fellow young Africans to travel and explore more. Together with her sister Thobi Rose (another Insta traveller of note) she also founded the Lived Experience Travel, organising group travel trips around Africa, while also working part-time as a researcher at the University of Johannesburg. If you enjoy Instagram stories, you’ll love Senz M’s regular IG story discussions about the joys, challenges, myths and realities of African youth travel. Follow Senz M here.
Tebogo Pin Pin
Tebogo Pin Pin is a Cape Town-based travel writer and digital marketer who runs the Western Cape Travel Experiences blog. From tours and experience reviews, to guesthouse recommendations, local holiday itineraries and tips on lesser-known destinations in the Western Cape, his Instagram feed is packed with ideas on places to explore and plan a holiday around in the Western Cape. Follow Tebogo Pin Pin here.
