South Africa’s tourism blueprint: Turning ordinary into extraordinary

South Africa is not just a destination—it is an experience.

That was my lasting impression after a two-week familiarisation tour organised by South African Tourism for selected journalists from Ghana. 

From city sightseeing to immersing ourselves in raw natural beauty and cultural treasures, South Africa left an indelible mark.

What stood out most was not just the grandeur of the places we visited, but how intentional the country is in transforming even the simplest of locations into world-class tourism attractions.

Our journey took us through some of the most iconic destinations in the country, including the legendary Kruger National Park, bustling city centres, and hidden gems tucked away along scenic routes.

But perhaps the most impressive was the way South Africa has elevated what many might consider ordinary—viewpoints, natural rock formations, and landscapes—into celebrated, structured, and economically impactful tourist experiences.

Kruger National Park – World of its own

The Kruger National Park remains one of South Africa’s crown jewels.

The Kruger National park

Spanning nearly two million hectares, this vast conservation area is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos.

Driving through the park felt like entering a different world—one where nature speaks loudly and civilisation takes a respectful backseat.

What makes Kruger even more remarkable is how well it’s been integrated into South Africa’s broader tourism strategy.

The roads leading to and within the park are well-maintained. Signages are clear.

Tour guides are knowledgeable and professionally trained. 

Accommodation ranges from luxurious lodges to modest camping grounds—all ensuring visitors can engage with nature comfortably and safely.

It’s a masterclass in packaging and preserving natural heritage.

God’s window – Beauty in simplicity

One of the most symbolic and awe-inspiring stops of our tour was at a site called God’s Window, located in Mpumalanga along the famous Panorama Route.

On the surface, it is simply a viewpoint—just a place where one stands and gazes into the horizon.

But that horizon is no ordinary view.

It opens up into a sweeping panoramic landscape of lush forests, deep valleys, and towering cliffs, creating an almost spiritual experience.

The magic of God’s Window lies not in extravagant development but in minimalism and mindfulness.

South Africa hasn’t tried to build over the landscape.

Instead, the country has invested in proper pathways, safety rails, tourist-friendly signage, and local vendors.

It’s a site that recognises the power of nature and leverages it to create meaningful, sustainable tourism.

What struck me deeply was that this isn’t a flashy or overly commercialised place.

It is nature, preserved and presented.

The key is intentionality—South Africa has taken something many countries might ignore and turned it into a national treasure.

Three Rondavels – Storytelling through landscape
Another example of this transformative tourism strategy is the Three Rondavels, another must-see viewpoint on the Panorama Route.

The Three Rondavels are massive, round mountain peaks shaped like traditional African huts, sitting majestically above the Blyde River Canyon—the third-largest canyon in the world.

Here again, the story isn’t about infrastructure overload, but about elevating natural wonders through effective branding, storytelling, and accessibility.

Signboards explain the cultural and geological significance of the rock formations.

Viewing platforms are carefully positioned to allow tourists to safely take in the spectacle.

And like God’s Window, local artisans and vendors are positioned nearby to provide both souvenirs and economic benefits to surrounding communities.

To a casual eye, it might just be a great view.

But with strategic development and storytelling, the Three Rondavels have become a celebrated destination on South Africa’s tourism map.

Power of presentation

What ties all these destinations together is South Africa’s extraordinary ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

It is not always about grand structures or luxury hotels—although those exist.

Rather, it is about recognising value in the simple and making it accessible, safe, informative and memorable.

This intentionality goes beyond aesthetics. It drives job creation, boosts local economies, and fosters a sense of national pride.

Whether it’s through professionally trained tour guides, user-friendly maps and apps, or clear policies on conservation and community inclusion, South Africa is demonstrating how tourism can be a powerful tool for development when done right.

Lessons

As I experienced these marvels, I couldn’t help but think of Ghana—our waterfalls, forests, coastlines, lakes, rock formations, and cultural heritage.

We are equally blessed, if not more so, with natural beauty and historical significance. But the key difference is how we approach and present these resources.

If Ghana is to replicate South Africa’s tourism success, then we must first prioritise the development of reliable infrastructure—particularly roads, signage, and amenities—around our key attractions.

Additionally, we need to brand and market our destinations more deliberately, highlighting their unique appeal and packaging them into holistic tourism experiences.

It is also important to make sure that tourism development includes local communities, empowering them with training and opportunities so they directly benefit from the influx of visitors.

Our tourist sites must be clean, secure, and regularly maintained to ensure both safety and comfort.

And perhaps most importantly, we need to do a better job at telling the stories behind these places—whether it’s the cultural history of a rock formation or the spiritual significance of a waterfall.