Become a Home Based Travel Agent

Set Your Sights on South Africa
by Nancy Norris

Last month I attended ASTA's IDE Conference in South Africa, and all I can say is WOW!!! Nothing could have prepared me for the sublime beauty, unrivaled natural panoramas, diverse cultures and vibrant people that literally left me awestruck on my extended visit to this phenomenal country! As I traversed the country, I was overwhelmed with the diversity of my experiences. Within the space of a day, I was transported from the wide open spaces of Texas and the grandeur of Alaska's landscape to surf beaches along California's coast and serene seaside villages along the rugged New England coastline; and from quaint college towns in the Midwest to cosmopolitan cities like Chicago or San Francisco, but all with a uniquely African flair. It did not take me long to discover that South Africa is a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Consistently rated as one of the world's most beautiful countries, travel agents are missing a golden opportunity if they do not capitalize on promoting this destination to their clients.

On an Elephant Safari

South Africa has something to offer any type of traveler. Do you have clients that are tired of the same old, same old, or have that “been there, done that” attitude? Think South Africa. Do you have clients that are thrill-seekers or thrive on adventure? Think South Africa. Do you have clients that are naturalists? Think South Africa. How about those clients that long for a cultural experience, are history buffs or those that want nothing more than to relax and lounge on a sun-drenched beach? Think South Africa. Does your database include fanatic wine connoisseurs or epicureans? Think South Africa. Well, by now, you get my drift – South Africa delivers the perfect vacation for clients, no matter what their interests.

South African Winery

In these financially stressful times, there is no better time than NOW to set your sights on South Africa as a viable travel option. While South Africa is a great destination in any economy, because the US dollar has gained so much value against the falling South African Rand selling travel to this enigmatic country has never made more sense. At the present time, the exchange rate is about 10 SAR to 1 US dollar. During my visit last month, three of us were traveling together. We typically enjoyed excellent full course meals which included at least one bottle of chardonnay and an after dinner drink at nice restaurants throughout the country. On average, our tabs totaled between $40 and $60 US which included the tip. I don't know about you, but there are few places I can go and spend between $14 and $20 for a fine dining experience. Due to the exchange rate, these savings are not limited to meals, but are evidenced in hotel rates, entertainment expenses and cost of activities.

South Africa's Beautiful Coastline

Now, if that's not enough to convince you, consider this: The 2010 FIFA World Cup is being held in South Africa. National soccer teams from 32 countries will be competing at 10 stadiums throughout the country. Opening ceremonies kick-off on June 11, 2010, with the final match set to be played on July 11, 2010. Tickets are already on sale and hundreds of thousands of soccer fans make for a huge market of which an astute travel agent can capitalize.

Betty's Bay Penguins

So, let's talk specifics. Obviously, South Africa is not a destination one would consider for a long week-end getaway, but for that long haul vacation it is a travelers dream. I would suggest that you not consider organizing this trip for a stay of less than 2 weeks, with 3 weeks being preferable. There are often great consolidator fares available, but if not, consider having your clients use their frequent flier miles. By eliminating the cost of getting there, this becomes an even more attractive bargain in these troubling economic times. To give you a taste of what you can offer clients, I have compiled a few itinerary suggestions:

South African Rhino

Flying into Johannesburg is the best place to start the itinerary. Have your clients plan to spend a couple days there and perhaps visit the Apartheid Museum or take a tour of Soweto, the largest township in South Africa. Just outside Johannesburg, sits the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site that offers a different view.

An Elephant in Kruger National Park

From there, have them take a regional flight to the Kruger International Airport to spend a few days at one of the multitude of game reserves that allow for Big Five safaris at Kruger National Park. From the 5 Star lodges located at Sabi Sand to rustic self-catering lodges, there are accommodations that fit all budgets. In addition, your clients may enjoy an elephant safari, a visit to a cheetah sanctuary or a tour of Shangana, an African cultural village.

The Road to Capetown

At this point, depending on your clients interests they can fly to Kimberley and tour the diamond mines and, if money is no object, take the Blue Train to Cape Town. They can fly to Durban and dine on cuisine from India, visit uShaka Marine World or take a rickshaw ride along the beachfront. Depending on which direction your clients choose, no visit to South Africa would be complete without taking the Garden Route, the scenic road that connects Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. It is known for its beautiful wildflowers, forests and mountainous coastline. It takes 3 days to drive, but if a stop at Jeffrey's Bay, known as one of the world's most renown surf breaks, is in order, plan on 5 days.

Cape Point

Without question, I believe, every trip to South Africa needs to end in Cape Town. To my way of thinking, at least a week should be devoted to exploring this magnificent city and its environs. With the impressive backdrop of Table Mountain, this chic waterfront town is breathtakingly beautiful. A cable car whisks one to the top of Table Mountain for unbelievable views of the city below. For the athletic, hiking trails abound.

Kirstenbosch

Nearby, Kirstenbosch is a botanical paradise. Cobblestone paths wind past ponds, rolling lawns and gardens of protea, fynbos, cycads and other plants indigenous to the Cape Peninsula.

The Green Street Craft Market

Whether bargaining at the Greenstreet craft market or shopping at Victoria and Alfred Waterfront the opportunities to search for that perfect souvenir are unlimited.

Masks at the Green Street Craft Market

And speaking of Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, this complex of shops, restaurants, bars and hotels makes for a perfect location to reside while in Cape Town. Your clients can spend the day at beach side communities like Kalk Bay, or play in the calm waters and soft sand of one of the numerous beaches that dot the coastline.

South Africa's Wine Country

Just a few short miles outside the city, one can visit some of the 600 world-class wineries that wind along the sun-drenched vineyard-clad hillsides of Stellenbosch and Franschoek.

A Hermanus Guest House

A little bit further and one finds themselves in Hermanus, a seaside village known for the perfect spot to sit along the shore and watch whales frolic in the open sea. A tour outside the city limits should also include a visit to Cape Point, the tip of the Cape of Good Hope and a stop to visit a penguin colony at Betty's Bay.

South Africa's Beauty is Stunning

An added bonus of any of these excursions is the promise of an unending panorama of lush foliage, mountainous terrain and coastal landscapes while ostriches, antelopes and baboons roam freely amidst the beach grass and dense shrubbery. Your clients can rent a car and tour these locales on their own, or they can hire one of the many tour operators that offer such services. We were quite lucky to have utilized the services of Johan Du Toit, a local tour guide for a two-night / three day excursion while in Cape Town. If you have clients visiting Cape Town, I would highly recommend this very professional, personable and accommodating guide (johan@hotspots2c.com). He works with travel agents, and like many of the small local tour operators and lodge hosts in South Africa, he pays 20% commission. (Ah, just one more reason that South Africa is a perfect destination to explore as a niche market.)