The vast interior of South
Africa is a hugely varied high plateau: gold mines, broad tracts of wheat and corn, the
southern fringes of the Kalahari Desert, rugged mountains and fertile valleys, and
desolate volcanic wasteland. Most schedules don’t allow the time for such leisurely
explorations. Self-Fly Safari® routes tend to overfly this area -- enroute to
or from other destinations. Stops in the interior are usually made at major cities for a
specific purpose such as refueling, to break a long day’s flying, or for Immigration
and Customs formalities. There are many lovely cities, towns, and villages with friendly
hospitable people. If you can, take the time to explore the interior. You may come away
feeling enchanted by the country and rewarded with new acquaintances and friends. Such is
the nature of South Africa – especially within the flying community.Bloemfontein, the capital of South Africa’s heartland Free State, is about half way between Cape Town and Johannesburg. Historically an Afrikaner stronghold in the midst of the country’s agribusiness center, it hosts South Africa’s largest rose festival (October) and is the birthplace of the author J.R.R. Tolkien. Though it is usually not an overnight destination on a Self-Fly Safari®, it is an option as a break or refueling stop for flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town. If you’re there, consider an overnight at the Hobbit House, bed and breakfast.
Farther west is the historic city of Kimberley, the site of South Africa’s first significant diamond find (1866) and, three years later, the discovery of the 84-carat "Star of Africa". The rush was on. These finds paled in comparison to several diamond-rich kimberlite "pipes" (the world famous "Big Hole", now mined out) that were discovered on a farm owned by the De Beers brothers. Review this history at the Kimberley Mine Museum. Kimberley is also the birthplace of South African aviation. Visit the restored World War II era Air Force base on the field at Kimberley and a monument marking the country’s first powered flight (1913).
Upington is a modest-sized, isolated farming town (fruit) on the banks of the Orange River. It is a fuel stop and, if necessary, a Customs and Immigration check point traveling to and from Namibia. Upington’s 16,000-feet long runway is the longest in the country. It was built during the sanctions years for possible military usage and as a final refueling point for 747’s flying an indirect route to Europe.
At Upington, you are on the southern fringes of the Kalahari Desert, a semi-arid wilderness with great plains covered by sparse, sweet grasses that sustain some game animals.
North of Upington is the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, 3700 square miles extending into Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park, one of southern Africa’s less often visited game reserves – though poorly catered for the airborne visitor. Prepare for scrubby, semi-arid desert heat and expect to find predators, antelope, and raptors.
The Augrabies Falls (a Korana word for "big waters") is about 60 nm west of Upington. These falls plunge through a massive canyon in a sudden and dramatic series of rapids and cascades and are ranked among the world’s six largest waterfalls.
Pietersburg, the capital of South Africa’s Northern Province, is a convenient refueling stop and Immigration and Customs point for many destinations in Zimbabwe and Botswana. It is also a possible alternate for flights to Tzaneen.
Tzaneen is a commercial center for the fertile Northern Province. It is a fruit growing area known for mango and avocado production. Because of its mountain setting it is often cooler and wetter than adjacent areas -- and sometimes encumbered with cloud. Tzaneen was started as a research station for tropical and sub-tropical crops and later became headquarters for an anti-malaria campaign that virtually eradicated the disease in the area. A nice stop for a change of pace.