South Africa Why I Keep Visiting Despite The Cautionary Information
Despite travel advisories from Canada, I keep returning to South Africa, my birthplace and the place that has my heart. South Africa is a land rich in diversity, culture, and personal memories. Every visit reconnects me with my roots, family, and the beauty of the land I still call home. From family visits in Johannesburg to cherished trips to Kruger National Park, it remains a place where my soul finds peace.
South Africa, the place where I was born, is a country deeply embedded in my identity, despite having left it more than two decades ago. It has been 23 years since I moved to Canada, but every time I touch down at Oliver Thambo International Airport in Johannesburg, I feel an undeniable sense of belonging. The landscape, the people, the languages—they are part of the fabric of who I am, and they draw me back despite the cautionary travel information provided by the Canadian government.
Why I Return to South Africa
Travel advisories are a reality for many destinations, and South Africa is no exception. Concerns about safety, political instability, and crime are well-documented. But for me, South Africa is more than a country with cautionary headlines—it's where my family still lives, where my childhood memories were made, and where my heart will always reside.
When I land at the airport in Johannesburg, a familiar warmth engulfs me. There’s a sense of homecoming that I can’t explain in words. It's as if every cell in my body recognizes this place as the one where it all began. Despite the fact that I’ve lived in Canada for nearly half my life, that feeling never fades. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about an innate connection to the land and its people.
Family Ties
My mother, now 90 years young, still lives in South Africa, along with my siblings and their families. Visiting them is one of the primary reasons I make the long journey back across continents. No matter how much time passes, there’s a bond between us that no distance can weaken. I always feel grateful for the opportunity to return and spend time with my mother, whose strength and resilience continue to inspire me. Her stories of the past, of a South Africa long before the current challenges, fill me with pride for my heritage.
In my earlier years, we visited Durban regularly, a city known for its warm beaches and rich Zulu culture. It's where my parents once lived, and it became a favorite vacation spot for my children when they were younger. The lush landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal, with its rolling hills and subtropical climate, were a playground for my kids, and they still recall those times with fondness.
My parents lived in Badplaas for many years, a small town near a famous resort known for its mineral baths. My sisters worked at the resort, which meant my children could swim in the warm baths whenever we visited. Those trips are imprinted in my memory, and the sight of my children enjoying the same simple pleasures I once did connects generations.
After my father passed away, my mother remarried a wonderful Christian man I had introduced her to. They lived in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, where I would visit often. Whenever I came back to South Africa, my mother and I would embark on adventures to places we both cherished. Sabie and Graskop were among our favorite spots—both towns are nestled in some of the most beautiful landscapes South Africa has to offer, from waterfalls to lush forests. We even visited Ruby River in Limpopo, soaking in the beauty of nature together.
Exploring South Africa’s Natural Beauty
One of the greatest privileges of growing up in South Africa is the sheer diversity of its natural beauty. The Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, is only a four-hour drive from Middelburg, and visiting it has always been a highlight. There's something surreal about being in the presence of wildlife like elephants, lions, and giraffes. It’s not just a tourist attraction; it’s a reminder of the extraordinary biodiversity that makes South Africa so unique.
Closer to Middelburg, we would often visit Pienaarsdam and the Lion Farm. Sundays were reserved for lunch there, followed by the spectacle of watching the lions being fed. It’s an experience that never grows old, no matter how many times you witness it. For me, these outings were more than just leisure—they were about spending time with family, reinforcing the connections that have kept me grounded in South Africa despite the years spent away.
A Diverse Cultural Landscape
South Africa’s cultural diversity is another aspect that draws me back. Growing up in a place where so many different languages are spoken, and people from various backgrounds live together, was a privilege. The richness of South African culture—from Zulu drumbeats to Afrikaans songs—has shaped my worldview. No matter where I go, I carry that cultural tapestry with me.
Living in Canada has been a blessing, particularly in the rural area of Alberta where I now reside. The vast open spaces and peaceful environment mirror some aspects of South Africa’s countryside. Here, I met a wonderful man 15 years ago, and we’ve built a life together surrounded by trees, green grass, and serenity. While my Canadian life is fulfilling, the memories of growing up in South Africa continue to influence my passions.
Passion for Photography and Nature
One of my greatest passions is photography, and it’s something that was nurtured both in South Africa and Canada. South Africa, with its diverse landscapes—from the rugged coastline to the vast savannahs—offers endless opportunities for capturing the beauty of nature. I was fortunate enough to have my work published in several Canadian Geographic calendars, which is a point of pride for me.
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In addition to photography, I have a deep love for gardening. Living in Alberta has given me plenty of space to cultivate a beautiful garden, but I often think back to the flora of South Africa. The country’s unique plant life, from proteas to aloes, continues to inspire me, and I’ve tried to recreate a little bit of that South African beauty in my garden here in Canada.
The Pull of Home
Despite the travel advisories, I will always keep visiting South Africa. It’s where my roots are, where my family still lives, and where a piece of my heart will always remain. Every time I visit, I’m reminded of how lucky I was to grow up in such a diverse and beautiful country. The sense of belonging, the connection to the land and people—it’s something that can’t be easily explained, but it’s deeply felt.
There’s no place like South Africa, and while I cherish my life in Canada, South Africa will always be home to me. The travel cautionary information doesn’t deter me because the love, memories, and relationships I have there are far more powerful than any cautionary note. When I stand on South African soil, I am home again, even if just for a little while.
In the end, South Africa isn’t just a destination for me—it’s a part of who I am. And no advisory can ever change that.
