From river adventures and mountain escapes to township jazz, luxury stays and unexpected hidden gems, a new travel show is proving that the best holidays might be closer than you think.

Who says you need a passport, a massive budget or a two-week leave application to have an unforgettable adventure? Sometimes, all you need is a tank full of petrol, a little curiosity and a willingness to explore what’s right on your doorstep.

Enter Just Travel SA, a new travel series inviting South Africans to rediscover their own backyard, one province at a time. Premiering on SABC1 on Monday, 26 October 2026, the show takes viewers beyond the usual tourist stops to uncover the experiences, people, flavours and hidden gems that make Mzansi worth exploring.

Hosted by Lungile and Pearl, alongside a local personality in each province, every 24-minute episode brings a fresh perspective to familiar places and introduces viewers to destinations they may never have considered. And because a good holiday looks different for everyone, the series explores three spending categories: Smart Budget (up to R1,050 per day), Flexi Budget (up to R1,250 per day) and Luxury Budget (above R1,250 per day).

The mission? To show that whether you’re travelling on a tight budget or ready to enjoy the finer things, there is always another side of South Africa waiting to be discovered.

Nine provinces & Nine different adventures.

First up is the Northern Cape on 26 October, where Lungile, Pearl and local personality Bucie are ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about South Africa’s largest province. Expect Orange River rapids, local wine and brandy, a river island and, yes, even a beach. Desert stereotypes, consider yourselves officially challenged.

On 2 November, the journey heads to the Western Cape, where the trio trades the familiar views of Table Mountain for Elgin’s quieter charms. Think steam-train adventures, local food, farm trails and wakeboarding in wine country that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Gauteng gets its turn on 9 November, and this is your reminder that the province is about far more than traffic, office blocks and rushing from one meeting to the next. Joined by Khanyi Mbau, the travellers explore Ponte City, cycle through Soweto, tap into Johannesburg’s jazz scene and enjoy penthouse living in Pretoria. Business as usual? Not on this itinerary.

On 16 November, Limpopo reveals a different kind of magic as Clement Maosa joins the adventure through Magoebaskloof and Tzaneen. From flying through indigenous forests to discovering BaLobedu culture, enjoying local cuisine and unwinding at an unexpectedly located spa, this episode invites viewers to slow down and see the province beyond its wildlife reserves and avocado farms.

Next, on 23 November, Lungile, Pearl and Tsholo Maseko take a shot left to Dullstroom in Mpumalanga. Think trout fishing, whisky and chocolate tasting, a country spa and a helicopter ride over mist-covered hills. Scotland-inspired charm, without leaving South Africa? We’re listening.

On 30 November, the adventure gets wilder in the North West. Joined by Vafa Naraghi, the travellers hit the road in a motorhome, hike to natural rock pools, head out on a Big Five game drive, and take in a sunrise over Pilanesberg from a hot-air balloon. It’s giving adventure, fresh air and a very good reason to plan that weekend getaway.

KwaZulu-Natal takes centre stage on 7 December, but this time, the Golden Mile makes way for the natural beauty of Kosi Bay. With Sweet Guluva joining the journey, viewers can expect clear-water snorkelling, encounters with the region’s rich amaThonga fishing traditions and an opportunity to meet the elephants of Tembe. If your idea of a perfect escape involves nature, culture and a little ocean magic, this one is for you.

On 14 December, the Free State proves there is more to the province than open roads and melktert. Mapaseka Koetle joins the hosts in Clarens for creative experiences, a deeper connection with Basotho culture and a zipline adventure over Golden Gate. There’s also a particularly special moment as Mapaseka treats her mother to a castle stay fit for a queen. Sometimes, the best travel memories are the ones you get to share with someone you love.

The journey wraps up in the Eastern Cape on 21 December, with Homba Mazaleni joining the travellers in South Africa’s calamari capital. From learning to surf at Bruce’s Beauties and sandboarding the Alexandria Dunes to spending the night on a houseboat and heading out on an ocean safari, St Francis Bay and Colchester deliver a finale packed with coastal adventure.

Your next getaway starts here

Beyond the beautiful destinations and memorable experiences, Just Travel SA makes a compelling case for exploring locally. It celebrates the people who know these places best, the cultures that give them character and the experiences that make every province unique.

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend escape, a family holiday or a little luxury without leaving the country, the series offers inspiration for every kind of traveller.

Just Travel SA premieres on SABC1 on Monday, 26 October 2026 at 18:00, with a repeat on SABC2 on Thursdays at 21:30. Episodes will also be available on SABC Plus.

Nine provinces, countless experiences, and a whole country still waiting to surprise you.

Whatever your budget. Wherever you are. Just Travel SA.