South Africa is home to remarkable landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and destinations that continue to attract visitors from around the world. But how much do we really know about the country beyond the places we visit every day?

A new television series, Just Travel SA, is looking to answer that question, encouraging South Africans to rediscover their own backyard without assuming that a memorable getaway has to come with an expensive price tag.

Produced by Black Brain Pictures, the nine-part domestic tourism series premieres on SABC1 on Monday, 26 October 2026, at 18:00. Pearl Thusi and Lungile Radu host the show as it takes viewers across all nine provinces, exploring the people, places and experiences that make South Africa such a diverse travel destination.

Three budgets, nine provinces and plenty to discover

At the heart of Just Travel SA is a practical question: what can you experience when you travel within your budget?

Each 24-minute episode sees the hosts explore a province alongside a local insider, offering a closer look at its attractions and communities through three spending categories: Smart Budget, capped at R1,050 per day; Flexi Budget, capped at R1,250 per day; and Luxury Budget, for spending above R1,250 per day.

The format offers viewers different ways to approach domestic travel, whether they are planning a more affordable escape, looking for a little extra flexibility, or seeking a more luxurious experience.

The series also brings local voices into the conversation, with personalities including Mapaseka Koetle in the Free State, Clement Maosa in Limpopo and Sweet Guluva in KwaZulu-Natal helping introduce viewers to their respective destinations.

Beyond the familiar tourist attractions, the focus is on discovering the experiences, people and places that may be closer to home than many South Africans realise.

More than the destination

For Pearl Thusi, being part of the series offered a fresh perspective on what South Africa has to offer.

“I think we underestimate what we have in South Africa,” she says, reflecting on the variety of local experiences available and how affordable some of them can be. She also points to the contrast between international visitors travelling to experience the country and South Africans who have yet to explore much of it themselves.

Lungile Radu highlights another important part of the travel experience: the people behind each destination.

“But what really surprised me was the value of the experience itself. You’re not just paying for a bed, a meal or an activity. You’re meeting people, hearing their stories and experiencing a place through the people who actually live there.” He adds.

It is this combination of local discovery and personal connection that gives Just Travel SA its appeal. Travel becomes an opportunity not only to see somewhere new, but also to better understand the communities, cultures and stories that shape the country.

Why domestic tourism matters

The series is brought to audiences by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), in partnership with Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA), placing domestic tourism at the centre of its message.

TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa describes domestic travellers as the bedrock of South Africa’s tourism industry, emphasising that travelling locally can support businesses, communities and jobs while contributing to the wider tourism economy.

For SABC1, the series is also an opportunity to connect viewers with authentic local storytelling and accessible travel inspiration. Acting SABC1 Channel Head Thulisile Nhlapo says the programme encourages audiences to look closer to home and recognise the adventure, culture and memorable experiences available across every province.

In a country with nine provinces and an abundance of different travel experiences, the invitation is simple: start exploring what is around you.

So, where will you travel next?

Just Travel SA arrives at a time when the cost of travel can influence how people plan their holidays and weekend escapes. By presenting experiences across different spending categories, the series invites viewers to reconsider what a local getaway could look like.

Whether it is discovering a destination through a local insider, exploring a province you have never visited, or finding a new appreciation for somewhere familiar, the message is that meaningful travel does not have to look the same for everyone.

Just Travel SA premieres on SABC1 on Monday, 26 October 2026, at 18:00. A repeat airs on SABC2 on Thursdays at 21:30, and the series will also be available on SABC Plus.

Whatever your budget, wherever you are, Just Travel SA.