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Like many countries, South Africa’s tourism industry has taken a knock since the start of the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t still have a lot to offer as more people start venturing out to travel again.

We have an excellent art scene, some unmatched natural wonders, and vibrant places to visit that have attracted the attention of some of the most acclaimed travel publications in the world.

Condé Nast makes regular mention of South Africa in their lists of places to visit, including their guide to where to go if you’re setting out to see the world in March.

Let’s start with the top three before we bask in the accolades:

1. BORNEO, MALAYSIA

• Temperature: 32°C high; 27°C low
• Season: dry

If swamps and mangroves, mist-swirled mountains, and deserted shores are your thing, then add Borneo to your travel bucket list.

As March ushers in Sabah’s dry season, orangutans become easier to spot in their natural habitat, while whale sharks assemble around tiny Lankayan Island, known for its radiant reefs. All this confronting the immensity of nature can be taxing, though, so canny adventurers set aside recovery time for Gaya Island: land of infinity pools, cabanas and cocktails.

It also houses an impressive 140-million-year-old rainforest which is pretty cool.

Travel restrictions are in place until March 4, so hopefully they’ll be open for business again soon.

2. DELHI, INDIA

• Temperature: 30°C high; 16°C low
• Season: spring

Come March, the country’s capital usually erupts in a riot of rainbow powder, as Holi parties across the city pop with DJs, street food, and clothes-ruining antics.

Unfortunately, as of yesterday, the event has been called off due to COVID-19 restrictions.

India has also now suspended all of its international flights. Once flights are operational again, everyone entering the country will have to undergo a medical screening and quarantine.

Add this one to your bucket list for next year if you’re planning a trip.

3. OMAN

• Temperature: 29°C high; 23°C low
• Season: spring

Oman couldn’t be more different from its extravagant neighbour, the United Arab Emirates.

Oman has the pristine, dolphin-filled fjords of the Musandam Peninsula, Wadi Shab’s emerald waterfalls and Salalah’s misty greenery – a quirky anomaly in a region known for barren ruggedness (thank the Khareef, Salalah’s very own monsoon).

Even Oman’s port capital Muscat keeps it classy with a backdrop of craggy brown mountains and the majestic, sandstone Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Keep in mind that all travellers arriving in Oman are required to present a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to the scheduled time of arrival.

Jumping ahead to South Africa.

15. SOUTH AFRICA

• Temperature: 27°C high; 21°C low
• Season: dry

South Africa is number 15 on the list, but with high praise from the publication.

For a high-octane safari adventure look to the tip of this mighty continent. South Africa has 19 national parks and the tail-end of wet season means fewer tour groups and lower costs if you can tolerate the odd afternoon shower.

If you’re hungry to see the big five, head to Kruger National Park in the north-east, while those yearning for Out of Africa-style romance should travel south to the lush Garden Route to track game on horseback.

Cape Town and our beaches are also given a mention, which travellers will still be able to enjoy over those last few sunny days of summer.

As with all things travel-related, our ability to access countries or hop on flights depends on what’s happening relative to the pandemic.

So, even if you can’t visit any of the international spots (on the full list) you can add them to your list of future adventures.

Besides, as Condé Nast points out, we have a lot to do right here, at home.

[source:condenast]