Just Travel SA: Pearl Thusi and Lungile Radu explore South Africa on different budgets

How much of South Africa can you explore on R1,050 a day? A new SABC1 travel series, Just Travel SA, will show viewers how to discover destinations, attractions and local experiences across all nine provinces, with travel options for different budgets.

Hosted by Pearl Thusi and Lungile Radu, the nine-part series premieres on Monday, 26 October 2026, at 18:00 on SABC1.

Produced by Black Brain Pictures, the programme aims to encourage South Africans to explore their own country by showcasing destinations, communities and experiences that may be closer and more affordable than expected.

Each 24-minute episode focuses on a different province, with the presenters joined by a local insider who helps uncover places and experiences worth exploring.

Just Travel SA introduces three travel budgets

A central feature of Just Travel SA is its approach to exploring South Africa at different price points.

Each episode presents experiences across three daily spending categories, allowing viewers to see what is possible within their budgets.

The format aims to show that exploring South Africa is not limited to travellers with large holiday budgets.

Viewers will be introduced to different ways of experiencing destinations, from more affordable options to luxury experiences.

By comparing the three categories, the series will demonstrate how spending choices can shape a trip while highlighting what each destination has to offer.

Pearl Thusi and Lungile Radu discover South Africa’s hidden gems

The series brings together two familiar South African broadcasters, Pearl Thusi and Lungile Radu.

Throughout the nine episodes, they will explore the country’s provinces alongside local personalities who know their destinations.

For Thusi, filming the programme highlighted how much South Africa has to offer its own residents.

“I think we underestimate what we have in South Africa. What surprised me was just how much you can experience locally, and how affordable it can be,” she says.

Thusi also points to the contrast between international visitors travelling to experience South Africa and the number of South Africans who have yet to explore destinations within their own country.

Radu believes the value of local travel extends beyond accommodation, food and attractions.

“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 says.

The series will place these local connections at the centre of its storytelling.

Nine episodes will showcase all nine provinces

Just Travel SA will take viewers on a journey through all nine South African provinces.

Each episode will feature a local insider who joins the presenters in exploring the destination.

Among the personalities confirmed are:

• Mapaseka Koetle, exploring the Free State.
• Clement Maosa, showcasing Limpopo.
• Sweet Guluva, discovering KwaZulu-Natal.

The programme will introduce viewers to local attractions, communities and experiences they may not have previously considered.

Rather than focusing exclusively on well-known tourist destinations, the series will also highlight hidden gems and the people who make each place distinctive.

The full list of local insiders for all nine provinces was not included in the announcement.

New travel series aims to boost domestic tourism

Just Travel SA is brought to viewers by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), in partnership with Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA).

The initiative aims to encourage more South Africans to travel within the country and support the domestic tourism industry.

TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa says domestic travellers play an important role in sustaining tourism businesses and communities.

By demonstrating that local travel can be accessible across different budgets, the series aims to inspire trips that contribute to employment and economic activity.

Local tourism spending supports businesses, attractions and communities across the country, making domestic travel an important part of the sector’s development.

The programme also seeks to challenge the perception that memorable holidays necessarily require international travel or luxury budgets.

SABC1 promises authentic South African travel stories

Thulisile Nhlapo, Acting SABC1 Channel Head, says the new series will combine authentic storytelling with practical travel inspiration.

Through its provincial journeys, Just Travel SA aims to highlight the adventure, culture and experiences available throughout South Africa.

The programme will also introduce audiences to people and communities whose stories form part of the country’s tourism offering.

Its central message is:

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

When and where to watch Just Travel SA

Programme: Just Travel SA

Premiere date: Monday, 26 October 2026

Premiere time: 18:00

Channel: SABC1

Repeat broadcast: Thursdays at 21:30 on SABC2

Streaming: SABC Plus

Episodes: Nine

Episode duration: 24 minutes

Presenters: Pearl Thusi and Lungile Radu

Production company: Black Brain Pictures

Partners: Tourism Business Council of South Africa and Tourism Marketing South Africa

With nine provinces to explore and three daily budget categories, Just Travel SA will give viewers an opportunity to discover more of their country and consider new ways of planning their next local getaway.

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