Cheslin Kolbe’s Türkiye getaway guide

He helped the Springboks bag the 2023 Rugby World Cup title and recently the Freedom Cup. Now, after all that hard work, Stormers winger Cheslin Kolbe took his wife, Layla, to Istanbul (without the children) for some relaxation. In between the private time, InBound SA caught up with him and asked him about Türkiye.

Türkiye has rapidly become one of the most sought-after destinations for South African travellers. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, it consistently captures the hearts of those who visit. One of the biggest draws is the ease of travel for South Africans, with a free e-visa that allows multiple entries and is valid for 180 days from the date of issue.

With over 60 000 South Africans visiting each year, more are eager to explore Türkiye’s iconic landmarks, immerse themselves in its unique traditions, and indulge in the delicious cuisine.

Once a well-kept secret, Türkiye is now a hotspot for those looking for a mix of history, adventure and luxury. Here are some of Cheslin’s top travel tips for making the most of your Turkish getaway.

As a world-class athlete, how do you maintain your fitness and training routine while travelling, especially during vacations?
I don’t have a set routine with my training when going on holidays because good rest is also part of being mentally fresh. I will still do my training but depends on how I feel either early morning (as I prefer), or late at night, but I always try and fit in training sessions wherever I go.

Rugby has taken you around the world. How do you think travelling to different countries has shaped your perspective as an athlete?

It has allowed me to learn about new cultures and how every country approaches things differently, requiring you to adapt as an individual. This experience makes me appreciate home even more.

It has also broadened my perspective, helping me understand other teams, their backgrounds, and how their upbringing influences the way they live. In turn, this has shaped my own personal growth.

How do you balance recovery and relaxation with exploring a new destination, especially after such a demanding rugby season?

I always plan out the number of days I have in each country, making the most of my time by seeing as many attractions as possible. I also make sure to set aside a day or two to relax, swim, or enjoy a massage. Whenever I’m on a break, I make booking a spa treatment an essential part of my travel experience.

As someone who plays rugby at the highest level, do you find travel to be a form of mental relaxation and reset?

Being on a flight gives you the chance to rest before reaching your destination, especially if you’re traveling for a match — and even more so in Business Class. For holidays, you can completely switch off, enjoying both the anticipation of a break and the mental reset that comes with it.

How do you balance your individual interests when exploring new destinations with Layla?

We each make a list of places we’d like to visit and combine them to create a shared bucket list. We focus on aligning our similar interests and ticking off those experiences together. Our goal is to do as much as possible with the time we have.

What aspects of Turkish culture or history are you most excited to explore during your trip?
The cuisine, sightseeing and the actual ice-cream truck experience.

What’s your favourite airline & why?
Turkish Airlines stands out not only for its top-tier Business Class but also for its incredible free TourIstanbul service available to South Africans. TourIstanbul offers a complimentary layover tour for anyone with a 6–24-hour stopover in Istanbul, allowing passengers to explore historical attractions and dine at some of the city’s best restaurants. 

Five fun facts about Cheslin:

• He once had to run away from a gunfight between rival gangs in Kraaifontein when he was a child.
• His father was also a very good rugby player but was denied any opportunity to make a career out of it due to apartheid.
• His cousin, Wayde van Niekerk, won the gold medal in the 400m at the 2016 Olympics and set a world record that stands to this day.
• Rassie Erasmus fought to change the Springbok policy against picking foreign-based players so he could select Cheslin Kolbe.
• Kolbe’s first international try was a late intercept to help the Springboks to a thrilling 36-34 win over arch-rivals New Zealand in the Rugby Championship. (Reference: Boksquad.co.za)