A bodaboda flight in South Africa

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Uganda continues to make bold strides in promoting its tourism potential, and South Africa remains a prime platform.

At the vibrant 2025 Indaba Tourism Expo, Uganda’s permanent secretary, Doreen Kansiime, delivered a compelling pitch highlighting the country's rich wildlife, natural wonders, and tax-friendly investment incentives.

"From harbouring half the world's surviving mountain gorillas to boasting the mighty Murchison Falls and the mystical Rwenzori Mountains," she said with pride, "Uganda is a destination like no other. And for investors? Think tax-free imports and free land in our ten national parks."

Officials from the Uganda Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and local tour operators, drew crowds to Uganda’s booth with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, sips of the iconic Uganda Waragi, and enticing travel deals.

When the three-day showcase concluded, ten other journalists and I seized the opportunity to delve deeper and experience what makes South Africa’s tourism industry so captivating.

The mosquito flight attraction

South Africa is now packaging experiential tourism products infused with captivating scenery and rich storytelling from seasoned guides. One standout is the Ballito Microflights, a major attraction in KwaZulu-Natal, which offers tourists a bird’s-eye view of Durban.

For twenty thrilling minutes, passengers soar above the city in a lightweight aircraft that resembles a mechanical grasshopper – small, nimble, and surprisingly powerful.

Before take-off on the grassy runway, Captain Chris Sibbalo, my pilot, secured his seatbelt, adjusted his communication gear, and delivered a firm safety briefing.

“Please avoid speaking during the flight,” he instructed. “It could interfere with radio signals from other aircraft in the area. Also, secure your phone with a strap – if it falls mid-air, it’s gone. And tie up any loose hair.”

That last instruction made me a little uneasy, so I asked, half-jokingly, “Where’s the emergency exit – just in case?”

Captain Sibbalo glanced at me, deadpan. “Just jump off and land somewhere,” he said with a grin.

Once airborne, the microflight hovered like a hummingbird, cruising gracefully over Durban’s coastline. Below, a patchwork of residential suburbs, bustling commercial centres, endless sugarcane plantations, and thriving industrial zones stretched out. The ocean shimmered alongside the city like a silver ribbon.

After twenty minutes of stunning views and a smooth flight, we gently descended back to the hangar. Ballito Microflights operates with four experienced pilots and conducts around 60 flights each month. Interestingly, training to pilot these ultralight aircraft is more intense and time-consuming than earning a traditional Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) or Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL), due to the specialised skills required.

Though the aircraft may appear toy-like from the ground, the experience is far from child’s play – it offers a thrilling, humbling perspective of the world below.

The experience left me wondering whether Uganda’s sugarcane plantation owners could take a cue from their South African counterparts and develop similar tourism experiences.