Some people chase passport stamps, others remind us that adventure can be found just a few hours from home.
Phelo Masiza AKA The Travel Enthusiast has built a loyal following by uncovering South Africa’s hidden gems, proving that memorable travel doesn’t always require a hefty budget or an international flight.
Having lived in the Eastern Cape, Durban and Pretoria, she brings a uniquely South African perspective to every destination she shares—encouraging her audience to explore more, spend wisely and fall in love with the country one trip at a time.
As part of TJR 100 Creators campaign, celebrating South Africa’s most influential content creators, we spotlight The Travel Enthusiast, a creator inspiring thousands to see South Africa through fresh eyes.
You’ve explored almost every province in South Africa. Which destination surprised you the most, and why should it be on everyone’s travel bucket list?
Exploring quaint towns in South Africa has been on my to do list for the past two years, three towns stand out for me Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, Paternoster & Darling in Western Cape however, Dullstroom has a special place in my heart and I believe it should be one everyone’s bucket list, as it caters for all age groups and offers bonding time.
There are various activities that one can enjoy; Swimming in waterfalls, Canoeing, Horse riding, wine or whiskey tasting, Art galleries. Everything is literally in one street in Dullstroom and as a person that loves exploring on foot, in no rush it’s a bonus and getting my 10K steps in.
The locals are delightful and will share stories and history about their beautiful town with passion, plug you with hidden gems and experiences that are not even on the internet.
What’s one travel experience that completely changed your perspective on life?
The one experience that will always be close to my heart has to be when I took my first Hot-Air balloon flight in 2021, this was a childhood dream of mine and I used to tell myself that one day is one day. Then that one-day became reality- as cliché as it may sound it showed me that nothing is too far-fetched in life and all my dreams are valid. I’ve taken three Hot Air balloon flights since.
Travel can be expensive. What are your top three tips for people who want to explore South Africa without breaking the bank?
- I highly recommend mid-week travel as it’s usually cheaper and less crowded. Explore your background, take a sho’t left, day trips also count as travel.
- Group Trips work out cheaper, travel in groups with like-minded people.
- Take advantage of specials, many activities are free or half price on your birthday or birth month. Follow websites and social media pages of all the accommodation, activities and experiences that are on your bucket list.
If someone handed you a blank cheque for one trip anywhere in Southern Africa, where would you go first, and what would you want to experience?
With no budget and no time constraint music to my ears, this might seem biased, but I am choosing to explore South Africa, the first place I go to would be the Garden Route.
I would drive from Cape Town in a droptop like you see in the movies, to admire the scenic route with a well curated fire playlist in the background with plenty of snacks.
Just to clarify, the official starting point of the Garden Route is in Mossel Bay but I would start in Cape Town and end in Gqeberha.
I would spend 3 days in each town just to take in everything and not rush the experience and try out all the cute coffee spots. Mossel bay is famous for whale watching.
I would book a whale watching experience, a Hot Air Ballon flight and a game drive. In George I would book a cabin like Nima Lodge just enjoy what the wilderness has to offer, then proceed to Knysna stay at a unique Hotel Turbine Hotel in Thessen Island, then drive to the Knysna Head viewpoint and appreciate Heads from the top and later book a Sunset catamaran cruise in Thessen Island, and sail through the Heads and watch the beautiful sunset.
Then I would proceed to Plettenberg Bay for a hike in nature, I would choose the 05 KM or 09 KM trail at Robberg Nature Reserve oh the views are majestic. I would then go wine tasting at Bramons or Bitou Vineyards and also enjoy the beach.
The Garden Route officially ends just before the Tsitsikamma National Park but I would highly recommend one to check out Tsitsikamma National Park to view storms river bridge, snorkeling, kayaking and Lilo.
For my adrenaline junkies they can also Bungee jump at Bloukrans. To add some flavour to the trip, take a detour to Oudtshoorn. This whole experience is something to write home about.
What’s the last Netflix series you watched, and what’s the last song you added to your playlist?
I hardly watch series these days. I’ve been watching documentaries lately -The Trails of Winnie Mandela and My Octopus Teacher on Netflix.
Last song I added on my playlist “Everybody Wanna Be In Love” Calvin Falo, it’s so perfect for a road trip and soundtrack for a travel reel.
You’ve lived in the Eastern Cape, Durban and Pretoria. How has each place shaped the person and creator you are today?
Matatiele- where I was born and raised is famous for picturesque mountains and our diverse culture, this place I call home taught me to appreciate nature, appreciate the environment, leaving it in its clean state and be curious about culture and languages.
Durban taught me the beauty of exploring your background without breaking your bank-going to the beach costs absolutely nothing.
I spent most of my time taking walks or cycling along the promenade, on beach dates with friends. This is something I still love to date, I never miss the sunrise whenever I am in Umhlanga, those sunrise walks and having coffee by the beach after a morning walk. I share this content on my page to show that exploring doesn’t have to break your bank.
Hence why my content features a lot of water and mountain views. The inspiration is borne from these experiences.
Pretoria gave me permission to be The Travel Enthusiast and establish myself as a content creator, my curiosity to explore was exacerbated as there was nothing left for me to explore in the City Of Tshwane because the minute I set foot in I explored every corner and knew Pretoria at the back of my hand, now it forced me to step outside and explore towns nearby Hartebeespoort, Magalies, Krugersdorp.
Staying in these three different places also contributed to me being multilingual and now I can converse, whether in dialogue or text with anyone effortlessly in IsiXhosa, SeSotho, SeTswana , Sepedi or IsiZulu and this also makes me relatable to most people.
What’s one common mistake people make when planning a trip, and what’s your golden rule for travelling smarter?
People do not manage time, and this can have a ripple effect whether you are driving or flying. Not managing your time properly can set you back financially and dampen the mood of the trip.
For example, you delay leaving to your intended destination, you encounter roadblocks or accidents and now you are late for Check In or for an activity, you must forfeit money that was paid in advance for an experience because you are late.
Some accommodation does not allow check-in after 22:00 and if you get there after 22:00 you can’t check in and you must find alternative accommodation, and this is an unplanned expense that also has potential for disrupting the planned itinerary.
My golden rule is simple- plan your travel time, this gives you permission to enjoy the scenery, not rush through activities and meals.
For domestic flights I get to the airport at least 2 and a half hours before my flight departs, I’ve never missed a flight, and I am not planning to miss one even in the future- it’s an expense that can be actively avoided.
Five years from now, what do you hope ‘The Travel Enthusiast’ represents beyond beautiful destinations and great content?
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails- mine is simple, it is to be in alignment with God’s plan for my life.
I hope that I build something tangible from this online experience, to integrate it with my professional career-to be a successful businesswoman and all that I do be rooted in excellence and passion.
I hope what I am currently working on will come to fruition if it is indeed what God intends for me.
The Joburg Reporter 
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