The most beautiful airport in a rural setting in South Africa. Smack in the middle of the iconic bush is Skukuza airport, responsible for bringing tourists, daily, to the iconic bush.

Often, I take the SA Airlink operated flight between Skukuza airport and OR Tambo International airport on my work travels into the iconic bush. Often, I am also the only Black person on the flight,  full of tourists from all over the world.

Eco tourism is an important industry in the iconic bush, providing international and local tourists with luxury accommodation and game drives and employment for the local people.

Skukuza airport was reopened for scheduled flights back on 2 June 2014  through a public-private initiative by various partners.

The airport decor is world-class, befitting an airport that is the gateway to the iconic bush. The check in counter offers a striped welcome in the form of zebra artwork at the check in desk, operated by friendly, professional staff.

On arrival, guests are welcomed by a modern ambiance of iconic bush decor, and lighting;

A wooden sculpture of giraffes, a curio shop and comfortable, wooden frame sofas on which to await check in and pick ups. Often, arriving guests are driven away by lodge specific vehicles to the various luxury game lodges within the game reserves and the Kruger National Park.

The departure lounge is an aesthetic wonder of floating bird figurines, waterfalls, comfortable sofas and a kiosk to make last-minute purchases of biltong, a refreshing drink, sandwiches and magazines, among others.

Biltong is an iconic bush South African snack made out of dried, cured meat such as beef and game meats (i.e. beef, kudu, ostrich) Biltong is popular with international travelers, once they have had a taste of it. There are various brands on offer.

Sitting in the departure lounge, one can watch one’s flight land and take off.