The tiny airport in South Africa named the most beautiful in the world
Skukuza Airport is a small airport within the Kruger National Park, and has been named as the most beautiful airport in the world by Forbes.
Skukuza Airport lies within the Kruger National Park, and Airlink offers direct flights from Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.
While charter planes also operate from the airport, Airlink is the only airline that flies into the airport.
The airport is in close proximity to the Skukuza main camp, which is the administrative headquarters of the Kruger National Park, and the adjoining Sabi Sand conservancy.
The airport’s history dates back to 1959. It was reopened just over a decade ago to increase transportation to the Kruger.
The airport is a public-private partnership between SANParks and Skukuza Airport Management Company, which Lion Sands and Airlink own.
SANParks said that the reopening of the airport to long-haul clients aimed to lessen the two-hour drive from Nelspruit to the Kruger National Park.
The airport’s operating hours are 09:00 to 15:00, with a total of 20 flights per day (10 arriving and 10 departing).
After its renovation, Forbes named the airport the prettiest airport in the world, without a doubt.
Forbes said the airport is ditching the classic airport look and embracing a luxury spa vibe instead.
“Skukuza has been designed from the ground up to feel warm and inviting, the ideal send-off after a few days or weeks of excitement with the animals in Kruger,” said Forbes.
SANParks recently opened Request for Proposals for the management and operations of the airport, seeking an operator to continue the public-private partnership for another 10 years.
BusinessTech’s experience
Arriving at the airport is an incredibly unique experience, with the typical grey, lifeless airport finishes replaced by a design that makes you feel you are immediately in the Kruger.
The small airport has a thatch roof, wooden signs, a life-sized rhino replica and views of the surrounding environment.
For those who need a car upon arrival, Avis and Europcar also operate services from the airport. There is also a gift shop and a cafe for those in the departure lounge.
As one lands directly in the Kruger, there is a stand to pay a conservation fee that one would typically pay when driving into the national park.
While the Kruger itself suffered significant rainfall and flooding in recent weeks, which damaged infrastructure, the airport and its runway were in good condition when we visited.
The flight from Johannesburg to the Kruger is incredibly quick, as it spends only about 40 minutes in the air.
Airlink uses the Embraer E190 for flights to Skukuza, which carry just under 100 passengers each, making the flight experience similar to those between major commercial hubs.
Despite the short flight, Airlink does offer food and refreshments for those on board.
While waiting to board, we noticed that most passengers were international tourists visiting South Africa to see its wildlife.
Skukuza Airport Images
Update: The article has been updated to correct the shareholding of the airport.
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