Landing in the bush rarely feels this refined. Skukuza Airport, set within Kruger National Park, has once again been named the most beautiful airport in the world by Forbes, as reported by IOL.
The recognition is a familiar one. Forbes first spotlighted Skukuza back in 2018, praising its lodge-like aesthetic and calm, grounded atmosphere. This week, the accolade resurfaced after luxury train lodge Kruger Shalati marked the moment in a celebratory Instagram post, reminding travellers that some gateways are destinations.
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An arrival that feels like a safari lodge
Skukuza Airport defies expectations of what an airport should look and feel like. Thatched roofing, warm timber finishes, open-plan spaces and uninterrupted bushveld views replace fluorescent lights and frantic queues. Even the life-sized rhino replica inside the terminal feels intentional rather than theatrical, anchoring the space firmly in its wild surroundings.
Forbes once described the airport as having a luxury spa atmosphere, rather than a traditional terminal layout, which creates a gentle transition between nature and travel. It is the kind of place where the pace slows before you have even collected your bags.
Designed to belong to the landscape
The airport’s branding and interior design were developed by Johannesburg-based agency Grey Africa, with inspiration drawn directly from the surrounding Lowveld.
According to the agency, colour, texture and form were guided by the African landscape itself, to make the airport feel like a natural extension of the veld. Neutral tones and organic shapes help the building sit quietly within its environment rather than compete with it.
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From runway to river views
For guests staying at Kruger Shalati, the transition from arrival to safari is seamless. The lodge is just 4.9 kilometres from the airport and offers complimentary transfers, allowing travellers to move from runway to river views in minutes.
Skukuza Airport can handle up to 400 passengers per day across approximately 20 flights, both incoming and outgoing. While there is no overnight parking, travellers will find an Avis car rental kiosk on site for those planning to explore the park by road.
One of South Africa’s easiest fly-in safaris
Regional carrier Airlink currently operates the only direct flights to Skukuza, with routes from Johannesburg and Cape Town. These flights offer easy access to both private game lodges and the rest camps and lodges run by SANParks, making Skukuza one of the most convenient fly-in safari gateways in the country. In an era of anonymous terminals and carbon-copy design, Skukuza Airport stands apart. It proves that even the first step of a journey can reflect the magic of the destination itself.
Compiled by Lee-Ann Steyn
First published on Getaway
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