For many years, Kazakhstan remained a country that was difficult to locate on maps; however, the largest country in Central Asia is now increasingly appearing in wish lists, social media, and international travel guides.
Kazakhstan's appeal stems from a unique combination of vast landscapes, modern cities, opportunities for mountain adventures, Silk Road heritage, and a culture shaped by centuries of nomadic traditions. Furthermore, its enormous territory, exceeding 2.7 million square kilometers, allows for a journey that is more extensive than just a city break.
Particular excitement surrounds Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city. In 2025, nearly 2.5 million tourists visited the city, including about 754,000 foreign guests. International tourism showed a growth of 9.9% compared to the previous year.
Social media has also played a significant role: Kazakh tourism authorities actively used short video formats, launching the #TravelKazakhstan campaign on TikTok, which gathered over 2,800 videos and garnered more than 11 million views. Recently, international television coverage has also presented Almaty to viewers in over 110 countries.
Almaty is likely the easiest introduction to experiencing Kazakhstan. The city is located at the foot of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, part of the Tian Shan system, allowing visitors to move from cafes and modern galleries to mountain landscapes without long commutes. The city itself is a mix of green streets, Soviet-era architecture, modern restaurants, markets, and a developing creative scene. Green Bazaar is an excellent place to experience local cuisine and daily life, while Kok-Tobe offers panoramic views of the city.
The Shymbulak ski resort is close enough to Almaty for a day trip, and hiking trails lead into the surrounding mountain landscape. Proximity to nature is one reason why Almaty has attracted such significant international attention. In 2026, Bloomberg included this city in its list of 25 places to visit, noting its blend of urban culture, history, gastronomy, and access to nature.
Other famous natural attractions include the Charyn Canyon, known for its dramatic rock formations stretching across the landscape. Further southeast are Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake, which offer alpine scenery, forests, and turquoise waters. Kaindy Lake is particularly memorable for its submerged forest, giving the body of water an almost surreal appearance where tree trunks rise from the water.
For a completely different landscape, it is recommended to travel west to Mangystau. Here, the landscape changes to desert, featuring cliffs, unusual rock formations, and vast open spaces. This terrain makes the phrase 'off the beaten path' seem somewhat inadequate.
Kazakhstan also possesses a strong cultural component. Traditional Kazakh cuisine, equestrian culture, crafts, and nomadic heritage remain important parts of the country's identity. Astana, the futuristic capital, offers a contrast where bold modern architecture rises against the backdrop of the endless steppe.
For a first trip, allocate at least a week to combine Almaty with some surrounding natural sites. Ten days or more will provide more time for maneuvering and ease the addition of another region. Almaty works well as a base for excursions into the mountains and canyons, whereas Astana makes sense if you are interested in futuristic architecture, museums, and contemporary Kazakh culture. Since Kazakhstan is very large, one should avoid the temptation to fit half the country into one itinerary, as distances that seem manageable on a map can turn into long journeys.
Entry requirements depend on your passport. For South Africans, official Kazakh visa information includes South Africa in the list of nationalities eligible for an electronic tourist visa. The application is submitted through the official Visa and Migration Portal of Kazakhstan and requires support from a host party in Kazakhstan. It is important to check current rules before booking flights, as requirements may change.
The answer depends on what you want from the trip. If your idea of a good vacation includes dramatic landscapes, hiking, unusual terrain, interesting food, and a destination that still seems relatively unknown to many travelers from South Africa, Kazakhstan offers numerous options. Its growing popularity means the secret is no longer so closely guarded. Perhaps that is the charm. Kazakhstan is transitioning from the category of 'where is it?' to the category of destinations that people are actively researching.