10 REASONS TO TRAVEL IN SOUTH AFRICA
Courtesy of South African Tourism www.southafrica.net/za
Wildlife safari
When you’ve seen a pride of lions resting in the shade in summer or a heard of elephants crossing the road on their way to the watering hole, it is an incredible reminder of why the untouched wild has always been so inspiring. Explore it.
Active adventure
Fancy taking a d with a great white shark? Or hiking up a mountain? What about plunging off the world’s highest bridge bungee? Whatever gets our heart racing, South Africa’s got it!!
Vibrant culture
With the Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Venda, Afrikaans. Cape Malay, Cape Coloured, Khoisan and European culture all calling this land home, South Africa is certainly a melting pot of diverse culture depth worth exploring.
Breath-taking scenery
Endless horizons, deep valleys, soaring mountains, cliff sides, overlooking oceans – a journey through South Africa will take your breath away and leave you with memories that will last forever.
Bustling city life
From the calm serenity of sundowner at the beach in Cape Town to the boundless energy of a nightclub in Johannesburg, South Africa’s cities buss with the soul of the nation. Feel the rhythm of South Africa in an urban safari and let the concrete jungles flow through you.
Sun-soaked coasts
Teeming with marine life and some of the best surfing the world has to offer and an abundance of blue flag beaches, South Africa’s sun-soaked coast lies ready all-round to share its, secrets, adventures and lazy days with you.
World-class infrastructure
Where you’re hitching a ride via plane, buss or car, with world class infrastructure, it is easy to get to your next South African adventure.
World heritage sites
South Africa has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, areas have been given special international status for their unique qualities. If you are interested in culture and South African history, they you may well want to consider visiting one of these sites.
Exceptional value
You won’t need to put yourself out of pocket for your South African adventure. With option available for every budget, South Africa offers exceptional value for your hard earned money.
Something for everyone, everywhere
Whether you’re in it for wildlife, adventure, lifestyle, culture or scenery – there are always multiple experiences for every of traveller around the corner no matter which part of the country you’re in. That is the beauty of it!
Bustling city life Joburg
Johannesburg in South Africa is the second largest city in Africa, with more than three million people calling this bustling metropolis home.
This city, the City of Gold, has so much to offer with wonderful restaurants, relaxed sidewalk cafes, laughter-filled shebeens, glitzy shopping malls, tranquil parks, unique emotive museums and monuments, thrilling casinos, busy townships, stunning galleries, funky nightclubs, and more.
Johannesburg’s entertainment and leisure options are vast and varied, so make sure your energy levels are high when you visit. This dynamic city has a range of restaurants – from pub ‘n grub bars, pizza take-outs and African-inspired eateries to delightful delis serving everything from a great cup of coffee to healthy meals.
There are restaurants for virtually every type of cuisine, as well as cocktail bars, cigar bars and fine dining. You’ve simply got to hang out at one of the many eateries in Soweto (along the famous Vilakazi Street), or soak up the sun in the Soho-type villages of Norwood, Parkhurst and Greenside.
Johannesburg is known for its incredible nightlife. From the funky clubs and pubs of Soweto to the laidback jazzy groove of Newtown and the stylish venues of the northern suburbs, Jozi (as locals like to call it) caters for all tastes.
What you’ll love about the place is the multi-cultural cosmopolitan vibe and an attitude that says “let’s party”. If you’re looking for a comedy club, a jazz lounge or a venue that plays live music – from rock to pop to kwaito to house – it’s all here.
Johannesburg’s Central Business District continues to evolve, with an ongoing urban renewal and cultural regeneration programme that’s breathing new life into the city.
Must-do activities include the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill to find out more about South Africa’s turbulent past; sundowners at The Westcliff Hotel overlooking the greenbelt of Johannesburg while listening to the lions roar from the nearby Johannesburg Zoo; shopping up a storm at any of the many designer malls such as Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Rosebank Mall and Soweto’s Maponya Mall; and, as a fitting end to all the fun, a visit to one of many health and beauty spas, or a walk in one of the many parks.
Johannesburg is a rapidly changing city and the vibrant heart of South Africa. Whether you are en route to a safari or passing through for business, this city welcomes you and hopes to fulfil all your travel needs.
Road trip itinerary to the Northern Cape
The Northern Cape is remote, vast and an unspoilt area of the country. The beautiful spring flower spectacle that transforms a semi-desert landscape, the mighty Augrabies and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, famous for its lions, are all worth exploring for the perfect Sho’t Left.
When last did you take a road trip, a carefree excursion with friends and family to enjoy the sights and sounds of the countryside? Crank up the iPod and get your padkos ready, there is nothing like exploring the national parks and sights of the majestic Northern Cape. It’s your country, enjoy it!
Visit the flowers…
Roadtripping is the best way to see the Wildflower Route in the Northern Cape, a vision of flowers that will colour your imagination for the rest of your days. If you are a lover of nature and outdoor activities, then a visit to see the flowers of South Africa is a must.
One of the most popular places is Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm near the bulb capital of Nieuwoudtville, which is about four hours from Cape Town. The best time to go is in spring, which is in August and early September.
Augrabies Waterfalls…
Make your way to the waterfall, situated 120km to the west of Upington in the Northern Cape. It forms part of the Augrabies Falls National Park, which is rich with brilliant and beautiful plant and animal life.
The area of Augrabies is the start of a trip down the Orange River where canoeing, rafting and fly-fishing are just three adventure opportunities offered along the 2200km-long Orange River which is South Africa’s longest. Serious outdoor enthusiasts can take guided tours that involve sleeping under the stars for several nights while exploring the river and enjoying its surrounds during the day.
Linger longer drive further up to the desert…
If you think the desert is bland, you’ve obviously never been to the Kalahari. It’s a magical place where dry landscapes and red dunes provide the backdrop to a singularly unique experience, one that can only be found in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
End your trip…
Stargazing – on a hilltop outside the Karoo hamlet of Sutherland, the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) focusses its giant African eye on our universe. You cannot visit the Northern Cape without going on a stargazing safari
Stopovers for authentic South African hospitality can be enjoyed with some farm stays
A farm stay in the Northern Cape is like nowhere else on earth. It’s both remote and hard to farm successfully here, but despite these challenges, the people of the Northern Cape are wonderfully friendly and hospitable. In a wild and desolate way, it is perhaps South Africa’s most wild and memorable province.
Take a Sho’t Left in the Northern Cape. No matter what kind of adventure gets you going and inspires your wanderlust, check out our Northern Cape deals. There’s one that’s just for you!
An adventure you’ll never forget Tsitsikamma
If you’re looking for the complete coastal forest experience, Tsitsikamma, in the Eastern Cape has to be on the top of your list. Walk through the ancient forest, chill on the beaches, kayak up rivers and hike some of the most famous trails South Africa has to offer.
The Tsitsikamma National Park forms part of the greater Garden Route National Park. The area is covered by large areas of forest as well as commercial plantations and fynbos. There are also many rivers in the area that have carved deep gorges into the mountains as they wind their way from the plateau to the sea. With a pleasant climate all-year round, this is the perfect place to get your adventure on.
Why not leap off the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge? Or take an idyllic kayak up the Storms River? How about a bird’s-eye view of the forest with a canopy tour? Or a breathtaking hike along the Otter Trail or Dolphin Trail? Why not do it all?
If you love nature, the coast and all that goes with it, then you’ll love Tsitsikamma. With an abundance of bird and marine life (not to mention the cheeky Cape otter), you can really get in touch with nature.
The Tsitsikamma region of the Western Cape stretches from the Bloukrans River in the west to Eerste Rivier in the east, and from the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south.
It’s also the largest marine reserve in South Africa and is home to an ancient indigenous rain forest with 116 types of massive trees, including the giant Outeniqua yellowwood tree. There is a great walk that leads to a very special yellowwood called “The Big Tree”. This wooden giant is estimated to be over 800 years old, stands 36.6m high and has a circumference of almost nine metres, it’s not called “The Big Tree” for nothing.
With activities, shops, accommodation and tour operators all readily available, there’s no excuse not to have a go at one of the many, exhilarating and breathtaking adventures on offer.
Visit the Boulders Beach Penguins
Boulders Beach, just outside Cape Town, has so much going for it you will be blown away by the beauty of the small hidden attraction.
The ancient granite boulders protect it from the wind and large waves, which makes it an ideal swimming spot for children. Because it falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, the beach is always clean and safe, and it is rarely crowded. This comes at the cost of a small price, but who wouldn’t be willing to part ways with R65 for a day in this paradise?
Did we mention the penguins?
At the beautiful Boulders Beach, you can get to know our most famous (and arguably our cutest) birds, The African penguin. You just can’t resist these waddling wonderful birds, but that’s a good thing because they need your attention.
South Africa’s penguins are under threat from the loss of habitat, declining fish and their ever-encroaching human neighbours. But not to worry, by making a visit to see these unique locals you are helping them. Every year, over 60 000 visitors flock to Simon’s Town to photograph and watch the famous Boulders Beach penguins. This leads to more money to help boost our penguin conservation efforts through South African National Parks (SANParks).
African penguins used to be known as Jackass penguins, due to their distinctive braying, and are the only penguins found on the continent. Although they breed in colonies stretching from southern Namibia to Port Elizabeth, the story of how they came to call Boulders Beach their home is one of remarkable urban colonisation.
African penguins used to be known as Jackass penguins, due to their distinctive braying, and are the only penguins found on the continent. Although they breed in colonies stretching from southern Namibia to Port Elizabeth, the story of how they came to call Boulders Beach their home is one of remarkable urban colonisation.
The whole species though, both at Boulders Beach and elsewhere, face many threats and these aquatic flightless birds are actually listed as endangered. Boulders Beach remains the only place in the world where one can get up close to African penguins, it is a special place for sure.
Penguin viewing is made easier by boardwalks that lead visitors across the beaches as well as to an information centre, which is managed by SANParks.
To help stop the loss of chicks, and provide a safe breeding environment, Boulders Coastal Park management has introduced artificial and clever nesting boxes, which you will see when you walk through the area. Thanks to conservation initiatives by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, and SANParks, these precious penguins may yet survive to swim, and waddle, another day.
To understand our penguins is to understand their history. The story of this penguin colony in Cape Town started in 1983 when a pair was spotted on Foxy Beach at Boulders. The birds came to False Bay from Dyer Island. At the time, False Bay was closed to commercial fishing. For the newcomers, abundant food and breeding sites meant the African penguin population at Boulders soared as they decided to make this area their home.
However, almost three decades later, Boulders Beach penguins are in trouble. Cars, people and competition for breeding sites have seen the penguins trying to nest in unsafe environments, leaving their nests exposed to both predators and the elements. Climate change has also affected fish stocks, and increased severe weather incidences have depleted penguin chick numbers.
But thanks to tourism, there is hope. Every time you visit these little guys at Boulders Beach, you help spark a lifelong commitment to saving their future.
A safari that can’t be missed Kruger Park
When you think of South Africa, the incredible Kruger National Park most certainly comes to mind.
Not only can you catch a glimpse of the famous Big Five, but you will find yourself surrounded by hundreds of species of birds, ancient trees, winding rivers, superb accommodation and adventure. Basically, it’s a one-stop shop for all of your wildlife dreams.
Imagine rising with the South African sun. Driving out of your camp, filled with anticipation as you keep your eyes peeled for an overnight lion kill, a leopard casually draped over the branch of a big tree or a herd of elephants taking a morning stroll. Then ask yourself, is there anywhere else in the world you’d rather be?
The Kruger National Park is home to thousands of animals. From giraffes browsing for Acacia leaves to chew on and a herd of buffalo crossing the road right in front of you, to elusive big cats enjoying a spot of shade and fish eagles letting out their distinctive call – it’s the Lion King in live action.
It’s hard to believe your eyes when you see the herds of hundreds of antelope or crocodiles basking in the afternoon sun while the hippos keep cool under water. Not to mention the things you’ll hear, they are just as unbelievable – hyenas cackling the night away as male lions roar for dominance, and if you’re lucky, the almost silent footsteps of a pack of wild dogs on the prowl.
This is just a small taste of all the things you can see, hear and do in one of the world’s most-loved game parks. The Kruger National Park enjoys a great year-round sunny climate and offers all kinds of activities, from guided game drives and bush walks with an armed ranger to three-night walking trails in deep wilderness areas.
With so much to see and do, it’s hardly surprising that the Kruger National Park gets over 1.4 million visitors a year. However, because it’s so big – 352km from north to south, and covering over 1.9 million hectares with 2500km of tar and dirt roads – you will be amazed at how often you find yourself being treated to a private sighting. Don’t be fooled though, with so many expertly-camouflaged animals calling the park home, you’re never really alone.
Dip your toes in the golden mile of Durban Beaches
They don’t call Durban “South Africa’s Playground” for nothing. It is South Africa’s very own seaside paradise, famous for its beaches and the warm Indian Ocean. So dig your toes in the sand, take a dip in the sea and enjoy your time in South Africa’s third biggest city.
Durban’s beaches lie along a stretch of golden sand, known locally as the Golden Mile. From Blue Lagoon’s fishing spot to the sunken Vetch’s Pier, a host of flat, sandy beaches invite you to set down an umbrella and towel, and while away hours in the sun.
Blessed with warm water, robust waves and seemingly endless stretches of sandy beaches, you’ll soon understand why Durban (eThekwini) is everyone’s favourite seaside playground. Warm and sunny most of the year year, Durban’s beaches offer public amenities, protective shark nets, beacons to indicate safe bathing and lifeguards on duty for most of the day.
Sunshine, sand, rock pools and warm water typify the idyllic beach conditions at Umdloti; while Addington Beach, close to the harbour entrance at the southern end of Durban Bay, is more protected, which means smaller waves that lend itself to learning how to surf. Durban’s South Beach is a popular surf spot and is known as a safe place for beginner surfers. North Beach delivers stunning sunrises all-year round and is blissfully warm. Then there is Dairy Beach on Durban’s Golden Mile, which is a renowned surfing spot.
About 15 minutes’ north of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks beach is lined with luxury hotels and apartments. This is a fun spot with a permanent holiday vibe. Umhlanga’s village is full of restaurants, sidewalk cafes, pubs and clubs. If you’re after a quieter spot, Umhlanga’s Bronze Beach is more secluded, while Umdloti, Salt Rock and Zinkwazi, further north, are more family friendly.
Down the South Coast you’ll find a selection of pristine Blue Flag beaches including Hibberdene, Margate, Marina, Umzumbe, Ramsgate, Lucien and Trafalgar.
For some of the most pristine stretches of sand in the world, places like Kosi Bay, Cape Vidal and Sodwana Bay (part of the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park World Heritage Site) offer unspoilt beaches and plentiful fauna and flora. Sodwana has the added bonus of being the prime diving spot in South Africa, sometimes referred to as “South Africa’s Barrier Reef”.
Durban boasts 600km of subtropical beaches on its coastline and what makes this fantastic coastline even better is that the area has fantastic weather all-year round – even in winter. The people are friendly and there is no greater place to enjoy a vibrant beach holiday anywhere else in the world
Soar over the Pilanesberg National Park Hot Air balloon
If you’ve been on a safari game drive and it was a magical experience, but why not take it to the next level – literally. Take an aerial safari in a hot air balloon over the breath-taking Pilanesberg National Park. Have an adventure you will never forget!
While visiting the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, right next door to Sun City, why not take the opportunity to do something different and experience Pilanesberg from a different perspective. Only a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg lies in the bowl of an extinct volcano and is one of South Africa’s largest game parks.
Only three decades ago, this 55 000ha game reserve was nothing more than overused and abandoned farmland. Then, in 1979, along came Operation Genesis – at the time one of the most ambitious rehabilitation and game-stocking programmes in the world. Today over 7000 animals (including the famous Big Five) roam the reserve’s diverse ecosystems.
Pilanesberg is also home to hundreds of bird species and you may well find yourself eye-to-eye with a Verreaux’s or tawny eagle as your hot air balloon floats high over the surrounding countryside. Depending on wind and weather conditions, you’ll fly at anything from treetop height to just over 1800m.
You’ll see lots of game on this aerial safari – herds of antelope, grazing white rhino (Pilanesberg is one of the best places in the world to see white rhino), stately giraffe, scampering zebra, browsing elephants, herds of buffalo, if you’re lucky, lions and maybe even a leopard if you’ve got a good eye
But ballooning is not just about game-spotting. As you float above the Earth, you can simply soak up the tranquillity, shed your stress, and watch Africa’s majesty drift beneath you.
