South Africa
Home to the Big Five of African wildlife, along with thousands of other species of plants and animals, vibrant cities, golden beaches and historical attractions, South Africa is one of the most interesting destinations around.
South Africa luxuriates in its glorious landscapes, cultural diversity and amazing wildlife. Cape Town is the ultimate travel destination, surrounded by sandy beaches set against the canvas of Table Mountain. Table Mountain is reached by cable car, providing an aerial panoramic view of the city. Table Mountain National Park boasts remarkable natural beauty, encapsulating rugged cliffs, diverse fauna and flora, rich bio-diversity and lush vegetation. Known as the “Mother City”, it offers a cosmopolitan experience of top class restaurants and louche cocktail bars. Visit Robben Island, Nelson Mandela’s prison for 27 years and now a museum offering a cultural and historical insight into the lives of the freedom fighters who were incarcerated there.
Take a trip to Dyer Island and Geyser Island and cage-dive with great white sharks, or visit the Western Cape – home to some of the world’s top rated golf courses. Constantia Valley is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the Southern Hemisphere. Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl Valley also provide a picturesque backdrop to sample the fine wines of this region.
One of the treasures of South Africa is the Garden Route from Cape Town to Tsitsikamma, where you can marvel at the lush splendour of its mysterious forests, dramatic coastline and tranquil lakes. Lying at the heart of the route, Hermanus is the premier location for whale-watching. Sea kayaking, sand-boarding, horse riding, diving and sailing are some of the many activities that complement this area of rare beauty.
The Sardine Run off Cape Point occurs annually where millions of silvery sardines hug the coastline in masses stretching over ten miles long. This incredible spectacle rivals the more famous wildebeest migration and allows the bonus of viewing the feeding frenzy for the birds, sharks, dolphins and whales as they jostle for the tasty sardines. The KwaZulu Natal coastline plays hosts to this natural phenomenon jokingly referred to as “the greatest shoal on earth”.
Kruger National Park is home to an amazing multitude of species in the form of game and birdlife. The country’s largest park boasts the highest concentration of wildlife species including cheetahs, lions, antelope, wildebeest, elephants, rhino and giraffes. Different safaris are available, including self-drive and bush walks accompanied by experienced rangers. Rivers and grassy plains dominate the central area of the park, making it the perfect sanctuary to enjoy this unforgettable wildlife experience. In the north-east of the Kalahari Desert lies the Tswalu Game Reserve. This park provides an excellent opportunity to see a variety of endangered species including African buffalo, black rhino and Kalahari lion. Walking safaris, sleeping under the stars and horse trails are all catered for.
South Africa’s borders have opened to a flood of tourists who come to enjoy the country’s stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Inspiration & Further Reading
South Africa – Durban, Drakensbergs & KwaZulu Natal
South Africa – Cape Winelands, Drakensberg Mountains & Safari
Seychelles – a journey through Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa & Seychelles
Botswana – part of a trip through South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania & Mozambique
