“Desert lands, rugged peaks, lush valleys and sun-kissed beaches, South Africa has it all. Don’t agree? Swiftly becoming a world player in tourism thanks to the natural beauty of its land and its people, South Africa has something to offer for everyone, absolutely everyone.”
One of the best things about exploring South Africa is the ability to see the country on the road. With great infrastructure and quaint lodges, you can go from one end of the country to the other in a relatively short space. From the tropical east coasts to the highveld to the mountain ranges and the wine valleys and of course the actual tip of Africa – Cape Agulhas. Explore lighthouses, forests, endless lands and bustling cities.
If there’s one thing South Africa is known for it is its diversity of people. This inevitably spills into the cuisine. Combinations of traditions and cultures culminate in a rich and exotic blend of the best dishes from various backgrounds. Some of the most iconic dishes are the Cape Malay curries, Pap en Vleis, Indian bunny chows, melkterts and the popular Saturday pastime of a “braai” (barbeque). There are so many unique culinary experiences to explore.
From surfing to mountain climbing the list of adventures is almost endless but there are some more extreme sports that one can do. Shark cage diving and white water rafting as well as the highest bungee at the Bloukrans Bridge overlooking the majestic valley below. For those that are less adrenaline enthused you can try your hand at fishing, hiking or even kayaking with penguins at Boulders Beach.
A world heritage site and the site where some of the oldest hominin fossils have been found, its namesake speaks for itself. It has numerous interactive exhibitions and life-like replicas of the hominids. There is also an underground boat ride through the Tumulus building. Once outside though you will see the rolling hills and valleys of the surrounding mountain range and taking a drive through the winding roads gives a spectacular vista.
Endless red sand dunes littered with grassy shrubs and acacia trees the Kalahari Desert in South Africa is a must-see. There are guided and non-guided hikes, walks and drives with the opportunity to view all three of the big cats (cheetahs, leopards, and the famous black-maned Kalahari lion) as well as meerkats, foxes, and the brown hyena. The striking landscape of the rest of the country is quite remarkable.
The “Winelands” are among the most beautiful in the world. Garnering numerous prestigious awards and offering up spectacular scenery and estates to visitors, you can do wine tastings, pairing events and walkthroughs of the vineyards with history lessons of the establishments. You can go from a 300-year-old wine cellar to modern boutique wineries on one route alone. Boasting 17 “official” wine routes, including Cape 62 which is considered to be one of the longest in the world, this is something extraordinary and not to be missed.
The country of the Rainbow Nation, South Africa has had a tumultuous past. Having had a host of colonization and the subsequent territory battles between the Portuguese, Dutch, British and its own indigenous peoples there has been many a reason peace may never have been achieved. But thankfully after many hardships the people of the country have come together and created a vibrant and rich mix of ethnicities, traditions, cultures, and heritage. A sincerely unique and inspiring diversity with museums and galleries in almost every town to get more in-depth on the long road to their freedom.
With 360-degree views of the entire Cape Peninsula, the iconic Table Mountain is one of the most recognizable attractions. A National Park with untamed wilderness is surreal when being up there. Hiking the trails to the top or taking a cable car will not disappoint. One of the best experiences while there is camping, either with a tent or in the cabins located on the slopes. There are also day trips where one can pack a picnic, pick a view and settle down with some refreshments taking in the unrivalled views.
South Africa is not to be looked down upon when it comes to accommodation. With extensive 5-star lodges and hotels on par with Hollywood, the vacation accommodation scene is up there with the best in the world. From ultra-lux to rustic bush vibes, you can find something for the A-lister traveller and the backpacking adventurer. There is also a host of award-winning private game lodges scattered throughout the region’s National Parks.
Yes, you read correctly, penguins are a fun and unexcepted treat in the Western Cape. These little overdressed cuties come on the shore between September and February of each year to mate, raise their young and fatten up before they take off for the winter months of the southern hemisphere. One of the best places to see them and even walk amongst them is on Boulders Beach in Simons Town (they walk in and around town and nest in residents’ gardens), but they do venture around that coastline. There’s just something magical about seeing penguins in sunny Africa just strolling around town oblivious to the magic they spread in people’s hearts.
Mzansi, the world in one country as some say, is an electric, colourful, diverse and utterly beautiful place that simply cannot be ignored. From its persevering energy to its natural wonders visiting South Africa will cement itself as somewhere you want to come back to, over and over again.
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