Scintillating South Africa
South Africa has been bestowed with natural beauty and scenic ambience. Its very mention can bring a smile and lift up the spirits. A vacation that takes you to this part of the globe is bound to be rife with fun, excitement and adventure.
When you are looking to pump up your adrenaline levels or just want to laze around the sun kissed beaches, enjoying the sand and the surf, or spend days of exploring the wilderness to discover the flora and fauna… South Africa is the destination to head for! Let us zero in on some of the must see destinations that will make your vacation time worthwhile.
Cape Town & Winelands:
Cape Town is one of the major cities of South Africa that boasts of the Table Mountain, accessible both by hiking and aerial cable cars offering scenic landscapes and panoramic views. There is a lot to see in this majestic city. You can begin by hopping onto its city touring topless buses which take you to the major attractions. You can enjoy the scenic beauty riding along as you get to visit some iconic places including the District Six Museum, The World of Birds, Camps Bay, Sea Promenade, and Wine Farms of Constantia among others. You can enjoy the marine life at the Two Oceans aquarium. Shopping in the CBD area for curios and mementoes can be fun.
Take a boat ride to the Robben Island or just meander around the city mixing with the locals, learning their culture and history first hand as you savor local gastronomical delights. A wine tasting tour is a must and there are lots to choose from. Take your pick and have a great time making good conversations with good friends. Enjoy live music and local fare before heading to the next destination.
Winelands, as the name suggests is the best wine-producing area, where the mighty mountain ranges of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek provide the ideal climatic conditions for vines. Home to almost 300 vineyards, situated inland and upwards from Cape Town you will venture into Boland, meaning upland, which is known for its wineries and wine estates, some often offering free tastings.
Take a guided bike tour of the wine estates, and while at it enjoy the local wines and local cuisine in the top notch restaurants in the area. Explore the untamed beauty of the Paarl Mountain Natural Reserve as you soak in the history of this wondrous region.
Both Cape Town and Winelands can be covered in a span of 4 to 5 days.
Johannesburg, more commonly known as Jo’burg or Jozi, is touted as the heart of South Africa and has to be part of your holiday itinerary not just because of the flight connections it provides but also because it hosts some of the most iconic landmarks. The Apartheid Museum, a reminder of the country’s recent struggles and history is a must visit. For game lovers, The Pilanesberg Nature Reserve which hosts over 7000 animals, including elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards and African Buffalo is a treat not to be missed.
Take conducted tours to the city of Soweto or head to Pretoria to discover and learn the history and culture of Jo’Burg as you soak in the beauty of this commercial hub.
Kruger National park: No visit to South Africa can be complete unless it includes the iconic African Safari destination. Kruger National Park is steeped in legend and history and hosts Africa’s Big Five: Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo. Its vast landscapes and spectacular wild life beckons all and sundry to its folds. Pick a guided safari tour and enjoy the wildlife as you sit in the lap of nature enjoying comfortable stay options with local cuisine to energize and satiate.
In case you worry about missing out a sighting, technology is at hand. Applications like Latest Kruger Sightings ensure and pinpoint the most recent sightings of the animals. Spread over hectares and hectares of land and hosting unparalleled diverse life species Kruger National Park will give you a lifetime of memories to revisit time and again.
Durban: After sipping wine in the glamorous Cape Town on the waterfront with Table Mountain in the backdrop, exploring the hip, happening and trendy Jo’Burg, and enjoying the safaris at Kruger National Park, head to Durban which provides the perfect holiday add on with its lineup of sunny beaches and the Afro-Indian culture.
Stroll along the Golden Mile, the beachfront and mingle with the locals. Choose your beachwear or pick from Zulu crafts from roadside stalls. Watch local sculptors as they create the most amazing sand arts. Visit the Phoenix settlement, a property bought by Mahatma Gandhi, his home away from home where he opened a printing press. Witness African art at Durban art museum and enjoy low key dining on local delights.
Visit the uShaka Marine World, a 40-acre theme park offering options like a snorkeling lagoon, an interactive animal show area, a shark cage diving area, a waterpark with slides and a reptile exhibit. Explore the Indo-British colonial culture among other attractions of the place.
Eastern Cape can be covered in about 5-6 nights. The most striking feature of this area is its scenic diversity. Ranging from lush verdant greens, the sweeping slopes and mountain ranges, sandstone cliffs, crystal clear stream and water bodies, pure clean air, you get to experience all. The coastline is a haven for water sport enthusiasts who can surf the waves while those seeking sunshine can enjoy a day basking in the glorious sights and scenes of this mesmerizing region.
Visit parks and botanical gardens, the Adoo Elephant National Park that houses 200 elephants and is home to almost 180 South African Bird species is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. Explore Port Elizabeth and East London to enjoy the best of South Africa on a platter.
South Africa is a place of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur. Come explore it with us. With lots to do, allow us to make you an itinerary that not only suits your pocket but packs the maximum fun in the leisure time you have in hand.
