South Africa is a popular tourist destination for its diverse and interesting landscape. If you, as a local, have not experienced all the country offers, it is time to reclaim your country. These are just some of the must-see attractions and South African holiday destinations.
Kruger National Park (KNP)
The KNP is one of the best South African destinations to experience our natural wonders. Listen to lions roaring at night, sleep in unqiue thatched huts and watch monkeys causing havoc in camp. No other braai seems to have the same smell as a Kruger braai either. A visit to the KNP is one of the best safari experiences in Africa.
The area covers more than 19 000km² and features over 800 animal species. It has more large mammals than any other African game reserve, including the Big 5. Get the feel for a real bush experience by camping or staying in one of the African-style huts.
When to go: Game viewing is best during dry winter months. During summer the waterholes are full, vegetation is lush and many birds migrate to the KNP.
Must do experience: See the parks nocturnal inhabitants in their splendor on a night drive or watch traditional dancers during a bush braai.
Food to try: Game biltong or Mopani worms.
The Drakensburg Mountain Range
This mountain range stretches the length of KwaZulu Natal’s western boundary. There is an abundance of activities to enjoy from hiking trails to white river rafting. For the adventurous souls you can go tubing down the Tugela river which is an experience that is hard to beat. You can also abseil in the Drakensburg Amphitheatre.
The mountain range is one of South Africa’s world heritage sites because of the extensive range of pant species. It also has the largest collection of San rock paintings in Africa. There are more than 35 000 individual rock paintings at over 600 sites. They depict various images, of which the most common is the eland which was considered a sacred animal. Add this to your list of South African holiday destinations that you must visit in your lifetime.
When to go: If you want to see the snow, visit during winter. Visit the region during summer for magnificent views and warm weather. Autumn is best for hikers.
Must do experience: Zip line across the Drackensburg forest over a canopy of pine trees.
Food to try: Locally caught trout.
Cape Point
This is the most internationally recognized of all South African holiday destinations. It is in large part due to Table’s Mountain’s unique features.
Table Mountain is now the seventh wonder of the world according to a vote by tourists. Why not experience its magic and the unique feel of walking on top of a mountain while enjoying a 360° view of the city below. When walking through the fynbos keep an eye out for the rock dassies peeking out from between the rocks. They are no longer that shy and will run in front of you or sometimes even sit on a rock staring at you.
If you visit out of season you can go up in the late afternoon and ride in a cable car at a reduced rate. Provided strong winds do not suddenly start blowing, this is the best time to visit the mountain. Nothing can quite compare to watching the sunset from the top of Table Mountain.
When to go: November to March are the best times to visit. December and January get very busy with local and international tourists as well as locals.
Must do experience: go on a free guided walk.
Foods to try: Pack a picnic basket with wine and cheese to enjoy while you watch the sunset.
Cape Point
Nothing can quite compare to the experience of hiking up to the lighthouse at the southernmost tip of Africa. Once there you can view the line where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet while the wind blows with awe-inspiring gusto. While the point where the oceans meet is not strikingly obvious, you can definitely see it. You can hike out further than the lighthouse and stand on the tip of Africa.
Cape Point is one of South Africa’s national parks and is home to the Cape’s famous fynbos flora. Along the drive to the point you can stop at lookout points and feast your eyes on the magical blue of the ocean while you stand amongst the fynbos. It is no wonder this is one of South Africa’s favourite holiday destinations.
When to go: During the whale-spotting season from May to November.
Must do experience: Visit the museum at the lighthouse to learn about the many ships that met their rocky end on one of the most dangerous coastlines in the world. Take a photo at the Cape Point sign which shows the co-ordinates.
Food to try: Eat at the Two Oceans Restaurant
South African holiday destinations range from sea to bush. Our landscape is as diverse as our people and if you have not experienced it yet – why not start now with one of these top South African holiday destinations.
This article was origionally published in Succeed magazine
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