South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world – with exotic landscapes and people, history and culture, which offer the traveller a unique and inspiring experience of our land.
10 TOP PLACES TO VISIT
1.CAPE WINELANDS – CAPE TOWN
The winelands is the best know and a superb wine-producing area in the Boland. The magnificent mountain ranges around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek provide an ideal climate for the vines. With young innovative chefs, many based on the estates the region has become the mainspring of South African cuisine. There are many vineyards you can visit for wine tasting on the route. You can also surrounded by spectacular views dine outside enjoying a delicious meal paired with one of their wines.
2.WHALE WATCHING – PLETTENBERG BAY
Plettenberg Bay is one of the few coastlines in South Africa that has the possibility of sighting Whales throughout the year. The best time of the year to view the Southern Right and Humpback is between July and November. During summer and sometimes winter you can also view one of the 3 types of dolphins, Bottlenose, Humpback and Common Dolphins. Our ever growing Cape Fur Seal population on Robberg peninsula and other marine animals such as turtles, penguins, sunfish, Orca's, Cape Clawless Otters not to mention the array of pelagic birds (seabirds)is not to be missed!
3.ELEPHANT SANCTUARY – KNYSNA
The Knysna Elephant Park was established in 1994 and was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Visitors are allowed to come close to the elephants with no fences to spoil the close encounter. Daily Guided Tours every 30 minutes as well as Elephant Walks, Exclusive Safaris, Sundowner Group Packages as well as Sleepovers is available. Reservations for daily tours is not necessary but bookings are essential for all other elephant encounters.
4.BLOUKRANS BUNGEE – TSITSIKAMMA
Dive safely 216 meters into the gorge below from the world’s highest commercial bungy bridge. They are open 365 days of the year except in gale force winds. You can book online, this will help you plan your day more effectively.
5.SHARK CAGE DIVING – HERMANUS
It is as easy at this – put on a wet suit, put on a mask and jump into the 3 meters high, 2 meters under water and 1 meter above. Know and then resurface to full your lungs with air, then go down again to have a look at the sharks approaches the cage. No scuba diving or snorkeling experience is needed. If the weather permits, shark cage diving is a 365 day a year. It is an utterly incredible experience that all the family can do.
6.CANGO CAVES – OUTSHOORN
Situated in the enchanting Klein Karoo in Western Cape the caves are a true showcase of evocative dripstones – some resembling real-life objects and others historical figures. The warm temperature and humidity will surround you when you enter the caves, while the illuminated chambers show you the natural décor chamber after chamber. The ceiling of the Van Zyl’s hall consists of cluster leaf-like stalactites and are million years old - the main feature is Cleopatra’s Needle. In the Pulpit of the Cathedral, Botha’s Hall and Lot’s Chamber you will encounter lots of carved stalagmites. For the more daring, climb the steep ladder as well as crawl through the narrow hole. People suffering from claustrophobia and pregnant women is not adviced to participate in the adventure tour. Due to the acoustics many concerts have been held in the caves.
7.THE BLUE TRAIN – FROM PRETORIA TO CAPE TOWN
It is one of the most luxurious 1600 kilometre train journeys in the world - with soundproofed, fully carpeted compartments each featuring its own en-suite, two lounge cars (smoking and non smoking), an observation car, carriages and a superb moving five-star hotel. The Blue Train offers 2 packages:A.The Southbound trip, departs from Pretoria Station and arrives in Cape Town Station via KimberleyB.The Northbound trip departs from Cape Town and arrives in Pretoria via Matjiesfontein.Enjoy a amazing trip through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent.
8.THE OTTER TRAIL – GARDEN ROUTE, KNYSNA
For those who own an adventurous heart, the Otter Trail is a must on your wish list. The 42 kilometer hike starts from Storms River Mouth to Natures Valley in the Tsitsikamma National Park. Experience five days and four nights simple living in one of the most beautiful natural areas of South Africa. Recover from a days hike in one of the cabins on the beach or sleep under the stars. Walk between forest, waterfall and beautiful views of the ocean. This is definitely a must do!
9.HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARIS – JOHANNESBURG
There is something magical about the notion in a hot air balloon – with the wind in your hair and surrounded by panoramic views while cruising across the landscape. The rides take of from Glenburn Lodge, situated in a Private Game and Nature Reserve, close to Lanseria. Due to safety precautions the flights only operates in the early mornings. Hot air ballooning is a great activity to do with friends, family or colleagues.
10.CRADLE OF HUMANKIND – JOHANNESBURG
The Cradle of Humankind is one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa. Dotted with subterranean limestone caves in which rich fossils was found, the sites covers 47000 of hectares. At the Sterkfontein Caves, Swartkrans and Kromdraai you can learn the story of what the world was like two to three million years ago. Discover the ancient history as a human being then at the exhibition center at the Sterkfontein Caves or at Maropeng.
