1. USHAKA MARINE WORLD - DURBAN
As one of Durban’s key attractions with lots of entertainment for the whole family, uShaka Marine world has brought together cultures, like no other place in South Africa. Find the “dangerous creatures” in the village walk, experience the ultra-thrilling new rope adventure park, meet a dolphin or seal, feed a sting ray, see the sharks in a shark cage dive, snorkel with exotic fish or take part in any of the games offered: Big Fish Game, Discover Wet ‘n Wild Game, Discover Kids World Game, Discover uShaka Game, Waddle with Wade Game and many more! The water theme park has the highest water slide in the Southern Hemisphere. You can dance and go wild whilst being entertained by die local DJ’s at the DJ’s pool. uShaka is the place that fun never stops!
2. ST. LUCIA WETLANDS PARK MARINE SANCTUARY
In the beginning of November until March the Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles comes ashore to lay their eggs. During turtle season you have the opportunity to view them at their ancestral nesting ground – laying eggs for the next generation. During the quietness of the night the female turtles will make there way up the beach and prepare the area for nesting, the eggs are deposited into an egg pot, covered and concealed. A turtle egg incubate for about 65 days depending on the nest temperatures.At certain stages during the nesting period you can come close to them, view them and even photographed them without disturbing them. The tour departs from Zulani Guest House and takes about 5 hours. You will be back at the Guest House in the early morning hours.
3. THE OWL HOUSE GRAAFF-REINET
The Owl House is one of the primary attractions in Graaff-Reinet. Once the home of artist Helen Martins, she transformed her home between 1945 and 1976 into a world with light, colour and texture. From a distance the house might appear like any other, but once you entered the arch leading into the Camel Yark … wow it is just owls where ever you look. Out of cement, glass, mirrors and wire she created owls with glass bottle eyes and hundreds of sculptures of bottle-skirted hostesses, mermaids, camels and pilgrims. The interior walls of her home was painted in bright colours with a overlay of crushed glass. During night time the house come alive with the candle and lamp light reflecting the many mirrors that she specifically cut for her home. The Owl House Foundation is the custodian of her vision, and it is through them that the magic of her house touch many more lives. Opening times are from 9:am until 16:45pm, Monday to Sunday, December school holidays from 8:00am to 17:45pm but is closed on December 25.
4. LESEDI CULTURAL VILLAGE – BROEDERSTROOM, JOHANNESBURG
The village is one of the best attractions of South Africa, allowing visitors to explore the glorious diversity of the people of our land. It is located in the heart of Africa’s bushveld near the rocky hills within the Cradle of Humankind. Learn about the fascinating cultures and traditions of the people of Africa by visiting the five homesteads inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho and Ndebele tripes who still live according to trible folklore and traditions of their ancestors. You can experience the essence of Ubantu where the song, music and warmth of Africa’s hospitality will add a memorable and authentic flavor to your visit.At the craft market you get buy last-minute curious and handmade local arts and crafts. Overnight accommodation is available at the village.
5. CLARENS
In 1912 the town was named Clarens in honour of President Paul Kruger’s influence in the area.Clarens is situated between Golden Gate, Bethlehem and the northernmost point of Lesotho. The Rooiberge encompassing the village and on the southeast, the mighty Maluti standing proud in shades of blue and purple. Many of the homes in the village are made from Clarens Sandstone. Clarens was recently been acclaimed as the best Trout Fishing waters in South Africa. The village is known for the many Arts and Crafts shops offering a wide range of curious and original artwork as well as their sandstone buildings. Other places to see” Titanic Rock, overlooking the entrance to Clarens, The Clarens Museum, The Ash River outfall, Mushroom Rock, Surrender Hill and Bushmen paintings on Schaapplaats farm. You can also enjoy one of the two trails, gold, tennis, bowls, squash and horse riding.
6. BOULDERS PENQUIN COLONY
Simons Town’s soft white sand and mild water is not the only reason visitors visit the area, they have help from the local inhabitants – the little tuxedoed chaps of land-based penguins just know how to pull the crowds. The Boulders Penguin Colony was established in 1983 and where classified as Endangered species in 26 May 2010. They where formally known as jackass penguins because of there distinctive braying, are the only penguins found on the continent. During 1983 they first come to False Bay from Dyer Island, near Gansbaai and since then the colony rapidly grow. The best place to get up close to them is Foxy Beach – there are three wheelchair-friendly broadwalks making their way through the dunes and dense vegetation. The best time to see them is during summer months, but they do spend September and October feeding out at sea. During January the juvenile birds are moulting on the beach. The best time to see them is early morning or late afternoon. Restaurants and B&B’s are found in close proximity and swimming and picnics on the beach are allowed.
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