So, you're considering a trip to South Africa. You don't know where to start? In this blog post, we'll give you seven reasons why it's worth your while and explore what there is to see in the country of many faces. From Cape Town's beautiful scenery on Table Mountain, or the world-famous Kruger National Park, no matter where you go in South Africa, there will be something for everyone!
Photo by Harry Cunningham @harry.digital from Pexels
#1 Cape Town
Cape Town is a beautiful coastal city with Table Mountain at its most beautiful. You can see the mountain and all of Cape Town from Lions Head, an outcrop about five kilometres northeast of the city centre, which offers some of the best views in town. Cape Town is also known for its multiculturalism.
Cape Town offers many opportunities to explore nature and wildlife, with the mountain as your backdrop. You can get up close with animals at The Two Oceans Aquarium or take a boat tour in Cape Point Nature Reserve. For those looking for something a little more active, there are hiking trails all over the city, including Table Mountain! To visit Cape Town's famous Table Mountain: take a cable car up to the top where there are magnificent views from both sides - south towards False Bay and northwards towards The Atlantic Ocean. There is also a restaurant and cafΓ© on the top floor.
The Two Oceans Aquarium offers an affordable way to get up close with some of South Africa's most famous animals like penguins, sharks, sea turtles and stingrays. It is one of the world's largest aquariums and has been voted "Best in Africa." In addition, Cape Point Nature Reserve is home to many hiking trails for those who don't mind getting their feet wet!
#2 Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa for a reason. Known as an oasis amongst the desert, this beautiful stretch of coastline offers white sandy beaches and vibrant greenery all year round!
There are loads of activities to do along the route, which can be done on your own or with local tour operators; surfing, kayaking, hiking, wine tasting - you name it! This area also has some prime whale-watching spots (April-September) so keep your eyes peeled while you're exploring these tranquil waters.
#3 Kruger National Park
If your idea of the perfect trip is to get up close with nature, then you'll want to stop by Kruger National Park. This park has plenty of different lodging options for all budgets and inclinations - from camping in a tent or safari-style lodges, it's all available here! But, of course, the best time to visit this area is between July and October, when fewer mosquitoes are around.
The Kruger National Park offers many game drives where you can see rhinos, leopards, elephants, giraffes, etc., as well as hiking trails that take guests through some incredible scenery. They also offer night drives, and have wildlife experts that will teach you everything they know! From learning How to see gorillas in Africa, to spotting the trail of a leopard and tracking it for miles, youβll be safe with them no matter what! No matter what you're looking for in an adventure/nature experience, they have it all!
#4 Tugela Falls
South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, with Tugela Falls being one of them. This waterfall plunges into a gorge and can be reached by foot via hiking trails, leading to a fantastic lookout point with views over the river below. You might not want to risk your camera getting wet - but don't worry because there's plenty more for you to explore! The surrounding national park offers many different scenic spots like this one, where it feels like time stands still amidst nature's beauty.
This area is also famous for its activities, including mountain biking, horseback riding and abseiling (rappelling) down from peaks above these awe-inspiring falls. So if you're looking for something a little more adventurous to add to your camera's portfolio, it doesn't get much better than this!
Photo by Piet Bakker from Pexels
#5 Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands is another top destination in South Africa for those who enjoy wine tasting. With vineyards scattered all around the area, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and learn about the process from start to finish! Some even offer tours where you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how wines are made - starting with picking grapes off vines, crushing them into small pieces, then fermenting it over time before bottling or selling out on shelves.
There are also many other scenic attractions like picturesque valleys and quaint villages that make this an ideal place for walking tour enthusiasts and families looking to do something outdoorsy together without feeling too far away from city life.
For those wanting a break from the bustling city life that many South Africans lead, this is a perfect destination for you!
#6 Limpopo National Park
Limpopo National Park is home to various animals, including giraffes, elephants, hippos and more. This park can be found in the northeast area of South Africa near Zimbabwe, where it's known for its stunning beauty - as well as being one of the largest national parks in the country!
There are also many different lodges here that offer luxury accommodation, from backpacking style tents (with outdoor showers!) to rooms with luxurious pools inside them. There are also numerous hikes available that take guests through some genuinely breathtaking scenic areas like mountain ranges and huge waterfalls; sometimes, you might even spot wild lions or leopards roaming around if they're feeling adventurous enough!
Side note: The eastern edge has an extreme difference in climate than the rest of South Africa, so be sure to pack accordingly!
#7 Interesting facts about South Africa
There are many interesting facts about South Africa, but the most surprising one is that it has five different climatic regions! The country also has a rich history and played an essential role in helping to end apartheid. South African cuisine includes some dishes which you may not have heard of before - like bobotie or boerewors (sausage). The population speaks 11 languages, so English isn't always the easiest language for locals to talk with tourists. However, they do make efforts to learn as much as possible just for your convenience!
Another interesting fact is that the country has some of the best wine in all of Africa - and it isn't just a famous export but also makes up about 22% of their total agricultural exports!
South Africa's history stretches back to the early 1800s and includes a long series of political changes. With more than a few major battles that were won and lost, it's interesting to learn about the history of this country and how they still managed to thrive.
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