South Africa is a country rich in culture and heritage, quick-paced, dynamic and cosmopolitan. It is renowned for its array of natural attractions – from the stretches of untouched beaches, to the rolling mountains and game reserves teeming with some of the world’s most magnificent bird and wildlife species. It is also recognized for gold mining and cities that bustle with life and activity.
It is recommended that a tour of South Africa really should last at least 2 weeks – as this is the ideal amount of time to experience the diversity of the country and soak up the magic of this Rainbow Nation. With the FIFA 2010 World Cup™ drawing closer, South Africa is gearing up for a year of excitement and bubbling with anticipation to welcome visitors from all over the world!
You could invest an entire lifetime in South Africa and still not manage to experience all the wonders the country has to supply. That said, if you are embarking on a South Africa tour, be positive to add these world-well-known destinations and activities to your itinerary. Bring your binoculars, your camera, an open heart and a spirit of adventure!
Cape Agulhas in the Cape Overberg marks the southern most tip of the African continent and a need to-go to destination on your South African tour. This quaint seaside town boasts homely bed and breakfasts and a pristine stretch of coastline. Go to the lighthouse, 1 of the oldest in South Africa and witness a panoramic view of the ocean. Be positive to keep an eye out for Southern Appropriate whales and bottlenose dolphins – the area’s local aquatic residents. Take a quiet stroll to the official Cape Agulhas plaque, a landmark of the location where the warm waters of the Indian Ocean meet the icy waters of the Atlantic.
One more location not to be missed on your tour of South Africa is the De Hoop Nature Reserve, one of the largest areas that has been well maintained and cared for by the Cape Nature Conservation. In this gorgeous area, you’ll drive past fields littered with colourful flowering fynbos, the dominant vegetation group of this area. The terrestrial nature of the reserve is an perfect habitat for a number of animals, so be certain to maintain an eye out for mountain zebra, the rare bontebok and the ever-present baboons of the region. De Hoop Nature reserve is a birders paradise – so maintain your bird book at hand to tick off all the resident species you may well come across.
Wind your way along the scenic Garden Route on your South Africa tour – a should visit, lovely stretch of land. Along this route, you will have the chance to explore numerous costal towns like Knysna, the picturesque seaside town situated on a lagoon. If you are looking for adventure on your tour of South Africa, then be sure to stop by Bloukrans bridge – 1 of the world’s highest and most exhilarating bungee jumps! Surfing enthusiasts really should carry on along the Garden Route to Jeffrey’s Bay – where some of the world’s most famous surfing events take location. It’s a magical location to relax and observe the famed “tube” waves. Even though in this area, a great thought is to experience the Addo Elephant National Park, where you will have the chance to see the Massive 5!
The South African Wild Coast is a rugged stretch of pristine coastline and an perfect spot for anglers and nature lovers to visit. Whether or not you are looking for a rustic tented beach hut or the excitement of a casino, the Wild Coast will surpass all of your expectations. Braaied fish, boogie boarding and lounging under the sun is mandatory, at least once, on any tour of South Africa!
Yet another breathtaking place to snap magnificent shots of the wild flowers or merely marvel at the rock formations is the Golden Gate National Park. This park is set on the edge of the Drakensburg Mountains, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage web site. When you go to, you will see why this majestic natural mountain range is internationally acclaimed. KwaZulu-Natal boasts quite a few hiking trails, which includes 1 to the Tugela Falls – this is not only good for the body, but when you witness the water cascading down over the famed “amphitheatre”, you will realise it is genuinely excellent for the soul. A hike, whether it be in a forest, on a mountain, or even in a game park is also a should on a South African tour.
The city lights will inspire you when you go to the buzzing cities of Cape Town or Johannesburg. Given its rich history derived from the famous gold rush, Johannesburg is worth a couple of days go to on your South African tour. Not only is it a shopping Mecca, there are also a variety of museums that document the cultural and historical journey of men and women though the eras. In Johannesburg, you can also go on a township tour of the vibrant Soweto, world-famous for the coverage it received during the apartheid era and now famous for its music and jovial shebeens (local bars). You can even visit the former residence of former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, not to mention taking the plunge and taking a tour of the old goldmines, 700ft underground at Gold Reef City. Cape Town is yet another should go to city – with Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the vibrant V&A Waterfront, you will be in awe for the duration of your stay.
A South African tour is sure to awaken your senses, talk to your soul and leave you with memories of a well-lived adventure. The diversity, the culture and the landscape of the country allow any traveller to find what they are searching for.