You want to know the top ten reasons to travel to South Africa? Well, where do we start? Lions and penguins, traditional African cultures and Western creature comforts, all the Big Five on one morning’s game drive, some of the best food and wine on the planet - all that is South Africa. From metropolitan Cape Town to safaris in the Kruger area, from hiking in the Drakensberg to scenic drives and boat rides along the Garden Route, here are the top ten reasons to visit South Africa, “The world in one Country”.
Wildlife galore From the Big Five in Kruger and the neighbouring private game reserves to the penguins and sharks near Cape Town and the whales along the Garden Route, South Africa has a staggering amount of wildlife. We get regular reports of travellers seeing the Big Five on one morning’s game drive.
Hiking South Africa offers some of the best and most scenic hikes in the world. From the spectacular Drakensberg to the enigmatic Garden Route, Table Mountain and the Cederberg, the trails are yours to choose.
Glorious food Have a traditional Cape Malay lunch on a patio overlooking sweeping vineyards and towering mountains. Enjoy a traditional braai (BBQ), interrupt your game drive for sundowners and top if off with a sumptuous dinner in around a camp fire. This is why you came to South Africa!
Fantastic wines in splendid surrounds South Africa is well-known for its great wines. The wine lands near Cape Town, with their spectacular mountains and vistas, should be one anyone's itinerary. Pretty towns like Franschhoek and Tulbagh will complement stops at a winery or two.
The Mother City - Cape Town Known as The Mother City, Cape Town lies hemmed between beautiful beaches and Table Mountain. A true melting pot of Asian, African and European cultures this is the place you'll find great restaurants and bars, a sprinkling of interesting museums and markets, and a vibe all of its own set within beautiful surroundings.
The past, the present and the future Former prisoners will show you around Robben Island where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were incarcerated, all the while preaching a message of hope and redemption. Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum is a must-see, while a township tour lets you discover the dark past and the vibrant future of this stunning country.
Private Game Reserves Private Game Reserves were pioneered in South Africa and these privately owned strictly protected areas control visitor numbers, making your safari experience an intimate one. You are virtually guaranteed to see the Big Five. Lodges vary from simple to luxurious and your stay will include all meals and a variety of game activities, including game walks and night drives. Safaris do not get better than this!
The spectacular Drakensberg Towering cliffs, imposing natural amphitheatres and thundering waterfalls make the Drakensberg a range unique in the world. Ancient Bushmen rock art and some spectacular vistas and hiking trails make this an area not to be missed by anyone with more than a passing interest in South Africa.
Garden Route Forest-clad hills rolling down to a spectacular coastline, beautiful lagoons and beaches along with jaw-dropping scenery make this one of the most popular areas in the country.
Value for money With the continuing drop of the South African Rand the country keeps offering ever better value for money.