South Africa is a confident, vibrant country with a myriad of cultures, unsurpassed contrasting scenery and endless gourmet restaurants displaying a sense of creative flair. South Africans don’t follow a mould, and most certainly aren’t afraid of experimenting and trying out new things. Whether it’s food, new hotels, sports, and cultural endeavours, South Africans are always pushing the boundaries.
The country is dotted with small towns, from inland farm country estates to coastal villas, bohemian city hotels, traditional villages and luxury bush camps in the wild; there’s so much waiting to be explored. It has been said that South Africa is the world in one. We have vast safari landscapes, deep lakes, forests, rocky coastlines, golden beaches, mountains, buzzing cities, deserts and an array of local cultures and traditions waiting to be discovered.
So, how do you encapsulate the best of this country in one short holiday? You don’t! Unless you have 3 months to explore this mysterious land of wonder, we suggest you select a few prime not-to-missed destinations that can easily be covered in a 3 week holiday. Here are a few ideas for destinations if you are planning a safari and coastal holiday to South Africa.
A Safari to Kruger
The Greater Kruger is an interesting biome covering kilometres of acacia woodland, rocky terrain, sandy savannah, undulating landscapes and a myriad of river systems. The national park itself spans across 19,485 square kilometres. The big five roam wild and free in the Kruger, and there are plenty of predators such as wild dog, cheetah and other carnivores. There are also over 500 species of bird fluttering about in this wild landscape of South Africa. There are numerous lodges and campsites inside the park for a more self-catering safari holiday for those on a budget.
Within the private reserves forming part of the Greater Kruger there are safari camps, mobile walking safaris and lodges offering daily guided safaris in open-topped game viewers with game rangers guiding and educating their guests. A set 3 day safari for first time safari-goers is recommended – you will learn about both the wildlife, vegetation and the natural landscape.
Cape Town
Cape Town is the coastal destination to visit when coming to South Africa. There are two oceans – the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, one has sandy beaches with cold turquoise waters and the other warmer waters. Bohemian coastal villages, trendy town centres, vineyards, museums, art galleries and a rich cultural heritage all bind together to create an eccentric and remarkably good-looking holiday destination. A few highlights that should not missed include a trip to Cape Point, a drive over Chapman’s Peak, a walking tour of the historical Bo Kaap and District Six regions, dinner and drinks on Kloof Street in the city centre, swim or visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, surfing at Muizenberg Beach and a trip to the Cape Winelands. And a trip up Table Mountain ! All possible within 3 – 4 days in Cape Town.
Route 62 and the Cape Winelands
The famous Route 62 extends across a number of inland regions and mountains with carpets of vineyards. Route 62 is well-known with local Capetonians that head out from the city in search of quick weekend breaks. The Route 62 will link you up with the Garden Route, and gives you the opportunity to combine the winelands with a bit of inland exploration. Wellington is the perfect stop for craft beer tasting, country home made goods and wine tasting. On the more quirky side we recommend a stop at Ronnies (Sex) Shop!
Garden Route
The Garden Route is referred to as the Garden of Eden because of it’s untouched, lush and tropical vegetation adorning cascading cliffs. The area is surrounded by a rocky coastline and there’s plenty of lagoons, beaches and outdoor pursuits to be enjoyed in this area. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival in July is a major attraction for locals, and comprises a marathon, food festival and plenty of activity. Stay in Wilderness, Knysna or Plettenberg Bay. If you choose to spend a little longer in the Garden Route and you can head further north to explore the undiscovered area of the Eastern Cape.
