What do the words South Africa make you think of? Tradition? A more authentic way of life? Close contact with mother nature? The country’s climate, people, beaches, and landscapes are a joy to discover and haven’t yet received the attention they deserve. Safaris, adventure sports, and animal-watching are common in the country, and it’s a great value destination for families. A trip to South Africa shows you the world’s diversity and helps you forget your probably more boring day-to-day.
Let’s take a look at some of the places you must see if you visit the country.
We start in Johannesburg, the entry point for southern Africa and a place of amazing cultural wealth. It boasts more than 40 art galleries and multiple theatres, as well as a vibrant nightlife thanks to its many pubs and clubs. It’s the country’s financial capital and a great place to begin your visit.
Another attractive place is Cape Town, famous for the vineyards found in the Boland River basin, around 80km northeast of the city. In this fluvial valley, varieties like Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz are very much at home. When you’re here, try to check out a curious ritual – every day, they use more than a thousand Indian Runner Ducks to control pests in the vineyards.
The city of Cape Town itself is the oldest in South Africa, at more than 300 years old. It’s famed for its beaches and the lively town of Old Biscuit Mill, a creative place where designers, artists, and photographers innovate together. The Mill area is filled with both day and night markets, as well as restaurants and festivals and isn’t a stop you should miss.
The second largest city in the country is Durban, located on the eastern coast and a very popular destination for South Africans themselves. It hosts international-level sporting events and offers shopping centres, handcraft markets, bazaars, and a rich food culture. Try Bunny Chow, a local dish made from bread filled with curried lamb, beef, chicken, or vegetables.
Adventurous types will love Kruger National Park, which borders Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It stretches over nearly two million hectares and supports 16 different ecosystems. Taking a safari pretty much guarantees you’ll see elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, and lions.
In historical terms, Robben Island is very special. Nelson Mandela was held prisoner here for 27 years, and today it offers 27 points of interest for tourists in honour of his story.
The Wild Coast is an unspoilt natural area that can be reached reach on foot, by horse, or 4×4. You can dive or fish and, if you’re there in June and July, you should visit the Great Sardine Run. At that time of the year, millions of sardines migrate from the Cape to the warmer waters of KwaZulu-Natal in order to reproduce. During their journey, they are pursued by dolphins, whales, sharks, birds and larger fish and, from the shore, at least, it’s quite the party!
