Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the lions in the Kruger National Park to the iconic Table Mountain in the Cape, takes some beating. Enjoy the Country’s sweeping valleys of the Winelands, Cape Town’s jumping nightlife, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers or KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park which alone has five distinct ecosystems, attracting both zebras and dolphins - there is something here for any person with any interest of any age. Although the country has its fair share of problems, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous folk you’ll encounter anywhere, from farmers in the rural north who tell you to drive safely on those dirt roads, to Khayelitsha kids who wish you molo (‘good morning’ in Xhosa).
Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.
Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is a large town often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’, surrounded by stunning bays perfect for sailing, boating, and swimming; picturesque beaches and lagoons; and world-renowned forests. This well-catered town is also a perfect base for safari expeditions at nearby parks such as Knysna Elephant Park, and close-up animal experiences at centres such as Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. From here, enjoy ample opportunities for surfing, swimming, yachting, jet-skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing. Visitors can also look forward to an array of wonderful markets, a picturesque waterfront filled with superb restaurants and shops, and several fantastic art galleries. Make sure to take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters.
Port Elizabeth or PE is known as the Friendly City and the Windy City and hopefully if you stay here you will get a chance to experience the former and not the latter. Port Elizabeth was established to accommodate British settlers who were bought out on a government sponsored programme to provide a buffer between the warring Cape Dutch and the Xhosa. The little port grew from there and today it is the gateway to the Garden Route, as well as the Eastern Cape’s game reserves and beaches.
