This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of African, Asian, and European cultures.
Spend your days: discovering the gourmet restaurants, impressive art and nightlife scenes and fine beaches of Cape Town; enjoying a typical local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotted around the picturesque Cape Winelands.
Due to its rich and turbulent history there are plenty of historical attractions to explore including the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town.
Above all else, South Africa’s attraction lies in its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive game reserves such as the world famous Kruger National Park.
With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.
Backed by the Tsitsikamma Mountains’ mighty Storms River Peak and surrounded by swathes of indigenous forest, Stormsriver Village, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, is a scenic adventure sports enthusiast's paradise. At the Tsitsikamma National Park and other parks nearby - characterised by wildlife-filled jungles, rivers, and sea - adrenaline-junkies can enjoy canopying, ziplining, tubing, kayaking, snorkelling, segway riding, cycling, and hiking. An especially popular attraction nearby is the Bloukrans River Bridge, the highest in Africa, where spine-tingling bungee jumping can be enjoyed. The famous Otter Trail begins here, and the surf mecca Jeffrey’s Bay lies just 80 kilometres away. Other highlights include luxury spas; charming craft stalls and boutiques; and a collection of interesting restaurants, such as Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, a retro eatery decorated with a jukebox, 1961 Dodge Lancer, and various other vintage cars.
Oudtshoorn, a town in the Little Karoo, is famous for its ostriches and the fascinating Cango Caves. Located along the renowned Route 62 just an hour and a half from the Garden Route, Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town with its numerous "Feather Palaces", as the stately homes dotted around the town are called.
Other than ostriches and the feathers and meat they provide, the Oudtshoorn area also attracts visitors to the Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa, permeated with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites and captivating rock formations. It is also the gateway to the spectacular Swartberg Pass, which winds its way over the rugged Swartberg Mountains to the little Hamlet of Prince Albert. (ITT)
Situated just 140 kilometres from Cape Town and located between the beautiful shores and cliffs of Walker Bay, Hermanus has grown from a small seaside resort town to become known for its whale watching between about June and November. This is possible from the walkway that hugs the coast, by boat or even from the air.
This town is also famed for its natural scenic beauty, long stretches of pristine beaches and a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars.
Hermanus offers visitors all kinds of activities, both energetic and relaxing. Visitors can explore the Old Harbour Museum, which is comprised of the charming fisherman’s village, the old harbour, and the Whale House Museum; hike through the nearby Fernkloof Nature Reserve, and sample an array of top quality wine along the famed Hermanus Wine Route.(ITT)
A blend of historical architecture, student life, epicurean delights and oak-lined avenues, Stellenbosch is a picturesque university town surrounded by mountains and vineyards. A walking tour of the town centre allows visitors to take in its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, as well as art galleries, craft shops, clothing boutiques and gift stores, while foodies may prefer indulging in cuisine and fine wines at one of the chic restaurants or bistros. Stellenbosch is also the ideal base from which to explore the renowned local wine route, boasting a high proportion of the country’s leading wine estates. (ITT)
Resting where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet, sandwiched between the slopes of Table Mountain and the sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders.
Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit. (ITT)
