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.
Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria.
The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. There and numerous shops available for shopping and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction. (ITT)
Connecting the Lowveld and the northern Drakensberg, sandwiched between the Kruger National Park and the Highlands Meander, the historical Panorama Route is a scenic road in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province.
The route features beautiful views of natural wonders, rock formations, waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and a myriad of fauna and flora. The quaint small town of Graskop serves as the gateway to this wonderful route. The Panorama Route’s highlight is the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest green canyons featuring subtropical vegetation.
Some other popular natural attractions along the route include the Lisbon, Berlin, and Mac Mac Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and the view from God’s Window. On clear days one can even see the Kruger National Park. The picturesque gold rush town of Pilgrim's Rest, a historic living museum, is not far off from Graskop, where the glass elevator is located, taking guests down into the Canyon. (ITT)
The Timbavati Private Game Reserve shares a common, unfenced border with Kruger Park and encompasses many exclusive private lodges.
The region is best known for the ‘white lions of Timbavati’, two unusually pale lion cubs discovered here in the 1970s, their colour due to a rare recessive gene. The Timbavati is a “Big Five” Game Reserve: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo roam freely as do many more species of predators and antelopes. Over 40 mammal species and 350 bird species have been identified within the area. This, together with the abundant variety of flora, the tranquillity and the natural beauty of the land, ensures an adventure to be remembered. It said to have the densest giraffe population in the world.
Access to the private lodges is through the closest town, Hoedspruit or its airport, Eastgate Airport. (ITT)
Situated just north of Mbombela in Mpumalanga, South Africa, White River is a quiet, peaceful town made up of a large farming community. Culinary types will delight in the town’s renowned delicious tropical fruits, tasty vegetables and wineries, while history lovers should stroll around town and check out White River’s early Lowveld architecture, or explore the fascinating White River History and Motor Museum. Three dams, thick forests, a picturesque botanical garden, and distinctive rock formations enhance the splendour of the area, making it an ideal base for hiking and nature photography. Several incredible reserves can also be reached easily from here, including the world-famous Kruger National Park. Other highlights include a reptile park, a wonderful art studio, and numerous craft and antique shops. The Born Biking Indoor Skate Park appeals to active travellers.
eSwatini (previously known as Swaziland), a small, landlocked monarchy in Southern Africa, is known for its wilderness reserves and festivals showcasing traditional Swazi culture. Marking its northeastern border with Mozambique and stretching down to South Africa, the Lebombo Mountains are a backdrop for Mlawula Nature Reserve’s many hiking trails.
eSwatini encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems – towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley with the famous Swazi Candles and Ngwenya Glassblowers and the Hlane Royal National Park, which is home to diverse wildlife including white rhinos,lions, hippos, antelopes and elephants. (ITT)
Swaziland’s industrial hub, Matsapha, is a thriving town that encompasses the University of Swaziland, the country’s international airport and more. It is situated in the Manzini Province, in the centre of Swaziland. The large Mahhala shopping mall encompasses an extensive array of retail stores, banks and restaurants, while the nearby minaret-roofed Lozitha Palace – the official residence of the Swazi king – provides interest for tourists. Visitors can look forward to immersing themselves in the local culture and magnificent natural surroundings. Enjoy hiking and biking through natural terrain, visit the Matsamo Cultural Village and view the locals perform a traditional reed dance at the annual Swaziland Harvest Festival.
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.
Zululand is the unofficial name of the northern sector of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, and lies north of the Tugela River. The further north towards eSwatini, (formerly known as Swaziland) you travel, the drier it gets and the more you will find bush type vegetation characterized by the majestic, green barked Fever Trees. As you head south towards Durban there are numerous pine and eucalyptus plantations, followed by the sugar cane growing region. Richards Bay is a deep water port, and is the largest city in Zululand.
The well watered valleys have been home to the proud Zulu Nation, their beautiful Nguni cattle and an abundance of wildlife for centuries. Today Zululand is a fascinating mix of tribal lands, game reserves, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Isamangaliso Wetlands Park, with its vegetated dunes, and commercial agriculture.(ITT)
St Lucia is situated on the North East of Zululand a mere 2,5 hours from Durban, the main city in KwaZulu-Natal province. St Lucia lies on the St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres.
The area offers tropical warm climate year round. The area known as iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the UNESCO World Heritage Site bordering St. Lucia town, this reserve stretches from St Lucia to the border of Mozambique in the north. St Lucia is a great stop and the perfect gateway to discover the area, with numerous accommodation styles and budgets - there is virtually something for everyone.
St Lucia features a wide range of activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to night drive safaris and hippo and crocodile cruises. (ITT)
With its beautiful beaches, lively wining and dining scene, and rich cultural heritage, Durban is KwaZulu-Natal’s tourist hub. There is swimming and surfing available and because of the sub-tropical climate the water is warm all year round.(summer 25-28 degrees) Known as the Golden Mile, this stretch of beaches and amusement parks is Durban’s major attraction with the recently developed UShaka Marine World at the southern end providing a world class aquarium and other entertainments.
No trip to Durban is complete without having a Bunny Chow. This locally traditional meal is a hollowed out 1/4 or 1/2 loaf of bread, filled with curry (beef / lamb / chicken / vegetarian) and eaten with your hands. A true sample of local cuisine. (ITT)
