One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Located just 90 minutes from Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is one of the richest hominid sites in the world, where our famous ancestors, Mrs Ples, Little Foot and Sediba were discovered. This important site holds UNESCO World Heritage status as it holds 40% of the world's human ancestor fossils and today, these sites are still active archaeological digs. Aside from visiting the museum and Maropeng, the official visitor centre, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of an active excavation.
Situated in South Africa’s beautiful Limpopo Province, the ancient city of Mapungubwe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest archaeological sites in Africa. Mapungubwe is said to have been the centre of the largest known kingdom on the African continent. In the 1930s, excavations in the now Vhembe-Dongola Transfrontier Park yielded a cemetery of 23 graves, some containing gold artefacts, including the ‘Gold Rhino’, considered by many to be the symbol of the African Renaissance. These artefacts confirmed that there had been trade between Southern Africa and East Africa, India, Egypt, Persia and China as early as 800 years ago.
Bordering Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana, the Limpopo Province is South Africa’s northernmost province renowned for its quintessentially African vistas. This region is known for its immense natural beauty featuring rugged mountains meeting pristine savannah plains sheltering a diverse array of wildlife. It encompasses the Makgabeng Plateau, the Blouberg Mountains, and a variety of towns and cities surrounded by a host of reserves including the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Visitors flock to this province to discover the fossil-rich caves of Makapansgat, explore the archaeological site of Mapungubwe and enjoy an authentic safari experience.
A serene place of adventure, Magoebaskloof in Limpopo province is often referred to as 'The Land of the Silver Mist', as the mountains and valleys are regularly shrouded in soft most. The magnificent Magoebaskloof Pass, which traces along the edge of the highveld, is a major drawcard for many. As one of the steepest tarred roads in South Africa, it features twisting horseshoe turns and sharp hairpin bends that make for both a thrilling ride and a place to soak up the spectacular views. With the towering massif of the Wolkberg as a backdrop and lush landscapes dominated by the dramatic scenery of dense indigenous woodlands, eucalyptus and pine tree plantations, cycads and bushveld country, the area is a hiker's and nature enthusiasts' dream. Visitors can look forward to a beautiful network of hiking trails, including the scenic 53-kilometre Mabudashango Hiking Trail or the 60-kilometre Dokolewa Waterfall Trail. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy mountain biking, horse riding, white water rafting, and canoeing. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the glorious Debengeni Falls.
Although located close to the Indian Ocean, northern Kruger experiences high levels of aridity because of the Limpopo high-pressure system. Covered in a blanket of shrub mopane, the low-lying northern Kruger area is dissected by the Olifants and Letaba rivers and other, smaller rivers that are more like large pools of water. The addition of reservoirs has allowed for the presence of hippos and water birds. These areas of water have created lush river corridors, adding to the ecological diversity of the area and attracting various animals and birds, including waterbuck, bushbuck, kudu, nyala, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena and half of Kruger’s elephants.
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Pak, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviours to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.
