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.
The Drakensberg are an imposing wall of rock that rises to 3000 m, creating untold inspiring views and hikes. Known to the Zulus as the Barrier of Spears and to the first European settlers as the Dragon's Mountains.
The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg is 1 of 8 South African UNESCO World Heritage sites, for both its significance as a natural resource and for the heritage of the San Paintings. For thousands of years these mountains have hosted the San people and they in turn left their record on the walls on numerous sandstone caves. Today most of the Drakensberg is protected as a National Park and is a major attraction to the lover of the outdoors.
The most famous and probably most photographed rock feature of the Northern Drakensberg is a sheer cliff face which is aptly known as the Amphitheatre. It is located in the Royal Natal National Park, which has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in South Africa. The Amphitheatre stretches for approximately 5 km in length and is roughly 500 metres high. The peak, Mont aux Sources, is the source of the mighty Orange River. This flows to the Atlantic Ocean in the west and forms the border between Namibia and South Africa near the end of its journey. Mont aux Sources is also the source of the Tugela River, which cascades down the mountain in 5 drops as the Tugela Falls. This is the second highest waterfall in the world.
The Northern Berg have a network of hiking trails from leisurely walks to challenging hikes. In the Royal Natal National Park trout fishing, horse riding and swimming in the mountain streams and pools are popular activities.
Several other adventure activities are offered in the Northern Berg, like Quad Biking, Mountain Biking, Bungee bouncing, flying trapeze, cable tours or swinging. (ITT)
Set on the slopes of the Maluti Mountains, between Bethlehem and Lesotho, the arty, peaceful and scenic village of Clarens lies on the slopes of the Maluti Mountains is known as the ‘Jewel of the Free State’. Its abundant trees, including those bearing fruit, add vivid hues to the natural environment – colours which change slowly as one season blends into the next. With its numerous art galleries and curios, the town is a picturesque haven for artists and craftspeople. Horseriding, trout fishing, hiking, quad biking, hot air ballooning and river rafting are popular activities, and at the neighbouring Golden Gate Highlands National Parl nature and animal lovers have plenty more to explore (and may even spot zebra, eland, and other animals). Historic highlights include the Dinosaur Trail, several significant Boer-War and Great Trek sites, and some wonderful heritage architecture.
Commonly known as ‘The Kingdom in the Sky’ due to its dramatically high altitude, Lesotho is rather unique in that it is entirely surrounded by South Africa. This tiny and spectacularly mountainous kingdom makes for a wonderful adventure getaway with excellent pony trekking, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, abseiling, birdwatching, mountain biking and even snow skiing on offer. The country’s highlands boast magnificent mountain scenery, clean mountain air and the opportunity to witness the fascinating traditional cultures of its warm and welcoming locals. Visit isolated Basotho villages dotted about the rolling hills of Lesotho’s extraordinarily scenic countryside with its breathtaking waterfalls and its maze of glistening streams.
Itinerary favourites include: the highest waterfall in southern Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls; as well as the modern yet traditional capital city of Maseru. Lesotho is an ideal location for travellers seeking an adventurous outdoor experience in a place of raw natural beauty with a wonderfully preserved authentic local culture. (ITT)
Commonly known as ‘The Kingdom in the Sky’ due to its dramatically high altitude, Lesotho is rather unique in that it is entirely surrounded by South Africa. This tiny and spectacularly mountainous kingdom makes for a wonderful adventure getaway with excellent pony trekking, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, abseiling, birdwatching, mountain biking and even snow skiing on offer. The country’s highlands boast magnificent mountain scenery, clean mountain air and the opportunity to witness the fascinating traditional cultures of its warm and welcoming locals. Visit isolated Basotho villages dotted about the rolling hills of Lesotho’s extraordinarily scenic countryside with its breathtaking waterfalls and its maze of glistening streams.
Itinerary favourites include: the highest waterfall in southern Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls; as well as the modern yet traditional capital city of Maseru. Lesotho is an ideal location for travellers seeking an adventurous outdoor experience in a place of raw natural beauty with a wonderfully preserved authentic local culture. (ITT)
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.
Straddling the border of the Free State and Eastern Cape provinces, the massive Gariep Dam is the largest dam in South Africa. This scenic area is known as a water sport mecca and offers a variety of wonderful activities as well as comfortable accommodation for its visitors. The dam is fringed by two nature reserves which are home to an array of wildlife including one of the world’s largest black wildebeest herds. Visitors can take a tour of the dam wall through hidden tunnels and up and down hundreds of steps and explore the surrounding area on the 165-kilometre Lake Gariep Route.. Other popular activities include fishing, boating, horse riding, tractor riding, canoe trips and quad biking. (ITT)
Located in the heart of the remote and mysterious Great Karoo, Graaff-Reinet is surrounded by the rolling plains and rising mountains of Camdeboo National Park. This is a wonderful place to escape from reality and revel in the solitude, silence and clear, star-studded nights that this secluded town provides. Graaff-Reinet, as the fourth oldest town in the country, has a rich history and features ancient fossils, wonderful examples of Cape Dutch architecture, and over 220 local heritage sites. Visitors can look forward to an array of activities including: soaking up the breathtaking views of the 'Valley of Desolation' in the Camdeboo National Park, enjoying a night under the African stars at a local guest farm, and sample the area’s renowned Karoo lamb. (ITT)
Serving as the gateway to the arid wilderness of the Great Karoo, the little South African heritage town of Prince Albert is surrounded by an oasis of magnificent mountains, fresh sparkling water, lush gardens, vineyards and fruit orchards. This small Karoo gem is home to beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings. It is a popular place in which to relax in the sun and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the town or appreciate the spectacular clear and star-filled night sky to the rare sound of deafening silence. Visitors can discover ancient fossils and a working moonshine distillery at the Fransie Pienaar Museum, enjoy a historical walking tour through the town and drive along the edge of the harrowing 19th-century Swartberg Pass offering dramatic mountain views. Other popular activities include: hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and botanical excursions. (ITT)
The 150-year-old town of Robertson, “the heart of the Wine Route”, is a picturesque destination set two hours’ drive from Cape Town. The town’s culinary offerings are its primary drawcard for some visitors, as it boasts numerous award-winning estates and restaurants. However, it is also famous for its flowers - columns of red and yellow cannas, abundant rose bushes, and jacarandas line the streets, alongside photogenic Victorian houses. The town boasts several national monuments, including the Pink Church, the Edwardian No 12 Piet Retief Street; and the intriguing town museum. Culture enthusiasts will also appreciate the wonderful contemporary Robertson Art Gallery, and the variety of events that take place throughout the year. The gorgeous surrounding green farmlands, orchards and valleys are lined with excellent hiking and cycling trails.
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)
