Johannesburg, known by the locals as Jozi, 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 and taxi ranks. The city has a western appearance with modern skyscrapers and big shopping centres. Johannesburg has a very pleasant climate, the summers are hot with most of the rainfall in the summer months between October and April and the winters mild and dry becoming cold towards the evening. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.
The Central Drakensberg is home to some formidable peaks including Monk's Cowl, Giant Castle Peak and Champagne Castle. The range rises to over 3000 metres in height and offers inspiring views and spectacularly scenic 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 one of eight South African UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as it holds unique significance as a natural resource and for the heritage of the ancient San rock paintings. For thousands of years the Central Drakensberg was home to the San people and they, in turn, left their record on the walls of numerous sandstone caves.
Just north of Ballito on the north coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Salt Rock offers a laid-back holiday atmosphere for beach lovers. Salt Rock’s name dates back to the era of King Shaka, when his servants used to collect dried salt from the rocks at low tide which was used for trading with settlers. The riches of this destination now lie in its irresistible golden beaches, turquoise tidal pools, and warm Indian Ocean waves, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Besides swimming and sunbathing, visitors can also look forward to microlight flights, skydiving, fishing, diving, snorkelling, and excellent hikes along the coast, as well as leisurely walks along the wooden boardwalks next to the ocean for gorgeous views. The wonderful Litchi Orchard Market is a great place to sample delicious local fare and browse through superb arts and crafts.
Encircled by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, St Lucia is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia lies on the magnificent St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres. It features abundant wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and offers a wide range of wonderful activities. This haven of tranquillity offers excellent mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to thrilling night drive safaris, hippo and crocodile cruises, and many comfortable accommodation options.
Resting east of the woodland region of Ezulwini Valley in the traditional country of eSwatini is the city of Lobamba. Famed for being the country’s cultural, spiritual and political heart, this fascinating destination boasts notable British-era buildings, informative museums and is host to sensational Incwala and Umhlanga ceremonies. Travellers can roam through the gardens of the commemorative King Sobhuza II Park; enjoy a leisurely 18-hole round of golf at the scenic Royal Swazi Golf Course, gain a greater insight into the nation’s history at the Swaziland National Museum, or delve into the culture at the fascinating Mantenga Cultural Village. Don’t miss the magnificent Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, a lush park home to hiking and horse riding trails, as well as an abundance of wildlife, including zebra, giraffe and several bird species.
Surrounded by subtropical fruit orchards, Hazyview is a small farming town and a gateway to the southern part of the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Escarpment. The town and its spectacularly scenic surroundings serve as a popular adventure capital with a remarkable array of exhilarating outdoor activities on offer to suit all ages, tastes and fitness levels. These include, among others: mountain biking, quad biking, ziplining, tubing, abseiling, and river rafting. +/- 5km outside of Hazyview on the way to Graskop is Shangana Cultural Village, a market which is a gathering place for craftspeople from all over the region. It has a variety of traditional handcrafted art unmatched in the area. Whether you are eager to hike the Panorama Route with its breathtaking views and impressive waterfalls, visit the Shangana Village, or horse ride along the banks of the magnificent Sabie River, Hazyview has something for just about everyone.
Situated in South Africa’s beautiful Mpumalanga Province, the quaint village of Dullstroom is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and fresh country air. Aptly named, Dullstroom (‘stroom’ meaning stream) enjoys an abundance of water, marking the beginning of the Crocodile River and home to other major tributaries. It serves as a convenient stopover for visitors on the way to the Lowveld and Kruger Park. It has a sub-alpine climate, and is well known for its cool, often misty atmosphere. The local building style of pointed-stone and wooden log homes, along with the many pubs, restaurants, lodges and quaint village shops have made this one of the most appealing tourist destinations in Mpumalanga. With its moderate climate, crisp mountain air, and scenic beauty, Dullstroom lends itself perfectly to trout fishing. Trout was first introduced to the area in the early 1900’s, and today most dams in the area are stocked with rainbow and/or brown trout, where natural breeding occurs in many of the areas rivers.
As previously described
