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)
Situated in the Limpopo Province and forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park in north-eastern South Africa, the Balule Private Game Reserve is known for its abundant free-roaming wildlife, fascinating bird life and is home to the renowned Big Five, which includes lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard. While the big game is the highlight of the reserve, visitors can also look forward to spotting an array of other African wildlife such as a variety of buck, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and over 250 bird species living amongst the savannah, riverine forest and wooded mountains.
Other popular activities in the vicinity include boating down the Olifants River on a water safari, visiting a cultural village, horse riding, white water rafting or hot air ballooning through the beautiful landscape. (ITT)
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 scenic surroundings serve as a popular adventure capital with an array of 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. Whether you are eager to hike the Panorama Route with its beautiful views and waterfalls, visit the Shangana Cultural Village, undertake a safari in the Park or go horse riding along the banks of the Sabie River, Hazyview has something for just about everyone. (ITT)
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)
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)
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)
