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.
Lapalala Game Reserve is a unique and precious place situated only 3.5 hours’ drive outside Johannesburg, spreading from the Palala and Blocklands Rivers. Characterised by 77 kilometres of vast bushveld decorated by deep canyons, this breathtaking landscape is the perfect location for the breeding and protection of endangered species such as black rhino, roan antelope, and others. The reserve is home to all ‘Big Five’, as well as numerous other animals and plants, which can be seen as part of guided day or night walks, game drives, and educational tours. Lapalala is famous for its environmental school, which is open to children and adults and spreads the message of preservation of these invaluable natural riches. Other activities include swimming, fishing, and visiting ancient cave paintings and archaeological sites.
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.
Resting at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg, in the beautiful Limpopo Province, the town of Hoedspruit is surrounded by the largest privately-owned conservation area in the world. It is sandwiched between the world-famous Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon. Hoedspruit serves as a great base from which to explore the surrounding game reserves and natural attractions. This spectacular landscape features towering cliffs shadowing over enormous stretches of bushveld that give way to marula, acacia and mopane woodlands. Within this wilderness paradise, some of Africa’s most captivating wildlife can be spotted. Visitors can enjoy a number of activities including: Big Five game drives, whitewater rafting, horse riding safaris, visiting the Khamai Reptile Park as well as the Daktari Wildlife Orphanage.
Situated in Swaziland’s Lubombo Region, Hlane Royal National Park is the country’s largest protected area covering 30 000 hectares of Swazi bushveld. The landscape is characterised by ancient hardwood vegetation, shallow pans, and lowveld grasslands. The park is home to lion, elephant, white rhino, and leopard with an array of diverse bird life, including the highest density of nesting white-backed vultures in Africa. Visitors can enjoy guided bush walks, excellent game viewing, bird watching, lion and rhino tours, guided mountain bike trails as well as fascinating cultural tours.
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.
The Royal Natal National Park is home to one of KwaZulu-Natal's most spectacular attractions - The Amphitheatre. Forming the boundary between South Africa and Lesotho, The Amphitheatre is a striking escarpment topped by a flat plateau. The Tugela Falls plunges over the edge of the escarpment, plummeting down approximately 1000 metres to the Royal Natal National Park below.
As previously described
