Apart from being among the top 10 most developed African countries according to the UNDP, South Africa also has a top place on the list of the best holiday destinations in Africa. From amazing beaches to breathtaking attractions, unique wildlife, nature, adventure, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, there are more than a dozen reasons to make South Africa your next holiday destination. It’s an amazing place for business travelers, families, couples, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts alike to go on holiday. Especially if you take your trip between November and May when the weather is mostly sunny, you will hardly regret your trip to South Africa.
However, just as it is with any other holiday destination, going on a South African vacation without some knowledge on specific places to visit and activities to engage in can cut a huge chunk of fun and enjoyment from your trip. So, have you been considering taking a holiday trip to the “rainbow nation”?
Well, sit back and relax because here are some of the finest holiday destinations to visit when in South Africa.
Cape Town
Cape Town is by far one of the best places to be for a holiday in Zululand. The beautiful South African capital is renowned for offering an amazing mix of beautiful scenery, adventure, and rich culture to vacationers, not forgetting the amazing white sandy beaches for the water lovers. In addition to its unique beauty, the Table Mountain, which overlooks the city, offers campers and hikers a thrill-seeking opportunity they’ll live to remember. Wine lovers can also go for a wine tour to the Cape Winelands and taste one of the finest wines in the country and Africa. If you love watching wildlife, come prepared with your safari tour attire, and don’t forget to pack a camera, a safari hat, and some binoculars to capture the most amazing views of the wild.
Accommodation options in the city are also numerous, promising something for everyone depending on their budget. But for those who are wondering whether it is safe to stay in Cape Town, it all depends on where you book your reservations and the areas you visit while there. This is because let’s face it, some areas are known to be notorious for gang crime, mugging, and other serious incidences such as rape. After all, no place is safe if you’re a visitor and you don’t take measures to protect yourself.
Port Elizabeth
Located in the country’s Eastern Cape Province, Port Elizabeth is another popular holiday destination in SA for tourists around the world. The most fascinating thing about the city is its sandy beaches, where you can engage in a plethora of activities such as swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. It also hosts the Nelson Mandela Bay, which was named in honor of the South African Hero who led the fight for the country’s independence. If you’re a history lover, a beach bum or a Nelson Mandela fan, Port Elizabeth is the place to be on your holiday in South Africa. It’s also called the Friendly City, thanks to the friendly locals that you can be sure to make friends out of while creating lasting memories.
Limpopo
If you’re a lover of wildlife, be sure to pay a visit to Limpopo. The SA province is home to several national reserves and parks, including the Kruger National Park, as well as a variety of amazing attractions such as the Makgabeng Plateau and the craggy Blouberg mountains. History lovers can visit the fossil-rich caves of Makapansgat and Dieperink Museum. But before you leave Limpopo, be sure to head to Limpopo’s capital, Polokwane, where you’ll have numerous activities to engage in, such as bird watching, the reptile park, museums, the biodiversity center, and much more. Gambling and gaming enthusiasts will fill at home in Polokwane, thanks to the amazing nightlife and numerous casinos in the city.
Johannesburg
A holiday in South Africa can’t be complete without a visit to Johannesburg, Jo’burg or Jozi as local folks like to call it. The largest city in South Africa is basically the best place for entertainment while on holiday in South Africa. It’s the best place for a memorable wining and dining experience, shopping, casinos, and nightlife. For lovers of culture and history, Joburg is also home to plenty of historical monuments and museums.
Durban
Last but not least, you won’t want to leave South Africa without getting a taste of what Durban has to offer. From rich architecture to beautiful beaches, bird watching, and hiking opportunities, this KwaZulu-Natal province city has lots to offer to visitors. It’s also home to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (World Heritage Site), an exceptionally beautiful park that offers hiking opportunities and a haven for nature worshipers.
South Africa is truly a beautiful country that tourists never get enough of. It has plenty to offer, no matter the kind of vacationer you are. Nonetheless, the above are just a few of the many vacation destinations you won’t want to miss while on a trip to South Africa, so happy holiday!
