April 1, 2019 by Jeremy

5 South African Attractions to See Before you Die

Blessed with picturesque landscapes, vast national parks, and raw subtropical coasts, South Africa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. No wonder why millions of tourists throng to South Africa, every year, to experience the beauty of this region. Also, let us tell you that if you plan to book a South Africa tour package anytime soon, then make sure you opt for a longer stay as a week’s vacation won’t be enough to experience the vividly beautiful country.

And just in case you don’t have much time on hand, make sure you at least visit these five South African attractions that are one of the most famous destinations among tourists on a South African tour. Take a look.

1. Kruger National Park

One of the world’s most famous safari parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park is a must-visit attraction. The oldest reserve in South Africa is approximately 5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg. The national park gives visitors to see the ‘Big Five’– lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino and a variety of other wildlife. The park is also home to bushman rock paintings as well as archaeological sites. You can also opt for the walking safari, or take a hot air balloon ride to explore the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and the river systems.

2. Cape Point Nature Reserve

A natural reserve in the Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point Nature Reserve lies at the tip of Cape Peninsula. The nature reserve was originally named Cape of Storms and has an 1859 lighthouse. A paradise for nature lovers, the abundance of flora and fauna includes approximately 250 species of birds, bucks and baboons. The best part is the National Park also has some world-class restaurants and curio shop.

3. V&A Waterfront

V&A Waterfront, which is named after Great Britain’s Queen Victoria and her youngest son Alfred, is one of the top attractions in South Africa. The popular destination is very popular among local families as well as tourists. From a number of shopping outlets, curio shops, puppet shows, fine dining places to workshops, there are of things you can experience at the V&A waterfront. There are also a number of museums, markets, which give you a chance to learn about the city harbour and also visit the Two Oceans Aquarium. You can also indulge in some outdoor activities such as harbour cruises, boat charters and helicopter flips.

4. The Drakensberg

Drakensberg, which implies Dragon Mountains, is another spectacular destination in South Africa. The place is home to the country’s highest peaks. The region has some of the famous World Heritage listed destinations such as uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, San rock art, Royal Natal National Park, beautiful Amphitheatre and a cliff face. Don’t forget to go for hot air balloon rides to appreciate the place.

5. Garden Route

The Garden Route runs for approximately 200 kilometers through some of South Africa’s breathtaking coastal scenery. The main highlights of the place include the beautiful town of Knysna snuggled in the dense forest, Garden Route National Park with the stunning gorges , tidal pools, and thick forests. You can also go for elephant rides and whale watching trips to bungee jumping and tree canopy tours.

Last Few Words

South Africa’s scenic beautify and diverse wildlife make it a popular vacation destination. If you too want to book a South Africa tour package, the best way is to contact an international tour operator that can help you select a holiday package that matches your plan and budget. But, make sure you get quotes from at least three to four operators to be able to compare the packages, and to get the best deal possible.

July 19, 2018 by Jeremy

The Best Place in Africa to See The Big 5

Most people take a trip to Africa for the main reason of going on a safari and seeing some of the world’s most coveted wildlife in their natural habitat. While there’s plenty more to see and do on this vast, beautiful continent, we cannot deny that the travel itinerary of most visitors, makes space for this specific adventure. Due to this being the case, we thought it’d be a good idea to list the places in Africa that are known for its dense population of wildlife so that your African trip is made easier, and you arrive informed.

While most regions in Africa are protected, not all of them allow visitors and safari trips. Read our useful guide on the best places in Africa to see the big five – because if we’re honest, seeing the big five means you’ve pretty much experienced the African bush to the fullest! The Big five include: lion, leopard, African elephant, buffalo and rhino.

Botswana

Botswana is incredibly rich in wildlife. There are many different areas of Botswana which offer travellers fantastic wildlife experiences; each of which offer different activities and even different types of wildlife species. National parks known for their lion and leopard sightings, include: Chobe National Park, Linyati River, Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. For elephant sightings, Chobe National Park is your best bet as this region is known to be home to the largest elephant population in southern Africa. The Okavango Delta will also give you a great chance of spotting these majestic creatures.

Rhino sightings are a little more rare, as rhino’s have become incredibly endangered due to poaching, which may make it a little more difficult for you; however, most of Botswana’s rhino’s have been relocated to northern Botswana in areas such as the Okavango Delta. Buffalo sightings are common, however, especially in areas such as Chobe, Kwando and Linyati rivers as well as the Okavango Delta.

2. South Africa

Source: Thanda Safari

South Africa is definitely one of the favourites when it comes to quality safari adventures and wildlife sightings that are not too far out, or difficult to access. The are even some big five game reserve accommodation options in the country which are ideal for those who want almost guaranteed sightings of the big five. Another reserve perfect for wildlife experiences is the Kruger National Park, located just outside of Johannesburg; however, it can become incredibly busy due to the vast number of tourists. Your best bet is visiting private game reserves which offer safari adventures, and these you can find scattered throughout South Africa.

3. Kenya

Kenya is, of course, another ideal wildlife location. Home to one of Africa’s most famous national parks: the Masai Mara, which is also known for the great mammal migration, the country of Kenya sees thousands of tourists a year who are eager to encounter extraordinary, natural wonders. While one can marvel over the incredible sight of over 2 million mammals crossing the plains over certain months of the year; the Masai Mara also offers big five game viewing opportunities. It is a reserve that offers one a true African adventure, as well as many fantastic activities such as hot air ballooning over the plains. It’s a great place to not only spot the animals that make up the big five; but to fully experience the beauty of Africa.

4. Tanzania

Tanzania is yet another African country rich in game. The best area for wildlife sightings is that of northern Tanzania, where you’ll find the Serengeti National Park. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, with it’s golden grasslands that shine in the African sun, but the park is also densely populated with the big five wildlife species as well as many more fascinating wildlife species. Visitors are also able to see the great mammal migration here in the Serengeti, as the mammals make their way to and from the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, according to the rainfall.

5. Namibia

While Namibia is not usually popular with safaris and wildlife encounters, there is one reserve that’s known to be home to a wide range of species. This is Etosha National Park. It is situated in Northern Namibia and is home to the big five as well as many other wildlife species. It is a fantastic place to go on safari as it offers visitors an authentic African adventure, yet you are also in one of the most diverse countries, which offer unusual and extraordinary experiences such as dune hopping in Sossusvlei!

April 9, 2014 by jfalbelda

7 Underrated Destinations in South Africa

As with all tourist destinations the world over, the more organised the attractions of the country are, the better they are able to attract the greatest number of visitors through more effective marketing. In South Africa, this means cities like Cape Town draw far more overseas visitors than the city of Durban, and the Wetlands of St. Lucia draw many more visitors than the stunning hamlets along the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape, both being equally remote.

This is not to say that Durban or the Wild Coast does not offer great value for money – they do, and much of it – but more often than not, lower budget constraints for marketing result in fewer search hits when holidaymakers plan their next trip.