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South Africa is all about discovery, revitalizing your spirit and reinventing your thinking. Luxurious resorts, moving township visits, open-air safari game drives and vibrant cities like Cape Town; few destinations can offer such a myriad of enriching experiences. Already an up-and-coming destination, South Africa garnered tremendous worldwide recognition after successfully hosting the 2010 World Cup. Visitors from around the globe have spread the news of this beautiful nation. And now leisure travelers are moving it to the top of their wish-lists. You’ve made a wondrous choice.
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Destination Must-See's
Cape Town:
Cape Town is the second most populated city in South Africa. It’s known for its landscapes, gardens, museums, cuisine and wine, but most importantly, it’s known for its wildlife. South Africa is a great place to see the Big Five: elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions and buffalo, as well as many species of snakes, birds and even eight different species of whales.
Entabeni:
Referred to as “The Place of the Mountain” this Big 5 reserve also has five eco-systems. It has a moderate climate year round with rainfall in summer. The area is malaria-free and has an upper area with rock formations and grass plains, and a lower area of vegetation and wetlands.
Hanglip Mountain Lodge:
There’s never a dull moment at Hanglip Mountain Lodge! The luxury suites here are a great blend of romantic African and African baroque. There are ten luxury bedrooms, spa facilities, dining room and lounge, bar facilities, wine cellar, swimming pool, and the Hanglip fig tree outdoor venue. Every room has a private deck with views of the mountain and lounge areas with welcoming fireplaces. There are also game drives, bush walks, horseback safaris, helicopter flights, paintball; abseiling, and quad bikes.
Kruger National Park:
Imagine yourself exploring almost five million acres of protected game reserve spread out on the plains of South Africa. Here you can see the Big 5: elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards and rhinos running free out in their natural habitat. But wait! There are more than three hundred types of trees and five hundred species of birds to admire, too!
Destination Must-Do's
Table Mountain:
This landmark is Africa’s most welcoming and photographed attraction and it’s no wonder why! Visitors enjoy riding to the top of the mountain by cable car where the most spectacular views can be found. The mountain is home to thousands of species of plants and flowers as well as the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Definitely do not leave your camera behind for this trip!
Featherbed Reserve (milk trees):
Located on the Knysna lagoon, there is much to see in the Featherbed Nature Reserve. You can explore the reserve riding on a 4x4 vehicle and trailer that takes visitors to key viewpoints on the reserve, or you can explore an ancient sea cave. Milk trees are extremely common here and they can grow up to six feet tall and have a spiny shrub-like look with small yellow flowers along the side.
Boulders Beach:
Feel the sea breeze in your hair and the sand between your toes at Boulder’s Beach in False Bay. Aside from being a beautiful spot to lounge, swim, and picnic, it’s also the only place in the world where you can observe African Penguins in their natural habitat. A colony of these adorably furry endangered birds settled at the beach in 1982 and never left. You’ll probably want to stay a while too.
Winelands Region:
South Africa has some really great wine. Visit the heart of the winelands region and take in the colorful mountains and vineyards that seem to go on for days. Don’t forget to taste some of that delicious stuff while you’re there!
Expert Advice
As you prepare to explore South Africa, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Lightweight cottons are suggested for shorts, slacks, tee shirts, as well as hats and one warm jacket and/or jumper.
You’re in for a treat as you sample the truly unique flavors of Africa. The cuisine is sometimes called "rainbow cuisine," as it enjoys a variety of multicultural sources. Eating and drinking in South Africa is a culinary experience not to be missed.
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. In South Africa you’ll find a plethora of cultural products like carvings of animals made of soap stone, ebony, or other woods; wooden masks, bowls, jewelry and chess sets; jewelry made of precious stones like diamonds and semi-precious stones such as malachite, lapis and topaz; native art paintings, murals and sculptures; safari clothing; and tie-dyed prints of animals.
Featured Tours to South Africa
Spectacular South Africa
Namibia & South Africa: Epic Landscapes & Wildlife
Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana
Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water
