5 Things to do in South Africa that will change your life
One of the most obvious effects of the mass vaccination campaigns, in different corners of the world, is the rediscovery of travel, of travelling alone or in company, even on a yacht, discovering new scenarios in which to indulge in complete and total relaxation, thousands of miles away from the problems of the city. In the post-pandemic world, even with all the complications arising from the new waves of contagion, people seem to have rediscovered the pleasure of travelling, even on their own, dedicating some of their time to all those activities which, for reasons of force majeure, had been temporarily set aside. A nation to explore, for the spring or summer of 2024, is certainly South Africa, a nation washed by two oceans and with about 59 million inhabitants, able to offer dream scenarios to all nature lovers, but also to all those undecided who can never choose between sea and mountains: South Africa, in fact, is able to offer breathtaking and extremely fun destinations for all kinds of tourists, regardless of their tastes.
Drakensberg Mountains
Among the top 5 things to do in South Africa, the Drakensberg Mountains, located in the easternmost tip of the country, deserve a special mention. These are South Africa’s highest mountains, offering explorers greenish peaks, striking sandstone cliffs and a series of extremely deep valleys. It is a perfect destination for hikers, particularly those who enjoy more complex hikes requiring several days’ walking.
South African wines are appreciated all over the world. If you find yourself in South Africa and are short of ideas, we suggest you visit the many wineries that dot the nation’s vast expanses, particularly in the Cape Winelands district, not far from Cape Town, which is home to more than 150 wineries. Many of these establishments also have comfortable guesthouses for visitors, making them a great option for a short day or two away from the traditional destinations. South Africa’s winemaking tradition dates back to the 17th century and over the years has produced fine wines that are appreciated worldwide. While you’re sampling South Africa’s excellent wine, you can wander through the picturesque villages of the Winelands, built in the Dutch style and adorned with countless rows of vines.
Another destination to include in your South African itinerary is certainly the Blyde River Canyon: it is located in the Mpumalanga Nature Reserve, and at 800 metres deep and 30 kilometres long is the third largest canyon in the world. The Blyde River Canyon runs through the Drakensberg Mountains, all the way to the Blyde Dam. In addition to the breathtaking waterfalls, murmuring rivers and beautiful sandstone, the canyon owes its fortune to its spectacular viewpoints. One of the most popular is the Three Rondavels, from which you can admire remote crevasses and interestingly shaped rocks. Other privileged viewpoints in the Blyde River Canyon include the Sabie Eucalyptus Forest, which contains one of the largest concentrations of eucalyptus in the world, and the famous God’s Window, which offers visitors the opportunity to gaze out over the entire canyon from an impressive open-air window.
Whale watching
Whale lovers will find plenty to do in South Africa. The African nation is universally known as one of the best destinations for whale watching, especially between June and November. One of the best viewing spots is the town of Hermanus, about 120 km south of Cape Town, where some of the country’s best whale-watching companies have set up headquarters. Due to the high demand for these tours, it is advisable to book well in advance. Sitting quietly at one of the observation points and waiting for the whales to appear, or even for them to make their characteristic cries, will undoubtedly become one of your favourite occupations, a magical moment that will be etched in your memory forever.
No trip to South Africa is complete without experiencing the thrill of the safari. Spending a night or two in one of South Africa’s many national parks is an unforgettable experience, one of those moments that will stick in your memory forever and never leave. In the Kruger National Park, visitors can admire lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo, and with the help of a local guide they can learn all about their natural habitats and daily routines. This park was founded in 1898, and is divided into two main areas: the first is private, and offers each visitor the opportunity to explore the park with a licensed guide (tourists can also choose to sleep in the park), while the second is public, and can be visited with a rented car. Since its inception, the park has encouraged the free movement of all the animals in its territory (an impressive assortment of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals), allowing the creatures to cross the national borders with Zimbabwe and Mozambique. For this reason, the two areas into which the park is divided are bordered, but without any fences. The aim is to ensure that all animals have free access to the areas.
If you’re looking for pure South African-style fun, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing, at least once, some of the best South African online casinos offered by Casinos.co.za, carefully selected by a team of experts to offer the best gaming experiences imaginable. In addition to a wide selection of games, these platforms also offer rich guides and state-of-the-art payment methods, helping each person to find the right casino for their personal needs.
South Africa, after all, is the home of fun. When you return from a safari or a leisurely trip to the many national parks, there will always be time to immerse yourself in the pulsating nightlife of a city like Cape Town, or to enjoy the thrill of surfing at sunset or even early in the morning. The more traditionalist can also choose to drive along the most famous routes, such as the Garden Route, or go penguin watching in the Boulders Penguin Colony. Whichever destination you choose, South Africa is a treasure trove of treasures to be discovered, to be savoured slowly and passionately throughout the day. For more information check wothappen.
