When most people think of South Africa, they probably think of Table Mountain and safari holidays. That's all fine and well, but really the first thing you need to know is that South Africa offers so many experiences for everyone that it makes for a unique tourist destination.
South Africa spans over 471 million square miles and comprises of 3 capital cities: Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein. With so much to see and do across this incredibly diverse country, we have narrowed down our top 10 reasons why you need to visit South Africa.
1. Stay in cosmopolitan Cape Town
A cosmopolitan city found in the shade of the stunning Table Mountain, Cape Town is one of the most visited cities in Africa. A melting pot of people, culture and food, this vibrant city combines beaches, harbours, and botanical gardens within one of the most breathtaking settings. Take a walk through the city and its museums enabling you to trace the rich political history, culminating in a visit to Robben Island. It is here where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 out of 27 years in captivity.
2. Embark on a safari in Kruger National Park
South Africa has a huge array of wildlife, and Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most exciting safari destination with vast landscapes and fascinating African wildlife. The best way to showcase and explore this area is by safari. Take a journey into the Mpumalanga province where you can seek out the Big Five (lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and elephant). First Class Holidays have flexible itineraries to explore the national park, The Spectacular South Africa is an intimate touring experience spread over 15 days with Kruger National Park occupying 3 days of the trip.
3. Relax on the Golden Mile of Durban
Located on the east coast of South Africa, Durban has some of the best beaches in South Africa. The sunny weather, warm Indian Ocean, and warm Mozambique current keeps Durban considerably warmer than the rest of the country. The Golden Mile is a prized stretch of land along Durban’s North Beach that is popular with surfers, fishers, joggers, and offers some of the best beaches in Kwazulu-Natal.
4. Sample the wines of Stellenbosch
East of Cape Town lies the wine making area of Stellenbosch, the larger of the two wine making regions in South Africa. The Stellenbosch region is world renowned for its award-winning wineries. An unmissable experience in the Cape Winelands is to ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram, this educational railway tram transports guests through the Franschhoek valley whilst enjoying leisurely stops at local wine estates where you can enjoy premium wine tasting. At First Class Holidays we recommend the Cape and Winelands Explorer for a wonderous wine-centric 7-day journey into Stellenbosch, Cape Town and the Winelands.
5. Visit Victoria Falls on a stopover from Johannesburg
Traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'the Smoke that Thunders', Victoria Falls is the world’s biggest waterfall and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. One mile wide and 360 feet high, the falls are shared between two countries: Zimbabwe and Zambia. The views of the Falls on the mighty Zambezi River are quite different from both sides. Combine your South Africa holiday with a stopover at Victoria Falls easily reached by a short flight from Johannesburg.
6. Discover the Garden Route on a self-drive
Famous for its scenic beauty, The Garden Route is a 300km stretch of coastline that includes the coastline towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, mountain peaks, indigenous forests, and lakes, The Garden Route is part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Feeling a little adventurous? Try Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, this 2–3-hour zip line tour consists of ten slides within the Indigenous forest.
7. Journey through South Africa on Rovos Rail
Rovos Rail combines luxury travel with Edwardian grandeur, offering a variety of itineraries throughout South Africa and every journey is a combination of spectacular scenery, off train excursions highlighting hidden gems and an opulence and elegance of bygone rail travel. An all-inclusive experience with discreet but friendly service and fine dining paired with exceptional South African wines make this hotel on wheels a bucket list experience. Its lovingly restored wood-panelled coaches and period Edwardian features have led to it being dubbed ‘the most luxurious train in the world’.
8. Experience a luxury Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape
The rich heritage and diversity of the Eastern Cape makes this region unique. Visit award-winning Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, located within one of 36 Global Biodiversity hotspots, the Maputaland – Pondoland – Albany thicket. This 70,000 acre reserve is slowly beginning to recover from the effects of generations of agricultural exploitation. See herds of springbok, black wildebeest, zebra, and eland roam the Plains of Camdeboo. Experience a luxury safari in the Graaff-Reinet region of the Eastern Cape.
9. South Africa: Adventure Capital of the World
South Africa is a great destination for any adrenaline junkie. There isn’t much that you can’t do in terms of an exhilarating activity. From bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge, the highest commercial jump in the world at 216 metres, to mountain biking, surfing and so much more. This beautiful country easily provides you with the thrills and experiences of a lifetime. But, if you want to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere then South Africa is the perfect place for hot air ballooning, arguably the best way to see the amazing landscapes of this spectacular country.
10. Marvel at the Blyde Canyon, Mpumalanga
Experience Kruger National Parks beautiful surroundings: Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and the 3 Rondavels. Situated in the northeast of South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, the Blyde River Canyon is thought to be the third-largest canyon in the world. Measuring 25km in length and averaging around 2,460 feet in depth, it’s also the world’s largest green canyon. Why not spend a few nights in Hazyview, Mpumalanga whilst you take in the geographic wonders this province has to offer. An ideal add on to a Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve holiday.
Inspired to see the breath taking mountains, numerous National Parks and private games reserves? Explore our wide range of South Africa holidays.
