Holiday Destinations: Stunning South Africa

Posted 26th January 2017

Picture South Africa…. Are you perched in the back of an open top 4×4, peering across the Savannah to spot a lion? Sipping a glass of chilled Chenin Blanc surrounded by the breathtaking, rugged landscape of Stellenbosch? Or gazing over Cape Town as you stand at the top of majestic Table Mountain?

With over 1600 miles of coastline you can find yourself alone on one of South Africa’s never-ending beaches.  If you are basking yourself in Cape Town then you will have easy access to a number of beautiful bays.  Keep in mind that the chilly water of the Atlantic Ocean keeps the locals out so head to False Bay for warmer water temperatures.  Surfers will love the Third and Fourth beaches where you will find some impressive waves.

Idyllic Nature's Valley seen from finish of Otter Trail hike
Idyllic Nature’s Valley seen from finish of Otter Trail hike

South Africa is an incredible destination with plenty to occupy all the family. Spot animals race across the savannah or watch penguins waddle across the beach.

There’s little to match the excitement of spotting an animal racing through the tall grasses, no matter your age. The Kruger National Park is renowned for the Big 5 (the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and, as it’s almost 2 million hectares in size, this vast area is also home to an incredible number of bird species, trees, insects and other wildlife.

Spot penguins on Boulders Beach. Marvel at these adorable, waddling creatures as they dart back and forth into the sea! The glorious white sandy Boulders Beach is home to colonies of African penguins and there are plenty of rock pools for children to explore, too.

Glide up to Table Mountain on the Aerial CablewayHop aboard the cable car and take the five-minute journey to the top of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. Standing at 1,089 metres above Cape Town, from the top there’s an outstanding 360-degree view over the city, bay and nearby peaks of surrounding mountains.

Not for me but anyone without a fear of heights and over the age of 10 can try one of the world’s highest commercial abseil. You’ll “stand” on the side of Table Mountain at 1000 metres above sea level! The nail-biting descent takes place on the side of a sheer cliff but there are breathtaking views of Robben Island, The Twelve Apostles, Lions Head and Camps Bay, and the twinkling sea below if you’re brave enough!

Say “hello” to an elephant at the Addo Elephant Park, you can see herds of elephants wandering across South Africa’s third largest national park. The park is home to over 600 elephants, but keep an eye out for rhinos, buffalos, zebras, leopards and warthogs, too!

Safari in South Africa with Cheetah
Safari in South Africa

For something a little different head underground…Pop on those explorer hats and discover the incredible history and underground world of South Africa’s caves. The Sterkfontein Caves (north of Johannesburg), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has the remains of more than 500 Hominids (fossils related to our ancestors), with some dating back more than two million years! Cango Caves, on the Western Cape, features spectacular dripstone formations, with Cleopatra’s Needle measuring a huge 9-metres in length.

LINDA ALLEN
TRAVEL COUNSELLOR

T 01908 887 150
M 07875234122
E linda.allen@travelcounsellors.com
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