Ten Adventures You Can Have in South Africa

South Africa is the place to be according to most major media (and me!). Cape Town has been voted “World’s 10 Most Loved Cities” by CNN and received Trip Advisor’s “Traveler’s Choice Destination of the Year.” A South Africa safari was voted “Best Family Vacation” by Family Vacation Critic and South Africa made Conde´ Nast’s coveted “Gold List.” It is also a top honeymoon destination, as well as being voted “World’s Leading Safari Destination” by travel agents worldwide. The reason for all the love is all that South Africa has so much to offer, such as…

1. Wine tastings! There are eighteen official wine routes in its charming Cape Winelands region, including the longest wine route in the world. South Africa has the oldest wine industry outside of Europe and the Mediterranean. It produces some of the finest wine in the world and Franschhoek Valley is also known as the “gourmet capital of South Africa.”
2. Go bungee jumping! The highest commercial bungee jump (710 feet) in the world is in South Africa, which is considered the “Adventure Capital of the World” offering everything from absailing to zorbing.
3. Get pampered! The world’s largest resort, Sun City, features four world class hotels including the legendary Palace of the Lost City. There are lots of amenities and activities, such as a first rate spa, 25-acre botanical gardens, waterfalls, hiking trails, casinos, restaurants, shops, swimming pools, fountains, crocodile sanctuary, waterpark, arcade, and exquisite furnishings, statues, and sculptures throughout the property.
4. Pose for a photo at the end of the world! The Cape of Good Hope is the southwestern most tip of Africa.
5. Go on safari! Kruger National Park is one of the biggest and best wildlife parks in the world. It is the size of New Jersey and full of hundreds of species of trees, plants, and animals. Game drives are offered in Kruger but walking safaris can also be accomplished in Greater Kruger, as well as elephant encounters and more.
6. Enjoy a delicious fourteen-course dinner at Gold Restaurant, which is one of the best restaurants in Cape Town. You’ll sample all kinds of cuisine from Cape Malay to Indian.
7. Explore KwaZulu-Natal’s “Midlands Meander.” This is a fifty-mile arts and crafts route, which also boasts spectacular scenery, cafes, shops, pubs, and activities, such as canopy and bicycle tours. More than 150 artists are featured along the Midlands with handmade items ranging from pottery to paintings.
8. Go to the picturesque village of Hermanus to see whales. You can’t miss the whales if you stay near the town’s official Whale Crier, who announces whale sightings by blowing his kelp horn. Roughly three dozen species of whales have been seen in these waters, especially Orcas (killer whales), humpback, and southern right whales.
9. Go to Boulders Beach to see African Penguins.
10. Take a cultural tour of Soweto Township and/or Robbin Island (where Mandela was imprisoned).

 

 

For more about South Africa check out this week’s Trip Pick and my latest TERRANCE TALKS TRAVEL: Über Adventures show, which features The Best of South Africa.