Overseas visitors pay top dollar to visit South Africa (when they're not stopped from doing so by dreaded 'Red Lists'!). Us locals have it all on our doorstep, so why not take advantage of the bounty of attractions this summer season?
South Africa’s 2,800kms of coastline is packed with incredible beaches from east to west, including the wild jungle shores of Mabibi in northern Zululand or Kraalbaai lagoon in the West Coast National Park.
But for a one-stop beach destination with world-renowned views, Cape Town is an easy winner. The city is home to the highest number of so-called “Blue Flag” beaches, reserved for stretches of sand and sea that meet international standards for environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management and safety.
Pack your sunscreen and head out to Llandudno, Camps Bay Beach, any of the Cliftons, Fish Hoek, Muizenberg Beach, Strandfontein Beach, Mnandi Beach, Melkbosstrand, Silwerstroomstrand or Bikini Beach.
Or choose from a host of excellent surf spots for all abilities (learn at Muizenberg in Cape Town, voted one of the 20 Best Surf Towns in the world by National Geographic).
And did we mention Cape Town is home to the Ocean’s Big 5? They’re all found in False Bay: the great white, Cape fur seals, dolphins, African penguins and orcas.
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We know plenty a traveller who visits the mega Kruger National Park (spanning more than 19 485 km²) at least once a year without tiring of its epic wildlife sightings!
That’s because the park is always offering up new adventures: birding weekends, guided walks in the Skukuza or Pafuri regions, rare sightings and opportunities to support conservation projects!
Need a special reason to visit? Each year the Kruger transforms into South Africa’s most unique concert hall for the May long weekend: Mopani Rest Camp hosts a four-day celebration of music and nature — raising much-needed funds for conservation. Guests are treated to sundowners on arrival, three magical bush concerts by a six-piece classical ensemble, followed by three-course meals with awe-inspiring views of the Pioneer Dam.
While the world’s third highest commercial bungee jump in the world at Bloukrans Bridge is the Garden Route’s most infamous adrenaline attraction (for good reason, when the free-fall is more than 200m!), there are at least a handful of other activities that’ll get your blood pumping if you’ve already taken the plunge once.
Skydive over one of South Africa’s most stunning coastlines at Mossel Bay — not only are you treated to a free tour of the area but also a heart-pounding adventure as you jump from a plane at least 3km above ground. Or tandem paraglide over Wilderness Beach and see if you can spot resident great white sharks patrolling the waves.
If water sports are more your style, make camp at SANParks’ Ebb and Flow Campsite (near Wilderness). From there hike the coastline or hire a canoe and paddle through pristine indigenous forest — the Giant Kingfisher Trail leads to a cascading waterfall and refreshing swimming pools.
Not sure if cruising’s for you? Test the waters with a short cruise from your home port this summer. When cruises resume, MSC Cruises offers a range of affordable cruises for the whole family, departing from Durban to fun destinations such as Maputo, Portuguese Island, Fort Dauphin, Inhaca Island and a quirky itinerary “to No Where”.
Not all spas are created equal — but lucky for you, many of South Africa’s top spas are recognised the world over for their high standards.
The spa at the ultra luxury Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban, for instance, was voted Best Luxury Hotel Spa in Africa in the 2014 World Luxury Spa Awards, and the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in Sandton, Johannesburg, was voted Best Luxury Wellness Spa in the same awards.
Get the best local deals for local travel from your nearest Sure Travel Agent, or book direct here.