The sunny, dry climate makes it an attractive holiday destination all year round for visitors to take advantage of the beautiful coastlines and majestic African bush.
The coastal regions of South Africa offer a range of thrilling exploits, from cage diving with great white sharks in Gansbaai (near Cape Town) to exploring the gorgeous coral reefs off the Kwa Zulu Natal coast, teeming with countless species of fish in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Sodwana Bay, Aliwal Shoal and Shelly Beach all frequently appear in the top 5 dive sites in the world thanks to the huge array of native sea life. Sharks, whales, dolphins, turtles, rays and eels are all very common sights to be enjoyed.
Moving inland, game reserves such as the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe Game Reserve are world renowned for offering visitors a chance to experience the genuine African bush, where animals roam wild and can be observed in their natural habitat. Here you can get up close and personal with the wildlife on an early morning or evening guided game drive, and for the adventurous you can even enjoy an early morning walk in the wild. Days spent game spotting can be gently brought to a close with a dip in the pool and a drink on the viewing deck. After you have watched the sun set over the animals drinking at the local waterhole, you too will have memories to be truly treasured forever.
After diving the warm pristine oceans and enjoying the breathtaking wilderness you may wish to explore some other truly South African experiences. For the culturally inquisitive you can enjoy exploring King Shaka Zulu’s territory in Natal, learning how this great and fearless ruler once controlled a massive section of the coastal region with his vast hordes of Zulu warriors.
Down by the Cape you can take in the world famous wine routes, enjoying the sweeping vistas of mountain vineyards and a glass or two of wine along the way. South Africa produces some of the world’s finest wines and over 100,000 hectares of the country is covered by vineyards. Along the route you can also sample some of the fine brandy, cheeses, olives and coffee all produced in the region.
In the vibrant city of Cape Town you cannot turn a corner without encountering stunning scenery, from its golden beaches and cosmopolitan city centre to its glorious mountain backdrop. An hour and a half trek through beautiful indigenous forests leads straight up to the top of nearby Table Mountain, or for a gentler ramble you can take a four and a half hour trail that meanders up to the top.
Along the Cape’s shoreline whales can be seen from July to December. In September the rare Southern Right whales migrate along the coast and can easily be spotted from the shore. Every September the town of Hermanus holds its annual Whale Festival to celebrate these beautiful creatures, with entertainment including performing artists, stand-up comics and musicians.
South Africa is a country of beauty, diversity and adventure that offers something for everyone, and guarantees those lucky enough to explore its rugged but serene landscape wonderful memories to treasure forever.
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