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South Africa is one of the greatest places to go for it combines the natural wonders as well as hip and vibrant cities. Its tumultuous history is present in the culture and architecture, while national parks preserve millions of years of history as well as early settlements of the human beings. Check out these ten great spots we have picked this week.
10. Go Hiking in Sabie Valley
Down this valley a small town of Sabie is found. Surrounded with a forest, the town is situated on the Sabie River banks. These wonderful sites of the valley are taken from the Long Tom Pass. On the top of this mountain you will also find The Long Tom – a silver British cannon.
Why to go there?
A picturesque and historically prominent site, situated near the Kruger National Park, Pilgrim’s Rest, Blyde River Canyon, the Sabie waterfalls, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Photo by Des Jacobs
Photo by Des Jacobs
Photo by Des Jacobs
9. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
South Africa produces great wines and also boasts numerous natural wonders. The wineries, found just a short drive from the town, offer wine tasting tours, while the impressive mountain range rests in the backdrop. Grapes have been cultivated in these vineyards already in the 17th century!
Why to go there?
The prices are very affordable – both per bottle and in the restaurants. Visitors can explore the vineyards, meet with the winemakers and have a nice dinner at the local restaurant.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
8. Walk the The Boomslang
A 130 m (427 ft) long tree canopy walkway is your next most favorite hiking route! The scenic bridge rises above the trees and provides one of the most unique experiences ever. Found in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the walkway attracts visitors to admire the wonderful vista to the mountains and lush greenery.
Why to go there?
The bridge starts in the forest and then gradually ascents until it reaches the highest point of 12 m (49 ft). It really looks like a magic walkway from a fairy-tale and you should definitely go there once in the city.
Photo by Adam Harrower
Photo by Adam Harrower
Photo by Adam Harrower
Photo by Adam Harrower
7. Hit the Waves in Supertubes
The world famous surfing spot in Jeffrey’s Bay is popular among professional athletes. It provides high walls of waves, that when once break create tubes. The rolling tides take unexpected twists and turns, so there is plenty of surprise in the experience.
Why to go there?
The entire shoreline on J Bay is full of nice beaches, but this one is the best one in regards of a great surfing experience.
Photo by Shaloha
Photo by Shaun Joubert
Photo by Shaun Joubert
Photo by Shaun Joubert
6. Go to Pretoria
One of the three capitals of the country, Pretoria is a diverse and vibrant town. Its versatile architecture has been influenced by various cultures and its features are unique. The National Zoological Gardens is one of the most famous and best zoos in the world. The Freedom Park has been inspired by Nelson Mandela and is a symbol of human rights.
Why to go there?
Discover architectural monuments, museums, parks, gardens and the zoo in this beautiful town.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
5. Ride a Horse in Noordhoek
Noordhoek stretches along a coastline with a long white sandy beach. There are many horses in Noordhoek. Riding them on the unspoiled beach is one of the main attractions here. The tourists are offered to take a two hour guided ride. The group takes off from a farm, rides through the wetlands and the beach, heading to Chapman’s Peak. During the tour the riders get to see the amazing nature and many wild animals like whales, seals, otters and variety of birds.
Why to go there?
Noordhoek is definitely the place to visit once in Cape Town. And the horse-riding enthusiasts can plan their ride choosing from many different farms. And another attraction – Table Mountain National Park – is on the way to Noordhoek.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by David Smith
Photo by Juan Wernecke
4. Get a Cable Ride to Table Mountain
The most popular attraction in the city – the cable car lifts tourists to 1067 m height. From the top of the Table Mountain amazing panoramic views of Cape Town open. Moreover, the innovative cars’ floors rotate, thus giving an extra excitement and views. However, you can also climb to the top – the mountain is not difficult to navigate.
Why to go there?
The mountain is an iconic symbol of the town. Of course one can use another way around and hike to the top. However, the cableway offers an easier and a scenic way to get there?
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Phil Pagev
3. Visit the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga
Blyde means happy in Dutch for a good reason: the canyon is one of the most beautiful in the world. It stretches for 25 km (16 mi) to the north of the Drakensberg. It certainly is the biggest green canyon on Earth: lush foliage covers the precipitous red sandstone cliffs. Besides the thick forests, the canyon is also home for various species: hippos, antelopes and numerous primates. It also features several waterfalls and viewpoints.
Why to go there?
Tourists explore the site by hiking trails or even horse riding. There also are various other activities: rafting, hot-air ballooning, fly-fishing, biking, tours and boat trips on the Blyde Dam.
Photo by Pete R.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Cal Redback
Photo by Hougaard Malan
2. See the Glorious Drakensberg
The highest mountain range in South Africa, meaning the Dragon Mountains in Afrikaans, rises to 3,482 m (11,424 ft) height. Due to its geological history, the mountains are truly unique compared to other mountain ranges. The rock paintings in Drakensberg also provide a lot of interesting discoveries for the scientists, who explore human nature.
Why to go there?
There are plenty of activities to do in Drakensberg. More experienced tourists can climb the peaks or go abseiling, or white water rafting in Orange or Tugela River. Hikers can approach the area by choosing from many trails. You can also have a helicopter tour and see the mountains from above.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Carl Smorenburg
Photo by Carl Smorenburg
Photo by Marnus van der Merwe
Photo by Unknown
1. Go to Cape Town
One of the most exciting cities in South Africa, Cape Town boasts an exciting variety of great activities. Embedded in the surroundings of magnificent nature, the town also provides a vibrant urban life. But in this list we have pointed out amazing outdoor activities available to the adventurers. Cape Town is simply a must see once in South Africa.
Why to go there?
From versatile hip neighborhoods, shops, restaurants and museums to unspoiled nature – mountains and beaches provide great outdoor activities year round.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Paul Gilowey