International travel is back! And there’s no better way to start to the new year than by planning a trip to South Africa.
Long celebrated for its rich history and culture, breath-taking beauty, and world-class wildlife experiences, recent visitors to South Africa have also been raving about its vibrant urban energy and the incredible warmth and cultural diversity of its people -making 2023 the perfect time to visit the Rainbow Nation.
Whether your travel crew is filled with adventure enthusiasts, culture and history buffs, lovers of wildlife and scenic beauty, or those looking to relax on beautiful beaches or explore its vivacious city lifestyle, here are just a few of the reasons South Africa should top your travel bucket list:
Affordable Luxury Travel
If you’re looking for a top tier, luxurious vacation without breaking the bank, South Africa will be perfect for you. There are packages with a range of price points suitable for any budget that present great value for money in terms of service and experience. And South Africa’s favorable exchange rate will be especially appreciated when shopping, dining in fine restaurants, or enjoying the country’s incredible range of wines.
History & Culture
Seasoned travelers know that in some destinations you relax, while in others you learn, when it comes to South Africa, you’re blessed to be able to do both. With a deep-rooted focus on culture, in South Africa you’ll learn firsthand about both ancient and more recent historical events. Discover humankind’s fascinating ancient history at the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, just outside Johannesburg, experience history at the former homes of Nobel laureates Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu in Soweto, catch a ferry from Cape Town to Robben Island and walk the halls of South Africa’s history, and pay your respects to the King of the Zulus at the monument of Shaka Zulu in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Best “Big 5” Sightings in Africa
Let’s face it, there are very few places in this world where you can spot an elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard, but even fewer places in the world where you can spot them all in one day. With 21 national parks throughout South Africa, your senses will be fully engaged as you get up close with many of the world’s most striking animals. Often referred to as the ‘Big 5,’ visitors can capture epic photos from driving safaris in Kruger National Park and relax in one of the opulent game lodges in the Sabi Sands area of Mpumalanga. You can observe the penguins on Boulders Beach just outside Cape Town and search for rare wild dogs among the rich biodiversity of the Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West.
Near-Perfect Weather
For many travelers, weather is often a leading factor in choosing a vacation destination. Luckily in South Africa the weather is almost perfect throughout the year. In fact, Durban averages over 300 days of sunshine per year. Even during the “rainy season” from December to March throughout the country it is still quite sunny.
This is the perfect opportunity to visit one of South Africa’s 41 Blue Flag beaches, awarded for their high standards of water quality, environmental management, and safety and services. Additionally, you can explore the stunning Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga or explore the Namaqualand flower route, where each spring the Northern Cape blooms with an endless sea of wildflowers.
Delicious Wine and Cuisine
South Africa’s brilliant wines are finding their way to tables around the globe– and under the stars. The best way to appreciate them is with South Africa’s world-class cuisine, prepared by some of the best chefs on the planet.
From Johannesburg, to Cape Town to Durban, you’re sure to be offered some regional delicacy, and as South Africans like to say: “local is lekker” (local is nice). In addition to savory meat dishes made with beef, pork, lamb and chicken, there are also several varieties of game that you might want to try, including springbok (a type of venison), ostrich, and even warthog.
To enjoy the country’s award-winning wines, including its signature varietal Pinotage (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault), tour one of 13 wine routes in the Western Cape, where you’ll find hundreds of estates that produce thousands of wines.
To learn more about South Africa’s rich, authentic, unfiltered experiences head over to www.southafrica.net.