One important thing to consider when planning your trip is your tastes and interests. While you may already know the type of holiday you want, it can be tough picking the ideal destination. Fortunately, South Africa offers an array of great travel experiences in every province. You can Be a Tourist in Your Hometown or go out and explore the locations that cater to your individual needs. With the help of Private Property, we’ve rounded up five holiday destinations that would suit five types of tourists.
South Africa boasts some of the most spectacular shorelines in the world where you can soak up the sun while taking pictures of your feet. But these beaches have more to offer. You can do deep-sea fishing at Cape Point (the tip of the Cape Peninsula) and Shelly Beach (in Kwazulu-Natal), ride the waves in Jeffrey’s Bay (Eastern Cape) and the Wild Coast of Port Edward, or watch the whales play in the water at the Cape South Coast from June to November.
If beach holidays seem too boring for your Instagram feed, you can add an element of adrenaline to your trip. Why settle for lazy days in the sun when you can swim alongside great white sharks? Head to Gansbaai outside Cape Town or Mossel Bay on the Garden Route for a shark cage diving excursion that brings you up close with the undisputed ruler of the ocean.
Bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge and paragliding from Lion’s Head, rock climbing at the famed Waterval Boven Mountain and mountain biking in the Magaliesberg – South Africa is brimming with adventure activities that are sure to leave you reeling while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Table Mountain from V&A Waterfront
South Africa has an eclectic mix of people, cultures and history which represents our rich heritage. Each city brings something unique to the table that will leave you inspired and educated. Cape Town is home to some of the top cultural sites such as the historic District Six Museum, !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, and Robben Island, making it a popular destination for those with TEFL Certification. Johannesburg boasts a well-developed heritage infrastructure with attractions such as Sophiatown, the Apartheid Museum, the Soweto Theatre, and Freedom Park in Tshwane.
If you’re looking to go off the beaten track and escape the bustle of modern life, and you are serious about pampering yourself, resorts are the best places to go to. Invigorate your body, mind and spirit with body treatments at the Pezula Spa in Knysna or the Karkloof Safari Spa in KwaZulu-Natal. For the more nature-centric resorts, the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in the Cederberg Mountains and the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape are worth a visit.
South Africa has loads of game reserves where one can see Africa's Big 5 and much more. From the world-famous Kruger National Park to the lesser-known (but equally exciting) Madikwe Game Reserve, a safari is one of the best and most exciting things to do in South Africa. And once the safari bug bites, you will be hooked for life.
And that concludes our top suggestions of holiday destinations that suit specific travel preferences. With this many activities on offer, there are also countless accommodation options to choose from when booking your vacation. From a luxury hotel in Cape Town, to a guesthouse on the Garden Route, to any rental property in Johannesburg, you can find the perfect home away from home while enjoying your trip.
What are the best SA holiday destinations in your opinion?
This is a guest post.
Disclosure: 13
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Hey. Thanks for sharing this information. It is very helpful and very refreshing to read articles that focus on the essence of travel.