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South Africa will surprise you! Come take a look at five reasons to book a trip featuring mountains, beaches, cities, and safaris.
Why Visit South Africa?
Cape Town’s Neighbourhoods
You won’t get bored in Cape Town as it has a cool variety of neighbourhoods that offer a different vibe and attractions.
The most popular for first-time visitors is the V&A Waterfront, which is packed with shops, bars, and restaurants.
It is also where you can join the hop-on and off bus, which we highly recommend for seeing more of the city.
You’ve probably come across Bo-Kaap on social media, as this is where the colourful buildings are located, as well as diverse culinary options.
If food is at the top of your bucket list, Green Point has delis, restaurants, and bars.
For a lush landscape with access to hip dining experiences, check out Gardens.
The Coastal Views
If an early rise to run along the promenade, then grab breakfast at a hip cafe is your thing, stay in Sea Point and for an upmarket holiday destination with sandy white sand beach (although it is windy), you’ll love Camps Bay.
The coast also takes in Clifton, which is a series of four beaches, with number four being the most popular with sunbathers, but I do stress how windy it can get, so try to find a boulder to hide behind.
For a less windy water experience, look out for the local tidal pools.
The Vineyards
Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town are the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which are known for their local vineyards.
It is common for visitors to stay at a vineyard accommodation, but if you are short on time or don’t love wine enough, do check out the wine tram, which stops at different vineyards.
Tip: do some research before hopping on the tram, as each vineyard has its own taste and aesthetic and remember to build snacking and lunch into your day.
Safari Tours
It felt like Christmas day every morning on safari, wondering what animals we would see on our game drive.
During our three-night stay, we watched lions waking up, giraffes at sunrise, elephants drinking water from our pool, rare black rhinos, and so much more.
Safaris caters for all budgets with the cheaper options offering accommodation in bigger resort-style properties, and the more expensive ones providing exclusivity and 5-star service.
Things to consider when researching:
- How do I get to the location?
- What is the price of the transfer?
- Is it in a malaria zone which requires medication?
- How many people are accommodated on game drives?
- How inclusive is the resort? What do I need to pay for?
We met the loveliest of locals during our safari too, some of which were enjoying their own celebratory stays such as anniversaries and birthdays, and we will never forget our tour driver, his knowledge was insane and he was so kind.
The majority of people we met in South Africa were so sound.
Penguins
Did you know that you could visit a beach with African penguins in South Africa?
A trip to Boulders Beach, which is less than 1.5 hour drive from Cape Town, will bring you up close to this wee, cute colony of penguins.
You can also visit the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point of Africa, on organised day trips to see the penguins.
This is just the start of why you should visit South Africa – have we convinced you?