GET READY TO EXPERIENCE South Africa
WHERE WORDS FAIL, AFRICA WILL SPEAK
South Africa will leave you speechless with its wildlife and captivate you with its culture. Watch in wonder at the sight of a pack of lions sleeping in the tall grasses. Be amazed at the magnificence of the elephants bathing in the water. Taste the flavors of the local cuisine. Discover the rich culture that makes the people of South Africa who they are. And prepare to experience the feeling of discovering something you never knew existed, but now realize you can’t live without.
From big cats to charismatic penguins, majestic elephants, and speedy cheetahs, South Africa is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Just an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth is the Addo Elephant Park. As the third-largest park in South Africa, it is home to over 600 African elephants, as well as black rhino and antelope. As the oldest big game reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe Umfolozi should be on every traveler's bucket list. It's a popular Big Five park where visitors can view wildlife up close from the comfort of a safari vehicle.
South Africa boasts a world of plants that are just as useful as they are beautiful. They range from the fine grasses of the Free State Province and scrubby bushes of the Karoo Region to the dense greenery of the Garden Route forests and the mountain plains of the country's inland. South Africa is home to more than 22,000 indigenous plants and is also home to 10% of the world's flowering species. Many of these plants are not only beautiful to admire, but they also play an essential role in the country's ecosystem and in producing natural medicines and remedies.
South Africa is a country with a rich history and vibrant culture. Not only are there three capital cities, but the country also has 11 official languages, including Zulu and English. South Africa wasn't officially colonized until 1652, but cave painting has been discovered that date back some 75,000 years. Cave paintings are not the only historic discovery in South Africa. Some of the best fossils of early dinosaurs have been found in the Karoo region in the Western Cape. In fact, it is estimated that almost 80% of the dinosaur fossils found to-date were found in the Karoo!
If you want you to enjoy your morning coffee or tea like a local when in South Africa, be sure to order it with mosbolletjies. This traditional sweet bread is very similar to a brioche, and its origins date back to French settlers in South Africa in the late 1600s. Mosbolletjies are made from the leftover grape paste that is formed during the wine-making process, which is why they are typically only made during the wine-making season. When you sit down for your morning coffee, be sure not to miss out on this novel South African treat!
From towering cliff faces to awe-inspiring coastlines, South Africa is home to breathtaking natural landscapes. Like something out of a movie, The Blyde River Canyon is renowned as being the largest 'green canyon' in the world. Situated on the famous Panorama Route, the area is home to many waterfalls and is a hiker's paradise. One of the most iconic natural attractions in South Africa is Victoria Falls. This UNESCO world heritage site is a must-see attraction. For the daredevil, hike your way to Devil's Pool, Devil's Pool, where you can stand, sit, or swim in a rock lip overlooking a 100-meter drop.
South Africa is a country with a rich history and vibrant culture. Not only are there three capital cities, but the country also has 11 official languages, including Zulu and English. South Africa wasn't officially colonized until 1652, but cave painting has been discovered that date back some 75,000 years. Cave paintings are not the only historic discovery in South Africa. Some of the best fossils of early dinosaurs have been found in the Karoo region in the Western Cape. In fact, it is estimated that almost 80% of the dinosaur fossils found to-date were found in the Karoo!
Located in a suburb of South Africa's Cape Town is the small seaside town of Muizenberg. Famous for its colorful bungalows on the beach, the town is a picturesque destination. Situated in the South Peninsula, Muizenberg is known for its laid-back lifestyle centered around the ocean. The main attraction in Muizenberg is undoubtedly it's long, sandy beach which stretches for miles around the False Bay coastline. At Surfer’s Corner, the small waves and gentle swell of the ocean provide the perfect conditions for learning to surf!
South Africa is known for its stunning beaches that are popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. If you want to escape the crowds, the coastline is dotted with secluded beaches that make for a perfect getaway. Located on a lush and untouched part of the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal is Umzube. Close to some of the more popular beaches, Umzumbe is the perfect secret hideaway. Tucked away in the Western Cape is the seaside town of Elanda Bay. This stretch of coastal area with a small-town charm that is also a popular surfing destination!
South Africa's Garden Route is a coastal stretch of paradise. The route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth offers awe-inspiring scenery unmatched anywhere else on earth. Along the route is the Tsitsikamma National Park. Tucked between the mountains and the sea, this park is one of South Africa's top destinations. Hike to the top of the mountains for sweeping views of the coastline or kayak up the Storms River mouth and surround yourself with the untouched landscape of South Africa.
When you travel to South Africa, you'll probably notice biltong as a popular menu item, especially as an appetizer or snack. The practice of drying meat has been around for centuries, and its history can be traced to many different cultures. Biltong, specific to South Africa, was first created by the local indigenous tribes over 400 years ago. The traditional South African recipe includes creating a rub of rock salt, pepper, coarsely ground coriander, and vinegar. The meat is then air-dried and cut into thin slices and ready to be enjoyed.
Don't let your dreams become regret... Let's begin planning your trip to South Africa today!
Do you have multiple vacations on your bucket list? Take a look at these other incredible options :
South Africa is home to a diverse range of wildlife, but perhaps no animals are more famous than the Big five. Originally a term coined by hunters, the Big Five include the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. There are few places left where you can see all five of these magnificent creatures living in their natural habitat, but South Africa provides visitors this unique opportunity. Learn more about these native animals during a safari trip and experience a once in a lifetime sighting of them in the wild. Don’t miss your chance to marvel at these famous and majestic creatures during your next trip to South Africa.
THE BIG FIVE
A trip to South Africa is the trip of a lifetime. From safaris to surfing, this country has so much to offer. It is the perfect place for you to travel with friends, family, or even solo. Regardless of who you go with and what you do, be sure to savor the memories and enjoy every moment of your trip. Don't just hide behind the camera, get out in front of it, and don't be afraid to ask a friendly local or fellow tourists to snap a picture. You'll be glad you did when you are reminiscing at home!
Become part of the experience… Subscribe to our weekly email timed to hit your email’s inbox each Sunday morning with just enough excitement and inspiration to be the perfect accompaniment to your morning cup of coffee.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
