South Africa continues to emerge as a holiday destination for people from all over the world. Here is a highly subjective list of ten top holiday activities or destinations in South Africa. We purposely omitted land-based casinos even though South Africa boasts of many excellent ones.
We believe that when you’re on holiday in South Africa it’s best to do your gaming at an online casino for South Africa. At online casinos, you can play as many free casino games as you like plus you can place a bet or two if you wish. But whilst visiting South Africa, best to visit the country!
Ten Great Things to See and Do for Internal or External Travelers in South Africa
Safari
This should be the number one item on the list of any visitor to South Africa. The wildlife you’ll see in our country is so spectacular that it defies description. In addition, you’ll also enjoy the scenery as your safari adventure will take you far from any metropolis.
There are several hundred safaris available from close to 200 safari operators. You can buy a luxury safari or a budget safari with several gradations in between. The length of your safari may vary as well so everyone on every budget can enjoy this extraordinary wildlife adventure.
Before booking your safari, check what animals roam the safari you’re considering. Best to go for one which boasts the “Big 5”. This means you’ll see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Some safaris have only some of these animals, but if you’re going to safari, go for the best!
Kruger National Park is one of the more well-known safari hot-spots, offering something for everyone – from luxury safari stays to camping out under the stars.
Table Mountain
This deserves mention on its own merits. Table Mountain is located in Cape Town. It offers hikes and magnificent aerial views of the city and the ocean. Of a day, the mountain may be covered in clouds or fog. A drizzle may fall on the mountain at the same time that the city, 1100 meters below, stays dry. And yet, there are crisp, clear days on which you’ll feel that you can see forever.
Nature lovers will find it hard to leave! The mountain boasts nearly 1500 different plant forms, some indigenous to just this area. Animals native to Table Mountain don’t pass the size test as do those on safari but they are interesting and diverse. Porcupines, mongoose, snakes are plentiful so be careful where you tread. Some exotic animals with unusual names are also seen on Table Mountain. These include the rooikat (a cat), dassies and a rare frog.
If you look up at the sky, you’ll likely catch one or more birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, and buzzards.
Other Adventures in Nature
South Africa features many nature reserves where you can see almost all the animals visible on safari. The accommodations are not luxurious but if you’re on a tight budget, then a nature reserve is probably the best way to see the best South Africa has to offer in the wild.
Spelunkers find many caves to explore especially the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn.
Zoos
South Africa houses many animals from around the world in excellent zoos. The animals are well cared for and our top zoos are well worth a visit. The Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary is more nature reserve than zoo. It protects many snakes and allows visitors to hold the non-poisonous examples of the snake kingdom.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
After experiencing the most exotic fauna, you might take a trip to this magnificent botanical garden. The garden is on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It features many plants including some endangered species.
Aquariums
The most famous aquarium in South Africa is the uShaka Aquarium in Durban. The varied number of sea creatures makes it a great excursion for everyone.
History
South Africa abounds with important historical sites. Apartheid was the most terrible time in our history and there are now many sites that commemorate the end of that sad period. Constitution Hill is one such site. It holds three museums. The permanent exhibits chronicle the descent into apartheid and the rise out of it and toward constitutional democracy.
Museums
South Africa boasts many top museums. Two of the most noteworthy, and distinctively different museums, are The Apartheid Museum which is devoted entirely to this sad history and the Perfume Museum which delights everyone’s sense of smell and is well worth a stop.
Wineries
South African wines are not yet world famous but will be in the coming years. We boast many excellent wineries managed by expert vintners. It’s only a matter of time before the term “South African wine” makes people sit up and pay attention! Many wineries offer tours.
Family Fair
We have many attractions for children of all ages. uShaka Marine World is similar to sea world attractions in many countries. There are many excellent water parks for a long day keeping cool. The kids will love every water park; each one features a large number of individual water-related activities so kids and adults of all ages find the water parks thrilling.
Kids also love to see the ostriches at the several ostrich farms around the country. In addition to ostriches, many farms are open as petting zoos. Some farms that have seasonal crops offer timely festivals celebrating the harvest.
So Much to Offer
This is just a small taste of the many attractions South Africa has for tourists both internal and external. When you plan a South African holiday, remember to thoroughly research everything we have to offer, in order to get the absolute best out of your vacation!