3 Reasons For Visiting South Africa This Summer

South Africa is a sprawling nation with every type of environment, including beaches, desert and African bush. The major cities provide many attractions, especially Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. Depending on what type of holiday you are seeking, South Africa has it in spades. Here we explore beach destinations, the thrill of an African safari and the lush and beautiful Cape Winelands.

Life on the beach in South Africa

South Africa is lined with gorgeous beaches on the colder Atlantic coast and the warmer Indian Ocean. Cape Town is a spectacular destination, with beaches spreading along the Atlantic Seaboard from Sea Point to Camps Bay and beyond. Further afield, more rugged beaches can be found along the glorious Garden Route. Meanwhile the West Coast offers spectacular beach destinations, along with whale watching, great white sharks and more.

While the Atlantic Sea tends to be chilly, heading to the Indian Ocean coastline reveals bustling Durban, as well as the North and South Coast beaches with wild destinations along the way. Even better, visitors can head to the spot where the Atlantic Sea and Indian Ocean meet at Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape.

Safari adventure in Kruger National Park

South Africa has many great safari destinations, but the most famous (and rightfully so) is Kruger National Park. This sprawling park offers a huge range of wildlife species, including the famous Big 5 (namely lion, leopard, rhinoceros (black and white), elephant and Cape buffalo.

Visitors have a choice of staying in luxurious lodges, with swimming pools, spas and excellent restaurants. The lodges organize regular jeep safari trips out into the park. Alternatively, a good option is to stay in a most basic, rustic camp and experience the African bush on foot. This option allows you to get as close as nature as you can. Here you will truly experience the tranquility, seclusion and peace of the African bush with all its nature sounds.

Experience the Cape Winelands

Those seeking delicious food, quaint towns and the best wines must head to the Cape Winelands. A short drive from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is a famous university town, surrounded by vineyards and mountainous scenery. The streets are lined with boutiques, cafes and art galleries, all set in beautiful Cape Dutch architecture. As for the vineyards, visitors can head to the Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Vineyards, Thelema Mountain Vineyards and more to experience fine dining and wine tastings.

Another great Winelands destination is the French Huguenot village of Franschhoek. The town also features Cape Dutch architecture and is surrounded by centuries-old vineyards producing fine wines. Here visitors can also hike through the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve to experience views over Franschhoek Valley.

The Huguenot Memorial Museum is an interesting visit, exhibiting details of the French settlers who arrived here in the 17th and 18th centuries, bringing their wine knowledge with them.

Enjoy a beach, safari or wine holiday in South Africa this year for the trip of a lifetime.