South Africa: Vast landscapes, rare encounters, and nature’s raw power

Kruger National Park gives tourists the quintessential safari experience. Adventurers can feast their eyes on the astounding beauty of Africa’s wildlife in this enormous park, containing of 2 million hectares of land. Visitors view a full range of indigenous wildlife in this peaceful paradise, including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros elephant, and Cape buffalo). As home to close to 500 species of birds, 100 species of reptiles, nearly 150 species of mammals, a multitude of archaeological sites, and a resplendent diversity of trees and flowers, this wildlife experience ranks as one of the best in Africa. Accommodations include a campsite, bungalows, and private game lodges.

643 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, South Africa, Phone: +27-01-24-28-91-11

Founded in 1913, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the world’s first botanical garden with the ethos of preserving the country’s unique flora. Based at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden includes a botanical institute and a large conservatory exhibiting plants from a number of regions. The outdoor area showcases plants native to the Cape region. Trails throughout the grounds give residents and tourists alike a place to explore gardens and mountain slopes. One of the paths climbs up to Skeleton Gorge ravine, a popular route to the summit of Table Mountain.

Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-17-99-87-83

Situated 45 miles (72 km) by road from Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park gives guests a chance to see African animals in action. Expert guides take tourists through the grounds housing over 600 elephants and large mammals such as cape buffalos, zebras, hartebeests, lions, and warthogs. Exploring the park, visitors may stumble upon elephants drinking by the watering holes or spot a number of antelope species. Available activities include hiking, game drives, 4x4 trails, horseback riding, and marine eco tours. The park gives a number of different options for accommodations, including secluded rest camps and luxury lodges.

R335 Paterson Road, Addo, South Africa, Phone: +27-04-22-33-86-00

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

A visit to South Africa would not be complete without a chance to view the country’s stunning scenery and impressive variety of wildlife, and the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve makes the perfect place to do just that. The grounds contain a 20-mile-long (33 km) gorge filled with an abundance of breathtaking waterfalls and panoramic views of the third largest canyon in the world. Visitors can stay overnight in private lodges or guesthouses and enjoy a full array of activities like fly fishing, hiking, kloofing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning, biking, and taking guided tours and boat trips at Blyde Dam.

R536, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa, Phone: +27-01-37-59-53-00

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

As the home to thousands of endangered African penguins, Boulder’s Beach lets guests get up close and personal to these fascinating animals. During a visit, the annoying squawk of birds makes it easily apparent why this species has received the nickname of the “jackass penguin”. Boulder’s Beach is open to the public, and visitors only have to pay an entrance fee. There they can observe the birds roaming and swimming freely throughout the sheltered beach comprised of inlets reaching between ancient granite boulders. The large boulders block the water from the wind and large waves, making it an ideal location for kids to go swimming.

Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-17-86-23-29

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is situated on over 60 hectares of scenic valley and provides a safe haven to the greatest variety of indigenous raptors in southern Africa. In this birdwatchers’ paradise, visitors get a glimpse of beautiful birds of prey in a well-maintained, scenic environment. Residents of the sanctuary include show birds, eagles, owls, vultures, falcons, kestrels, hawks, kites, buzzards, and secretary birds. During this interesting outing, aerial displays give an impressive look at different birds in flight. Guests may also get the chance to witness the release of rehabilitated birds.

Lion Park Road, Pietermaritberg, South Africa, Phone: +27-03-17-85-43-82

Reputedly the largest hole excavated by hand, the Big Hole is an open-pit and underground mine in Kimberley, South Africa. The enormous hole started the world’s largest diamond rush in the late 1800s, attracting thousands from around the world to its mines. Today, it has grown to depths of about 700 feet (215 meters), with 40% of the hole filled with turquoise-colored water. Thrill-seekers can take a stroll down the open-air steel platform that juts over the Big Hole down into the chasm. A high security vault contains real diamonds with stones of all shapes, colors, and sizes.

South Circular Road, Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa, Phone: +27-05-38-39-46-00

Situated within the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, the Bourkes Potholes display a remarkable geological phenomenon formed by water erosion. Although the entrance fee is a bit high, a visit gives amazing views of extraordinary rock formations and waterfalls. Rapid water formed unusual swirls of holes, carving potholes into the river bedrock over thousands of years. A trail takes hikers through a 0.4-mile (700 m) walk to the potholes, where they can explore winding pathways and footbridges overlooking the landscape. Those interested in visiting should bear in mind that the attraction can get overcrowded, with high temperatures during peak season and public holidays.

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Moremela, Mpumalanga, South Africa, Phone: +27-01-37-69-89-26

Located 18 miles (29 km) from Oudtshoorn at the head of the Congo Valley, the Cango Caves stand out as one of South Africa’s most popular tourist caves. It consists of over 2.5 miles (4 km) of an extensive system of tunnels and chambers with limestone formations. Well-informed guides take guests on an underground adventure exploring large caves, narrow passages, and dripstone caverns. During the tour, travelers marvel at cave paintings and artifacts dating back to the Middle and Later Stone Ages. Visitors hoping to avoid long waits should plan ahead and book in advance, especially during holiday periods.

Cango Valleie Road, Oudtshoorn, South Africa, Phone: +27-04-42-72-74-10