Joburg – As South Africa heads into September on Thursday as well as the welcomed arrival of warmer weather, the nation’s top tourism spots are expected to be busy.
But during Tourism Month, which is commemorated every September, there are also many hidden gems in the country.
This is as the cosmopolitan make-up of South Africa’s cultures is spread across its provinces and offers travellers unique and exciting experiences to explore the best of the southern bowl of Africa. Cheapflights, a global travel search site that compares flights, hotels and rental cars, has put together a list of nine exciting travel destinations to celebrate Tourism Month.
1. Kruger Park
The world-renowned Kruger National Park is a visitor hotspot, inviting travellers to sink into the wildlife experiences of SA’s Big 5, as well as explore its vast birdlife of over 500 species. The 360km long park is the third-largest national park in the world, has five vegetation zones, and is regarded as the best place in the world to spot leopards.
2. Sun City
Sun City is often a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers, many of whom include the destination in their itineraries because of its collection of water resorts, Valley Of The Waves water park, and entertainment offerings. It is also surrounded by beautiful nature reserves including Kwena Gardens Crocodile Sanctuary, Madikwe Game Reserve, and Pilanesberg National Park.
3. East London
East London is an interesting destination for travellers wanting to discover something different. There are fascinating attractions like the East London Museum and the East London Aquarium, as well as the old Friesland Milk Bar which was established in 1924. Stepping more into the eclectic, visitors can enjoy Tea In The Trees, or see the excavation site of the oldest human fossil footprints which is 124,000 years old, in the Nahoon Point Nature Reserve.
4. George
George in the Western Cape is the gateway to the beautiful Garden Route, with incredible destinations for tourists to experience the history and visual beauty of the city and its surroundings. The Outeniqua Transport Museum is a converted railway station where visitors can see Paul Kruger’s coach and a coach from the Royal Train of 1947. There are also scenic drives that visitors can take, such as Montagu Pass, The Seven Passes Drive, and Outeniqua Pass.
5. Saint Lucia
An intriguing destination, Saint Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal is a world heritage site and has the largest population of free-roaming hippos in South Africa. In addition to that, Saint Lucia is also known for the Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs on the beaches in the summer months, as well as its breathtaking Humpback Whale and Whale Shark sightings.
6. Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is often referred to as the City Of Roses for its abundance of roses and the annual rose festival. It is also located close to the beautiful Free State National Botanical Garden, a 70-hectare garden with over 400 different species of plants, and an ancient settler’s cottage. Flora fans can also visit Orchid House at the foot of Naval Hill, where they can see hundreds of these exotic flowers.
7. Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit is situated between the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, so is a perfect stop on a travel itinerary between the two. From horseback safaris and interactive elephant experiences, visitors can also enjoy hot air balloon safaris and some rest and relaxation at a wellness spa.
8. Tanda Tulu
Tanda Tulu is a camp and nature reserve in the Timbavati Nature Reserve, on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park. The reserve is known for its white lions, which were historically worshipped by the Shangaan tribe who believed they were sent from God. Today, visitors to Tanda Tulu can learn more about the Elephant Protection Project, and stargaze across the crystal-clear night sky. There are also horse and balloon safaris, as well as micro lighting over Klaserie Game Reserve.
9. Mtunzini
The less well-known Mtunzini in KwaZulu Natal is situated along Mtunzini Beach, and offers visitors fishing expeditions, explorations of Tembe Elephant Park and Umlalazi Nature Reserve, and a unique experience at The Zululand Brewery - known as the smallest family-owned brewery on the KZN Brew Route, the route being an experience of its own. The flagship Zulu Blonde was voted number one ale at an international ale festival in 2010 and has been stocked across UK pubs ever since.