Cape Town - Exploring South Africa isn’t only reserved for overseas visitors but for the open minded individuals looking to discover their own country too.
Travel search platform, Cheapflights.co.za has scoured the web for the essential travel bucket list for South Africa. Hit the road this winter, instead of being huddled up on the couch!
For the adrenalin junkies
About 120km south of Durban, the Oribi Gorge offers an exhilarating yet wonderfully scenic experience, for more than just a thrill seeker. At 165 metres (55 stories) high, it’s a sure way to get anyone’s blood pumping.
Those who enjoy endurance rather than a short term thrill should head down to the Garden Route coast of South Africa, to the epic hiking trail which goes by the name of the Otter Trail. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in South Africa and is known worldwide. A total distance of 43km, the trail takes five days, starting at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and ending at the Groot River estuary at Nature’s Valley.
The St Lucia estuary, meanwhile, is filled with some of the most dangerous animals in South Africa. Within the estuary lies the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, on the east coast of Kwazulu-Natal, a swamp that gives one the opportunity to be close to crocodiles, hippos and bull sharks.
Take a road trip
Experience mountains, forests and one of the world’s largest canyons – The Blyde River Canyon – by driving South Africa’s famous Panorama Route in Mpumalanga. This route is not only favoured for its access to the canyon but also the picturesque and pleasurable drive. From Sabie to the Mac Mac River, there’s plenty to keep the trip from getting dull.
Alternatively, stay near the coast, within part of the Garden Route National Park, by heading to the Tsitsikamma region, which sits on a 200-metre-high plateau. It stretches from the Bloukrans River to the Tsitsikamma River, offering a mosaic of ecosystems and indigenous rainforests.
Flights to Johannesburg from Durban for the next week start from R717 per person. Visit Cheapflights.co.za to find more deals.
Exploring like a local
Termed a “five-star hotel on wheels”, the Blue Train offers its passengers the experience of a lifetime. Departing from Pretoria or Cape Town, the Blue Train is a 31-hour journey that travels through some of the most spectacular scenery offered in Africa and covers an expanse of 1 600km, from the city of gold to the mother city. With guaranteed views of breathtaking scenery, luxury, and butler service, this is a magnificent moving hotel fit for a king.
For something more low key, head to the foot of the Swartberg range, just 30km outside of Outshoorn in the Western Cape, to the Cango Caves. Known as one of the most popular tourist caves, this extensive system of chambers stretches to about four kilometres. An immediate rush of humidity will hit on the entrance into the cave, but be prepared to be amazed by many clusters of dripstone formations and illuminated chambers.
Adapted from a press release for IOL