If you are looking for a sign to get that South Africa visa from Dubai, this is it. South Africa is the perfect destination for everybody as there is something for everyone there. If you are an adventure enthusiast, activities like hiking, game safaris and horse riding are perfect for you, and those looking for a relaxed holiday can also soak up the sandy beaches and the beautiful sunshine.
If you need more convincing to travel to South Africa, then take this journey with us as we explore the best things about the country and why you should visit. The journey guarantees you adventure, entertainment as well as proper relaxation.
Ten compelling Reasons To Visit South Africa
- Breathtaking Beaches
South Africa has plenty of beaches, with Cape Town having the best urban beaches in the world. Some of the top-ranked beaches include Camps Bay Beach, Muizenberg, Blouberg and Boulders Beach, which hosts a large colony of endangered African penguins. There are long stretches of pristine soft sand lapped by waves along the Garden Route and KwaZulu Natal’s Indian Ocean coastline. The beaches and waves become warmer as you go north. Visitors can enjoy diving and snorkelling sports as well as coral reef viewing on certain beaches in South Africa.
- The Best Big 5 Sightings in Africa
If you are a lover of nature and wildlife, then South Africa should be at the top of your must-go list. Here, you can see all the Big Five animals (Elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino) in just one day. This, according to many, is one of the best reasons to visit South Africa. Go for one of the world’s finest Big 5 safari in one of the conservation areas and national parks.
Some of the outstanding conservation areas and national parks in South Africa are:
- Kruger National Park, together with its private game reserves like Sabi Sands, Thornybush, Lion Sand, Dulini, MalaMala and Londolozi
- Pilanesberg National Park
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Madikwe Game Reserve
- Phinda Game Reserve
- Superb Food & Wine
Foodies and wine lovers are guaranteed a great time in South Africa. Here, you get to enjoy unique culinary delights, and you definitely get value for your money. If visiting Cape Town, South Africa’s Mother City, stop at the Cape Winelands, the country’s undisputed ‘gourmet capital.’ Explore the stunning vineyards and sample award-winning wines in cool cellars and vine-covered patios. You can also enjoy some of the world’s finest cuisine in the magnificent restaurants inside Cape Winelands.
If you are a real epicure, go for a getaway in the lush hills of KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on South Africa’s eastern seaboard. Go for a hike full of comfort in the foothills of the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains.
Cape Town has been the old destination for foodies, but Johannesburg is quickly catching up. Both cities are hubs for great coffee, craft beer, vibrant markets and inspiring restaurants full of merged local flavours with international trends. All this, plus the South African hospitality, will leave you with unforgettable African memories.
- Abundant Activities
South Africa is like a massive playground with plenty of sunshine, mountains, sea and river. Tourists looking for outdoor activities can choose from the following popular activities:
- hike at the Table Mountain
- watch whales in Hermanus
- horse riding at Drakensberg
- paraglide over Cape Town’s beaches
- safari walk at Kruger National Park
- cycle through Cape Winelands
- take a guided walking tour through Johannesburg
- tour the forest canopy in the Garden Route
- play world-class golf
- Friendly People & Local Cultures
Experience and interact with South Africans, who are known to be very friendly. The people there love interacting with tourists and will gladly help you if you get lost somewhere or recommend the best places to visit. South Africa blends many captivating cultures, so you will experience distinct traditions and cultural dances.
The country’s cuisine is also a rich fusion of flavours, and you can learn how to make the cuisines if interested. In Johannesburg, you can go to Nelson Mandela’s house and learn about the history of South Africans and that of Soweto.
- Near-perfect Weather
South Africa has a temperate climate, meaning the summers are sensational and winters are mild. Durban, Ballito and the KwaZulu-Natal beaches experience an average of 300 days of sunshine in a year.
The December to March rainy season at the Kruger National Park is not much, and there is still sunshine. Rainfall is mostly in the form of thundershowers in the late afternoons, meaning that the air is washed clean of dust. The South African weather is perfect for bright and crisp photographs.
- It’s a Family Favorite
South Africa is family-friendly, and your kids will love it there. There are plenty of accommodation options and adventures that are great for a family holiday. For a beach experience, Cape Town and Garden Route top the list of the best places to visit. For a family safari tour, you can go to Pilanesberg, Madikwe or one of the Eastern Cape reserves, which are malaria-free and with excellent game viewing. If looking for a thrill, drive for less than two hours from Johannesburg to the Sun City, a holiday resort with a sandy ‘beach’ and ‘ocean’ established in the middle of the bush.
If young kids accompany you, talk to your travel agent to organize for you a lodge geared for kids, the majority of which have junior rangers’ programs, shorter game drives, educational games and particular play areas with trained baby seaters. Long safari tours may be tiring for kids, but gentle nature walks with experienced guides can be very exciting.
- Rich in History
South Africa is rich in history, both ancient and modern history. The Cradle of Humankind is where the 2.3-million-year-old fossil nicknamed Mrs. Ples and other hominin fossils were found. Visit the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields for a more recent history of the bloody battles between British soldiers, Boer commandos and Zulu warriors. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandera and other political prisoners were jailed for 18 years, is also a hub for modern history.
Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa, with the oldest developments, such as the Constantia Winelands, that date back over 300 years. The San Bushmen can educate you about their desert lifestyle that remained unchanged for thousands of years.
- Excellent Value for Money
South Africa has very cozy and family-friendly lodges that offer you the very best of holiday pampering, thus giving value to the money spent. Eating out in South Africa is quite affordable, and the delicacies are to die for.
A safari tour can be all-inclusive, so you can talk to your travel agent to create a personalized itinerary around your budget.
- Moving Around is Easy
South Africa has a world-class infrastructure that makes moving around easy for locals and foreigners. There is a steady flow of international airlines at international airports nationwide. National highway roads crisscross big sky Karoo landscapes, wind through the farmlands, nip along coastlines and over the breathtaking mountain passes.
South Africa has an excellent mobile phone network, widely accessible Wi-Fi, readily available ATMs and plenty of full-service gas stations for self-drivers.
