Adventure awaits on South Africa tours… It hardly seems fair that one country should have such lively culture, rich heritage, remarkable scenery and amazing adventure activities, but indeed, that’s South Africa. From dynamic cities to traditional villages, from treetop lodges to luxurious spas, there’s certainly more than a single vacation’s worth of pleasure to be had on South Africa tours.
A Quick Zip through the Forest
Ascend to a platform perched in the forest treetops and then glide along a steel cable to take in a view of forest life, waterfalls, rock formations, deep gorges and a cacophony of birds. Canopy tours of various lengths (and speeds!) can be found in the Tsitsikamma Forest, Karkloof Forest, Magaliesberg Mountains, Central Drakensberg and Magoebaskloof. Thrilling!
Up Up and Away
It may be South Africa’s most tranquil safari, floating in the clear air at a level just high enough to enjoy the landscape and the wild animals that inhabit it undisturbed and unaware of your watching eyes.
Whale Watching
South Africa offers amazing opportunities to view Southern Right Whales off the Cape south coast. You may also catch a glimpse of humpback, minke, Bryde’s or even killer whales. Aboard a boat tour or just standing ashore, South Africa’s whale watching is not to be missed!
uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains
The highest mountain range in Southern Africa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is indeed a “barrier of spears,” with its dramatic buttresses resembling the back of a dragon. Sandstone caves shelter a treasured collection of ancient paintings by San people and the entire region is a hiker’s (and birder’s) dream.
White Water and Quiet Calm
Calm channels to rip-roaring rapids, river rafting in South Africa will give you an entirely different perspective on the landscape. Rivers course through various parts of the country and offer a variety of challenges, scenery and wildlife on view.
Elephant Back Riding
Board a gentle giant for a different kind of safari. You have the perfect vantage point to see wildlife and scenic vistas and to observe firsthand the interactions of these intelligent, social creatures. A great place to ride is at the Elephant Sanctuary in Gauteng or Camp Jabulani in the Kruger area.
Big 5 Safaris
Looking for the top five reasons to visit South Africa? Here they are: buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. Treasured and protected, the “Big 5” can be found in most of South Africa’s provinces, but safaris in Kruger National Park easily rank among a lifetime’s “best-of” travel experiences.
- The African Leopard – The hardest to see on safari, the leopard is nocturnal and well camouflaged.
- The African Rhino – There are two species of rhino in Africa, the Black rhino and the White rhino. Rhinos are actually neither black nor white in color, they are all grey.
- The African Lion – Point your binoculars up high; because all lions can climb trees, some rest up high more often than others in certain areas to avoid buffalo and tsetse flies.
- The Cape Buffalo – Cape Buffalo are said to have killed more big game hunters than any other animal in Africa and are one of the most dangerous.
- The African Elephant – Elephants are vegetarians and consume up to 375 pounds of vegetation each day.
Beautiful Capetown Beaches
South Africa faces two oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian – with stunningly-scenic beaches that cater to families, trendy visitors or even penguins! Find the beach that fits your vacation rhythm and settle back to enjoy the endless vistas and color-drenched sunsets.
Shark Alley
Like a little adrenaline with your vacation? Jump right in! Shark Alley, off the Cape coast, is home to one of the largest populations of great white sharks in the world. Try a cage dive for a face-to-face view of that toothy grin, or enjoy the excitement (and there’s plenty!) from the deck of the ship.
Northern Kruger National Park
In the northern reaches of Kruger National Park, the landscape stretches into pristine wilderness populated with fever trees and giant baobabs, majestic game animals and a birder’s dreamscape of avian life. You’ll also see evidence of Stone Age human habitation and fossils of great dinosaurs.
The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Situated in the third-largest canyon on earth, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is a remarkable collection of sculptural landforms, spectacular vistas and varied habitat for the rich collection of flora and fauna that reside there.
Visit a Sangoma
Herbalist or spiritualist, sangomas are mystical healers with powerful influence in South Africa. Do as the South Africans do and arrange a visit to seek the sangoma’s wisdom in Johannesburg’s Faraday Muti Market, in Eshowe in Zululand, or in the mountains of Ficksburg in the Free State.
Vintage Motorcycle Tour Along the Scenic Cape Coastline
Take a leisurely ride along the shore to take in the Cape’s breathtaking scenery, or ride through town to see the colorful architecture and gorgeous gardens.
