My sister and I took a short trip to South Africa in the month of April. We intended to spend some time exploring bits of Johannesburg, Cape Town and the Kruger National Park. We did a fair job with Cape Town from a tourist perspective but we never really got around to exploring Johannesburg. Maybe next time..
If you plan to visit SA soon, here are my Top 5 recommendations for what to do…
Para-glide off Table Mountain
Table mountain is a prominent landmark and a significant tourist attraction in the city of Cape Town. It is definitely an attraction worth visiting but how you choose to do so may vary. While some visitors ride the cable way to the very top for breathtaking views of the city below, some others choose to take the incredibly rewarding hike to the top. And then there are those who choose to paraglide off it!
Whichever way you choose to enjoy this attraction, you can be rest assured that you’ll be having nothing short of a wonderful experience.
Touch the Tip of Africa at Cape Point
A trip to Cape Point from Cape Town city center may take up to an hour but it is time worth spending. The drive is pleasing, the route is scenic and your bragging rights would be epic! You touched the tip of Africa! (You really didn’t though but let’s not get into the fine details 🙂 ).
You may also choose to combine your trip with a visit to the Cape of Good Hope and the Boulders beach to maximize your outing.
Take a cruise along the V & A Waterfront
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town is situated in South Africa’s oldest working harbor and it attracts millions of visitors each year. It sits at the foot of the Table Mountain offering great views and numerous activities that scream ‘shut up and take my money!’
The Two Oceans aquarium is situated here and the City Sightseeing Bus tour kicks off from this location. A free harbor cruise comes with the purchase of a two-day bus ticket and if you choose to buy this separately, it costs only R40 (as at March 2016).
Experience the beauty of Nature at Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch is another popular tourist attraction in Cape Town but I had never heard about it until I took the tour on the City Sightseeing bus. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Kirstenbosch is a famous botanical garden that focuses on the cultivation of plants indigenous to South Africa. It features a canopy walk – which doesn’t wobble so much, some exhibitions and a concert area that hosts live concerts in warmer months.
Go on a Wild Life Safari in Kruger
Is a trip to South Africa ever complete without a wild life safari? I am highly doubtful. Luckily, in SA, you are spoilt for choice as to where to take this little adventure of yours. The Kruger National Park is one amazing destination to consider. It is one of the largest game reserves in Africa covering an area of 19,485 square kilometres – apparently larger than some countries and there is no shortage of animals to see. Some, of course, are more elusive than others.
There you have it! Let me know what you think of the list in the comment section below and which experience you’d love to try…
