Guest post by Shiv Nanda.
If you are planning on traveling internationally for your next vacation and are a fan of safaris, wildlife, and new traditional culture, South Africa is a perfect choice. It’s a land of several treasures that will leave you spellbound.
While international travel requires a lot of financial planning, the good news is that you can plan a stress-free holiday on a budget. You can quickly get a travel loan these days which suits your requirements.
So now, with the financial aspect sorted, let’s look at 6 must-visit destinations of South Africa that promise a memorable experience:
- Kruger National Park – One of the most popular safari destinations in the whole world, Kruger National Park encompasses one of the oldest game reserves in South Africa. It’s a 3.5 to 4.5-hour drive approximately from Johannesburg. Visitors can see the ‘Big 5,’ i.e., lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo, apart from breathtaking, diverse wildlife. Many archaeological sites and Bushman rock paintings are also found in this park. You get a few options to explore this versatile park. You can travel through a vast network of sealed roads, soar over the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and river systems in a hot air balloon or opt for a walking safari. Stay in exciting accommodations ranging from thrilling campsites to luxurious lodges.
- Cape Town – It is one of the second-largest settlements in South Africa and one of the world’s most captivating cities. Surrounded by nature, this multicultural city is between a rugged mountain range and a glorious sea. You can enjoy a spectacular overview of the city by hiking up to the flat-topped Table Mountain or a cable ride up to the peak. The eastern slopes of this mountain are covered with lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens within a UNESCO world heritage site. You can stroll along the waterfront boardwalk to spot whales or watch penguins waddle along the golden beaches in False Bay.
The south of the city – Cape Point, is home to rich wildlife and various botanical wonders. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is rated as one of the city’s top tourist attractions, where you can shop, dine and spend time at several entertainment venues. These include Camp’s Bay which is lined by boulder-flanked beaches, Two Ocean’s Aquarium, and many chic cafes and shops. Chapman’s Peak Drive is a favorite among nature lovers to enjoy a sunset with a dusk ritual known as ‘sundowners.’
- Bloukrans Bridge – Once rated as the highest bungee point in the world before the Macau Towers were built, adventure lovers can still enjoy a heart-pumping jump from this point. Get your adrenalin racing with incredible views on your way down!
- Transkei – It is a 250 km stretch of untamed coastline located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Popularly known as the ‘Wild Coast,’ the beaches here are unspoiled and hold thousands of treasures. To experience authentic Transkei culture, opt for a local tour. You can try homemade African beer, meet an amaxwele (a healer or herbalist) or watch the traditional dance of the locals. This destination is mainly known for its hiking trails along the water’s edge. You can also explore the two central reserves along the coastline. These are:
- Hluleka Nature Reserve – It encompasses an area of the coastline and a lush green forest and is located 30 km south of Port St. Johns. It’s a nature lover’s paradise with rich wildlife, including Zebras, Impalas, Wildebeest, Bushbuck, Eland, and Blue duiker.
- Mkambati Nature Reserve – It is located next to Port Edward, and its coastline stretches over 10 km. You can explore forested ravines and waterfalls, some falling straight into the sea. The grasslands cover a significant portion of this reserve and are home to various wildlife species. From hiking to fishing, exploring caves and beaches to spotting wildlife, there is something for everyone.
- Drakensberg – This popular tourist destination is home to some of the country’s highest peaks. The Drakensberg, also known as the ‘Dragon Mountains,’ encompasses some of the most stunning places for visitors. Tugela River offers one of the most exciting whitewater rafting opportunities in South Africa. You can enjoy a one-of-its-kind eco-experience with the Karkloof Canopy tour, a 3-hour adventure trip through the indigenous Karkloof forest. It comprises traversing along a steel cable across seven platforms and eight slides that glide down a pristine valley so you can witness the exciting ecology, spot birds, and enjoy scenic views.
If you are a fan of safaris, you can treat yourself to a horse safari! Both experienced and beginners can ride through the splendid countryside. You can also go for a horse safari among the local wildlife, such as zebras and giraffes, in the Spionkop Game Reserve or with the Sengani Horse Safaris in the foothills of Drakensberg.
- Johannesburg – Also popularly known as Jo’burg, this is the most populated city in South Africa and a gateway for safari lovers. It is also nicknamed the ‘City of Gold’ for its rich deposits of precious metal and is the country's economic capital. Some of the famous tourist attractions include:
- Gold Reef City traces the regional history through captivating mining-themed attractions
- Apartheid Museum displays the system of racial discrimination synonymous with South Africa from 1948 to 1994 and the country’s peaceful transition to a non-racial democratic society.
- Constitution Hill is a site of South Africa’s constitutional court, and a museum is an ideal place to get a clear picture of the country’s past by observing the process through which its freedom was won and is now guarded.
If Johannesburg is considered the country’s heart, then the Soweto towns are its soul. They are essentially the southwestern townships and are the birthplace of the country’s freedom movement, which created the new democratic constitution.
South Africa is indeed a promise of a unique experience. So if you are worried about the finances, go for a vacation loan and get ready to soak in all the above-listed 6 jewels offer.
Author bio: Shiv Nanda is a financial analyst living in Bangalore (refusing to acknowledge the name change) and works with MoneyTap, India’s first app-based credit line. Shiv is a true finance geek, and his friends love that. They always rely on him for advice on their investment choices, budgeting skills, personal financial matters, and when they want to get a loan. He has made it his life’s mission to help and educate people on various financial topics, so email him your questions at
