A South African holiday is truly unforgettable. It is a place full of natural wonder, a colourful history, and some of the most unique experiences you can imagine.
There is such a diverse selection of experiences available, from seeing the Big Five on a safari, to swimming with penguins, to bungee jumping off of bridges – everyone will find something exciting to do.
But, choosing just one or two of these experiences can be a real head scratcher – so we have put together a list of the top South African experiences that both tourists and locals can enjoy.
Plan A Self-Drive Safari
A self-drive safari is a one-of-a-kind experience, and is perfectly safe for anyone to enjoy. There are numerous places to choose from, including the Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
The benefit of a self-drive safari is that you are in control of the itinerary. You can choose to stay for a longer period of time at certain spots, such as staying to watch a pride of lions or settling in at a spot to watch out for unique birds or animals. Make sure you follow all the COVID-19 protocols set out for the park you choose to visit.
Swim With Penguins
Penguins are fascinating animals, and at Boulders Beach in Cape Town, you can spend the day swimming with them – a truly special South African experience. Boulders Beach is dotted with smooth boulders that play house to a large colony of African Penguins.
These marine birds are not afraid of swimmers and sunbathers, and are curious enough to come fairly close to humans. Obviously, they should not be touched because they are wild animals, but there is ample opportunity for fun photos. Make sure to remove all litter you bring with you when you leave.
Take A Hike
South Africa is known for having stunning landscapes, and many of these are accessible through hiking. You can hike up Table Mountain for a magnificent view over Cape Town or you could be more adventurous and choose Platteklip Gorge instead.
Be sure to choose hiking trails that match your abilities and difficulty level. Look for guided trails that make the hike easier, if you are travelling to South Africa with children or people who are not as fit as you. Always pack and wear sunscreen while hiking and bring along enough water.
Experience An Underground Adventure
Along the Garden Route, one of the best road trips in South Africa, you will find the Cango Caves. The Cango Caves is a network of caves that spans 4kmunder the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains.
If you’re having a relaxing South African holiday, you can explore the caves slowly and take in their natural splendour. There is also an adventure tour for the adrenaline junkies, who are not afraid of squeezing, twisting, and squirming their way in and around the caves. At the moment, only 25 people are permitted per tour due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Amp Up The Adrenaline
Our country is full of daring and thrilling experiences, but one of the most exhilarating has to be bungee jumping off of the Bloukrans Bridge. The bridge is 216 metres tall and offers bungee jumping, a zip line, and a skywalk.
For another adrenaline rush, the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve has the Wild Gorge Swing, where you jump off the edge of a waterfall and swing through Oribi Gorge. Neither experience is for the faint-hearted and you will need to book ahead of time to ensure you have a spot.
Wine Down In The Winelands
Wine and Cape Town are synonymous, and what better way to experience South Africa than with a winelands tour. Some of the most popular wineries are in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Constantia, but there are some that are off of the beaten track that you should enjoy.
Paserene, in Franschhoek, is a small, family operated winery that has a truly magnificent wine tasting room, designed to look like a swift’s nest. Their luxury wines have won several awards, and truly live up to these accolades. Make sure to book tastings ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Babylonstoren in Simondium is a unique wine farm experience, as it not only makes wine but has a stunning garden that you can explore for only R10 a person. The tasting room is next door to the wine cellar and the food platters on offer are made from ingredients directly from their farm.
Explore Sunny South Africa
A holiday to South Africa should be on everyone’s bucket list. From swimming with penguins, to bungee jumping, to relaxing with a glass of delicious wine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For driving from one thrilling adventure to the next, Star Car Hire has a range of cars to choose from. Contact us to find out more about our process.