Home of the Big 5 and breathtaking wildlife, South Africa manages to capture the hearts of many individuals as they become their own adventurer as they manage to come close to wild animals. However, people tend to get quite iffy with visiting the country given that it is also known to be a place where one can easily get hurt from the safari animals or simply catch the deadly disease, Malaria. But don’t forget, every country has their negative side – why make South Africa sound much scarier than the other countries in the world?
I will be frank – my idea and image of South Africa truly changed the moment I landed in Johannesburg, one of the big cities in South Africa. Before I unravel my adventurous journey, I would like to give a big thank you to Profil Holidays for providing the safest trip that I could ever ask for! The reassurance and the knowledgeable guide all throughout my trip truly made the experience worthwhile. It would have not been a perfect experience without the help of my tour operator in the Philippines.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park mainly focuses on the wildlife of South Africa – you will be able to see the Big Five, sometimes they come near your vehicle so you will be able to see such wild animals up close!
During my stay in the Kruger National Park – all I could say is that it was definitely an experience that I could never forget. It truly felt as if I was immersed in the wildlife where animals could go near us and this sense of fear but also excitement ran through my veins.
Sun City, South Africa
About 2 hours away from Johannesburg, I found myself in Sun City – which, I will be honest, brought a different ambiance coming from Kruger National Park.
If I could describe Sun City in a couple of words, it would be: a smaller Las Vegas. Given that description, it must be noted that there are a lot of activities individuals can opt to partake. From family fun to adrenaline-fueled adventures, Sun City has at least something for every individual that comes to their place.
Pretoria, the Capital of South Africa
As many people may not be aware of, the capital of South Africa is in fact Pretoria and not Johannesburg. This is also a modern like city that offers various activities but the well-known activity that is a must see and must do is the famous Voortrekker Monument a mausoleum located on a Hilltop just outside of the South African capital.
This famous monument will surely bring out the history enthusiast in you as it is known to be a monument built to raise commemoration to the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854. Here, you will be amazed to find out the story of the Voortrekkers as you marvel the majestic architectural dome. Of course, to not spoil all the fun I will leave the history behind for you to discover during your trip to South Africa !
George, Western Cape, South Africa
The city of George is a popular holiday and conference center but most importantly it is famous for its’ Golf Course. In fact, the city offers numerous world-class golf courses, some of them even designed by famous golfers.
George Museum
Visiting the George Museum is also a must do when in the city as it exhibits the local Timber industry. Here, you will be able to witness the Garden Route. You will be able to learn about the history and the heritage of the Western Cape and how the past History affected the city – in simple terms, the progress of the city.
Upon entering the George Museum, I was truly amazed by the historical aspect of the city of George, not to mention that I was able to learn various information about the Timber industry.
Outeniqua Transport Museum
Another famous museum that is worth the visit is the Outeniqua Transport Museum – as the name states, it is a transport museum which focuses on the steam trains and vintage cars mostly in the South African History. Upon entering the museum, you will get the chance to admire some of the Iron Ladies that rules the railway lines of South Africa and many more.
Upon entering the museum, I was truly amazed by all the historical aspect of South Africa and how the transportation emerged throughout the years.
Mossel Bay
Before heading over to Cape Town by bus, I made sure to stop by the Mossel Bay – I was able to witness the 19th century Cape Street Blaize Lighthouse and the Bartolomeu Diaz Museum Complex named after a famous Portuguese explorer who discovered the area.
Cape Street Blaize Lighthouse
Here, I was able to witness the only rock lighthouse of the South African coast which was built in 1864. Although, if you are curious why it was given its name – I will leave that out for a suspense.
If you get the chance, make sure to stop by at the top of the tower as it is said to have a spectacular view. The steps may seem quite tiring but it is definitely worth the experience to view the astonishing view of the South African coast.
Bartolomeu Diaz Museum Complex
As the name gives, this is a historical museum wherein may spike interest to those who want to learn more about the history of South Africa. This museum will offer various information specifically about the past sea explorers who dropped their anchors within the Mossel Bay vicinity.
I also learned that this was the oldest post office in South Africa dating back 500 years where a letter was found inside a shoe handing on a tree, thus getting the name “The Post Office Tree”.
Oudtshoorn, South Africa
Known for its’ famous Ostrich Farm, I made my way towards the famous farm to witness an Ostrich Race. Here, you will learn everything about the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, and if you are lucky – you will be able to interact with one!
I was able to buy an Egg with designs as a souvenir, but not the bags made of Ostrich skin which is very expensive.
Cape Town, South Africa
I stayed in Cape Town for about three nights. I visited the famous Table Mountain, a vineyard famous for African Wines and the Cape of Good Hope.
Table Mountain
Whether the mountain is covered in a blanket of clouds or shining through the scorching heat of the sun, the Table Mountain is always a spectacular view. The famous mountain lies about 1,084 meters over the beautiful beach. Here, you will be able to witness a diverse range of flora and fauna – many of them being endemic within the vicinity of the area, whereas some are endangered species.
Although, my first attempt of visiting the Table Mountain did not go as planned as the weather was bad – I have heard many beautiful stories of it.
Second attempt – the weather was much better and I was able to make my way towards the top of Table Mountain where I witnessed the panoramic view of the city of Cape Town. Of course, given that I was part of a city tour, I had to stop by the famous Marina, the Prison where Nelson Mandela was once held then onto Boulders Penguin Colony offering a home to wadding penguins and their nesting area. Lastly, I had to make sure to do some shopping for souvenirs for my family and I !
If you get the chance, make sure to take a couple of moments of your trip to visit the astonishing view of the beach from the Table Mountain.
Vineyard for famous African Wines
Just a couple of drives away from Cape Town, you will stumble upon the middle of the Cape Winelands. Here, you will find various famous vineyard famous for their wine. Most of them established by Dutch colonists and French Hugenots in the late 1600s and now being used as a South African wine estates.
Cape of Good Hope
Also known as the Top of the Cape Peninsula, this place offers an astonishing view where the waters near the Cape of the Atlantic meets with the waters of the Indian Ocean.
I had the chance to climb up to the Cape Point – which was a long way up – but the view was spectacular. Witnessing the ocean view and the wild landscape as the wind blows – I was in awe with what I saw.
