Immense swathes of savannah teeming with majestic beasts and colourful birds. A craggy coastline as varied as it is beautiful. Ancient rock-art sites and world class vineyards. Writer Emmie Harrison-West explores some of our reasons to love South Africa, and why it should be on your post-lockdown getaway list…
DK South Africa
View BookSpectacular safaris
Lions lazing in the sun, a family of elephants parading through the bush, vivid sunbirds flitting between branches: experience close encounters with an abundance of nature’s most majestic animals. South Africa is blessed with mesmerising safari tours from its tip to its tail, and is also home to the ‘Big 5’.
Natural wonders
Whether it’s the rolling dunes of the meerkat-ridden Kalahari desert; the chasmic Blyde River Canyon, littered with subtropical greenery, or the Drakensberg’s jagged peaks – South Africa’s scenery is truly unforgettable. There’s a reason why one of the country’s best panoramic views over the Blyde River is affectionately named ‘God’s Window’.
Big city life
South Africa’s vibrant cities not only house an appealing array of cultural attractions, but thrive with a wealth of buzzing markets, trendy restaurants and lively nightlife. Capital city Johannesburg has an infectious party attitude, while Durban is more laid-back, with delicious cuisine. The beating heart of South Africa’s cities lies within their unique cultural hubs, and you’re spoilt for choice.
Sun-soaked coastline
From family-friendly beaches to land-based whale-watching, South Africa’s epic coastline – spanning the warm Indian Ocean and the chillier Atlantic – has something for everyone. It is more than 2,800km of pure, unspoiled natural beauty with its golden beaches perfect for both an adventure, or a guilt-free lazy day.
Adventure time
Get an adrenaline fix by leaping the world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, or by scaling the heady heights of Table Mountain. Dip your toe into rafting the mighty Orange River, or freedive with playful seal pups and explore underwater kelp forests. South Africa is your very own adventure playground.
Bottom's up
South Africa’s wines are, quite rightly, world-famous. Soak up the summer sunshine of the scenic Winelands while savouring a mouthwatering array of exquisite wines and fine dining in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Can’t choose whether to visit tiny wine boutiques, or sprawling estates? Hop on the Franschhoek open-air, double-decker Wine Tram and explore them all.
View from the top
From the lofty peaks of uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park – a protected World Heritage Site – to the coastal cliffscapes of Robberg, the country’s web of walking trails is seemingly limitless.
Cape Peninsula
A craggy, mountainous sliver of land that stretches south from Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula is a haven of sandy beaches, pretty seaside towns and rugged natural beauty. Explore the jutting finger of land by foot or by car – but be sure to pack binoculars for shark, whale or even penguin sightings.
Traditional culture
South Africa’s cultural tapestry is a rich blend of traditions. Learn to throw a spear at the rural Shakaland, an authentic nod to Zulu tradition, or attend the sensational Umhlanga Reed Dance in eSwatini – it’s an annual event to unify the Zulu nation and promote respect for young women.
Good sport
Sport is a national obsession in South Africa. Soak up the atmosphere at a cricket, rugby or football match, where the passion of the unabashedly devoted crowds is palpable. South Africa’s devoted crowds roar louder than its lions.
Ancient prehistory
Uncover the lives of Earth’s earliest ancestors from some three million years ago. Reveal the past while fossil-hunting at the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site; or marvel at the prehistoric rock art of uKhahlambaDrakensberg Park.
The Mandela legacy
The iconic political leader died in 2013, but his legacy lives on within the country’s very soul. Learn about the former South African President’s life at Robben Island prison; or visit the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha, near his childhood home in Qunu.
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Six of the best switch-off destinations for when travel returns
Following a year of video-calls, online quizzes and ALL the TV, it's safe to say many of us won't be burying our heads in the sand when we next travel – we'll be burying our phones. If you're already dreaming of a mindful travel experience or a wellness holiday without so much as a bar of signal in sight, read on to discover our top switch-off destinations for when we can hit the road again.