The Big 5: Everything You Need to Know

Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and scenic mountain passes in the whole of Africa, the Sani Pass lies between South Africa and its small landlocked neighbour, Lesotho. As the only road that crosses the summit of the Drakensberg mountain, the pass attracts adventurous travellers from across the world who wish to traverse the breathtaking natural scenery this precarious mountain has to offer. Whilst the route itself is short, it packs a big punch with its unforgettable views and the kudos of having conquered the highest and most iconic pass that a trip to South Africa has to offer — a must for any adventurous bucket list!

There’s a 300-kilometer stretch of coastal road on the south west tip of South Africa regarded as the most beautiful region in the country. Known as The Garden Route, the road trip gets its name from the Garden Route National Park that it covers, and the diverse vegetation and wildlife, and abundance of lagoons, lakes, mountains, forests, and beaches along its winding roads. Home to almost a dozen nature and marine reserves, a road trip on the Garden Route offers plenty of opportunities for activities along the way, from hiking to eco and whale watching tours, to exploring caves and deserted sandy beaches. The route meanders between the Indian Ocean and the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua mountain ranges, creating contrasting, yet equally stunning views on either side. The lush greenery of the indigenous forests meets the jagged cliffs and the sprawling coastal vistas, producing the type of panoramic views only found in magazines.

At 850 kilometers, Route 62 in South Africa is considered to be the longest wine route in the world. It is the historic inland route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, connecting the east and west coasts of the country. Route 62 passes through the Cape Winelands and the Klein Karoo and is said to be the shorter, more scenic alternative to the N2 highway, and less-commercial than the famous Garden Route. A window to the real South African countryside, Route 62 allows travellers to anticipate adventure, dramatic landscapes, and friendly towns. A postcard perfect journey altogether, Route 62 is one of the road trips in South Africa that should be on your bucket-list if you have a knack for the uncommon.

Jagged cliffs running along stunningly scenic coastlines, cities framed by sky-high mountains, lush indigenous forests, golden sand beaches and prides of lions basking in the afternoon sun — a South Africa tour offers all that and more. When here, it’s not really a question of what to do, but more of a question of what to do first. Relax with a game of golf and a laid-back wine tasting, indulge in a thrilling surf session, experience a heart-pumping safari and top it off with the biggest adrenaline rush of your life as you jump from the highest bridge bungee in the world. The diversity of landscapes, people, culture and activities in South Africa will leave you asking for more. Here are a list of top 13 things to do in South Africa:

The Namaqualand Flower Route is a stretch of road that connects the towns, cities, national parks and reserves that claims South Africa’s most impressive wildflower displays. The best place to see the acres of colorful springtime blooms is in and around the Namaqualand region on the northwest coast of the country. The wildflowers in this area are nothing short of amazing. During the rest of the year, the landscape is mostly a dry and dusty desert. However, come springtime and the area is completely transformed with flowering life boasting more color than seems possible for one place. Prepare to be blown away by the brightly-painted landscape rolling across acres of barren land. Even if you’re not a flora-enthusiast, it’s difficult not to be impressed with such a sight.

The oldest official trekking trail in South Africa — the Otter Trail is the best trek in the country. Located entirely inside the Tsitsikamma National Park, the trail is right in the middle of the famous Garden Route, another one of South Africa’s most famous attractions. The diversity of the route is what makes it so unique. The Otter trekking trail winds along breathtaking coastal cliffs, in addition to dense and untouched forests, offering trekkers the best of both worlds. Admire the striking rock outcrops, explore the caves, or go for a dip in one of the naturally formed rock pools while trekking here on your trip to South Africa. Piled high with fauna and flora and graced with impressive waterfalls, and many rivers and streams, this is a place of pure, uninhibited beauty. Over the course of the trek, visitors can enjoy bird watching, wildlife spotting, and tidal pool paddling. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the Cape Clawed Otter, for which the trail was named!

Safaris are one of the biggest draws of tours in South Africa. If you are staying in the vibrant city of Cape Town, you might be far away from some of the main wildlife reserves like Kruger National Park, but it doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on safari experiences. During your trip to Cape Town, within a short drive, you can find a wide range of private game reserves, like Aquila Games Reserve and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. The Big 5 (elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and African buffalos) are the creme de la creme of the South African safari world, and you can encounter these amazing animals in a conservation setting. So, with that in mind, let’s dive in and discover the seven best safaris near Cape Town.

From wildlife watching to urban sightseeing and beachy weather, South Africa is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and thrilling activities. And if you want to enjoy the warm, calm and pleasant weather before it gets too crowded, visiting South Africa in November is an excellent plan. Discover nature reserves in the northern part of the country, like Timbavati or Ithala, or sail around Hermanus while whales are still there. South Africa’s weather in November is great for sunbathing and this is the best time for birdwatchers as well.

If you’re looking for a country with sunshine, adventure, wildlife, and wine, these South Africa itineraries will have you racing to plan your next trip. In one unforgettable vacation, experience exhilarating face-to-face encounters with wildlife as you search for the Big Five during your trip to Kruger National Park, gape at the jaw-dropping natural scenery of the Western Cape, spot whales off the coast, and then relax as you cruise the world’s longest wine route in search of the best wineries South Africa has to offer. There are a lot of things to do in South Africa. If you have the time, a South Africa itinerary is bound to astound!

Winter in South Africa is anything but freezing cold. In some places, especially if you travel to the Western Cape you may experience rainy days and slightly chilly nights during the winter, and you may see some snow in the mountainous regions like Golden Gate Highlands National Park, but in the rest of the country you can enjoy a nice, warm climate. Whether you want to capture photographs of native wildlife inches from your vehicle, hang out in South Africa’s wine farms in Franschhoek or experience wacky winter festivals without the overwhelming crowds of busier seasons, a tour to South Africa in winter has a little something for everyone.

Stretching for around 1000km and marking the eastern side of the Great Escarpment, the Drakensberg Mountains (or perhaps more correctly just ‘Drakensberg’, meaning Dragon’s Mountain), offer some of the best hiking opportunities while traveling in South Africa. Here can be found some of southern Africa’s highest peaks and Drakensberg hiking trips offer something for everyone, including gentle half-day hikes, longer multiple-day trips, challenging climbs and, for those with the necessary experience and equipment, technical mountaineering. This is a guide to the seven best known and most rewarding options (in no particular order) in this destination.

South Africa is a beautiful country with stunning natural surroundings, a deep and twisted history, and some mouth-watering traditional foods that cannot be missed. So, while you are busy seeing, doing, and experiencing everything South Africa has to offer, don’t forget to eat! There’s a wide variety of dishes to choose from and South African cuisine is more than just the braai (South African BBQ). Traditional South African food is as complex as it is delicious. So, how will you know what to eat in exploring South Africa? Follow our guide on what to eat, how to eat, and even how to say it — you’ll be feasting like a local in no time!