SURPRISE ME!

The Best of South Africa Decoded with Insider Tips

Veidehi Gite

Last updated: Jan 4, 2024

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See

The Castle of Good Hope, which is South Africa's oldest surviving building.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world.

Do

Climb up to the Table Mountain in Cape Town for superb views of the city.
Bungee jump at Bloukran’s Bridge, a 1.5-hour drive from Knysna.

Shop

Visit Green Market Square, the city's best flea market, for local arts and crafts.
If you love wine, you should definitely buy it from Caroline's Fine Wines

Eat

Boerewors (a traditional South African sausage)
Malva pudding (a sticky baked sponge pudding)
Bunny chow (bread stuffed with spicy curry)

Greetings

Hello: Hallo
Yes: Ja (pronounced Yah)
Please: Asseblief (pronounced pronounced asserbleef)
Thank You: Dankie (pronounced Dunkey)
Goodbye: Totsiens (pronounced totseens)

Want To Go ? 
   

South Africa as a country has so much to offer in terms of wildlife, natural beauty, nightlife and beaches. What's more, the place is an absolute value for money if you know how to make the most out of it! From the usual to the whacky, we bring you the best of South African delights with secret traveller tips. These insights will undoubtedly spice up your vacation in South Africa!

Acquaint Yourself with Wildlife—Beyond the Safari's

wildlife

A 4-hour drive from Johannesburg via N12 and N4 will take you to Kruger National Park, the most exciting African safari destination. Keep an eye out for the incredible Big 5—namely lions, rhinoceros, leopards, cape buffaloes, and elephants.

Insider Tip: South Africa is an infinite stream of surprises, and if you like animals, you sure would love the idea of adopting a penguin. Guess what, it costs only R700 (INR 4000) with an adoption certificate and pictures of the penguin! Not all penguins live on icebergs, some of the smartest ones are known to stay at a 30-minute drive from Cape Town.

Revel in the Vibrant Nightlife at Cape Town

nightlife

Long Street is the party centre in Cape Town, where all the clubs are in close proximity. If you don't like one, you can hop right over to the next one! Another popular party place is the club 'Tiger Tiger', which has branches in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. Tiger Tiger flaunts a spacious dance floor and state-of-the-art sound system that will make you dance all night. We have heard that they serve phenomenal special drinks. On a weekday, visit Club Galaxy for a stunning sundowner.

Insider Tip: If you are in Cape Town over the weekends, visit Zula Bar on a Friday night for the most chilled out vibe. They have a large dance floor, pool, a relaxing balcony and a sit out area with swing chairs.

Marvel at the Spellbinding Landscapes and Cityscapes

landscape

Be it picking roses at Chart Farm or taking the scenic Blue Train tour, South Africa’s bounty extends far beyond its natural parks. For capturing iconic landmarks, travel to 'The Lost City Palace' in Sun City, Johannesburg Fort and Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, St. Blaize Lighthouse and Dias Museum Complex in Mossel Bay and the stunning Table Mountain and National Park in Cape Town. The abstract art on chimneys is a sight to behold, as is the top-class South African infrastructure .For an exhilarating African adventure, explore KwaZulu Natal 4x4 trails over the Drakensberg. Last but not the least, don’t miss 'Chrissiesmeer' – South Africa’s very own Lake District, with approximately 270 lakes and pans. Time your visit during late summer, when thousands of flamingos flock the place. 

Insider Tip: 'Albertinia' is a small village between Riversdal and Mossel Bay known for its hotel with the longest menu in the world. Albertinia is at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, and is referred to as the home of the Aloe. Aloe Ferox, or Cape Aloe factory is indigenous to the area. This village settlement from 1900's flaunts a striking 9-hole golf course today.

The best of South Africa is packaged between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Mossel Bay and Sun City, as this is where most of the action is. Depending on how much time you have on your hands, plan your itinerary around these cities.

We hope you savour your holiday, and bring back memories of life. 

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