Petra Top 
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Petra Top
- January 19, 2023
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South Africa seems to be on everyone’s lips lately. Hardly a day goes by without us hearing that people have South Africa at the top of their bucket lists. In November 2022, in a global survey by Condè Nast Traveller, South Africa was voted one of the top 20 countries to visit. Moreover, in 2023, Cape Town is voted the best city in the world to visit by the Telegraph Travel Awards.
What makes this country unique, and why do most holidaymakers return to see more of it?
- The exquisite Garden Route
- The roaring wildlife of its game reserves
- The unique landscapes
- Blue flag beaches
- The neverending Winelands
- Majestic mountain ranges
South Africa’s former advertising slogan, “The whole world in one country”, gives the best explanation. This huge country (almost 3.4 times bigger than Germany) offers incredible flora and fauna apart from its scenic and cultural diversity. Moreover, South Africa is a year-round travel destination. Read our article “The best time to Travel in South Africa”.
The ‘easy entry regulations’ and no-time difference make South Africa a top travel destination. Read also our article “South Africa Travel Tips”.
6 reasons why you should travel to South Africa
1.The fascinating wildlife of South Africa
As South Africa offers many different landscapes, it is home to a unique variety of wildlife. Besides the “Big Five” – rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion – there are also over 800 species of birds.
Anyone travelling through South Africa should visit one of the country’s numerous national parks. Here you can immerse yourself in the fascinating nature of Africa and listen to the sounds of the bush and the wild animals. Watch herds of elephants playing in the water, hyenas, lions, giraffes, and countless other wild animals in their natural environment. Read our articles about the Kruger National Park.
But also outside the parks and a bit away from the big cities, you can meet various animals, such as the penguins in Betty’s Bay or Boulders Beach in Simons Town. You can share the beach with the penguins or swim with them here.
Don’t forget the whales in Walkers Bay in Hermanus, where the impressive animals come closer to the coast than almost anywhere else.
2. The impressive landscapes of South Africa
The breathtaking landscapes captivate all South African travellers. South Africa has something for everyone: vast plains, impressive coastlines, majestic mountains and pristine deserts.
Table Mountain, Cape Town’s landmark, is an impressive mountain formation from which you can see Cape Town and the coast. Along the Garden Route, you will find magnificent primaeval forests and Lakelands.
The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest mountain range in Southern Africa and stretch over 1000 km. There you will find impressive gorges and waterfalls.
A colourful carpet of blossoms offers a special natural spectacle on the west coast of South Africa in spring.
The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest in the world and probably the greenest of its kind. There are many vantage points with spectacular views.
The entire coast of South Africa, with countless kilometres of white sandy beaches, bays and cliffs, captivates visitors.
3. Cape Town
Cape Town is a reason to travel to South Africa. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, especially due to its location. Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and right by the sea, there is something fascinating about it.
The city is a melting pot of cultures and the perfect starting point for many wonderful experiences in the surrounding countryside. These include visits to wine farms, boat trips, helicopter tours, swimming with seals, wreck diving, a visit to Robben Island (the famous prison island whose most famous prisoner was Nelson Mandela), a visit to the penguins, and much more.
You can find more about this beautiful city in our article “Top 5 attractions in Cape Town”
4. The almost perfect weather
Beautiful weather is simply part of an unforgettable holiday. The many hours of sunshine in South Africa allow you to enjoy South Africa’s excellent cuisine outdoors, admire the beautiful landscapes in the sunshine, go on safaris in open vehicles, relax on the beach, hike in the beautiful countryside or admire the impressive sunsets.
Even if it rains, it is usually a short shower or thunderstorm; shortly afterwards, the sun comes out again. Read more about the climate in South Africa here.
5. The excellent cuisine of South Africa
Today’s South African cuisine is the result of the influences of immigrants from all parts of the world and offers a variety of exotic and European-influenced dishes. Fish and meat in all variations, curries, pizza, and leave nothing to be missed on holiday here. Local specialities, such as “potjies”, Cape Malay curries, bobotie, pap or biltong, are naturally mixed. All this at very affordable prices.
No wish is left unfulfilled regarding drinks either; beers produced in South Africa, wonderful South African wines, whiskeys or a wide variety of gins round off an eventful day.
6. Top price-performance ratio
The exchange rate makes a holiday in South Africa very attractive, especially for people from the euro and dollar area. In South Africa, accommodation is particularly cheap during the low season. Regardless of their price range, the hotels and guesthouses are usually very tasteful and lovingly furnished, and you can get accommodation in top locations for little money. You can also dine very cheaply in restaurants in the most beautiful surroundings. The price-performance ratio in South Africa is simply outstanding.
Conclusion
From the vast mountains, oceans, scenic vineyards, and wildlife to the friendliest people, South Africa has something for everyone and must be experienced to understand their culture. And if that’s not enough to get your heart pumping, The Bloukrans Bridge Bungee is the highest commercial jump in the world! And they have the biggest diamond in the world, the Cullinan Diamond. Get packing…What are you waiting for?
Bernie and Petra
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These articles might also interest you
- What to know before planning a trip to Kruger
- Is it worth visiting the Kruger National Park?
- How to do a self-drive from Johannesburg to Kruger?
- Top 5 attractions in Cape Town
- What to do in Langebaan
- South Africa Travel Tips
- Best time to visit South Africa
- How safe is South Africa?
- Group tours in South Africa: Is it worth it?
