A luxury holiday to South Africa will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable trips you undertake in your lifetime. Offering an intoxicating mix of picturesque beaches, stunning national parks, vibrant cities and awe inspiring wildlife South Africa is, in my opinion, 5 holidays in one, or to put it another way you’ll see more in a two week trip to South Africa than if you took a month elsewhere.
Here are my top 3 things to see on your South African holiday…
Whale spotting at Sunset
Hermanus is known for its never ending beaches, ample fauna and of course for the whales that descend on the region between August and November every year. It is also the only town in the world with a whale crier who blows his horn whenever he spots one of these majestic creatures; it’s no surprise then that this small town is the whale watching capital of South Africa, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
For a truly memorable experience head to the seafront at sunset and watch the whales frolicking in the water, an unforgettable sight.
Stay a night in Kruger National Park
With 2 million hectares of land and covering an area larger than the country of Israel, Kruger National Park is home to nearly 150 different species of mammal, most famously the Big Five which adorn the photo albums of every visitor who has stepped foot in this beautiful national park.
Aside from the game drives that offer a once in a lifetime chance to see big cats, the array of native fauna and over 500 species of birds, Kruger is also a place of great historical interest, with bushman paintings and archaeological sites sharing the landscape with the animals for which the park is more well known.
For a truly captivating experience spend a night in the park and enjoys views over the Luvuvhu River as you awaken to the sounds of Mother Nature at her very finest.
Visit the Battlefields
A visit to the Battlefields is a must on any trip to South Africa, if only to understand and appreciate the legacy of the battles that took place here. Located in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region are the sites of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 – 1902.
A guided tour is highly recommended in order to enhance your visit; listen intently as your knowledgeable local guide takes you to the foothills and fields of the area, offering tales of the local men who fought to defend their land against British forces. Visit Isandlwanan where the native Zulus fought off the far more advanced British army with just simple muskets. You’ll also journey to Rorke’s Drift where 100 British Soldiers fought and defeated 4,000 native Zulu Warriors, losing just 17 men in a remarkable battle.
As you walk past the small graves and lone forts it’s hard to imagine that this most beautiful of areas, one which has now been designated a national park, was once the scene of some of the bloodiest battle in South African history.