Located literally at the other end of the world, few will name South Africa as their top travel destination because, what the heck is there besides sand and maybe more sand? This may come as a surprise, but not only is it one of the world’s shark capitals (read for more details), South Africa is also home to Kruger National Park, Africa’s largest game reserve.
But what if you’re no nature junkie? What’s there to do besides embarking on wildlife adventures and appreciating nature’s beauty? Listed below are six very good reasons for you to switch your travel bucket list from Europe to South Africa. Seriously.
1. Experience Its Amazing Wildlife
We’re going to start with the most obvious and yes, the wildlife is amazeballszing. Here, we rejoice over snapping Instagram-able photos of our neighborhood cats and sometimes, it gets a little sad. Just look at the above photo. It’s still a cat, but not quite the same.
In South Africa, you get to ditch National Geographic and experience the real deal. Get stared down by a four-meter tall elephant? Check. Chase a herd of wild zebras? Check. Get chased by territorial rhinos? Double check. Also, if you intend to release your inner Mowgli, we’d recommend you the Bush Camp. Surrounded by only thorn bushes, we spent a night in a camp situated in the lions’ territory. That’s right, we survived and we must say, sleeping to the roars of the lions really is something else.
Besides the safari experience, surround yourself with countless waddling penguins at Boulders Beach or say hello to Seal Island’s baby seals that are so adorable you wish you could take one home (or stay there forever).
2. Take In Spectacular Sights
Move aside Bukit Timah Hill, Cape of Good Hope coming through.
At Cape of Good Hope, the breathtaking view of the Atlantic ocean will have you wishing we had a Cape of Good uh, English. We kid. On a more serious note, instead of running from occasionally violent monkeys and dousing yourself in insect repellent, have the chance to enjoy some fresh mountain air and the wonders of nature.
Nature aside, South Africa is home to many wonderful cities, one of them naturally being Cape Town, its capital. Admire V&A Waterfront’s intriguing colonial architecture as you shop to your heart’s content. With its extensive food halls and outdoor markets, the Waterfront is similar to *Scape but definitely more scenic (no offence to all S’pore teens!)
3. Embark on Countless Adventures
If you’re an adventure junkie, South Africa is the place for you.
Remember how this country is one of the world’s shark capitals? With shark cage diving, you get to jump in the ocean and be literally beside them. Note that we’re not talking about any sharks, but the Great Whites. We don’t know about you, but witnessing a Great White chomp away at a piece of bait the size of our heads a few inches away ranks pretty high up on our thrill list.
Image Credit: @tapeitoff
The next activity has to be sand boarding (perfect for adrenalin junkies who prefer staying dry). Just imagine the rush from surfing down a dune twice the height of Bukit Timah Hill. No experience is required for this sport so for the slightly clumsy/accident prone ones; rejoice!
Prefer airborne adventures? Take the plunge by embarking on the world’s highest bridge bungee jump at Bloukrans Bungy. We’re not sure if you’d get to enjoy the spectacular view during the jump, but we guarantee the high levels of adrenalin rush.
4. Taste Some of the World’s Finest Wines
Basically a wine heaven, South Africa is home to an extensive amount of vineyards. We do have breweries back home but vineyards? Nada.
Not only do you get to taste some of the best wines, immerse yourself in the country’s winemaking traditions whilst staying in its wine valleys. If you find researching on the extensive number of wineries a hassle, sign up for wine route tours and they’ll do it all.
Plus, with their low price tags, there is no better time to turn into an alcoholic appreciator of wines.
5. Enjoy The Splendid Weather
When I met you in the summer, to the heartbeat sound.
It’s hard to not fall in love with the country, especially as the leaves turn brown. Okay but seriously, although summers can get pretty warm, the weather is never as humid as it is back home. Imagine taking part in the above-mentioned activities and barely breaking into a sweat. One can only dream.
Much to the surprise of many (including us), there is winter in South Africa. There may not be snow, but the chilly weather can provide a good respite from the perpetually sunny Singapore.
6. Travelling Is Affordable
Image Credit: Airbnb.com
For starters, the cost of living in the country is generally lower (though this may not hold true for touristy areas like Cape Town). For instance, we scored a room in a cosy Airbnb apartment located at the foot of Table Mountain for just $30 a night. Topped up $20 and we got a ride from the airport to the apartment in a BMW convertible, driven by the ex manager of singer Bryan Adams? Excuse us whilst we squeal in a corner.
Image Credit: @tapeitoff
Cosy apartments aside, South Africa is also home to a thriving café scene. If you’re a caffeine addict, you’re in luck. If you’re not, you’re about to become one. Lip-smacking coffee accompanied by ocean views are usually priced at $2-$2.50 whilst delicious cakes twice the size of those back home are priced at $3. Hipsters, one at a time please.
Convinced? Full of ceaseless wonders, we cannot emphasize any further on the remarkability of South Africa because if we do, you’d start wondering if this is an advertorial for South Africa’s tourism board. It’s not.
