With over 11 official languages, vast landscapes, and an extremely diversified population, South Africa is famous for its wines and engaging safari experiences. If you’re thinking to visit this wonderful country, so should know from the very beginning that the plethora of attractions is endless. Bordered by Lesotho (which by the way is completely swallowed by South Africa), Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe, South Africa’s territory is without a doubt breathtaking.
Introducing Pretoria – South Africa’s administrative capital
Pretoria is located in the north side of the Gauteng Province and it serves as a de facto national capital. It is divided into three distinctive sections: East, West and North, corresponding to the Central Business District. Pretoria is frequently referred to as the Jacaranda City due to all the purple blossom-bedecked trees spread throughout its surface. It is a wonderful, tranquil city with a fascinating history.
Pretoria hosts a variety of old buildings and captivating museums. For instance, the Transvaal Museum has amazing natural history displays and it also exhibits the australopithecine fossil discovered at Sterkfontein in the Cradle of Humankind. Other places worth visiting are the Smuts Museum and the Cultural History Museum.
The city of Pretoria features several open spaces where you can stroll, hike or mountain bike. We have the Premier Game Reserve few steps away from the Cullinan Diamond Mine, where the biggest diamond on the globe was found. You could do a short horse trail through the Premier Reserve. Or, you can try a tandem skydive at the famous Pretoria Skydiving Club.
Port Elizabeth – an unforgettable travel spot
Moving on, another gorgeous South African city is Port Elizabeth. It is the fifth biggest city in the country and it is located on the Indian Ocean Coast. It’s a major sea port and a fantastic tourist destination. The shores of Nelson Mandela Bay, the warm temperatures and the crystal clear water will mesmerize you. Port Elizabeth is a popular water sports destination and it offers countless historical attractions. Among some of the most impressive ones we have the Donkin Heritage trail and the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club.
East London and Newcastle
Thousands of tourists come annually to South Africa to visit East London. The city is located on the east coast and is the ideal venue for an unforgettable holiday. The pleasant weather, the friendly locals, beautiful scenery and tempting restaurants will make you want to stay here forever. East London is among the most cosmopolitan and chic South African cities and it’s truly worth visiting.
As an avid traveler you can’t leave South Africa without having visited Newcastle. It’s the third largest city in the country and it’s also an important urban center. Newcastle has numerous nice places to see and even more fun things to do. The superior part of the Drakensberg mountain whirls along the western part of the city, creating stunning views. It is a great place to go mountain biking or stroll and take pictures.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – exploring the wildlife
One of the finest attractions of the country is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It is situated in the Kalahari regions of South Africa and Botswana, and it is regarded as the merger of Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Gemsbok National Park. The stunning habitat offers an imposing and unbounded desert landscape with migrating herds of gemsbok, wildebeest, eland, springbok and sly predators like cheetah, lion and leopard. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has unending dunes with flora and an impressive diversity that attracts visitors to this stunning area of the Kalahari Desert.
Robben Island – an exotic destination to have the greatest time
Last but not least, you will surely enjoy visiting Robben Island. It was discovered in 1488 by the Europeans and it was converted into a prison by the British, Portuguese and Dutch. Later, after 1652 it started serving as a refreshment station for ships. In 1795 the British took control of the island and improved its infrastructure. They built new roads, houses and they even added a power station. Since then, the economy on Robben Island has been flourishing. It began to attract more and more tourists who love the museums, the beaches and the historical heritage of the area. Robben Island is a peaceful and exotic place where you can relax, eat well and visit a multitude of beautiful places.
South Africa is a country that has it all. Starting from excellent lodging opportunities, to stunning beaches, and blue waters to plenty of entertainment opportunities and exquisite restaurants; whether you want to relax and benefit from the sun or you prefer hiking and trekking, as soon as you’re here you’ll never want to leave.
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