South Africa has great weather and a host of activities to choose from
Stunning beachscapes? Check. Magnificent forest walks? Yes. Incomparable game viewing? Of course. Mountain retreats. For sure. And why not throw in sophisticated city escapes, complete with fabulous dining, exciting nightlife, and fantastic value-for-money shopping for good measure.
South Africa’s claim to offer something for everyone is no idle boast – there’s something new to marvel at around every corner. Here are just a few of the unforgettable attractions your clients can enjoy while exploring the country.
- Wildlife: South Africa’s pristine bushveld areas are undoubtedly among the country’s greatest assets. Each of the large national parks – like the Kruger and Addo national parks – presents a unique and distinctive experience, but there are also many exclusive private lodges to choose from.
- Beaches: With a coastline stretching 2,798km, it’s easy to see why South Africa is considered a prime beach destination. From the untamed beauty of the Wild Coast to Durban’s balmy waters; from the unparalleled scenery of the West Coast to the village-like ambience of smaller towns like Gqerbera, from Cape Town’s sugar-white beaches to the subtropical splendour of KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast – South Africa’s beaches send out a siren song that’s not easily ignored!
- Scenic beauty: The diversity of landscapes in South Africa is nothing short of astounding: visitors can find themselves in a bustling urban hub one minute, and a mountain hamlet the next. The gem in our crown is Cape Town: with the navy blue seas on one side of the city and the dramatic face of Table Mountain on the other, there’s no denying that it’s one of the world’s most beautiful cities. But there are so many other must-sees: natural forests, mountains, spectacular canyons, wild coastlines, endless plains – the list goes on…
- Warm hospitality: Did you know that South Africa was recently named the most friendly country in the world, according to Remitly.com? It’s a well-earned accolade, since South Africans are apt to give you a smile as they walk past, ask you how you’re enjoying your time in their country, or even invite you to a ‘braai’ (a barbecue). We welcome people to our country and are happy to answer any questions or provide assistance where needed.
- Adventure activities: The variety of landscapes means that South Africa is an obvious choice for people looking for an outdoor-oriented, adventure-packed vacation. Home to the highest bridge bungee jump in the world at Bloukrans Bridge (where jumpers leap from 216m above the Bloukrans River), visitors are also able to try caving, shark diving, BASE jumping and canyoning – or, for people who wish to spend time without the adrenaline, there are scenic hikes, whale watching, horse riding, Camino-style routes – and so much more.
- History and heritage: There are so many different facets to this aspect of South Africa. On the one hand, visitors have the opportunity to travel back in time, to view relics from our earliest ancestors at the Cradle of Humankind, experience ancient African kingdoms and wander through some of the oldest mountains on earth. On the other hand, they can learn more about recent history by visiting the battlefields, where fierce clashes between Boers, Brits, and the Zulu nation played out, or paying tribute to the heroes of our Freedom Struggle at sites like Robben Island (a UNESCO Heritage Site) or the Apartheid Museum.
- Excellent infrastructure: South Africa is easily accessed by world-class airports, and travel to and around cities is easy, with ride-hailing services available in all major centres. There are excellent medical facilities available in case of an emergency, and the banking system is well-developed. There is also a plethora of accommodation options, from luxurious high-end hotels to budget Airbnbs and backpackers.
- Responsible tourism: As a country where wildlife ranks as one of the leading attractions, it is fitting that South Africa’s conservation efforts are globally recognised. There is a strong emphasis on a green approach to travel and, in many areas, tourism initiatives have been introduced to encourage community involvement.
- ‘Wellness tourism’: South Africa’s outdoor-oriented lifestyle makes it a natural choice for people who value wellness. For example, many destinations offer fitness-related activities (like hiking) or pampering at exquisite spa facilities. There is also an increasing interest in alcohol-free tourism, with many destinations focused on offering an experience rooted in wellness and mindfulness.
What about crime?
Most crimes in South Africa are crimes of opportunity, which means that your clients should be safe so long as they follow the same sensible precautions they’d follow in any foreign country.
For example:
- Keep all valuables locked away.
- Lock the doors to your accommodation at night or when you are out.
- Stick to tourist-friendly areas.
- Avoid dark, poorly-lit, and deserted areas.
- Don’t just follow maps on apps: Do prior research to ensure areas you are driving into are safe.
