Get outdoors like a local in South Africa
South Africa is a world class holiday destination with a rainbow nation as vibrant as the beautiful scenery it’s renowned for.
With the beautiful scenery that surrounds the provinces, it’s no wonder that South African’s are outdoor lovers. You’ll usually find them out and about during the seasons doing some (or all) of the below:
Hikes take place in nature reserves around the country, from Silvermine in Cape Town, and the Otter Trail that traverses Knysna’s coastal and forest beauty, to Pilanesberg National Park in the North West.
View across the Knysna Heads
Beaches are where surfers, sun lovers, swimmers, water sports fundi’s and families spend their weekends. Camps Bay in Cape Town, where you can swim and suntan, and Blouberg Beach where windsurfing is a popular are Western Cape highlights. Ramsgate and Margate in Durban are where families gather for swimming and sandcastle building, while surf lovers visit the surf mecca of Jeffereys Bay in the Eastern Cape. West Coast locals flock to either Langebaan lagoon or Paternoster in summer.
View from rocky outcrop over Langebaan lagoon
Picnics at Botanical Gardens around the country are popular day-activities for couples, friends and families. The Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden in Johannesburg, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, and the Durban Botanical Gardens are worthwhile stop ins, as the amount of natural flora an picturesque setting. The Bloemfontein Rose Gardens are also beautiful during summer and spring, for those heading to the Free State.
Botanical Gardens
Kayak or river raft at any of the top-rated spots, from the Tugela River in KwaZulu-Natal, the Ash River in Clarens, the Orange River in the Northern Cape, and the Vaal River in Parys all offer extraordinary white water adventures. Guides are knowledgeable, and snacks are usually served before and after your river trip.
Bungee Jump in the Western Cape at Storms River, the world’s tallest bungee jump, and feel your pulse begin to race in time to the fast-beat tunes they play for those who dare to step off the ledge. The Soweto Towers in Johannesburg offer a variety of action-adventures, with bungee jumps, bridge swings, and rappelling on offer.
Shark Cage Dive with Great White Sharks at Gansbaai, the shark cage diving capital of the world. Don’t forget to bring a GoPro to film your adventure. Another diving hub is Aliwal Shoal in KwaZulu-Natal, which is also considered to be one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Hermanus
Whale Watching at any of the coastal towns during whale season will reward visitors with sightings of these ginormous grey mammals. Hermanus, Strandfontein, Algoa Bay, Knysna, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Saldanha, and St Helena are however considered to be some of the top rated towns to head to for sightings of mother whales and their calves.
Scenic drives are another fun way locals spend their lazy summer afternoons, and it’s ideal for families with children, especially if you pack a picnic basket and play some car games. Chapman’s Peak and Sir Lowrys Pass in the Western Cape, the Valley of 1000 Hills and the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Magaliesberg in Gauteng guaranteed you a perfect day outing and view.
Ready to go?
Somak Holiday specialist in South Africa and recommend the Classic Garden Route Self-drive for plenty to flexibility and time to explore South Africa the local way.
Call 020 8423 3000 or visit www.somak.com
