Five great spots in South Africa
We all know about the ‘usual suspects’ when it comes to seeing the best of South Africa – the Kruger Park, Cape Town, Table Mountain, the Drakensberg, etc – but here are five less-frequented spots that will give you a great South African holiday.
KwaZulu Natal game parks
A good friend of mine who worked in the Kruger Park for many years told me that many of the Kruger National Park staff members took their holidays in the game reserves in KwaZulu Natal. Ithala was a favourite. KZN has a wealth of game reserves and natural areas, so that you can visit a few parks in one holiday. Ithala, Ndumo, Tembe Elephant Park and Kosi Bay are in the north. The biggest and oldest game reserve in South Africa is Hluhluwe, and it is well worth a visit. Imfolozi adjoins Hluhluwe, and offers a very different experience. Close by you will also find the St Lucia/Isimangaliso Wetlands area, a world heritage site.
Clarens
The Free State does not immediately spring to mind as a prime holiday destination, but if you want peace, tranquillity and serenity, head to Clarens. Clarens is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, close to both the Golden Gate National Park and Lesotho. The light in this area seems particularly beautiful and will inspire any photographer. There are also many activities to do – at a leisurely pace – in and around Clarens. These include flyfishing, hiking, horse-riding, mountain-biking and birding.
The Cape West Coast
For something completely different, head up the West Coast of South Africa. A simple and unhurried beauty awaits you. From wildflowers to whales, wide open spaces and never-ending skies to small and unassuming fishing villages. You can even find a local wine to enjoy with your fresh, off-the-boat fish, cooked over an open fire.
Hogsback
Hogsback in the Amatola Mountains in the Eastern Cape is famous for apparently inspiring some of JR Tolkien’s characters and landscapes. Whether that’s true or not, Hogsback provides its own magic at any time of the year. In summer the mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls are simply beautiful, while winter sometimes drapes the whole lot in a feathery blanket of snow. Hogsback offers a wonderful break from city life.
Transkei wild coast
If you’re looking for unspoilt beauty in South Africa, head for the aptly named ‘Wild Coast’. The Wild Coast is a stretch of about 250km of unspoilt natural beauty: rugged cliffs, endless beaches, wild surf and rolling green hills. Outside of Port St Johns and Coffee Bay, the area is mostly small villages, so there is not a great deal of accommodation – but that’s half the attraction of the area. There is plenty to do though, including hiking, fishing, mountain-biking, whale and dolphin watching …and simply enjoying the astounding beauty surrounding you.
If you need some help choosing a spot that’s right for you, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you get away!
