Heading to South Africa? Here are some must sees you won’t want to miss out on!
HIKE TABLE MOUNTAIN
Rising 1,086m above Cape Town, Table Mountain is the city’s most recognizable landmark. Known for the incredible view of the city, it is definitely a rewarding experience to hike up Table Mountain from the ground below to its sky-scraping height, which is also possible to reach by an easy cable car ride if you’re not one for hiking.
There are different ways to get up there but the most popular is taking the “Platteklip Gorge hike” which is a fairly steep climb because it doesn’t zig-zag to help reduce the abrupt change in altitude. It heads straight for the summit and is pretty rigorous but is also the fastest way up – (about 2 hours one way).
If enjoying nature and the hike itself is as much of a priority as getting to the top of Table Mountain, then “Skeleton Gorge Trail” is the more leisurely route is for you. Skeleton Gorge takes hikers through an emerald ravine, lush jungle, and shrub and moss-covered slopes before reaching the highest point of the mountain, Maclears Beacon. – (about 4 hours one way). If you’re up for it, take the detour and check out Table Mountain’s only beach!
GO ON A SAFARI
Did you really come to Africa if you didn’t go on a safari? We visited Addo Elephant National Park where you not only see elephants, but you can spot zebras, lions, rhinos, leopards and more! This is a self guided tour which makes it even more fun to explore at your own pace in your own vehicle.
Kruger National Park is also a great safari area to hit in South Africa – it is one of the largest national parks on the continent and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
HIT UP THE TALLEST BUNGEE JUMP IN THE WORLD
You heard that right! Looking for an adrenaline rushing activity? Bungee off the largest jump in the world – Bloukrans Bridge Bungy – standing at almost 800ft tall. The views are incredible and it really is that once and a lifetime experience that you will never forget. I will warn you once you have signed the papers and given your money, they have you committed – meaning they will push you off even if you are scared and want to back down. I know this because it happened to me.
I looked over the edge and told the guides I didn’t want to and before I knew it I was off and didn’t have much of a choice. To their defense, they did warn us this was the case by stating “they will push us off if we get scared” beforehand but still good to know once you’re in – you’re jumping off that platform or being pushed off. As far as safety goes, I did feel like they had all the best safety protocols in place and took their jobs seriously when it came to following those protocols. However, at the end of the day it is always still a risk – but if you live for that rush, this is right up your alley.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteering was one of my favorite aspects when I visited South Africa. Its crazy how even one simple act – a small hug or smile can mean SO much to these kiddos. Whether you want to spend weeks or just a few hours serving, I have laid out some top options of organizations for you to volunteer through.
COOL OFF AT THE BEACH/LAKE
As you may know, South Africa is home to some of the most famous surf beaches and communities in the world. Whether your down for the surf, or want to relax beachside, these are some top spots you will want to check out:
1. Jeffrey’s Bay – This is the home of the world-famous Supertubes and the annual J-Bay Open, a prestigious WSL event.
2. Dungeons (Hout Bay, Cape Town) – Classed as one of the world’s “big wave” spots, a leg of the red bull big wave competition is held here. Dungeons only pumps during winter storms when 15 to 30-foot swells break over the shallow reef. Located on the ocean side of Hout Bay Dungeons is only accessible by boat and is only suitable for experienced surfers. If you’re not very experienced it can be fun to watch the surfers tear it up with some intense waves.
3. Coffee Bay – If you are looking to escape the ‘hustle and bustle’ of the city life, this might be exactly what you are looking for. Coffee Bay offers incredible beaches and views of cattle roaming free, vast green fields, colorful huts and rocky cliffs with breathtaking views of the ocean.
Not one for the beach? Check out some tranquil lakes nearby:
1. Lake Chrissie – Ranking amongst the top 3 largest lakes in South Africa, Frogging Safaris are one of the unique aspect of this lake where you are surrounded by frogs – maybe not the best to swim in but fun to explore.
2. Lake St. Lucia – You can spot a hippo, reedbuck, and waterbuck on the shores of Lake St. Lucia and it also contains about 150 species of fishes.
3. Lake Sibaya – This is the largest freshwater lake in South Africa. It is famous for having hippos and crocodiles and is home to a variety of rare birds in the region.
Paraglide Over Cape Town
Get all the views of Cape Town by paragliding – here you will get incredible views of not only the city but the ocean as well.
Click here to book now!
The Travel Guide 