Holiday in South Africa – If we ask you what an ideal holiday looks like, what would you say? Is it the picturesque nature? Or is it the superb cuisine? What if we tell you that you can have it all in South Africa?
As we all know, some countries have started to open their borders for international tourists and South Africa was one of the first ones to do that. Though it is most famous for its savannah, South Africa actually stores a lot more than you might know.
But wait, there are still a lot of things you should consider before going to the Rainbow Nation. Especially now that we’re traveling during the new normal era. There are bound to be some documents you must prepare to enter the country. Lucky for you, we will guide you through it all.
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Best Time to Visit South Africa
First on the checklist is to determine when you will go to South Africa. Determining the ideal time to visit South Africa is quite tricky as the climate differs from one region to the next. If you’re planning to go on a safari trip, it is best to come during May-September because it is easier to see the wildlife. Meanwhile, their cities are best to visit during the summer which is November-March.
But, if you insist on having the best of both worlds, you can settle in September. During this month, South Africa is in transition from dry to wet season. The flowers are usually in full bloom and the weather will be perfectly warm.
What to Prepare Before a Holiday in South Africa
- In addition to your passport and visa, you must also bring a COVID-19 PCR test result that’s taken no more than 3×24 prior to your departure.
- All passengers must keep their mask on at all times.
- Before heading back home, visitors must take a PCR test in South Africa.
For more details, you can click on the link right here.
What Makes South Africa Special
As we’ve stated earlier, South Africa has a lot to offer when it comes to tourism. But if you’re still unsure on where to go, then you can read more down here:
1. Kruger National Park
If you didn’t visit the Kruger National Park when you’re in South Africa, did you really go there? The world-renowned safari is not just one of the biggest, but also the oldest conservation in the world.
Home to over 147 species of mammals, 508 species of birds, and 2,000 plants, Kruger National Park is surely the best place for those who want to experience the wildlife. But, the selling point of this park is actually the fact that it’s home to the Big 5.
The term Big 5 actually refers to the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo which are widely known as the most dangerous animals to hunt.
As the park itself covers an area of nearly 20,000 square kilometers, sometimes tourists might be confused about what they should do. While the main attraction is of course the safari ride, they actually have a trekking option if you’re feeling a little more adventurous.
But, whatever you do, you must see the sunset in Kruger National Park. With the sky painted in gradient shades of oranges, the sight will take your breath away.
2. The Drakensberg Mountains
After visiting the largest safari park in South Africa, it’s time for you to come to the largest mountain range. Stretched for more than 1,000 kilometers, the Drakensberg Mountains is the place to wipe your stress away.
From high up in the mountains to down right to the land, your eyes will be blessed with its magical nature. Oh, and did you know that Drakensberg Mountains actually is the place for the second highest waterfall in the world? Yup, you can hike to the top of the Tugela Falls and enjoy the aerial view of the area.
Once you reach the plateau at the top of the mountain, you’ll see a small village where Basotho lives. You can have a chat with them or even experience their way of living. Usually, they will roam around the mountain with their guard dog or horse to look after their goats. Interested to meet them, t-mates?
3. Blyde River Canyon
If the USA has the Grand Canyon, then South Africa has the Blyde River Canyon. Located in the northeast of South Africa this canyon has been stated as the third-largest canyon in the world. And the main attraction in this site is the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a cylindrical holes that have formed as a result of water erosion millions of years ago.
Though people mainly go here for the canyon and their cliff trekking trail, Blyde River Canyon also has a large forest where people can enjoy a walk in nature, visiting lakes or even hidden waterfalls.
4. Capetown
After spending a day in the wilderness, you might crave some more human contacts and the hustle of a city. That’s why spending the day in Capetown might be a great idea.
But first, raise your hands if you want to see cute penguins flapping their arms on the beach! Yes, in Boulders Beach, you can see African penguin colonies in their natural habitat. Not only that, but you can also enjoy the beautiful sight of the beach or swim in the warm water.
Moving on to the city, you’ll see so many beautiful buildings that make it perfect for photo hunting. You can go to the classic city hall, the colorful houses in Bo-Kaap, or enjoy the lively atmosphere at Old Biscuit Mill!
5. Stellenbosch
Still inside the Capetown area, moving slightly to the west part of the city, you’ll find yourself arriving in none other than Stellenbosch. Home for the finest wine in South Africa. For those who enjoy the country life, Stellenbosch will be your dream destination as it is surrounded by beautiful mountains and vineyards.
Of course, the first thing you have to do upon your arrival is to visit a wine tasting restaurant. Different from European white wine with a tangy taste, South Africa’s white wine is a little sweet with a hint of vanilla. Not only that, but you can also have a vineyard tour and learn the art of winemaking
Before leaving the village, don’t forget to pay the farmer’s market a visit. Here, you can find many beautiful souvenirs that you can bring home for your friends and family.
Ready to Have an Exciting Holiday in South Africa?
That’s it, t-mates! That’s all the things you should know prior to your visit to South Africa. Of course, these are just some basic things and you can do more in-depth research to know more about the country.
We know that it might feel a little scary to jump back on the plane and fly aboard. But don’t worry because tiket.com is here to make sure that you’ll have a worry-free flight to South Africa and back.
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