South Africa and Kruger National Park

This destination is an awesome adventure and one you should consider putting on your bucket list.  If you are planning a South African experience including a Safari, then this is the adventure for you.

Fly into Johannesburg, which is the second largest city in Africa. It is a vibrant home to approximately three million people. There is great outdoor markets and shopping so make sure you leave room in your suitcase for these treasures. Many international brands are sold at great prices. Restaurants are inexpensive compared to North America and the menus are extensive and tasty for all palettes.

One of Joburg’s most historically significant sites is Constitution Hill which is conveniently located on the edge of the city with excellent views of the city and area. Constitution Hill first began as a military fort and later became the site of the notorious Old Fort Prison, where freedom fighters Nelson Mandela and Gandhi were held. Today, it is a museum as well as the location of the highest court in South Africa. Visiting the Apartheid Museum makes you aware of what happened in South Africa a few years ago. A visit is very thought provoking and informative.

Travel north to Mpumalanga, the gateway to Kruger National Park.  Stop and view Gods Canyon which is the third largest canyon in the world. This is where deep, fiery red cliffs look out over the surrounding forest. See a different view by travelling down the Blyde River in the canyon and looking up!  Upon reaching Krugar National Park get an early start to the day and your best chance of seeing the “Big Five”.

These magnificent animals are the African elephant, Black/White rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, African lion and African leopard. The Big Five name was coined by big-game hunters because these animals were the most difficult animals to hunt in Africa on foot.

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The term was adopted by safari tour operators for marketing purposes. Krugar National Park is nearly two million hectares and one of the largest game reserves in Africa.  The park’s main goals are wildlife, conservation, education and tourism. Take lots of photos to capture the experience as you will encounter the largest concentration of game species on earth.

Cross into colourful Swaziland and visit the thriving markets before spending the night in Ezulwini Valley, also known as The Valley of Heaven. Visit Durban for a few days of relaxation, as this is a natural paradise for its gorgeous beaches, restaurants and many attractions. It is also one of Africa’s busiest ports.

Fly to Port Elizabeth for your transfer to Knysna, your first stop along South Africa’s Garden Route. This drive is well known for whale watching and spectacular views. Best time is between June and November when the Humpback and Southern Right Whales come to nurse their young. There are also Cape fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, sharks and the occasional orca. The Garden Route also includes wineries and lush riverine forests.

Finish your adventure in the beautiful city of Cape Town which is nestled between mountains and oceans. It has a wide variety of things to do to suite every taste from adventure thrills or a relaxing day at the beach. Visit the Cape of Good Hope where two oceans don’t actually meet.

There is a Penguin Colony and a Nature Reserve that is well worth a visit. Looming over Cape Town is the iconic Table Mountain, one of the seven wonders of nature. Looking at it from below is one thing, but quite another to be atop the mountain where you can view Cape Town city, Robben Island, the Peninsula and beyond.

To altitude hunger there is a restaurant atop the mountain offering full meals and an unbelievable view. Table Mountain is great on a good clear day and closed on windy, wet days of poor visibility.

Keep this unique and unbelievable destination in mind, when making up your bucket list of future travel plans and adventures.

Lynda Spriggs, Lobstick Travel and Tours.