South Africa’s warm and temperate climate lends itself to enjoyment of the outdoors at its best. Below are ten of the best outdoor experiences South Africa has to offer:
1. The Wild Coast
One of South Africa’s remote stretches of shoreline, Stretching from East London in the Eastern Cape all the way north to Port Edward and the southern border of KwaZulu-Natal, the Wild Coast offers some of the most picturesque coastal scenery in the world. From windswept cliffs to deserted white-beaches with untamable waves, the birthplace of two former South African presidents, Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, is the historical home to the Xhosa nation.
2. The Winelands
Vineyard-clad valleys and Alpine-style mountains of the Cape Winelands treat both eye and palate. South Africa’s winelands stretch from the Cape Overberg in the south-western Cape, through the Little Karoo and the West Coast into the adjacent province of the Northern Cape.
3. The Garden Route
Known as South Africa’s Eden, the famous Garden Route traverses an area rich in natural beauty and charm, attracting adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. The N2 stretch running from Heidelberg in the Southern Cape to Storms River Village on the Eastern Cape border serves as the main highway through The Garden Route in South Africa. While the Garden Route road is extremely scenic, it is the hidden destinations on its side roads that are the secret of this region. Over time ancient woodcutter clans, fishermen, artists, businessmen and top chefs have all found their niches along the Garden Route in the Western Cape.
4. The Karoo
Travelling the back roads is best way to experience the Karoo. Savour the vast open space, the deep blue dome of the sky amidst distinctive landscapes that merge into a shimmering horizon. When Away from any main highways, stop anywhere in the Karoo and you will immediately be assailed by the immense silence and peace of this extraordinary place.
5. Rainbow Route
Suited best to the culture vultures among us. The rainbow route follows in the Voortrekker footsteps, and explores the rites and rituals of the noble Zulu nation. Through a sweeping scenic countryside and patriotic villages you will experience a whole different side to our increasingly changing country.
6. Valley of the Olifants
A place of giants. One of the last unspoilt corners of Africa. unhurried, contented and timeless. All within the splendour of Africa’s wildlife and conservation areas. Meet a tree, ride an elephant, and learn about the Rain Queen.
7. Pilgrim’s Rest
Walk in the footsteps of early gold prospectors and relive the heady days of pioneers, garter-snapping barmaids and highway robbers. Pilgrim’s Rest is a living monument to the feverish gold rush days of the late 1800s.
8. Cape Floral Region
The Cape Floral Region takes up only 0.04% of the world’s land area, yet contains an astonishing three percent of its plant species. The Cape Floristic Region is, as the name implies, is situated in the Western Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape provinces in South Africa. Significant for being one of the world’s most diverse and abundant floral areas, it is home to about one-fifth of the vegetation in all of Africa.
9. Vredefort Dome
Some 2-billion years ago a meteorite 10 kilometres in diameter hit the earth about 100km southwest of Johannesburg. Imagine an asteroid the size of Table Mountain heading for earth at a speed of 20km per second. Packing more punch than multiple nuclear bombs, it penetrated 17 kilometers into the Earth and leaving an impact crater so large it’s been declared a World Heritage Site.
10. The Panorama Route
The small town of Graskop is the gateway to the Panorama Route. One breath-taking view after another, you’ll experience mountains, awe-inspiring skies, forests and the truly impressive Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest. Landmarks bearing evocative names like God’s Window, Wonder View, the Pinnacle and the Three Rondawels entice. Be sure to walk in the thick, indigenous mist forest that’s often among the clouds.
