Going to South Africa culminated a dream that began in fourth grade geography class. Through the years I've nurtured a fascination with all things African, but especially I became enchanted by South Africa's history as the ancestral homeland of human kind, as a place of historic adventure, and courage, and strife, and an amazing rebirth at the hands of Nelson Mandela.
I began planning my trip to Africa months ahead of time and picked dates in September, which put me in South Africa after the European tourists had gone home but before the South Africans began their summer Christmas holiday season. September means taking a chance on rain now and then, but it also means low prices for food and lodging, and usually no crowds. I travelled alone. I'm a photographer by profession and enjoy travelling solo that I may practice my craft. I love travelling through wild, unknown places and having the countryside almost completely to yourself.
I flew to Johannesburg via Amsterdam, then spent several days in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands private game reserve. I returned to Joburg for a few days more and visited Soweto, Nelson Mandela's familly home with the stone memorials, went to see Sterkfontein Cave and Maropeng, then flew to Cape Town for a few days of walkabouts, music, day bus tours, and wonderful food. I stayed in Bo Kaap. Finally I rented a car and drove the Garden Route to Hermanus, then on to Knyssna, Addo and Port Elizabeth, then back to Amsterdam and on to home.
If I start listing highlights I will have to detail the entire trip, but I will always remember: Sterkfontein Cave; Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, Kliptown/Walter Sisulu Square, and the Freedom Charter; Nelson Mandela's final home in Joburg; Cape Town, Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Aghuilas, the Tsitsikamma coast, whales, the upside-down Moon, driving on the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road, and so much more...
Water safety: I took my cue from the locals. Most places the tap water is fine.
Food safety: I ate everything everywhere, including at street markets in Soweto, with no ill repercussions, although I avoided bush meat.
Personal safety: Be smart, keep your eyes open, do NOT leave anything in your car!!!
Remember to tip: Eighty five percent of South Africans make their living on tips for services rendered. Tips may range from a few Rands ($1US or less) for a personal service, like getting driving directions from a traffic assistant, or for fueling your car, to R200 to R300 per day for professional services (a safari guide or driver, or city day-tour guide).
I also visited Tsitstikamma National Park and Table Mountain National Park.
Email Bird Brian | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
This is an enchanting park, located in an arid mountain location, with a wide variety of animals, easily viewed because of the low vegetation and excellent road network. The accommodation and other facilities are of a high standard.
Email wattallan594 | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
South Africa has it all.
Email South Africa Nature and Stuff | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Amazing country with amazing diversity
From a photography point of view few destinations (in South Africa) can beat PGR.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The only reason I gave one 4-star rating is because the South African bush is much more dense than areas like Kenya and Tanzania where it can be easier to spot game from further off. That said; it does bring an additional sense of adventure to South African game drives, because you really feel like you're tracking animals in order to find them.
Email Derek Keats | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
South Africa has it all. I never tire of visiting our national parks and nature reserves.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
There are so many places to go it hards to begin, and there is amazing diversity.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
For birding it is best to go to KZN, around St Lucia.
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
South Africa offers increadible sceneries, not only inside Kruger National Park.
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