What Is Holiday Destinations?
A holiday destination Is a place where someone is going or where something is being sent.
How To Choose A Holiday Destination?
- Identify the purpose of your trip. As previously mentioned, it is important to know what you expect from your holidays before choosing a travel destination.
- Your time restraints.
- The size of your budget.
- What kind of trip you’re looking for.
Top Holiday Destinations In South Africa?
South Africa has been on my dream destination list for a long time now. From the country’s amazing wildlife (big five, whales, and more) to the wine regions, the beautiful scenery, and the food, there are plenty of reasons South Africa is a popular holiday destination.
- Stellenbosch
South Africa’s Stellenbosch is heaven for wine lovers. Valleys full of vineyards surround the town, and along with neighboring wine regions Franschhoek and Paarl, it’s home to hundreds of wineries. Stellenbosch is most famous for its Pinotage reds and Chenin Blanc whites, but there’s a whole range of different grapes and wine styles, including some tasty sparkling wines that give Champagne a run for its money at half the price.
- Cape Peninsula
The Cape Peninsula makes a great day trip from Cape Town. A ride along the cape on a sunny day offers breathtaking views. The Cape of Good Hope is a highlight, but right next to it is Cape Point, the southernmost point of this peninsula. These may be some of the highlights of your day trip but there’s plenty more to explore.
Animal lovers will be endeared by the cute but noisy penguins at Boulder’s Beach. It’s easily one of the most unique holiday destinations in South Africa! You don’t have to spend the whole day in the car. When you pass Kommetjie you can stop to make a romantic stroll in the surf at Long Beach. If you love hiking, look at the Farmer’s cliffs trail or any of the other hikes available in the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The trails range from 2 hours to 2 days.
- Knysna, South Africa
The waterfront town of Knysna is a highlight of the Garden Route and is a fantastic place to visit in South Africa. Knysna is most well known for the Knysna Heads, two imposing sea cliffs that protect the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon from the relentless Indian Ocean. A boat trip to the Knysna Heads features on most Knysna itineraries and it is spectacular to watch the sea crash through the narrow gap at the entrance to the lagoon.
- Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been. Voted as one of the best cities in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine, Cape Town boasts one of the most stunning landscapes in the world. The panoramic view of city bowl is out of this world. There’s the natural amphitheatre-shaped area of Cape Town bordered by Table Bay and surrounded by the mountains of Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak just mind blowing for photography.
- Hermanus
One of my favourite stops on my tour through South Africa was the small town of Hermanus just outside of Cape Town. It’s a seaside town with wonderful places to eat and shop, but the best thing is that it is THE place to see southern right whales in South Africa.
Located in Walker Bay it is the premiere place to watch the whales frolic in the waters. You can actually see the whales from the shore! Funily enough, there’s a town crier who blows a horn every time a whale is close to the shore. Along with spotting them from the bay, you can also take a boat cruise to see the whales. I’d recommend both because most of the whales are on the other side of the bay, so you tend to see them being more active and maybe even breech.
- Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is known worldwide as one of the best places for a safari, and the fact that it is easily accessible in South Africa (about a 7-hour drive from Johannesburg or a quick flight to Nelspruit) is a bonus!
Come to Kruger National Park is be amazed at seeing some of the globe’s most impressive wildlife: not only is Kruger a fantastic place to try to spot the famous big five (lion, rhino, leopard, water buffalo, and elephant), it’s home to many more fantastic creatures as well.
- Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park should be on every South Africa itinerary. It’s the place to be for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, as well as those looking to relax.
For adrenaline junkies, not only can you bungee jump off one of the highest bungee bridges in the world above Bloukrans River (216m!) but you can also go zip-lining, kayaking and snorkelling too. For those who prefer to explore, the dramatic coastline in Tsitsikamma has some beautiful walks and trails overlooking crystal clear waters. Lucky visitors may even be able to spot some of the park’s wildlife, including rock hyrax, dolphins and Blue Duiker (a tiny species of antelope). Otherwise, relaxing in one of the restaurants on the seafront is a great way to spend time too.
- Durban
Durban is without a doubt a hidden gem in South Africa. Often skipped in favour of Cape Town and Kruger National Park, Durban is a vibrant coastal city and a melting pot of flavours and culture. With great weather all year round it’s a great place to visit on your South Africa holiday.
The Durban food scene is incredible, with the iconic Bunny Chow a must eat. It’s a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with a spicy lamb, chicken or bean curry, which is eaten with your hands.
- Amakhala Game Reserve
Amakhala Game Reserve is located in the Greater Addo region of the Eastern Cape and at the Northern end of the Garden Route. Just a 50 minute drive from Port Elizabeth Airport, the private game reserve offers a combination of budget and luxury accommodation. My personal favourite is the mid-range accommodation at Leeuwenbosch Country House.
Home to the elusive big five plus a whole host of other wildlife including zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, giraffes and vervet monkeys, a game drive at Amakhala is always full of life. The reserve is unique, as it also has a river which guests are invited to cruise down for more wildlife spotting.
- The Wild Coast
When I came across the Wild Coast while researching our trip to South Africa, I knew we had to go. I even rearranged our entire itinerary to make it happen! The Wild Coast, also known as the Transkei, makes up a large portion of the South African Eastern Cape.