In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have been to, so with this in mind I will endeavour to give a good opinion on those places and offer some helpful advice. Here then, are my top suggestions for sites to visit during your holiday in South Africa.
The beauty of South Africa is remarkable with its an ancient beauty and traditional culture of the African continent. It has an abundance of plants and animals which are unique to this country. Here the visitor will be able to experience the arid savannahs, dried up deserts, lush green undulating hills, the beautiful snow capped mountains and also miles of stunning coastline all within the same country.
Al of this gives the visitor a host of opportunities ranging from idyllic walks in the lovely mountains of the Wine lands, drenching up the sun on a beach on the wild Atlantic coast, fly-fishing for trout in the Natal Midlands or playing golf on the world's finest and most beautiful courses. Of course no trip to Africa would be complete without the adventure of a bush safari where you can experience lions stalking their prey or elephants bathing in the waterholes.
With immaculate, white sandy beaches and an incredible backdrop of Table mountain it is hardly surprising that Cape Town and the Western Cape are areas considered to be one of the most beautiful in Africa. Table Mountain is Cape Town's most famous landmark offering more than 100 scenic ways to climb it. The views from the top in all directions are magnificent and the inspiring feeling of being on top of the world is what makes this such a popular destination. The most popular way to reach the top is by revolving cable car, which transports you to the top in a just a few minutes.
Make sure that you have some warm clothing as it can get very cold very quickly on the top of Table Mountain.
The Cango Caves are located near the town of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape with the principal cave being one of the country's finest. The caves contain spectacular hall like openings and grand limestone formations as well as some rather small passages. The smallest passage that tourists will have to pass through is just under 30cm high at the exit.
The Cradle of Humankind, is so called because of the important palaeo-anthropological sites. These site have produced the remains of hominids from over 2 to 3 million years ago making it a World Heritage Site.
The Sterkfontein Valley landscape houses ancient cave system which has over the years revealed fossils dating from about 3.5 to 1.5 million years ago. There is a perfectly tranquil lake which is located about 40 meters under the ground.
Addo Elephant Park has more than 450 elephants other animals include buffalo, black rhino, warthog, eland, kudu and a variety of buck species. The park is open throughout the year and is located an hours drive away from Port Elizabeth. As you can imagine with that volume of elephants the visitor is sure to encounter some of the spectacular viewing in the world.
The Kruger National Park, in north-eastern South Africa is one of the world's greatest wildlife conservation areas. Home to the big five it is an astounding testament to the unspoilt wilderness of Africa. As well as the amazing experience of observing these magnificent creatures in their own habitat the more adventurous among you will have the opportunity to experience special interest safaris which include things such as photography, bird watching, and star gazing.
There is much more to do in this beautiful country and I am sure there will be something to suit everyone.