South Africa is home to some of the best wildlife adventures the world has to offer. Though that is not all this country has to offer.
South Africa is home to some of the best wildlife adventures the world has to offer. But there is so much more to this country than just wildlife.
The true identity of the complex country can be learned in museums and most importantly; from the locals. Soweto (Jo'burg) or Langa (Cape Town) residents will recall the turbulent times, but also the stories of triumphs, pride and the re-building of their future.
Along with the history and wildlife, there are many captivating landscapes, stunning coastlines and exquisite indigenous flora sculpting Table Mountain.
These stunning gardens are among some of the best in the world. Located on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town, just 13km from the city centre.
Regarded as one of the great botanic gardens of the world, Kirstenbosch—or rather, the land on which it sits—was donated to the government by Cecil John Rhodes. At the time, it was nothing more than ramshackle farmland overrun with pigs. In 1913 a botanist called Harold Pearson set about transforming the land into a botanic garden devoted to the country’s indigenous flora. It now contains over 7000 species of plants from southern Africa. The 528-hectare Kirstenbosch Estate (which includes the Garden) falls under the Cape Floristic Region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden. South African indigenous plants – such as fynbos, proteas and cycads are showcased. Amongst this, it includes a fragrance garden, a medicinal garden, 2,500 species of plants found on the Cape Peninsula, a Protea garden (best seen in spring!) A variety of birds also inhabit the gardens.
Something for everyone! For the children, dotted among the cycads are life-sized anatomically correct sculptures of dinosaurs and a pterosaur. Kirstenbosch also features a sculpture garden, where you’ll find an ever-changing exhibition of African stone sculptures and bronze animal sculptures by Dylan Lewis. Kids will also enjoy a walk along the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway – affectionately known as the Boomslang. This 130-metre steel-and-timber bridge snakes its way through and over the trees of the Arboretum, providing stunning views of the Garden and the Cape Flats.
Feeling famished and didn't bring a picnic? No worries! Visit the African themed Moyo restaurant for a hearty lunch, or pop into the Kirstenbosch Tea Room for scones, cake and cucumber sandwiches. You can even pick up a picnic hamper from either of these restaurants. For a quick coffee fix, Vida e Caffe has you covered. A gift shops and a nursery is also available.
On Sundays during the summer months (November to end of March) musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns from 5.00-pm-7.00pm.
Entrance is R65 for adults, R35 for students (with student card) and R15 for children (aged 6 – 17yrs). [prices 2019]
The Garden is open 365 days a year from 8am – 7pm September – March; and from 8am – 6pm April – August.
Home to the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard and buffalo), Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa and is one of the world’s greatest wildlife-watching destinations.
The wildlife the park exhibits include:
- 32,000 Burchell’s zebra
- 9,000 giraffe
- 200 cheetahs
- 25,150 African Buffalo
- 200 African Hunting Dogs
- 3,000 hippopotami
- 350 Black Rhinos
You can explore the park on your own or take one of the plentiful guided wildlife activities.
While the park can become over crowded there is an option for the private reserves that surround the national park.
Seven different trails are on offer in the Kruger National Park. Some are overnight and last several days in areas of wilderness virtually untouched by humans. 21 rest camps, as well as seven private lodge concessions and 11 designated private safari lodges.
The park has eight main gates that allow entrance to the different camps: Paul Kruger, Numbi, Malelene, Crocodile Bridge, Punda Maria, Orpen, Phabeni.
Entry into the park costs currently approximately R372 (as at Aug 2019) for foreign visitors. Prices may fluctuate and vary on the source/booking method. Be advised that a R50 difference is only approximately NZ $5. Conservation fees are charged per person per day.
There is no better way to gain an appreciation for the South African culture than first hand exploration. Luxurious accommodation enables you to feel refreshed before embarking on an adventure of a lifetime.
This one-of-a-kind safari experience gives a taste of the indigenous culture South Africa has to offer.
Strap yourself in for the 5 day journey full of exhilarating adventure and sight seeing while uncovering the mysteries of the African bush.
The combination of a safari in Kruger Park, traditional cuisine, the warmth of the accommodation, together with the opportunity to witness the lifestyle and culture of the Shangaan people, ensures you an authentic safari experience.
Hoyo-Hoyo Tsonga Lodge and Singita Lebombo Lodge offer you a rare chance to observe and to learn about the Shangaan culture and Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo).
What to expect?
- Shangaan culture
- Spectacular night game drives
- Gourmet dinner underneath the stars
- Luxury accommodation
- Thrilling Big Five safari adventure
5 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport to Kruger Park
An early morning flight from Johannesburg takes you to Kruger National Park. Upon your arrival at the airport, your personal transportation guide will be there to transfer you to your first destination. Lunch is served after check-in and time allowed to freshen up.
After an exciting afternoon game drive with amazing wildlife sightings, you will spend the evening under the stars being entertained with ethnic dances and storytelling, giving you a unique experience in Kruger Park.
Day 2: Safari in Kruger National Park
Set out after tea or coffee on a 3-hour early morning game drive, for an exciting encounter with the awakening savannah. A big breakfast awaits you on your return. Afterwards, you can cool down in the refreshing swimming pool or just relax in the traditional atmosphere of your luxury lodge in Kruger National Park.
Gather your strength after lunch for an unforgettable, spectacular evening game drive, Dinner will be exquisite pan-African cuisine to satisfy your appetite after an adventurous day
Day 3: Safari in Kruger National Park
Another extraordinary wildlife experience awaits you this morning on your South African safari. After breakfast, you will travel by open 4x4 safari vehicle through Kruger National Park to your next destination.
Ideally situated in the remote wilderness and overlooking an open plain, your premier lodge accommodation for the next 2 nights will be the highlight of your safari where you can relax and enjoy magnificent views from your glass fronted suite. Tonight you will enjoy another spectacular African sunset on safari complimented by a sundowner stop in the bush, before being treated to a gourmet dinner.
Day 4: Safari in Kruger National Park
Wake up with early morning coffee and rusks before setting out on a fascinating game drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. Awaken all your senses as you enjoy an unforgettable morning exploration in the wilderness with your professional guide. Your increasing appetite will be satisfied with a breakfast feast back at your premier lodge.
If you are still seeking adventure, do not miss the bush walk offered this morning; otherwise, indulge yourself in one of the treatments the spa offers. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and simply enjoy the sounds of Africa. On the afternoon game drive, cool down with sundowners in the bush before heading back to taste truly original cuisine inspired by African flavors.
Day 5: Depart Kruger National Park for Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
A last game drive followed by a hearty breakfast is on the agenda this morning, which marks the end of your luxury Kruger Park safari. Transfer back to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg.
The castle of Good Hope was Constructed between 1666 and 1679 and is the oldest building in South Africa and is Located – Buitenkant Street, opposite the Grand Parade, Cape Town.
The Pentagonal castle is extremely well preserved in fact, it is considered the best-preserved example of a 17th century architectural structure in the entire world.
The Castle was declared a historical monument (now a provincial heritage site) in 1936. Following restoration work in the 1980s, and guided tours will introduce you to the dungeons, the dolphin pool and the blacksmith.
Until 1811 the Castle was used for many and various purposes: barracks for the soldiers and officers, 3-storey apartments for the Governor and top civil officials, a wagon maker’s workshop, a blacksmith’s workshop, a luxury goods shop, an apothecary, wine cellar and grain store, and many others.
Open daily from 9am – 5pm, closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
What to see
The Key Ceremony takes place on weekdays at 10am and the Change of Guards at 12 o’clock. This showcases the unlocking of the Van der Stel entrance of the Castle of Good Hope by the ceremonial guards of the castle. It is a past practice that is still practised today
The firing of the signal cannon was used to indicate that a ship had been sighted at sea and to relay the message to people inside the fort. Times for the cannon fire are 10.00, 11.00, 12.00
You can view the firing of an old cannon, performed by the Cannon Association of South Africa.
To view the incredible Table Mountain would be something truly special, though viewing it from the
tranquility of the ocean while the sun dips below the horizon and the silhouette of the mountain would tick something truly majestic off anyone’s bucket list.
With a complimentary glass of sparkling wine in your hand and on the sail boats SERENITY ONE and ESPERANCE this truly breath-taking experience is made possible.
Typically, they motor out of the Harbour and sail across the bay towards Milnertan lighthouse, then return TO the protection of Granger Bay to watch the sunset.
The Motor Vessels’ SEA PRINCESS and SOUTHERN CROSS follows a different route to the sail boats. They can offer a destination and normally cruise slowly along the Atlantics aboard towards Clifton Beach.
Price?
R369 Adult (as at October 2019)
Children?
Kids are welcome, and have a special price option, but remember it is an adult cruise so no alcohol will be served to minors.
Weather?
Cape Town weather can change five times a day, so our route from the harbour is not always predictable; the two options below are merely a guide. But no matter which direction we take be assured of a spectacular cruise
End of topic Quiz
References
Cape Town Travel, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (2020, 11 May) Cape Town Travel
Lonely Planet, Kruger National Park Travel (2020, 11 May) Lonely Planet
Explore Kruger Park in Style, (2020, 12 May) Siyabona Africa
Castle of Good Hope, (2020, 12 May)
Waterfront Charters, (2020, 12 May) Sunset Champagne Cruise