I am planning a vacation to South Africa in October for two weeks. I want to spend 1 week outdoors...hiking, etc. I want to spend 1 week in a major city. What are the must do's and must see's in South Africa?
2006-07-17 07:25:20 · 18 answers · asked by healthyguy 2 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ South Africa
South Africa truely is a wonderful tourist destination, with some of the scenery being the best in the world. (I may be biased of course, having lived their for 32 years, I now live in the UK, due to the country having problems).
In your question you ask what you should not do, and there may be a website that will help you out.
http://www.crimexposouthafrica.co.za/
This website is a site that details crime spots and real life stories from victims of crime. There are definate hot spots in South Africa that you should avoid, and that website keeps tourists up to date on places to avoid.
I do howeversuggest you visit:
The Drakensburg - KwaZulu Natal Province
Ushaka Marine World - Durban, KwaZulu Natal
Definately go to Robin Island if you can - Cape Province
Umfolozi game reserve - KwaZulu Natal Province
Lost City - http://sun-city-south-africa.go2africa.com/palace.asp
I hope this helps you out. Good luck, and be carefull!
Cheers
AJ
2006-07-21 04:47:35 · answer #1 · answered by AJ 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just cos i'm from Cape Town doesn't mean I'm biased - Cape Town really IS one the best cities in the country. It's better geared for tourists than Johannesburg.
1. Table Mountain (you can hike up or take a cablecar)
2. Cape Point (where Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet)
3. Signal Hill and Lion's Head
4. Camps Bay (great beaches, but unfortunately water is freezing cos it's the Atlantic). If you're into swimming/surfing, the water's better in Muizenburg and Strand.
5. The castle (old fort)
6. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (take red hop-on-hop-off tourbus from there to see the major sites)
7. Robben Island
8. The Stellenbosch Wine Route and Spier Wine Estate (ok, i'm not a drinker, but it's absolutely STUNNING)
9. Kirstenbosch Gardens
10. Somerset Road and Long Street for best clubs and bars
General tip: Crime is not AS bad as people make it out to be, but it's safer to be paranoid. Don't leave valuables exposed (especially when driving), always lock your doors and keep your windows closed.
For more info, go to www.capetown.co.za
2006-07-18 02:50:00 · answer #2 · answered by MM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For your one week hiking I would highly recommend the Drakensburg mountains, there are many different hikes of different difficulty levels and lengths. It is so beautiful there and you will not regret your time spent there.
Check out these link for more details
http://www.drakensberg.kzn.org.za/drakensberg//about/34.html
http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/drakensberg-hiking-trails.html
These links describe the different hikes - if you serch the internet you will find more, this is the first stuff I came across.
http://www.trails.co.za/DrakHikesA_L.html
http://www.trails.co.za/DrakHikesM_S.html
For your week in a city I would say Cape Town, so many wonderful things to see and do.
If possible I would also think about spending a day or two viewing some wild animals in a game reserve if you aren't already planning to go to the Kruger Park, there are a few in Kwa-Zulu Natal, which is where the Drakensberg mountains are, so maybe you could spend a little while doing that beofre flying to Cape Town.
http://www.kznwildlife.com/mkhuze_dest.htm
http://www.kznwildlife.com/ithala_dest.htm
There are lots of places to check out some animals, which you can see from this map:
http://www.sa-venues.com/game-reserves/kzn-north-game-lodges.htm
For your city I would recommend Cape Town, other people have already gone into detail for that.
But whatever you do try to go to the berg. I live in Durban and I try to go there very year, its amazing! Hope you have a fabulous time in SA.
2006-07-18 03:43:19 · answer #3 · answered by Michelle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well that's great! You will have a wonderful time in South Africa!
Here are some great things to do when you come here:
Go to Gold Reef City. There is plenty to do there. They have an Amusement Park with really cool rides, a Casino and Restaurants and Pubs.
Go to the Kruger National Park. The world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa and the world. This is a not to miss! Click in this link for more info:
http://www.places.co.za/html/kruger_park.html
The Kruger National Park is best for game drives and many other outdoor activities.
There is also plenty more for you to do here in South Africa! I hope you have a wonderful time and don't forget to have some of our Biltong and our traditional braai!
Kim, E-mail for any other info!
2006-07-17 22:29:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to spend 1 week hiking I also recommend the Drakensburg, beautiful scenery and plety of wildlife. You could actually spend your whole time in Kwazulu-Natal there are many nature reserves (especially in October as animals are fawning), the land is green an fresh and the weather in KZN that time of year is moderate, not too warm and not too cold. You've chosen a great time to go cos it not peak season either. Durban is the major city closest to the drakensburg and many nature reserves. If you're into scuba diving or snorkeling, or fishing that can be done too.The sea water in Durban is warm so you will thoroughly enjoy it. The Biggest aquarium in the southern Hemisphere is also there. (I'm starting to wonder what I'm still doing in England!)
Another recommended city is Cape town, steeped in history and beauty, you might be able to hike in the boland (midlands) or table mountain, but water sport is limited due to the cold ocean there. However prices in CT might be high as it is Tourist Target area. But very beautiful.
If you're interested in Durb's my aunt may be able to provide accommodation in her Guest house: visit www.lancasterguesthouse.com. Enjoy it, You'll be back to SA garaunteed!!!
2006-07-18 02:27:45 · answer #5 · answered by Norter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I have sent groups of scuba divers there. I am also planning a safari for another client. Contact a travel agent knowlegeable about this.
Some of the best tour companies? CC Africa is tops. Goway Travel is also good. In South Africa, my favorite tour operator, bar none, is Dive The Big Five. (They do a lot more than just diving, take a look at their website). They will provide a very customized itinerary for you at a very good price. Tim at Dive The Big Five is wonderful - I have worked with him closely on groups. The group leader from the dive group that I booked told me that in 23 years as a diving professional, he had never been on an adventure like that one, and that Tim went way above and beyond the call of duty.
Again, Dive The Big Five runs all kinds of trips in South Africa, and they are local. I can't say enough wonderful things about them. Get in touch with a travel agent who specializes in adventure travel.
2006-07-19 03:18:12 · answer #6 · answered by Ruth R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are so many places to go hiking and see the great outdoors. In terms of cities, if I were you I would stick to the coastal cities. Its more relaxed there. I am from Johannesburg and its hectic!
Wow, mmm there is so much to do, i would suggest that you go see a travel guide and book an itinerary.
Make sure to see Kruger National Park, have an elephant back safari in the Pilansberg national park. Have some fun at Sun City, go kite boarding in cape town. so much... enjoy
2006-07-19 03:51:32 · answer #7 · answered by tay_jen1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome friend.....Cape Town is the place to go. Outdoors and city. Places to check out...Table mountain, cango caves, Chapman's peak, Robin Island, V & A waterfront...jazz at the lake
The beaches to die for. The Killarney Hotel is located on the beach with the Lions head mountain practically on your head behind. Also go to Cape point...its where the two oceans meet. Try the Karoo too....with millions and millions of flowers that time of the year. The clubs are .....wow. Eat any and everywhere. 4get about your weight . Or else...next bet DURBAN!!!!
2006-07-18 18:34:37 · answer #8 · answered by ariel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is an easy answer. Contact me as soon as you are in South Africa, or before if you like, and I'll show you the time of your life.
We have a beautiful, friendly, loving country and you should enjoy every second of your visit.
2006-07-17 20:47:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kwa-Zulu Natal would be a great place for you to visit, it has very diverse scenery. If you enjoy hiking, try the Drakensberg mountains, awesome! The beautiful coastline is only about 3 hrs away from the peaks, so have fun!
2006-07-17 23:34:04 · answer #10 · answered by Jonny SA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋