SOUTH AFRICA
What better excuse to skip the cold European winter months than to escape to summer in Cape Town! And South Africa has so much more to offer than buzzing coastal city vibes, from the most beautiful wine regions and whale watching from impressive sand dunes, to road tripping along the Garden Route and ticking a safari off your bucket list, the Rainbow Nation can’t wait to show you its best side.
5 Must-Do’s in South Africa
1. Hike up Table Mountain in Cape Town
Whether you decide to climb up yourself (which will take you roughly 1.5hours) or take the cable car – getting on top of Table Mountain is a must-do while visiting buzzing coastal city Cape Town! Once on top, soak the breathtaking 360 degree views making worth the effort. And there’s even a café up there to recharge before the trip down, unless you are really brave and choose to abseil.
TAC tip: Views are dependent on weather, so always check the conditions before embarking up the mountain. You can check the weather, cableway opening hours here.
2. Go on a Safari in Kruger National Park
Your heart may skip a beat when a 7-tonne elephant walks so close to your car you could touch it or a huge male lion stares straight into your eyes from just one meter away, but nowhere else on earth can you have up close and personal encounters with such majestic wild creatures. Safari in the Kruger National Park is a must-do for any visitor to South Africa and there are game lodges to suit any budget or style, from the most basic tented camp to five star luxury.
TAC tip: If you’re brave enough, enter Kruger National Park on your own in a rental car, equipped with a map and camera for the ultimate adventure!
3. Explore the beautiful beaches on the Western Cape
While the country’s wild side is the first thing that comes to mind when people think of South Africa, the beaches should definitely not be overlooked when planning a holiday here. A scenic drive along the famous Garden Route or down the Cape Town coastline will leave you in awe with every turn. The pristine white beaches and glistening turquoise water is often bordered by incredible rock faces. And don’t even get us started on the liquid gold sunsets every night!
TAC tip: Visit Boulder’s Beach near Simon’s Town to observe the African penguin colony. And before going swimming anywhere at South Africa’s public beaches, be sure to check the flag for shark warnings!
4. Go on a winery tour in Stellenbosch
Only a 40-minutes drive from Cape Town, lies the beautiful university town Stellenbosch amidst lush mountain ranges in the Cape Winelands. Streets lined with historic oak trees, winding back mountain roads, and art galleries, there are countless Stellenbosch wineries that will give you a taste of what South Africa has to offer. When choosing your favourite wineries, keep stunning views in mind, too!
Must-visit wineries in Stellenbosch:
* Tokara
* La Motte
* Jordan
5. Go for a road trip along the Garden Route
What better way to explore a country’s beauty than by renting a car and just drive! One of the world’s most picturesque roads makes it easy not to get lost and offers the most stunning views as you drive along South Africa’s beautiful West Cape coastline for 200km on the famed Garden Route.
Must-stops on the Garden Route:
* Mossel Bay, an old-fashioned seaside resort town with the world’s mildest climate all year long just after Hawaii
* Knysna, voted as one of South Africa’s best small towns, for its art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants
* Plettenberg Bay, for its beautiful, golden beaches
TAC tip: Go between July and October during whale watching season for the most spectacular encounters you’ll never forget!
Best Hotel In South Africa
When travelling to South Africa, staying in a lodge is a must-do! You’ll be spoilt for choice with Tintswalo Lodges below:
- Tintswalo Atlantic
Perched on a pebbled beach at the foot of the Table Mountain National Park, overlooking the picturesque Atlantic Ocean, Tintswalo Atlantic is an award-winning boutique lodge and widely known as Cape Town’s hidden gem – the perfect city stay!
- Tintswalo Safari Lodge
Sharing an unfenced boundary with the renowned Kruger National Park, Tintswalo Safari Lodge sits on the pristine Manyeleti Private Game Reserve, home to some of the best game viewing that South Africa has to offer. Pack your binoculars, the big 5 await you!
- Tintswalo Manor House
Sharing the Manyeleti Private Game Reserve with Tintswalo Safari Lodge, Tintswalo Manor House offers a luxurious, fully-catered villa to families and groups travelling to the Greater Kruger National Park which is a must-visit in beautiful South Africa.
- Tintswalo at Waterfall
Situated in the heart of Kyalami just north of Johannesburg, Tintswalo at Waterfall is an exclusive 5-star boutique hotel offering unparalleled cuisine, exceptional luxury and typical Tintswalo service standards. Bring your swimmers for the ultimate holiday snapshot!
You cannot wait to plan your next trip? Email our stay curators at [email protected] – they’d be more than happy to create the ultimate getaway for you!
