South Africa is such a richly diverse country that settling on just one dream destination can be incredibly difficult. Luckily, at Destinology we have come up with a special selection of travel ideas to suit a variety of interests, which should help provide insight in choosing your ultimate African experience.
Sample the Cuisine
African cuisine is often overlooked, which is a shame given how much variety this immense continent has to offer. If you consider yourself a foodie and want to sample the very best African fusion foods and wines available, take a trip to the Mateya Safari Lodge in Madikwe to sample the delights of their kitchen and expansive wine cellar.
Watch the Birds
Africa is a paradise on earth for any nature lover, but particularly so for bird spotters keen to catch a glimpse of some of the rarer and more elusive species out there. Eagle lovers in particular will love staying at the Samwari Eagles Crag Lodge, where you can view these majestic aeronauts circle and soar around the surrounding rock faces.
Soak up the History
Africa’s rich and diverse history flows through every facet of its culture and landscape. What better way to travel to the heart of this breathtaking continent than by taking a self-drive tour through the Kwa-Zulu Natal Battlefields and Bush, on your way to an exclusive game viewing at the Thanda Luxury Safari Lodge in South Africa.
Big Game Spotting
Africa is home to some of the most beautiful wildlife in the entire world. Thousands of people holiday there each year in the hopes of spotting Africa’s famous ‘Big Five’ (the Africa lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo). For those intrepid explorers, Shamwari Long Lee Manor is the ultimate safari and wildlife conservation destination. Port Elizabeth is also only a short drive away, where you can see some of the most impressive penguin colonies in the world.
Eco-Friendly Lodging
Eco-friendly holidays are growing in trend, and nowhere else will you find accommodation more welcoming and serene than at the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. The San tribe lived there in harmony with nature and now so can you, amongst the tranquil plains, orchards, mountain streams and wild animals that embody the raw, savage beauty of Africa’s diverse natural topography.
Quality Relaxation
African holidays aren’t just about getting up-close-and-personal with nature. Travellers that just want to take it easy will find that the exclusive spa treatments and pampering on offer at the Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge suit them very nicely.
Astronomy
Africa’s incredible beauty makes it easy to forget that there’s even more to look at when we take our eyes off the scenery. Astronomers will be blown away by the heavenly view from the Lion Sands River Lodge on the banks of the Sabie River. Lion Sands even offer star gazing as one of their safari activities, which is perfect for both seasoned star spotters and beginners alike.
Romantic Honeymoon Getaway
Offering the perfect mixture of relaxation and excitement, Africa is the perfect continent for honeymooning couples. If you’ve got luxury in mind, take a trip to Leopard Hills Lodge; a hilltop sanctuary overlooking a natural waterfall that’s sure to ignite romance.
Gorgeous Geology
A rock-spotting holiday might not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but for the geologically-inclined amongst us there is no destination more fascinating that the Singita Boulders Lodge. The Lodge itself is an utterly unique structure made from thatch and piled stone, and melds seamlessly with the ancient, awe-inspiring landscape.
Fantastic Photography
Africa has everything a photography fanatic could ever want, including wide-sweeping vistas, brooding mountains, gorgeous wildlife and fascinating culture. In fact, it would be hard to find anywhere in Africa that doesn’t offer the potential to take really impressive photos, but for sheer indulgence we recommend the beautiful, family-friendly Serondella Lodge in Kruger Park.
