The continent of Africa as a whole is an adventure and that certainly applies to South Africa that has often been described as several countries in one due to its general terrain, wildlife, on land and in the sea, is varied climate and its magnificent scenery. Adventure does not always mean an adrenalin rush but there are several of those in the Country, as well as just the chance to enjoy its open spaces, rich culture and history.
Travelers can spend a month in South Africa and never tire; many land at Johannesburg Airport in the centre of South Africa and travel overland from there, generally in the direction of the Indian Ocean. En route there are the Drakensberg Mountains and Blyde River Canyon which is the third largest in the world and certainly the greenest. There are opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking and canoeing as well as just enjoying walking in these beautiful mountains. Nearer to the Indian Ocean Coast there is a choice of Game Parks, the most famous, Kruger and the lesser known Hluhluwe Umfolozi in the north.
The wildlife is spectacular though travelers wanting to camp in the wild will not be able to pitch their tents among the animals. North to Botswana is the place for that.
The Indian Ocean runs down South Africa’s Eastern Coast and then along the south all the way to Cape Town where it meets the Atlantic. There are numerous opportunities for water sports but the biggest adrenalin rush is certainly going into a submerged cage to see the Great White Shark which inhabits the whole region. Depending upon the time of year there is the sardine run, the southern right whale migration heading south and west and then returning.
Travellers with plenty of time can spend days traveling along the Indian Ocean shoreline enjoying a variety of activities. There is a bungee jump of over 700 feet close to the border between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. The terrain is ideal for climbing and hiking.
Travellers who decide to fly on further from Johannesburg south to Cape Town have the delights of that city and its nearby winelands as well as plenty of chances for the adrenalin rush. False Bay near Cape Town has penguins, seal colonies and sharks waiting for food. Table Mountain provides stunning views in all directions and the sign ‘dope on a rope’ on the summit indicates that adventurers can abseil down if they wish. The climb up the mountain for those deciding against the cable car is not difficult.
There is so much to do in South Africa as well as so many ways to relax with its excellent cuisine and wine, historical sites like the Battlefields in Zwazulu Natal, sports facilities, lively cities and wonderful beaches. The road network is excellent and domestic flights cheap and plentiful. It is just a matter of planning the trip. One is rarely enough.
