As a travel writer, I’m constantly on the lookout for exciting things to do and see in South Africa, and my travel bucket list grows almost daily. Here are 14 things that I’ve either done (and highly recommend) or would still love to do:
- Walk with a Cheetah
I’m a bit of a wildlife and conservation fanatic, so walking alongside a grown cheetah at Tenikwa Wildlife Centre was a dream come true. If you get the chance to even stroke a cheetah and listen to its deep, reverberating purr – do it!
- Visit the Lost City at Mapangubwe National Park
A little while ago I didn’t even know that the Mapungubwe National Park existed– let alone that it’s a World Heritage Site that was once a wealthy African kingdom. Situated at the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, Mapangubwe flourished during the Iron Age and became the largest kingdom in the sub-continent before it was abandoned in the 14th century. It was only in the 1930s that archaeologists discovered an ancient grave and excavated the famous golden rhino and other relics.
- Camp on the beach on the Wild Coast
After interviewing Jonno Proudfoot about his adventures on The Ultimate Braai Master, I’m definitely keen to head to the Wild Coast and camp on the beach for at least one night.
- Eat at The Test Kitchen
Named Restaurant of the Year in the 2013 Eat Out Awards, The Test Kitchen in Cape Town is an obvious must-visit for anyone who loves fine dining. For a real challenge, try eating at all of the Top 10 restaurants!
- Paraglide in De Aar
More than half of the world’s long-distance paragliding records have been set in De Aar. The conditions are ideal and the city regularly hosts both local and international paragliding events.
- Road trip a new route
I’ve been on many road trips – through the back roads of the Free State, up the Garden Route, along the entire N1, N2, N3, and N7 – but there are many routes that I have yet to discover. Think about where you’ve been and then go somewhere completely different.
- Kruger Walking Safari
Abandon the 4×4 and head out on foot through the Kruger National Park to spot the Big 5 and appreciate the finer details of the fauna and flora. A number of guided 4-day Wilderness and Backpacking Trails follow the animals’ feeding routes and watering holes.
- Visit ALL the Constantia Wine Route wineries
I managed to visit 5 out of the 10 estates on the Constantia Wine Route in 2013, so here’s to completing the challenge in 2014!
- Southern tip of Africa
Extremes are always cool. Head to Cape Agulhas and have your photo taken at the official southernmost tip of Africa. It’s also the official meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
- Africa’s highest pub
Grab your passport, rev that 4×4 engine, and head up Sani Pass into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho where you can have a drink at the highest pub in Africa – 2,874m above sea level.
- Ride the Blue Train
Riding the Metrorail from Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town is fun, but if you want to rail it in luxury and style then the Blue Train it is! The Blue Train travels from Cape Town to Pretoria, and from Durban to Pretoria, and aside from high tea, you’ll be spoilt with a butler, goose down bedding, and marble and gold bathrooms. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m sure that a 28 hour trip will never feel so short.
- Slackpack the Chokka Trail
I’m dying to try the new slackpacking Chokka Trail in St Francis Bay. The fully catered 4-day trail includes all meals, accommodation, and a canal cruise. Your luggage is even transported between stops while you only carry a day pack.
- White water rafting on the Orange River
Adventurer Ray Chaplin recently completed an 8 month challenge to riverboard the length of the Orange River –2,300km from its source in Lesotho to the Atlantic Ocean. I’ll stick to a few days of white water rafting, thank you!
- Township Tour
More than 30% of South Africans live below the poverty line. Experience another side of life on a guided tour through townships like Khayelitsha and Soweto.
What’s on your travel bucket list?
