Are you going to be traveling to South Africa any time soon?
The country is packed with amazing things to do and see, which is why we’ve pulled together a list of the best experiences in South Africa.ts
Experiences in South Africa not to miss
Diving with the Real Giants
So you want to meet the giants and you think you have the courage to do so. One of the most exciting, amazing, and fearless adventures you can ever experience in South Africa is to go shark cage diving in South Africa. Not just see them, watch them, stay on the boat while they swim around it, but actually go down in the water and dive with them face to face! In how many places of this planet do you have the chance to live such a unique experience? Moreover, how often do you have the chance to meet face to face the giant and absolute rare White Shark?
The White Shark Projects is definitely one of the most amazing experiences in South Africa! You will have the chance to meet the “star” shark of the oceans, the Great White Shark –also known as the Carcharodon Carharias- that is the most feared creature of the oceans. It is literally huge with jet black eyes, row upon row or razor sharp teeth and jaws that are just out of this world!
Could you ever think that you could come face to face with the planet’s greatest predators for 20 whole minutes? You will experience how they move and behave while you are in the dive cage and the giants swim around you. This is an experience of a lifetime!
The White Sharks Project is a Fair Trade Tourism accredited company that is committed to help the survival of this rare species, so everything that they do is absolutely in harmony with the animals and the environment they live in.
It is a renowned global research organization based in Gansbaai, a fishing village about 2 hours drive southeast from Cape Town. It was founded back in 1989 and since them their aim is to protect with great dedication to the conservation of these amazing animals.
The fieldwork takes place around Dyer Island or else Shark Alley is the best place in the world to see the Great white sharks.
Apart from the great adventure, you will learn so many things about the life of the sharks that you can’t really find anywhere else as here you experience them in their natural environment.
Your Shark dive day starts with a buffet breakfast at the “White Shark Lodge”, you can have snacks and cold drinks available on board, a talk on White Sharks during the cruise, all the diving equipment you will need, a hot soup on your return and a Dive Experience Certificate.
You don’t need to have a previous diving experience.
Authentic Wine Tours in Cape Town
Wineflies
In South Africa wine is not just a drink; it is a culture. Wine lands are not only the field where some of the best wines in the world are made, they are a type of sacred grounds, where old recipes and blends become real to indulge your senses. If you want one of the most authentic experiences in South Africa in terms of wine tours, while learning about the wine making culture and tasting some of the most delicious local treats – then join these genuine tours that have so much to offer!
With the Wineflies tour you meet the world famous estates while tasting true local cuisine and delicacies, and learning all you need to know about wine from top wine makers. The tour guides have collectively more than 30 years of experience and they proud themselves for offering to you the best that the wine lands have to offer.
The Forgotten Route of the early explorers comes alive through a real journey that will amaze you. An experience like no other that makes you feel as a protagonist of an all time classic novel; a two day adventure into the legendary Karoo desert with the famous Trans Karoo train,visiting iconic landmarks, tasting local produce together with the winemakers, listening to great live music are just some of the things that make this route an unforgettable experience.
If you want to discover the hidden gems of the Cape Winelands with a unique way, join “My big, fat Whale, Wine and Wors” where you experience different wines in different wine regions, top quality and different types of Wors (local sausage), a variety of great local delicacies and, of course, the Big, Fat and gorgeous Hermanus whales.
Read up more on wine tasting in Stellenbosch.
The Ultimate Golf & Hospitality
Valley of world-firsts
Legend Hospitality Group is renowned for its variety of luxury destinations, extracting the spirit from its African surroundings and imprinting it into everything it offers.
Probably one of its most versatile products is Legend Golf & Safari Resort, where legend and reality merge and travellers gather for their modern African adventure. This multi award- winning resort is set within an ancient landscape reminiscent of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Situated in the 22,000 hectare big 5 Entabeni Safari Conservancy, the resort boasts 220 luxurious rooms, created to the backdrop of the Waterberg Mountains.
The resort is complemented by two golf courses and a newly built Signature Clubhouse serving as a halfway house.
The nearby Signature Course is designed by 18 of the world’s finest golfers, including Retief Goosen, Sergio Garcia and Padraig Harrington, whilst the 10-hole Tribute Course pays homage to nine of the greatest golf holes ever designed. The biggest attraction, however, is the world-famous Extreme 19th, known as the longest and highest Par 3 in the world, situated a top the mystical Hanglip Mountain. It is only accessible by helicopter and offers guests a bird’s-eye view of the green, 400 metres below, crafted in the shape of the African continent.
Besides ground-breaking golf achievements, conservation is also of the utmost importance. In excess of the world’s first dedicated rhino orphanage; the Legend Wildlife & Cultural Centre also boasts the once mythical white lions, wild dogs, Bengal tigers and buffaloes.
The wanderlust, adrenaline junkie and romantic alike will be enchanted by the activities the resort has to offer, ranging from scenic helicopter flights to adventure activities like mountain- and quad biking, water sports and horse-riding. Little Legend programmes are offered for kids whilst rejuvenating spa therapies are available at the on-site Wellness Centre.
The resort also caters for the corporate traveller by accommodating major national and international conferences in the purpose-built centres that overlook the majestic Monomotapan-style structures and suites.
Whether it is for golfing tournaments, teambuilding or leisure travelling, Legend welcomes all in this awe-inspiring landscape where golf and safari and everything in between are guaranteed to mesmerize.
The Best View in Cape Town
Cape Town is an amazing city. You will find so many beautiful sceneries, impressive mountains, white sandy beaches, colorful sunsets and breathtaking views. Without doubt one of the most scenic routes you just cannot miss while exploring the city, is just minutes away at Clifton Beach, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the majestic Table Mountain National Park and the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
Any time of year and any time of the day the mountains of The Twelve Apostles instantly find a place in your heart forever.
If you are searching for a special place in order to experience the best of what the city has to offer, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is what you are looking for.
This award- winning hotel is part of the family run Red Carnation Hotel Collection situated right in the heart of the Twelve Apostles Mountain range.
Here you will have the chance to experience the stunning panoramic ocean and mountain views all year round, while you are just 10 minutes away from the cosmopolitan Camps Bay beach with all its stylish restaurants and bars to hang out, enjoying the sunset.
The hotel has 55 deluxe rooms and 15 luxurious suites. All of them have a great mix of a minimal African and modern European style and offer all ergonomic comforts. The hard part is to decide whether you would prefer the mountain or the ocean view, as both are just amazing!
Don’t miss the contemporary South African cuisine and eclectic dining at the Azure Restaurant, where the talented chefs offer you a truly original and exciting menu. Check out the great collection of the wines!
You may also try the Dinner and a Movie experience, the sunset cocktails in The Leopard Bar, the Sunday Lunch and dozens of great options and chances to have an unforgettable stay.
Jumping form the World’s Highest Bungee Bridge!
Have you ever dreamed of falling? Well, here is your chance to make it real and face the fear, face adrenalin and face the most exciting experiences in South Africa! Africa’s highest bridge is located on the Garden Route over the Bloukrans River valley. Amazing scenery, tranquil forests, unspoiled beaches and great little towns are some of the characteristics of the area.
And here, right in the middle of a majestic natural setting, is the highest bungee from a bridge in the world!
Jumping from a staggering height of 216m, facing the river below! Sounds crazy and it really is! Enjoy the greatest fun and the most unforgettable experience of your life! You don’t’ want to miss this opportunity, as this is the best bungee in the world and also is the cheapest bungee jump per meter in the world! “Fear is temporary, regret is forever “.
It’s no wonder why Prince Harry, Jack Osbourne, Fanie de Villiers, Kelly Slater, Andy Irons and the Amazing Race are just some of the brave celebrities who have jumped already. You really don’t know who you are about to see here as there are many people from all around the globe that come at this place to have this experience, the most amazing experiences in South Africa!
The Bloukrans Bungy is recognized as the highest commercial natural bungee jump in the world, i.e. the highest bungee from a bridge; it is also home to some of the most amazing world records that have taken place there. The most recent one is by Scott Huntley in 2011; he made 107 jumps in 24hours!
Face Adrenalin has a 100 % safety record and 25years of experience maintaining the highest quality safety standards on every operation, plus all Face Adrenalin operations are covered by comprehensive public liability. So your only concern is how best to enjoy it; everything else will be taken care of with the best professionalism!
Moreover, you can enjoy the amazing location and the incredible view of the Bloukrans Bridge while you are having lunch or breakfast and/or coffee and drink at the restaurant watching the jumps in real time on the HUGE flat screen in front of you, in the Cliffhanger Pub’n’Grill.
Highlight: your jump is recorded for posterity, both video and photos, which can be loaded onto USB, for sale directly after your jump, so your friends back home will be convinced you made it!
Or if you are not sure you are ready to jump you can always do just the walk to the bridge and back on the custom built catwalk (suspended walkway) just beneath the surface of the bridge. Now if you change your mind, you can always be the next to jump, just upgrade! Don’t worry; it happens often, the staff has many stories to share about that!
For accommodation nearby, try Face Tranquility B’n’B, located just 15 minutes drive away from the bridge in the heart of the amazing Nature Valley, and adjacent to the Tsitsikamma National Park (check out these Tsitsikamma hikes). This place will leave you breathless. The B’n’B is beautiful, with a great eco-concept and design based on harmony with nature, great facilities and amenities, kind and friendly staff and just few meters from the ocean.
After all, it is a perfect combination: you sleep in tranquil harmony, after your day of excitement!
The wellness experiences in South Africa
They call Durban the “Miami” of South Africa. A city where the sun forgets to hide in the winter and the weather is beautiful and warm all year round.
Just 16km outside of the City is Umhlanga Rocks and the northern beaches of KwaZulu-Natal, a perfect getaway for a variety of activities and adventures. Venture a little further north (about two hours) and you will come across some of world’s oldest game reserves famous for safaris and a chance to explore Mozambique and Swaziland.
Situated on Umhlanga’s beachfront overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse, you will find The Oyster Box, a 5-star luxury hotel designed to deliver on its promise for unforgettable hospitality and service.
Renowned as one of South Africa’s best hotels it also boasts ‘The Best Luxury Hotel Spa’ in the country, according to the World Luxury Spa Awards 2014.
So what could you expect to find here? The hotel has 86 luxurious rooms, suites and villas including The Presidential Suite, all inspired by the colonial era with original artworks and antique furnishings.
You will also find a selection of restaurants and bars to suit every palate – from simple, al fresco meals on the Ocean Terrace, to sundowners in The Lighthouse Bar and fine dining in the stylish Grill Room. All menus are inspired by the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the latest international culinary trends.
The award-winning Spa is located in tropical gardens filled with the sound of birdsong and a visit to this oasis of wellness and pampering by experienced therapists, is an experience not to be missed.
So whether you are in search for family fun or a bit of romance with your beloved, this is your place in the sun for year-round hospitality and relaxation!
