From : BABA Mail
The Magnificent Places of South Africa
South
Africa is one of the most overlooked countries in the world, when it
comes to travel destinations. There are many amazing sites to see and
fun things to do throughout the country. You can hike along the Table
Mountain in Cape Town, explore the incredible Cango Caves in Swartberg,
or simply admire the sunset going down over a beach somewhere. It's no
wonder South Africa has been hailed as "the adventure capital of the
world!" Enjoy the bonus video of South Africa at the end!
|
1) Sani Pass
|
|
| source |
This
stunning landscape trail provides the only route over the Drakensberg
escarpment into the Kingdom of Lesotho. The enormous rocky trail is
known as the Roof of Africa, since it stands approximately 9,426 feet or
2,873 meters above sea level. It's suggested to travel up the rocky
hills with a 4x4 vehicle.
|
2) Table Mountain
|
|
| source |
Table
Mountain gets its name from its flat top shape. The historical
mountains are one of the most visited places in world, and attracts many
tourists each year. The recognizable South African mountain stands at
1,085 feet or 3,560 meters. There is a cable car that will take you to
the top of the mountain in 5 minutes.
|
3) Cango Caves
|
|
| source |
The
spacious Cango Caves is located in the Swartberg Mountains, near the
town of Oudtshoorn. The prehistoric caves date back nearly 20 million
years. There are even hidden chambers deep inside the limestone rock
layers! There are tours offered for the insides of the caves, suitable
for geology lovers or adventure seekers.
|
4) Bathurst
|
|
| source |
This
giant pineapple shaped dome is based in the Eastern Cape town of
Bathurst. The 55 foot or (16.7 meter) dome, is actually an auditorium
made from fiber-glass and metallic structuring. The dome is famous for
featuring documentaries on the pineapple industries. What else did you
expect!
|
5) Cape Point Nature Reserve
|
|
| source |
Cape
Point Nature Reserve can be found high above the wide Cape Peninsula.
It's notable for having a lighthouse that dates back to 1859. You can
elevate to the top of the cape within three minutes, via a railway ride,
known as the Flying Dutchman Funicular. Needless to say, the view from
atop is spectacular!
|
6) The Big Hole
|
|
| source |
The
Big Hole, also referred to as Kimberley Mine, was rumored to be the
largest hole excavated in South Africa. The hole itself is approximately
2,625 feet or 800 meters wide. The one-time diamond mines actually
contained over 2.7 tons (2,249 kg) of diamonds at one point, before
officially closing in 1914. The Big Hole Museum is a very popular
tourist attraction today.
|
7) Namaqualand Flower Route
|
|
| source |
This
stunning flower route can be found just five hours north of Cape Town.
There are several reserves located along the Namaqualand Flower Route,
which includes the Goegap Nature Reserve, Richtersveld National Park,
and Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve. The flower route is an ideal setting
for family picnics and scenic hikes along the trails.
|
8) The Union Buildings
|
|
| source |
The
iconic buildings play host to the South African government and
president. The Union Buildings are located in the city of Pretoria.
Nelson Mandela was sworn in as president in 1994, breaking the color
barrier at the time. You won't be able to go inside the legendary
buildings, but you can certainly admire them from the beautiful gardens
outside.
|
9) The Palace of the Lost City
|
|
| source |
This
luxurious vacation resort can be found in the heart of Sun City. The
Palace was inspired by a long lost African tribe, and even features
furniture made out of golden zebra hide! The resort has everything you
could possibly ask for, including a first class restaurant, a safari and
several casinos. This is truly the dream vacation for travelers!
|
10) Augrabies Falls
|
|
| source |
The
thundering sounds of the Augrabies Falls crashes directly into the
Orange River below. The name of the waterfall translates into "place of
big noises", and stands at 183 feet (56 meters). A diverse spectrum of
wildlife can be seen along the breathtaking waterfall. Nature lovers
will simply adore the Augrabies Falls.
|
11) Maropeng
|
|
| source |
Maropeng
means "place where we come from" when translated. The Cradle of
Humankind is perfect for anyone looking to trace the origins of their
ancestry. The grassy-dome shaped buildings are part of the World
Heritage Sites, about an hour ride from Johannesburg. The Cradle of
Humankind features many exhibits that date as far back to the Stone Age.
|
12) Satyagraha House
|
|
| source |
Mahatma
Gandhi was a resident of this iconic house between 1908-1909. It was at
Satyagraha House where Gandhi first began his successful crusade for
India's independence from the British Empire. The Satyagraha House
serves as a museum today, and can be found in the city of Johannesburg.
|
13) Boulders Beach
|
|
| source |
If
you thought that penguins only lived in the arctic territories, you may
want to think again! Boulders Beach is located in False Bay, which is
near Cape Town, and is home to nearly 3,000 African penguins. The Foxy
Beach boardwalk gives you a better glimpse of the cute little penguins.
Boulders Beach is a perfect place to bring the kids.
|
14) St Lucia Estuary
|
|
| source |
St
Lucia Estuary is a settlement located in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
The estuary is home to about 1,200 Nile Crocodiles and almost 800
Hippopotami. You can either admire the exotic animals, go horseback
riding along the iSimangaliso Wetland Park trails, or go for a scenic
kayaking trip along the estuary.
|
15) Nelson Mandela Capture Site
|
|
| source |
This
iconic South African sculpture of Nelson Mandela was constructed out of
50 steel poles, and appears as an optical illusion from afar. The steel
pole sculpture plays a vital role in South African history, and can be
found in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
|
16) The Drakensberg
|
|
| source |
The
Drakensberg Mountains are located along the Great Escarpment, which
borders the central South African plateaus. Thabana Ntlenyana is the
highest peak of the Drakensberg. It stands tall at over 11,424 feet or
3,482 meters. The name translates into the Dragon Mountains in
Afrikaans.
|
17) Spirit Of the Emakhosini
|
|
| source |
The
bronze beer pot monument plays a significant role in tribal Zulu
culture. The seven gigantic horns represent each of the seven kings
buried in the legendary valley. The 18 bronze reliefs surrounding the
monument symbolize Zulu life. The monument can be found along the Valley
of the Kings, in Thabazimbi.
|
18) Lion Park
|
|
| source |
This
famous lion sanctuary is situated in the heart of Johannesburg, and
features many endangered species. The park is home to some of the rarest
lions on the planet. Lion Park first opened its doors in 1966 by the
Chipperfield Circus, and remains a popular attraction among tourists.
|
19) Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway
|
|
| source |
The
aerial cableway offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of
Hartbeespoort Dam and Magaliesberg Mountain range. The Hartbeespoort
Aerial Cableway is the largest mono-cableway in Africa. The long trip to
the top is simply magnificent, just as long as you don't have a fear of
heights!
|
20) Voortrekker Monument
|
|
| source |
The
enormeous Voortrekker Monument is can be found along the capital of
Pretoria on Monument Hill. The enormous monument was constructed
strictly out of granite as tribute to the Voortrekker pioneers and
stands 40 meters or 131 feet. The monument was designed by South African
architect, Gerard Moerdijk, and listed as a National Heritage Site.
|
21) uShaka Marine World
|
|
| source |
The
uShaka Marine World is located in the KwaZulu-Natal city of Durban. The
theme park features the uShaka Wet'n Wild water park, the uShaka
Village Walk, and the uShaka Beach. The tremendous marine theme park is a
family friendly experience that everyone can enjoy!
|
22) Blyde River Canyon
|
|
| source |
When
it comes to picturesque landscape surroundings, very few can compete
with the Blyde River Canyon. The spacious canyon also happens to be the
third largest canyon on Earth, and can be found in the Mpumalanga
province. The main feature is God's Window, which stands 2,297 feet or
700 meters. Once you see the views, you'll understand where the heavenly
name came from!
|
23) Valley of a Thousand Hills
|
|
| source |
The
Vally of a Thousand Kings lies between the cities of Durban and
Pietermaritzburg. The valley also intersects the Umgeni River and the
Msunduzi River. The Thousand Hills Choo Choo steam train will transport
you from Kloof Station all the way across the Cato Ridge. The kids will
truly love riding inside the loud steam engine train.
|
24) Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris
|
|
| source |
Are
you looking for a more adventurous way to explore the safaris of South
Africa? Treat yourself to a hot air balloon ride overlooking the Cradle
of Mankind, the Hartbeespoort Dam, and the Magalies River Valley. The
stunning views above the mountains alone are worth the trip!
|
25) Howick Falls
|
|
| source |
(H/T: travelstart.co.za)
Also Click on the link below to Watch South African Tourism Board Video Clip : 2 : 26 mts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv1MU_Nh8ck&feature=player_embedded |
--
కామెంట్లు లేవు:
కామెంట్ను పోస్ట్ చేయండి