Is South Africa a Good Place to Go For a Vacation?

Question

I am thinking of going on vacation somewhere later this summer, but I'm not sure where I want to go. South Africa seems like it could be a cool place to go to, but I really know nothing about the country.

So could someone please tell me if this is a good place to go to and what its like? Please, someone who has been there answer this question.

If you have been to South Africa and somewhere else, could you tell me what is better than South Africa?

Thanks so much!

Answer 1

South Africa is a GREAT place to take a vacation! I spent six months studying and traveling there two years ago and went back this past March for three weeks because I enjoyed it so much when I was there before.

There is really is such a wide range of things to do, whether you want to party in Cape Town or go on safari at Kruger National Park. I'm not sure how long you would be there, but I'd recommend a few weeks if you want to see a lot and not feel rushed. I'd also be aware that things are a little cool and damp during their winter months June-October, but you can never really tell what it will be like.

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities I've been to. You can visit Robben Island and see Nelson Mandela's prison cell, hike up Table Mountain and get a great ariel view (I repelled down the side of it if you're looking for more adventure), plus there's great shops and restaurants if you're looking for more of a mainstream scene. I wouldn't do a township tour here because they are really commercial, wait until you're in a smaller city or town and check out the townships there, its a great experience.

I'd also recommend traveling the Garden Route. This is a stretch of highway between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape. Its so beautiful with plenty of smaller towns to stop off at on the way through. The highway winds along the ocean, so make sure you travel this during the day! When we did this we stopped off at Bloukrans Bridge and did the bungee jump there, the highest in the world! Another great stop if you're a thrill seeker.

Kruger is a great game reserve if you have a couple of days to go and camp out, but there are also lots of game reserves throughout South Africa. The animals you see there are so beautiful since they are in their natural habitat (well despite the cars driving by).

I could probably go on forever, but well just say you should go! Be smart and you won't have to worry about crime, and just enjoy yourself, I'm planning my next trip back during the world cup :)