South Africa offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's taste and budget. From luxurious game lodges nestled in the heart of the bush to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone. For those seeking comfort and convenience, hotels and guest houses provide a comfortable stay. Alternatively, self-catering apartments and holiday homes offer greater flexibility and privacy. If you're an adventurous spirit, camping and caravan parks allow you to immerse yourself in nature.
Backpacker and hostelling accommodation often has a basic, no frills and no fuss connotation attached to it, but in South Africa the standard of backpacker accommodation can be unexpectedly high.
Backpacker hostels in South Africa are graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa and are mostly 3- and 4-star establishments. There are also a number of 5-star backpacker venues, among them some international award-winners.
These lodges often cater to the so-called 'flashpacker', young, hip backpackers that travel the world with their iPads, smart phones and laptops, and enjoy comfortable accommodation where they can stay connected.
The 'flashpacker' hostels are located in destinations around the country, with luxury double and twin en suite rooms; spacious communal entertainment areas with indoor fireplaces, outdoor braai facilities, swimming pools and satellite TV, and WiFi access.
For more information click here.
South Africa has world-class hotels. Personally, I think the best way to get an idea of the many choices you have is BOOKING.COM.
The Western Cape province and Cape Town in particular, is where the best accommodation is to be found.
Cape Town: The Mother City
Cape Town is the crown jewel of South Africa, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventure. With its iconic Table Mountain as a majestic backdrop, the city boasts stunning beaches, world-class vineyards, and a thriving art scene. Whether you're seeking relaxation, exploration, or adrenaline-pumping activities, Cape Town has it all. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere, coupled with warm hospitality, makes it a truly unforgettable destination.
South Africa has many 5-star luxury game lodges, especially in the east of the country. Some examples:
Singita's luxury safari lodges provide restorative sanctuaries and encounters in the bush that guests won’t find anywhere else. Sought-after locations, intuitive attention to detail and the utmost privacy underpin every stay.
Singita
Singita Lions
Singita Spa
Singita website.
Lukimbi Safari Lodge is one of only 7 private concessions in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Experience a unique private safari in this vast protected reserve where the Big Five and a wide variety of other animals and birds roam free in their natural habitat.
Lukimbi Boma
Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Inyati Game Lodge is situated in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve which is a private game reserve sharing a common unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. It spans 50 000 hectares and is renowned for providing some of the best game viewing in Africa. The reserve is not open to the general public with each private lodge having exclusive traversing rights over their area.
Inyati Wine Cellar
Inyati Pool
Inyati Game Drive
South Africa is an adventure enthusiast's paradise. From the thrill of a safari in Kruger National Park, encountering iconic wildlife like lions, elephants, and leopards, to the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge, there's an adventure for everyone. The diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and exploring. For those seeking relaxation, pristine beaches and world-class golf courses provide the perfect escape. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, South Africa promises an unforgettable adventure.
Head out along Camps Bay beachfront, or take in the wine route and amazing farmlands of Paarl and Stellenbosch. Make a trip up the coast to Hermanus, to see the whales and the beautiful Cape beaches with Cape Cobra Hire. Ask for Ross.
Scenic drive around Cape Town in a Cobra.
To make a booking - click here.
Explore the Drakensberg Mountains, Table Mountain, or the Garden Route. The Drakensberg offers the most beautiful scenery imaginable, a challenge for adventure seekers, quiet for nature lovers, accommodation of a world-class standard, hikes for family and mountaineer and picture perfect views.
Drakensberg hiking.
For more info on hiking in the Drakensberg - click here.
Discover scenic trails and challenging routes. South Africa is a mountain biker's paradise. With its diverse landscapes, from the rugged Drakensberg Mountains to the coastal trails of the Garden Route, there's a trail for every skill level. Experience the thrill of downhill racing, the tranquility of cross-country riding, or the challenge of technical single-track. The country's stunning scenery, coupled with its world-class trails, makes mountain biking in South Africa an unforgettable adventure.
One of the 100s of biking routes in South Africa.
For more MTB info in SA - click here.
Test your limits on towering cliffs. South Africa is simply a top world climbing destination. From already world-renown Bouldering area Rocklands or Sport Mecca 'Waterval Boven', to epic trad Big Walling at Blouberg or Yellowwood Amphitheatre, passing through alpine adventures in the Drakensberg most styles are covered one way or the other.
Climbing in the scenic Drakensberg mountains.
For more info on rock climbing in South Africa - click here.
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush from the Bloukrans Bridge. Brace yourself for an epic 216-meter plunge from the legendary Bloukrans Bungy – a daring feat that has captivated thrill-seekers worldwide.
At 216m Bloukrans bungee jump is the highest bungee jump in Africa.
Website can be found here.
Soar through the air and enjoy stunning views. Based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, the Karkloof Canopy Tour has been built in a spectacular valley of the mistbelt podacarpus Karkloof Forest Reserve. The Karkloof Canopy Tour begins with a detailed safety briefing followed by a ‘Kitting up’ session where full body harness, pulleys and climbing equipment are put on and checked for safety. A short scenic 4×4 drive to the top of the Karkloof valley and it is time to monkey around! From the start on the launch platform a new world unfolds as one gently glides on a steel cable to the first platform. All groups are escorted through the forest canopy by a lead guide and a safety guide to ensure your safety as you slide from tree to tree. The platforms are built high up in the forest canopy and all offer different views of the surrounding forest, a magnificent 20m waterfall, clear sparkling forest stream and across the expansive Karkloof valley far below.
Karkloof Canopy Tour
The website can be found here.
Explore the desert landscapes. Quad Biking or ATV Trails in South Africa is one of the best adventure activities. Much like a four-wheeled, off-road motorbike, quad bikes are easy to learn to drive and make for excellent fun. They are used for tours, sightseeing, traversing rough terrain, and, for advanced riders, on technical courses that demand skills, balance, and concentration.
Quad biking in Cape Town
You can find the website here.
Catch waves on the world-class breaks of the Cape Peninsula. An amazing destination with the legendary waves of J-Bay, wildlife parks to explore, culture and traditions older than time to experience. The 3000kms of coastline at the bottom of the African continent boast beautiful beaches and bays of consistent waves from Durban to Cape Town. The locals are friendly, the food great and you can surf quality waves over reefs, points and beach breaks almost all year around.
Bruce's Beauties, South Africa
For more surfing info - click here.
Discover underwater wonders in the warm Indian Ocean. With its diverse marine life, range of habitats from coral reefs to kelp forests, well-preserved wrecks and annual marine phenomena such as the Sardine Run and chokka spawning, South Africa has some of the most spectacular diving in the world. The country is rightly proud of having some of the best shark diving on the planet – people travel from the other side of the globe to get in a cage and ogle a great white – but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. It is also a shark diver's paradise, with a number of popular shark dive spots including Sodwana Bay, Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks and Cape Town.
Aliwal Shoal, Umkomaas
For more info - click here.
Get up close with great white sharks (with safety precautions). The golden days of shark cage diving are over. Quite a few cage-diving operators have closed over the last 10 years due to the shifting marine seascape, but there are still a few operators in Gansbaai, a two-hour drive from Cape Town.
Great White Shark, Gansbaai
For more info and bookings - click here.
Explore serene waterways and wildlife. Kayaking in South Africa is an unforgettable experience. Glide through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. From the serene lagoons of the Garden Route to the thrilling rapids of the Orange River, there's a kayaking adventure for every skill level. Encounter diverse wildlife, explore hidden coves, and find tranquility on the water. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a beginner, South Africa's waterways offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature.
Kayaking off Cape Town
For more info - click here.
Navigate thrilling rapids on rivers like the Orange River. Whitewater rafting on the Orange River is a thrilling adventure that combines adrenaline-pumping rapids with stunning desert scenery. The river offers a range of experiences for all skill levels, from gentle floats to challenging whitewater sections. As you navigate the rapids, you'll be surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the Orange River Gorge, creating an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Enjoying an Orange River rafting trip.
For bookings - click here.
Encounter the Big Five in Kruger National Park and other game reserves. A safari in South Africa offers an unparalleled wildlife experience. Encountering the Big Five - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo - in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The thrill of spotting these majestic creatures in the vast African bush is indescribable. The raw power and beauty of the African wilderness, combined with the expertise of skilled guides, create an adventure that will stay with you forever.
The BIG 5
List of lodges - click here.
For accommodation - click here.
Kruger Park bookings - click here.
Spot a variety of bird species in diverse habitats.
South Africa is a birdwatcher's paradise.
For more info - click here.
Cast a line in freshwater or saltwater for a rewarding experience. South Africa boasts world-class fishing opportunities. From the vast Indian Ocean teeming with marlin, tuna, and sharks to the inland rivers and dams filled with bass, carp, and trout, anglers are spoilt for choice. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual enthusiast, the country offers diverse fishing experiences. From the thrill of deep-sea fishing to the tranquility of fly-fishing in a secluded river, South Africa caters to all angling passions.
Billfish caught off Durban
For more info on saltwater and freshwater fishing in South Africa - click here.
Enjoy breathtaking views from above. Soaring above the South African landscape in a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience. As the sun paints the sky with hues of pink and orange, gently drifting over breathtaking scenery is pure magic. Whether it's the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands, the vast plains of the Kruger National Park, or the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, hot air ballooning offers a unique perspective of this extraordinary country.
Early morning start to an epic adventure.
For more info - click here.
Ride the dunes in the Kalahari Desert. South Africa offers thrilling sandboarding opportunities. From the towering dunes of the Western Cape, particularly the Atlantis dunes, to other coastal regions, you can experience the exhilaration of sliding down powdery slopes. Whether you're a seasoned boarder or a first-timer, there are options for all skill levels. With stunning scenery and the thrill of speed, sandboarding in South Africa is an unforgettable adventure.
Getting air at Atlantis.
For bookings - click here.
Explore hidden gorges and waterfalls. Canyoning, or kloofing as it's locally known, is an exhilarating adventure that South Africa offers in abundance. Navigating through stunning gorges, abseiling down waterfalls, and swimming in crystal-clear pools create an unforgettable experience. From the dramatic landscapes of the Drakensberg to the hidden gems of the Western Cape, canyoning enthusiasts will find a plethora of thrilling opportunities to explore. Canyoning is the activity of moving through a canyon by walking, scrambling, rope-assisted activities, climbing, tubing, or swimming. In South Africa, we also call this 'kloofing', from the Afrikaans word 'kloof' which means canyon.
Having an adventure in Du Toit's Kloof Pass near Cape Town
For more info - click here.
Freefall through the sky for an ultimate adrenaline rush. Skydiving in South Africa offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure like no other. With breathtaking views of the country's diverse landscapes, from the rugged mountains to the vast coastline, freefalling through the air is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned skydiver or a first-timer eager to conquer your fears, South Africa's clear skies and expert instructors provide the perfect conditions for an exhilarating jump.
Skydiving in Cape Town.
For more info - click here.
Experience the thrill of flying in a lightweight aircraft. Microlighting in South Africa offers a unique perspective of the country's stunning landscapes. Soar above the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands, the vast plains of the Kruger National Park, or the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. This exhilarating adventure allows you to experience the freedom of flight while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or a first-time flyer, microlighting in South Africa is an unforgettable experience.
Enjoying a scenic flight along the coastline.
For more info - click here.
This list is just a glimpse into the endless possibilities for adventure in South Africa. The country's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture offer something for everyone.
Discover South Africa's literary gems through our collection of free ebooks. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of South African storytelling with renowned authors like Alan Paton, whose "Cry, the Beloved Country" is a timeless classic, Bryce Courtenay, celebrated for his heartwarming tales, and J.M. Coetzee, a Nobel laureate renowned for his thought-provoking works. Explore the diverse narratives that have shaped the nation's identity. Our curated selection offers a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of South African literature without spending a dime. Just click on a book cover.
คลิกที่ภาพหนังสือเพื่อดาวน์โหลดหนังสือ PDF ฟรี
本の画像をクリックすると、本の無料PDFをダウンロードできます。
Translation software has come a long way in the last couple of years, but it still doesn't quite understand the nuances of English literature. So, I would like to invite all you book readers to help me with my Gaman translation project. I wrote Gaman especially for the Japanese market and have translated it to Japanese using GOOGLE Gemini. If you would like to help, please email me on
From AI thrillers to war memoirs, explore our curated collection
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