Tsakane Nxumalo is a sergeant in the Black Mambas, South Africa's first all-women anti-poaching team.
21.07.2023 - 07:45 / roughguides.com
South Africa’s giant Northern Cape is a wild and sun-seared landscape of rugged lava mountains, rolling red desert, sandy plains – and acres of solitude, where huge skies explode with stars after sundown. See lions prowl in the Kalahari Desert and wildebeest gather on the plains. Tap into history at a 19th-century diamond mine, paddle the Orange river and hike to South Africa’s largest falls. There are so many things to see and do in South Africa’s largest and least populated region. Here are just 10 reasons to choose the Northern Cape for your South Africa holiday.
Number one on your wish list is probably an animal safari. You could visit the enormous Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park that straddles South Africa and Botswana. Or, perhaps choose the smaller Maloka National Park, or shell out for the private Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Maybe even dip into all three. But you’ll almost certainly be able to cross this one off your list.
When we say this park is enormous, imagine 37,000 square km – we’re talking almost twice the size of Kruger National Park – dominated by undulating red desert dunes, thornveld and salt pans. It’s an extraordinary landscape, all sweeping vistas and unbroken skies that dazzle at night with millions of stars. This, along with the wildlife, is why Kgalagadi provides one of South Africa’s best safari experiences.
Black-maned Kalahari lion © Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock
Herds of blue wildebeest, gemsbok, giraffe, hyenas, springbok – and cute meerkats stealing the show, are just some of the animals at Kgalagadi. But the big draw here has got to be the big cats – the elusive leopard, the cheetah and the mighty black-maned Kalahari lion. But bird lovers will also be delighted. There are around 280 species of birdlife, including various eagles, owls, and goshawks. In summer look out for the willow and African marsh warbler and listen at night for the Rufous-cheeked Nightjar.
The park has various accommodation options, including wilderness camps and three fenced restcamps (peace of mind for parents, knowing no four-legged predator will suddenly appear). The restcamps also come with swimming pools – great for overheated and fractious kids (and adults).
The luxury !Xaus Lodge, owned by the Khomani San and Mier communities, also comes with a pool, as well as a cosy communal lounge to relax in before dinner. They offer guided game drives, as well as walks with Bushman trackers and the chance to see Bushman crafters at work making traditional goods.
The 48,000 acres of hills and open plains of Mokala National Park are home to many endangered animals. Take a game drive to see black rhino, white rhino, Burchell’s zebra, tsessebe, giraffe, and roan and sable antelope, among others. Mokala’s rocky
Tsakane Nxumalo is a sergeant in the Black Mambas, South Africa's first all-women anti-poaching team.
Thanks to tour deals and budget airlines, you don’t necessarily have to spend a small fortune to go on a South African safari anymore—but what if you could experience a bucket-list game drive from the comfort of your computer?
The folks at Travelex, the foreign-exchange giant, recently published a list of the destinations where £500 (currently, $674 USD) would last the longest. Although the list targeted British travelers, the figures should work out about the same for travelers from North America, with roughly $700 in mind.
The parent and child relationship is a famously complicated one. It’s one of the few in life where the love is often so pure—and the bond so established—that both members expect to continually transition together through the different stages of life. But as children grow and develop their own identity, boundaries are redefined and the foundational rules drummed into us are questioned.
Kalmoesfontein Farm
There’s no shortage of unique hotels in Cape Town, South Africa, that show you how a vacation should be done. Positioned between ocean and mountain, the breathtaking landscape is matched by a thrilling downtown district dishing up farm-to-fork fare and wines from the local vineyards. With international and boutique hotels vying for your attention, whittling down where to stay in Cape Town is the biggest hurdle. Complete with swimming pools and views for days, these luxury hotels in Cape Town’s top neighborhoods have you spoiled for comfort and location.
The core of Cape Town is anchored in its outdoor lifestyle, coast, and excellent wine, and all of those things are enjoyed to the fullest in an Airbnb home — not a hotel. If you’re planning a trip to South Africa and have anywhere from a few days to a few weeks in the city, here’s a selection of some of the best Airbnb options. Most of these have baller status but are reasonably affordable. If you’re packing a surfboard or just want to enjoy a cold glass of rosé with ocean views, here are the best Cape Town Airbnb options.
Are you seeking an artful escape in one of the world’s most beautiful cities? Then check out the Art Studio On The Bay Airbnb inCape Town, South Africa. This Airbnb offers its guests a unique and luxurious experience, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind while exploring all Cape Town offers.
For visitors to South Africa, wildlife encounters are often top of the list. Thornybush Game Lodge, located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Situated on a 34,000-acre private game reserve adjoining Kruger National Park, the luxury safari lodge offers its guests a chance to immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness and get up close with the wildlife.
In southern South Africa, right along the coast, you’ll find an adult-only oasis called Nima Lodge. This hotel is a perfect destination for travelers looking to reconnect with nature and explore all the natural beauty of South Africa, whether it’s the nearby parks or enjoying the view from an on-site spa.
South Africa has diverse landscapes, from beautiful beaches to rugged mountains, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. One of the unique accommodations in South Africa is the Stargazing Cube Misty Mountain Cube, located in the scenic Garden Route region.
This month sees a series of exciting safari lodge openings in wilderness areas across Africa and more are on the horizon for debut by early 2024.