I have been a forever fan of going on a safari, especially to Africa to see all the wildlife. So, while planning for one, I came across quite a few options but zoned in our South Africa, the country that let me enjoy the best of safaris along with quite a few luxury activities that is perfect for a holiday worth remembering. So sit back and enjoy, as we give you a low-down on all our favourite things to do in South Africa.
Luxurious Safari
The mere mention of South Africa takes us to vast and incredible biodiversity and its mega diverse wilderness. One of the first things to do out of the bucket list is to plan your South Africa Safari Holidays. This peninsular country is home to what is called the Big 5, as the main attraction in terms of wildlife. This collective of Big 5 includes the Big Cat Lion, African Elephant, African Rhino, Cape buffalo, and Leopard. Cheetah Plains is one of the most luxurious sustainable safaris in Africa and amidst the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve. To explore the incredible combination of ferocious predators and terrestrial animals makes for a once in a lifetime sightseeing of this extremely enriching wildlife country.
A Luxurious Stay
Located in the midst of the Great Outdoors, Singita’s Ebony lodge in South Africa is one of the most luxurious stays that also offers an unbridled view of the African animals all migrating their way across the grassland. The lodge comprises 12 large suites, each with its own private pool, fireplace and a suspended deck. From there, guests are likely to see animals drinking from the river below. This contemporary design African home offers you an opportunity to experience the best of nature. With a full staff that even includes a Field Guide and a Chef, it offers all the components of laid-back luxury with a modern eat-in kitchen, fire pit, outdoor and a private pool that allows you to enjoy the Safari experience in the most unique of ways.
Yachting in Cape Town
If yachting or heading out to the sea for a couple of hours is your way of relaxation, then there is no better place than to cruise from the Royal Cape Yacht Club. The club overlooking the marina not only offer an amazing view of the blue waters but also keep a watch on your yacht, if you brought one along. With yacht rentals available at the marina, you can head over to the multitude of neighbouring ports like Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay for a secluded dinner for two or few of the other ones for either relaxing in the Sun or diving in to discover the beautiful flora and fauna underneath or simply enjoy other sailing activities like snorkelling and scuba diving.
Wine Touring, South Africa
Have you heard about a wine grape created in a laboratory? Well, South Africa’s signature Pinotage is a cross between the mercurial hard to grow Pinot Noir with the more stable easily grown Hermitage. This cross was created at the Stellenbosch University by one of South Africa’s earliest professors of Viniculture, Abraham Iraz Perold. In search of our Pinotage, we head to Paarl, less than 100 kilometres from where this wine was first created. On the coastline of the Western Cape province, where all your vineyards are located, the region draws its name from the shiny granite mountain also known as “The Diamond and Pearl Mountain”. So turn up with your loved ones and indulge in one of the wine tours. Enjoy the Atlantic breezes along with some stunning views of both the beach and the mountain as the Sun sets in the distant horizon. We dig into a typical Pinotage from Fairview, having subtle fruity flavours along with an assertive freshness and light to medium-bodied tannins. The country offers some amazing wine tours and wine tastings for you to fall in love with the grape.
Desert Safari
Cape Town is also home to one of the world’s oldest desert The Kalahari Desert. This red sandy dune line extends from Namibia in the east to Botswana till the Northern Cape region in South Africa. The Kalahari Desert provides you with an impressive wilderness and a mesmerizing landscape. Desert wildlife viewing is one of a kind experience and private luxury tours make it all the more interesting. The Tswalu Kalahari tour takes you on an exclusive and luxurious way to wildlife viewing giving you an opportunity to observe the regal black-maned lion, an endangered African wild dog and leopard. Tswalu takes a handful of guests at a time giving you an ample opportunity to spot the wild in peace and serenity.
Go Whaling
Cape Town is one of the world’s best whale destinations. Head to Hermanus, east of Cape Town for an amazing whale watching experience. The months between July and December are considered to be the best time for whale spotting, as it’s the peak of breeding seasons. This huge mammal population migrates from the Antarctic waters to the south African coast to find its mate. Do not miss to take up an exclusive guided sea kayak to experience one of the world’s most unique whale watching experiences. Early bird booking will fetch you amazing packages at a good price.
Luxury Dining in South Africa
No trip of ours can ever be complete without a luxury dining experience and South Africa shouldn’t be any different. We decide to dig ourselves into some delectable food and came across many restaurants. Although South Africa doesn’t have the Michelin Stars, it certainly has quite a few restaurants worthy of the list. Featured often on the World’s 50 best restaurants, Chef Luke Dale-Roberts has been trained in Europe before setting foot in Asia and learning the nuances of flavours there.
After coming to Cape Town, he created a restaurant that takes flavours from all over the world including South America, Scotland, Korea and even India creating a menu that dances effortlessly on the tips of your tongue. The menu is actually served across two different seating areas: the dark Room where the most intense of flavours are served, including Ssamg Jang vegetables, Quail Sandwiches and a Coconut Langoustine. The Light room on the other hand, features a Coconut with Thai Aromatics, Butterfish Bibimbap along with Rabbit and Ham ending with a Rhubarb trifle soaked in Elderflower. The menu is paired with an amazing range of wines, lot of which are from South Africa itself.
Do tell us in the comments below which of these activities you liked the most and would like to do.
