South Africa is a truly exciting place to visit and Cape Town is one of the most desirable destinations in the world. The Cape’s lush vineyards and rocky coast, the arid Karoo landscape, the fertile farmlands of Gauteng and Mpumalanga, the picturesque, snowy peaks of the Drakenberg mountains and the green hills and spacious beaches of KwaZulu-Natal are just a few of South Africa’s natural attractions. #travel #africa #attractions

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One of South Africa’s most popular attractions is the Kruger National Park. If you stay at a private lodge at Pafuri Wilderness Camp, you are in the land of the Makuleke people, who together with Wilderness Safaris, are the custodians of this magnificent region. Here you can encounter the BIG 5: lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Your guide will also point out special birds such as the crowned eagle, wattle-eyed flycatcher and many more. #travel #nationalpark #safari #africa

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The most popular time to visit is in summer, from November to March, when you can expect 11 hours sunshine a day. In the warmest, driest months, which are January and February, temperatures are around 26˚C. September/October (spring) and April/May (autumn) are still good times to visit, especially to see wildlife and flowers #travel #climate #southafrica

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A good way to orientate yourself after arrival is by taking the City Sightseeing Bus. The Southern Line Rail Route to Simon’s Town is a good way to see several beautiful suburbs and coastal villages, and is ideal for tourists, but beware of pickpockets on the trains. Table Mountain Cableway cars run every 10 to 15 minutes, and take you to the summit in 5 minutes, from where there are magnificent views of the city and ocean. There are number of short and long walks to choose from. #travel #train #southafrica #capetown

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To take a trip out to Robben Island 9km (5.5 miles) off shore, head for the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront, where you can spend time in the Robben Island Museum, café and shop while you await your ferry. (Sailings are at 09.00, 11.00, 13.00 and 15.00) A round-trip takes about three and a half hours and includes a tour of the prison where Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years, guided by a former political prisoner. You will see the late President’s cell, preserved in its original condition, and the quarry where the prisoners did their hard labour #travel #island #muse #robben

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Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain provides an antidote to so much human cruelty. Said to be one of the seven best botanical gardens in the world, it displays rare and endangered South African plants in a cultivated garden and nature reserve. There is a café, shop, nursery and activities for children (allow 2-3 hours for a visit). #travel #gardens #southafrica #botanic #plant #nature #reserve #children #kirstenbosch # national

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