TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
SOUTH AFRICA
Home to great white sharks, one of the oldest mountains on the planet (Table Mountain), and four of the seven fastest animals on earth (lion, wildebeest, cheetah and springbok). South Africa provides numerous landscapes from wetlands, bush, deserts, mountains, grassland, and subtropical forests. You will have no shortage of activities to check off your bucket list in this incredible country.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Robben Island
For centuries Robben Island was used as a place of confinement and punishment for (primarily) political prisoners. The maximum security prison is now closed but the island remains famous as the place where Nelson Mandela (the former South African president) was imprisoned for 18 years. The island is now a museum and as of 1999, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island reflects the success of democracy over the segregation of race.
Boulder's Beach
Head south towards Simons Town to witness adorable penguins in their natural habitat. This area is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area so the penguins are protected under the care of the national park. The name Boulder’s Beach gets its name from the granite boulders that surround the beach which help to keep it sheltered. The African penguin (also known as the jackass penguin or black-footed penguin) is a species of penguin confined to Southern African waters. They get their name from their ability to make donkey-like braying sounds and the colour of their feet.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves, covering close to 5 million acres. It offers some of the best safari experiences on the continent. Keep on the lookout for the big five and don’t forget to admire the giant baobab and marula trees.
Cycle through Wine Country
With wine country being only one hour outside of Cape Town, this is a great half day or full day excursion. Stop off in beautiful Stellenbosch followed by Franschoek which is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. To truly experience the area, opt to explore by bike but be sure to limit your wine intake if you wish to get through the day without any accidents!
Hike Table Mountatin
Setting your sights on this popular flat-topped landmark is a sure sign you have arrived in Cape Town. The mountain is often covered with it’s own layer of clouds known as the Tablecloth. Hiking the trail to the top is worth the hard work, however for those who prefer a more leisurely route, opt for the cableway instead.
Cape of Good Hope
Enjoy a day trip to the most South-Western point of the continent of Africa (or cycle part way which is highly recommended!). Hike up to the Cape Point Lighthouse for incredible views of the coastline. Capture the memory of your visit with a photo at the Cape of Good Hope sign. One warning – there are several baboons in the area and do not feed them, or eat in their presence! They WILL steal from you.
Go Abseiling
Who doesn’t want to hang off the side of a mountain?! Feel your heart race as you take that first step over the edge of the world’s highest commercial abseil (112m) on Table Mountain. This is an adrenaline rush worth bragging about.
