Are you thinking about visiting South Africa this holiday season? If you are, then you have the right idea. The list of advantages when visiting South Africa is endless. Not only is it great fun, but when you are in South Africa, you will be given the opportunity to try all kinds of things that you would never have thought you would be doing. It is one of the very best places to go with your friends and family, and if you still need a bit more convincing about whether or not to book that trip to South Africa, you should continue reading and we are sure that at the end of this article your decision will be made.

1. Beautiful landscape, a mix of culture, and mind-blowing wildlife

Apart from the fact that sunny South Africa is the most modern country in Africa, there is a variety of attractions that draw the attention of people towards the beautiful country. South Africa has a very vibrant culture with great outdoor attractions and many different species of untamed wildlife that you will only be able to find in Africa. You can have a tour guide to take you through these wonderful places in the country and enjoy the time spent with your friends and family.

2. The Kruger National Park

If you enjoy the thrill of discovering new wild animals that you may never have seen before, then Africa is most definitely the place for you. The Kruger National Park is situated in South Africa and it is one of Africa’s oldest game reserves. In the park, you will find 145 different types of mammals, 34 types of amphibians, 114 types of reptiles, over 335 species of trees, 49 types of fish, and 507 kinds of birds that will leave you in disbelief.

3. Visiting South Africa is affordable

The currency of South Africa, which is the South African Rand, is considered quite weak when you compare it to Pounds, Dollars and even Euros. This offers a big advantage to people from other countries as it gives them a lot more buying power. With such a big currency conversion, you are bound to experience the most amazing parts of South Africa without having to spend your entire year’s savings.

4. Language is not going to be a problem

When visiting South Africa, you will not need to worry about a language translator as most people speak English. If you are able to speak English, then you will not have to face any awkward communication issues, which allows you to have the best experience because you will be able to easily mix and mingle with the people in South Africa and therefore have a better holiday.

5. South Africa is the Home to Excellent Biodiversity

Regardless of the fact that South Africa owns less than 1% of the land surface of the entire world, it does, however, have 10% of the world’s fish, birds, and plant species, as well as 6% of the world’s mammals. South Africa is the one country you will visit that owns a floral kingdom of its own. The Paleo tropical floral kingdom extends part vast areas of Africa, the Pacific Ocean, and Asia. It has 9600 different species of plants and out of that, 70% are completely unique and do not grow anywhere else in the entire world, only Africa! In addition to this, it has penguins! Yes, penguins! Large colonies of Jackass Penguins live right outside Cape Town. Many are surprised by this fun fact, but people just cannot seem to get enough of these little creatures.

6. South Africa and its Vibrant Culture

South Africa is known to have a unique and great blend of different people, people of African, Asian, and even European cultures. South Africa is often referred to as The Rainbow Nation, and that is exactly what it is. South Africa does not only have a variety of people but food as well. You would find food items being sold in South Africa, which will allow you to try many new things, such as cured biltong, curries, and samosas. Another great element of South Africa is its art.

7. The Beautiful South African Beaches

Coffee Bay is a great option for you and your family to visit if you are looking for a beautiful day at the beach. Apart from this beach, there are many more beaches in South Africa that are famous for their breathtaking blue waves that break on the shore. Arguably, Cape Town has some of the very best urban beaches in the world, from Boulders Beach with its comical colony of endangered African Penguins waddling about, to the fashionable Camps Bay, which is close to the city Centre. The beaches do not end there, all along the South African Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal’s Indian Ocean coastline, you will find wonderful long stretches of pristine golden sand that are lapped by waves that only become warmer and warmer as you keep going further north, you will even find tropical coral reefs and beautiful snorkelling and diving at Rocktail Bay.

8. The South African Climate

Sunny South Africa is a country that experiences over 300 days of sunshine every year. However, it has a very warm and inviting climate, even during the winter months. Many would say that South Africa has the perfect climate because it is not too hot and not too cold.

9. South Africa is A Modern Country

There is so much to see in South Africa, especially with the advanced services appearing at every place you go. Cities like Cape Town, Pretoria, and Johannesburg have the restaurants, services, entertainment and offerings that you would expect in European and African cities.

10. Cape Town

People absolutely love Cape Town. And understandably so, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world, with natural beauty, great western influence, and the wonderful African culture. Cape Town is the sister city of San Francisco.

11. South Africa Have Got the Big Five

In case you are unsure, the big five includes the lion, the Cape buffalo, the elephant and the rhino. And there are so many more amazing animals to see such as hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, wild dogs, meerkats, hyenas, kudu, and ostrich.

12. South Africa Offer One of the Very Best Train Trips in the World

Got some money to spare? The one of a kind, luxury Blue Train route covers the 994 miles between Pretoria and Cape Town in 27 hours, there is one stop in each direction, this fashionable old town of Matjiesfontein in the Karoo on the northbound journey, and the mind-blowing, historic diamond-mining town that is Kimberly on the way back. Mark Smith who is the man who was sitting in seat 61 said that drinks, meals and even Montecristo Havana cigars are all included in the train fare, and there is quite an extensive list of African wines available to choose from. You are most probably not going to be able to drink your money’s worth by the time you reach your destination, but you can have a great time trying to.

13. South Africa is a Family Friendly Country

You kids are absolutely going to love it in South Africa! There are many child-friendly restaurants, accommodation and many great options for a family trip. The Garden Route and Cape Town are quite popular for families who are looking for a beach break. If you are looking to have a family safari, we would recommend Limpopo, Madikwe, Pilansberg or one of the beautiful Eastern Cape reserves, they all offer superb game viewing. If you are looking for loud, whoops of joy have a look at thrill-a-minute Sun City, which is a fantasy resort that even has its own sandy “beach” and “ocean” which was built right in the middle of the bush, and this gem in the bushveld is less than a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg.

If you are taking the whole family on a safari holiday for the first time, ask your Africa Safari Expert to find you a lodge that accommodates kids, many lodges in Africa have great junior ranger’s programmes, educational games, shorter game drives and special play areas with trained nannies. The longer game drives can be a bit tough on children but short nature walks with trained nannies that guide and teach them about birds, bugs, and blooms can be quite exciting.

14. Water-based Experiences

The landscapes in Africa will delight in every way, but the water-based activities and experiences are not to be forgotten. Dhow sailing in the Quirimbas Archipelago right off of the northern coast of Mozambique with just the local fishermen for the company and the stirring of the sails is as real as your African sailing experience can get.

You should definitely opt to soak up some sun on Kenya’s East Cost or to island-hop off Madagascar’s Nosy Bay. Some of the other great water experiences include dugout or Mokoro canoe trips in the Okavango Delta. It is also known as the “jewel of the Kalahari”, and this is on most safari enthusiast’s bucket list and when you arrive there, you will know exactly why. The important wetlands and the unique oasis is home to 2500 different species of plants, 20 herbivores, 65 fish and their predators, and over 450 types of birds.

15. In Africa, You Have the Opportunity to Do Good

There are a few programs that allow people to give back and volunteer in the communities that you pass through or visit. Either way, plant a tree in order to combat the carbon footprint of your flight with Greenpop, fill your backpack with educational supplies in the spirit of Pack with a Purpose, and support the local arts and crafts stores instead of shopping for imports.

Limpopo is a must-see when visiting Africa, below is a bit more about Limpopo:

The capital city of Limpopo is Polokwane, and it shares its borders with neighbouring countries Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, as well as neighbouring South African provinces, Gauteng, North West, and Mpumalanga. A lot of the Limpopo Province has remained pretty much the same as is has been for centuries, offering people who love nature the perfect opportunity to experience the embellished beauty of Africa. Those who tour the Limpopo Province will find that it’s very diverse terrain is very scenic, which provides varied habitats that support abundant animal and birdlife.

When it comes to local fresh produce, Limpopo is the place to be. You are bound to notice the abundance Amarula and Mopane trees, so much so that the district was even named the Mopane District. The marula fruit from the famous Amarula tree is harvested and then turned into the Amarula liqueur we all know and love. Your trip to this area will not be complete without a trip to the Amarula Lapa in Phalaborwa, where visitors who are of age can enjoy an educational tour and a tasting, or they can browse through the curio shop.

The Sunland Baobab is reason enough on its own. The Sunland Baobab comes from Limpopo, famous for being the widest of its kind in the entire world. This tree has been carbon-dated to be over 1700 years old and it is home to birds and other species. For a small price, you, your friends and your family can enjoy a full day having a braai under this beautiful tree.

Timbavati Safari Lodge is nestled among glades of exquisite, mature indigenous trees; it is a paradise for all bird watchers and nature lovers. Our traditional, colourful Ndebele rondavels are spaced out in the shady trees and offer all of our guests comfortable, clean, en-suite accommodation in the African ambience.