If like many people you didn’t plan your December vacations on time and you are now wondering about where its best to go with great weather and open for last minute travel.

South Africa is your answer!

Being a country that holds everything that is diversity. From its multitude of cultures to its geographical sites and things to do…and still boast two oceans, Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean…you will be spoilt for choice as to where to spend your time!

Beach holiday could never be this great, in a country that is skirted by a coastline. If you are looking for cooler waters, then you will love the Western Cape, where you will find the Atlantic starting in Cape Agulhas, where the divide of the two oceans is clear but they never meet, extending to Cape Town and the rest of the West Coast. If warm waters is more your vibe, then you will love the Indian Ocean regions, such as the further east in to the Garden route area in the Eastern Cape and all the way up North- Eastern side in KwaZuliu Natal. South African oceans are a paradise for both surfers and divers alike! And if that doesn’t suit you, you can just hop on a boat and enjoy marine life, from whale watching too being enchanted by a pod of dolphins and visiting Duiker Island to sea the seals sun bathing!

For wild safari experiences, there is no direction you can turn to in South Africa and not be able to visit the nearest game reserve, where you can experience the big 5 (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard). The reserves cater to families too, except for the ones where they are in the heart of the reserve, unfenced. you will find that they will only accept children from the ages of 10 and upwards, with some only starting to the ages of 12. But for the majority of the lodges they have child minders to look after babies, while the parents are enjoying the game drives. They also offer educational tours for little people to learn about wild life. With Kruger National Park being our most loved and icon of South African wild life experience, we do have other reserves that offer great experiences, reserves such as; Pilanesberg, Madikwe, Addo Elephant Park and many privately owned reserves too.

The safari experiences offer you more than just the view of the majestic wildlife, but they are also a great experience of the fauna around you, not to mention the varieties of bird life, which unfortunately doesn’t get much adoration, compared to the actual animals that inhabit the land. I invite you to be more curious the next time you are on a game drive, be on the lookout for the smallest of beings just for the gigantic elephants. The animals and insect you will see I dare say you will have never seen them before. The art and precision you will find in spider webs is breathtaking. The determination of the dung beetle rolling the dung into a perfect ball, is exactly where our Xhosa song ( Igqirha lendlela, ngu qongqothwane), made famous by Miriam Makeba and known as the “click song” comes from. Be a child and super curious when on a safari, if nothing else…I beg you on this, you will leave it reconnected and rejuvenated, after all, we are all from the wild!

Inland, the country has towering mountains that are perfect for climbers and hikers alike! With the Drakensberg, being our own Alps. Many don’t know this, but the Drakensberg mountains cover four of South African provinces ( Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal and they also take up Lesotho, a land-locked country in South Africa. Places to visit in the Drakensberg include Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels.

Our rivers are perfect to swim in, on a hot summer’s day. We have a host of excursions that can be enjoyed in our rivers, among them is fishing, though I always encourage people to only fish to eat instead of the fun of it. Visit Tsitsikamma if nothing else to enjoy a large scope of adventure activities.

Much of inland is completely unpolluted, that includes light pollution, making the night sky light up with stars! perfect areas fro this are around the Drakensberg areas, Karoo and and the Kalahari. Which bring me to an exciting point…did you know that South Africa has deserts….yes it does!

the Karoo region is an arid semi-desert with beautiful landscapes, covering both the Eastern, Northern and the Western Cape provinces. best defined by its vegetation, which consists of assorted succulents and low scrub bushes spaced from one foot to several feet apart. The Karoo is best referred to by its subdivision names; Little Karoo and Great Karoo ( Klein Karoo and Groot Karoo in Afrikaans). The area is devoid of surface water, and its name is derived from the Khoisan word meaning “land of thirst”. Town to visit in the Karoo include Graaf-Reinet, Oudtshoorn, Sutherland, Beaufort West and Calitzdorp to mention just a few. You can visit the Camdeboo National Park and Karoo National Park. The wild flowers that grow in this region are something for a coffee table book! Now the Kalahari in the Northern Cape, is also something to experience with its beautiful red dunes and great wild life! This region adorns never ending red sand dunes, big, blue skies and a scorching sun that shimmers unrelentingly on ancient dry riverbeds, known as Omuramba. Don’t miss out on a chance too visit the The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Things to do include; hiking, canyoning, river rafting, bungee jumping and stargazing.

If you want to be a city hopper, you can explore Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban as they are the major cities, especially if you are looking for history, fashion and great food experiences!

Johannesburg, being inland tend to be overlooked, however this vibrant city is a melting pot of different cultures, both local and international. The city gives you a grand scope of of the history of South Africa, rich cultural experience through fashion and food it boasts…yes not forgetting the arts as well. Shopping in Johannesburg is a thrill, you may want to save this City of Gold, as the last stop before you return home! Do visit the apartheid museum and Soweto when staying in johannesburg, but don’t miss out on the nearby towns. For families with small kids, The Lion Park and Bird Park will be a gem for little ones.

Cape Town, much loved for its picture perfect natural surroundings and not forgetting its cosmopolitan vibe. The city is perfect for beach escapes and adventure enthusiasts. Offering vibrant night life with its restaurants and live music bars, you will have plenty to enjoy. Cape Town offers a host of experiences for both young and old.

Then there’s the topical city of Durban, which I like to think of as a sleepy city of R&R (relax and recreation). Durban is also a coastal city with a tropical weather. With in a few hours you can visit nearby beach towns and Hluhluwe region. The Durban Botanical Gardens and Valley of a Thousand Hills are a must see. For families, make sure to visit uShaka Marine and Umngeni River Park

With its 9 provinces, there’s a buffet of places and things for you to visit and do! I have to say, you have to, have to explore the Eastern Cape!

Whether you are looking for a solo experience, family travel with kids, or a romantic vacation or honeymoon…even destination wedding. Yes South Africa will cater all that for you. A trip to South Africa can also be easily married with other Southern African countries. Hop over to Zimbabwe or Zambia and experience the Victoria Falls, or let me take you to Botswana for Chobe and Okavango Delta. Mozambique also promised prestige beaches in Vilanculos and Bilene. If Southern Africa alone is not enough, m I will take you to East Africa to explore Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Whether you want to experience more safari or Kilimanjaro, or just a short visit to Zanzibar its all possible!

Now that I have taken time to let you know about all these wonderful things and places to do, I would love to take care of the logistics of planning your trip.

Contact me on +27825446477/ info@pathfindertravels.co.za to enquire about the specials that I have. Or simply book the specials I have put together as a package on;

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Dec 15 December Holidays in South Africa!

Jul 24 Travel For Your Wellbeing!