South Africa has become an exciting and vibrant holiday destination in recent decades, welcoming a huge number of tourists every year.
According to figures compiled by Statista, a total of 16.44 million tourists visited the country in 2018. Remarkably, in terms of the African nations with the most international tourist arrivals, only Morocco received more visitors.
One of the reasons people choose to visit South Africa is because of its impressive combination of rich culture, history, and outstanding natural beauty. Important lessons from the past can be found at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island, while areas such as Kruger National Park and Table Mountain should simply not be missed.
However, while those places are essential stops on any visit to the country, there is plenty more waiting to be discovered. Here, we put a spotlight on five other options you could consider adding to your next trip itinerary. Feet Do Travel show you how to discover a different side of South Africa.
According to figures compiled by Statista, a total of 16.44 million tourists visited the country in 2018. Remarkably, in terms of the African nations with the most international tourist arrivals, only Morocco received more visitors.
One of the reasons people choose to visit South Africa is because of its impressive combination of rich culture, history, and outstanding natural beauty. Important lessons from the past can be found at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island, while areas such as Kruger National Park and Table Mountain should simply not be missed.
However, while those places are essential stops on any visit to the country, there is plenty more waiting to be discovered. Here, we put a spotlight on five other options you could consider adding to your next trip itinerary. Feet Do Travel show you how to discover a different side of South Africa.
Explore the vineyards of South Africa and go wine tasting at Stellenbosch
1. Explore its vineyards
South Africa has a very strong reputation for the quality of its wine, so if you are partial to a drop or two why not head on a special tour to the regions which are famed for producing it?
Sites like Wine Paths may help in that regard, as it features a host of listings related to wine tours in regions including Stellenbosch. There is also the opportunity to combine your tours with other experiences within the country.
2. Head to a casino
Casino gaming is fairly popular in South Africa, with the country being home to a host of establishments. The level of interest in the industry is also reflected online, with new sites specialising in such experiences specifically catering online catalogues of casino games to South African audiences.
After days of exploring the country’s natural beauty and iconic landmarks, why not treat yourself and retire to the glamour and luxury of a casino resort?
South Africa has a very strong reputation for the quality of its wine, so if you are partial to a drop or two why not head on a special tour to the regions which are famed for producing it?
Sites like Wine Paths may help in that regard, as it features a host of listings related to wine tours in regions including Stellenbosch. There is also the opportunity to combine your tours with other experiences within the country.
2. Head to a casino
Casino gaming is fairly popular in South Africa, with the country being home to a host of establishments. The level of interest in the industry is also reflected online, with new sites specialising in such experiences specifically catering online catalogues of casino games to South African audiences.
After days of exploring the country’s natural beauty and iconic landmarks, why not treat yourself and retire to the glamour and luxury of a casino resort?
Have a "spafari" break at a wellness retreat
3. Make time for yourself
Wellness tourism has become a big trend in recent years and South Africa is developing a strong reputation in the area. According to a report published by the Global Wellness Institute in November 2018, the country has one of the top wellness tourism markets in sub-Saharan Africa and has used it to diversify from other offerings including safaris.
The report added that ‘spafari’ breaks have been common for some time, while some destinations across Africa have also moved to holistic offerings based around issues like mindfulness and yoga.
4. Embrace agritourism
South Africa is not short of natural wonders, but embracing agritourism could help you see the country in a new light.
Agritourism Africa features a host of information on the issue, which is all about tourism activities related to working farms. As their site explains, people who visit the farms may assist with regular activities like milking cows, while they may also simply make use of the land for pastimes such as fishing and bird watching.
Wellness tourism has become a big trend in recent years and South Africa is developing a strong reputation in the area. According to a report published by the Global Wellness Institute in November 2018, the country has one of the top wellness tourism markets in sub-Saharan Africa and has used it to diversify from other offerings including safaris.
The report added that ‘spafari’ breaks have been common for some time, while some destinations across Africa have also moved to holistic offerings based around issues like mindfulness and yoga.
4. Embrace agritourism
South Africa is not short of natural wonders, but embracing agritourism could help you see the country in a new light.
Agritourism Africa features a host of information on the issue, which is all about tourism activities related to working farms. As their site explains, people who visit the farms may assist with regular activities like milking cows, while they may also simply make use of the land for pastimes such as fishing and bird watching.
Don't just look at Table Mountain, why not hike it!
5. Go hiking
There is no better way of discovering South Africa's nature than by hiking. With the Drakensberg Mountains in the heart of the country, but also Table Mountain and Lion's head in Cape Town, there are plenty of options to enjoy amazing views. If you want hiking tips for the African continent, take a look at Bookatrekking.com, where you will find routes in Ethiopia, Morocco, Kenya or the Atlas Mountains. For the more adventurous, have you considered Climbing Kilimanjaro?
Try something new
Like so many popular tourist destinations, South Africa has become synonymous with its most famous landmarks and regions. However, the country is also home to many other elements which holidaymakers can explore and enjoy when they visit.
The ideas above are just five very different ways that you can bring a new dimension to your holiday in South Africa. We hope they have given you some food for thought as you continue to plan your next trip. Put simply, this country has so much to offer.
There is no better way of discovering South Africa's nature than by hiking. With the Drakensberg Mountains in the heart of the country, but also Table Mountain and Lion's head in Cape Town, there are plenty of options to enjoy amazing views. If you want hiking tips for the African continent, take a look at Bookatrekking.com, where you will find routes in Ethiopia, Morocco, Kenya or the Atlas Mountains. For the more adventurous, have you considered Climbing Kilimanjaro?
Try something new
Like so many popular tourist destinations, South Africa has become synonymous with its most famous landmarks and regions. However, the country is also home to many other elements which holidaymakers can explore and enjoy when they visit.
The ideas above are just five very different ways that you can bring a new dimension to your holiday in South Africa. We hope they have given you some food for thought as you continue to plan your next trip. Put simply, this country has so much to offer.
