Why You Need to Visit South Africa!

South Africa is one of my favorite countries in the world. Let me convince you why you should visit South Africa!

I’ve long harbored dreams of traveling on the African continent (Mauritius and Seychelles notwithstanding), to rub shoulders with exotic wildlife and discover a culturally intriguing way of life.

But to tell you the truth, I was a wee bit nervous about going it alone and never found the right company at the right time. When South Africa Tourism Board’s invitation landed in my inbox, I knew I had to go there and test the waters.

These are all the reasons why you should visit South Africa (and I need to go back ASAP too!):

Cuteness overload at Boulders Beach (my favorite answer to why visit South Africa!)

I couldn’t have imagined hanging out with African penguins in their wild habitat just outside of Cape Town!

Unfortunately their population on the Atlantic Coast has declined dramatically due to overfishing and garbage in the seas. The authorities are trying to restore the natural balance by banning the hunting of great white sharks, as they prey on seals and seals prey on penguins.

Also read: What to Expect on Your First Time to South Africa

Cruising along Table Bay

Sunset and champagne on a cruise in the backdrop of the gorgeous Table Mountain. Need I say more?

Cycling along the countryside of Oudtshoorn

It is in pedaling through the streets, feeling the breeze in my hair and nodding along to fellow cyclists that I find the heartbeat of the places I travel to.

And so it was with Oudtshoorn, a little town at the base of the Swatberg mountains in the Western Cape province.

Also read: Bittersweet Feelings in South Africa’s Mamelodi Township

Endangered white rhinos in the African bush

These majestic fellows are hunted widely for their skin and horns. So when in the bush, we were told not to post photos of their location, for poachers search for clues in the geotag to find them. I felt overwhelmed when we spotted a 4-day old rhino baby trailing its mom!

PS: I took this photo with my point and shoot, and stripped it off its location tags.

Also read: South Africa Visa for Indians: Practical Tips

Meet the giraffes! (If you need only one answer to why visit South Africa, let this be it)

I was bummed out to arrive late at game lodge and miss one of my only two safaris in the African bush. Turns out nature had a different welcome planned for me. Just after I checked in, I saw a giraffe hanging out in my backyard!

The rest of his troop joined him soon. One of my most memorable evenings watching them munch on leaves and gaze into each other’s eyes.

Mornings are for bush walking

The South African bush is very different from forests in India. No tall trees, no canopies, no defined trails. You can see for miles through the savanna. No animal movement can be missed in these dry grasslands. 

Even though I wasn’t in a big 5 reserve, I enjoyed the little moments with wildlife I’ve never seen before. Like a blue wildebeest crossing our paths just a few metres away!

Vineyards of the Western Cape

Let’s just say there was a lot of wine on this trip, both in my glass and along the rugged South African countryside!

Also read: Offbeat Durban: The Hipster Soul of South Africa

Wild ostriches in Table Mountain National Park

On our way to the Cape of Good Hope, we spotted this pair of ostriches drinking water off a puddle in the road, as cars whizzed past!

I was heartbroken to learn later that many of them will be found on a plate of exotic meat in a typical South African meal. Sigh.

Road-trippin’ over the Swartberg Pass

That “I’m just a bird in the sky” kind of feeling! The ragged, barren, majestic Swartberg mountains were love at first sight. Photo thanks to fellow blogger Spencer Spellman.

Also read: How we *Almost* Got Stranded at the South Africa Lesotho Border

Why are you going to visit South Africa?

I travelled to South Africa on invitation from the South Africa Tourism Board. Lucky me!

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