Article by: Hazafa Hasan
Paulo Coelho once said that ‘If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it’s lethal’. We couldn’t agree more. Talking time to explore this planet we live on, is an absolute essential. It helps you come to peace with your existence and that of everything around you. Also, travel is a great way to get to know someone, which is why honeymoons are considered a great way to strengthen your bond. You can learn a lot about your new spouse and grow dearer to each other, when away from home. In this article, we have brought you a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetimes. South Africa: Alive with Possibilities.
South Africa is one of those places that’s been showered with an abundance of nature’s beauty and magic. There are hills, safaris, coral reefs, shark dives, golden savannahs, hauntingly beautiful desserts, endless coastline and gorgeous cities like Cape Town. It’s where the world comes to experience some of that magic. It is one of those places which are full of character because of their rich history. Something that stays with you and sustains you long after you’ve been back to your routine life of daily chaos. South Africa is a land of adventure that resets your priorities in life and makes you explore something of yourself. The only con is that it isn’t the safest of the places, but you have to give some to get some, right? To experience South Africa in the true sense you should visit it in November or December to enjoy the best of summer. And packing a few cardigans and sweaters might serve you well in the chilly evenings.
We suggest that you check into hotel Sandton Sun while you are in the Jo’berg. Located in a central point, it’s called ‘the richest square mile in Africa’. While there, you can shop in Jo’berg which offers some of the biggest malls with all your favorite consumer brands under one roof. You can dine in all the finery and watch movies in comfy theaters. You might find Melrose Arch a beautiful block to stroll around to chat or think. The famous Montecasino stands proud with its splendid architecture that beseeches you to come and take a closer look. The Teatro at the casino is a great place to begin your musicals and live theatre education. There is an amusement Park ‘Gold Reef City’ for you to explore and tire your bones out.
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The World’s Heritage Site ‘Table Mountain’ offers the perfect iconic backdrop for this mish-mash city of cultures. The Mother City, Cape Town is also called The Tavern of Seas. You can go shopping, hiking, canyoneering, wildlife spotting and maybe even attend a jazz concert. Take the famous cableway to enjoy the breathtaking views atop Table Mountain. You can hike up to Lion’s Head as it is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Cape Town. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is also one of the most famous tourist attractions. A boat tour can take you to the famous ‘Robben Island’ from there. It’s the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. You can go visit the Two Ocean’s Aquarium. Camp’s Bay is rimmed with beautiful beaches, chic shops and cafes. Watch the penguins waddle along the False Bey beaches. And most importantly don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful sunset at Chapman’s Peak Drive! Now doesn’t this sound like the perfect honeymoon?
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Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve on the continent! The park boasts of the Big Five and more species of mammals than any other game reserve. It is a ginormous park with over 2 million hectares of natural park, teaming with wildlife. You will find elephants, giraffes and rhinos milling about their natural habitat, leopards and cheetahs on about a hunt. You will see sites that will be special in their rawness. If you two lovebirds are also photography enthusiasts you’ll get to capture shots of a lifetime here!
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The Garden Route runs for 300 kilometers along the country’s southeast coastline. It is one of the most scenic routes here and its beauty can just not be put into words. You will find lush green hills, thick forests, pretty coastal towns, lagoons and more. The Tsitsikamma forest and fall are breathtakingly gorgeous and beg you to stop and indulge in activities like zip lining. You can also make your way to Plettenberg for the Whale and Dolphin Safari. The route stretches along the Indian Ocean, covering the area from the Mossel Bay to St. Francis.
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The merged Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is considered one of the largest wilderness area in the world. You will find gnarled camel thorn trees, golden grasslands, clear skies and red sands that would be something straight out of Disney’s “The Lion King”.
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The majestic Drakensberg that means the Dragon Mountains is a popular vacation destination as it harbors the highest peaks in the region. You will find the World-Heritage listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park here with its jagged basalt buttresses. You can also visit the awe-inspiring Amphitheatre, which is a magnifique cliff face and the source of South Africa’s main rivers. The Giant Castle Game Reserve protects the large herds of eland. Glorious forests lay nestled between the valleys. You can hike and bike here, go fishing, climb the mountains and even go rafting. Hot air balloon rides over this region will give a new appreciation for the dramatic topography.
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Durban is loved for its postcard-perfect beaches, eternal sunshine, unique culture and rich history. You can shop and dine from daybreak to dawn. Not only is Durban abundant in marine life but it also offers many beach sports that will keep you entertained. If you are a greenery lover, you can visit the famous botanic gardens to observe exotic plant collections.
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The restaurants in South Africa are cheap. You find food chains like Nando’s etc. so you will not have to eat anything too experimental. That’s only if you are like us and cannot eat anything that doesn’t look familiar. You should buy bottled water too because the local water might not suit your constitution. However, if you are a food enthusiast and want to dabble in the traditional cuisine; you ought to try staples like maize, minced ostrich, and koeksisters. In South Africa, BBQ is referred to as Braai. If you are a vegetarian, you will also find veg options throughout the country. There are cafes in all major and minor cities and towns to satisfy your coffee cravings too.
Stuck as we are in urban life, we need to make time and explore nature in its raw form, tantalizing beauty. It calls to something within us, as we are a part of it. It also makes us care about what we are missing out on. The calm and peace of your inner self you will find in South Africa is something of a necessity after a stressful wedding. Plan your next trip there and we promise you will love every minute of it!