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South Africa

After two years of non-stop travel, people frequently ask me, “What’s your favorite place you’ve been?” And while I generally find picking favorites difficult (I mean, you’re only gonna let me pick one?) South Africa is one destination that immediately jumps to the top of my list.

Dreamy coast lines, Big 5 safari adventures and beaches filled with penguins should have this destination leaping to the top of your travel bucket list!

So in no particular order, here’s why South Africa should move to the top of your bucket list.

1. Stunning Hikes

South Africa is full of hiking trails for all levels and abilities. And the summits certainly show off the beauty of this country!

Be sure you include a sunrise hike up Lion’s Head on your Cape Town itinerary.

Catch the sun rising slowly and the mist pouring over Table Top Mountain for some unbeatable views.

The hike is relatively easy- although the final summit does involve steep rocks with chains and ladders! (A longer and less steep alternative to the top does exist!)

Great resource: Hiking South Africa

South Africa Bucket List  Trip
“Must do” hike in Cape Town: Lion’s Head

2. Gorgeous coastal views

I don’t have to write much, the pictures speak for themselves!

Turquoise waters and blue skies make South Africa one of the most scenic places I’ve traveled.

Pack a lunch and soak up these breathtaking views. The scenery alone makes the long haul flight worth it. I think we can all agree- something about mountains next to the ocean is just an ideal combination.

Mountains + Oceans = My Favorite Destinations

South Africa Bucket List  Trip
South Africa Bucket List  Trip
Helicopter over Cape Town

If you really want to fully appreciate the amazing views, take a helicopter ride over Cape Town- you will not be disappointed!

Even a brief 15 minute flight offers breathtaking views of Africa’s southern tip. There are a number of qualified companies offering different length rides.

3. Action packed Big 5 safaris

If you’ve never been to Africa before you are in for such a treat. Lions, elephants, giraffe, zebra, hippos – all await to be be discovered in their natural habitat by you.

The thrill of discovery, the suspense…. not knowing what animals you will see next or what situation you will find them in is all part of what makes a safari so magical! The pure joy of surprise and discovery mixed in with a little bit of awe and wonder 🙂

We saw baby elephants and hippos waddling across the plains. Our villas were surrounded by a herd (aka a “dazzle”) of zebras. And we got stuck in more than one traffic jam with a bunch of lazy, un-moving giraffes. It. Was. Glorious.

South Africa Bucket List  Trip

Read: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICA’S GONDWANA GAME RESERVE – WHAT TO PACK & EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!

South Africa Bucket List  Trip
South Africa Bucket List  Trip

Read: BIG 5 AFRICAN SAFARI- 7 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

4. Penguin beaches

Yes, you read that correctly. There is a beach in South Africa where you can sun bath with a penguin colony. If that’s not enough reason to go hop on a plane right now, I don’t know what is.

Toss on your swimsuit and get up close and personal with these little guys at Boulders Beach. They are everywhere- swimming in the water, tanning in the sand and hopping around the rocks. HOW CUTE!

South Africa Bucket List  Trip
South Africa Bucket List  Trip

Read: SUNBATHING WITH THE PENGUINS AT BOULDER BEACH

5. Wine Country

After the adventure of a safari and the energy exerted from hiking- time to relax at Boschendal Winery.

Go for wine tours, sample the delicious array of locally made wines, dine at a number of restaurants on site, ride horses through the vineyards and go for a picnic on the grassy lawns.

I highly recommend staying at the Boschendal Cottages. Picturesque, charming and quaint- these cottages are the perfect place to unwind!

South Africa Bucket List  Trip
South Africa Bucket List  Trip
South Africa Bucket List  Trip
A picnic in the vineyard!

6. Excellent Weather All Year Long

South Africa is a year- round travel destination. Sunny days with hot, dry summers and great seasonal wildlife opportunities like whale watching.

Safaris can be quite chilly in the morning but if you pack the right clothing, it feels lovely and refreshing! (Just be prepared!) The one day it rained we were treated to this stunning double rainbow- definitely worth some showers!

South Africa Bucket List  Trip
A double rainbow over the plains in Gondwana Game Reserve

7. Picturesque beaches

South Africa certainly has no shortage of beaches. Endless blog posts exist online ranking which of SA’s beaches are the best- we could spend all day debating (there really are so many!) but in short, if you want to see penguins go to Boulder Beach.

And if you want to see fun, playful beach huts- head to Muizenberg Beach.

The Muizenberg Beach Huts 
DCIM/135MEDIA/DJI_0494.JPG

8. Great Nightlife

When people think “Africa” many inaccurate stereotypes come to mind. They don’t often think of the nightlife in Cape Town, the yachts in the harbor or luxury apartments lining the coast.

Well let me tell you, Africa is full of contradictions (like any destination!) and has just as good of nightlife as anywhere else in the world.

Looking for a great spot to go in Cape Town? Check out The Village Idiot!

9. Charming neighborhoods

If you like colorful and quaint (yet vibrant!) places- be sure to check out Bo-Kaap – the oldest surviving residential neighborhood in Cape Town.

Great lunch spots, rooftops drinks and chic boutiques of locally made clothing fill the neighborhood.

And yes, people really do live in these wonderfully colorful homes!

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Emily Rose

Hi, I'm Emily Rose! In 2018, I sold all my stuff and moved into my suitcase to travel full time and work around the world! Follow along for the best travel jobs, photos to fuel your wanderlust and epic adventures!

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