South Africa gets under your skin and into your soul like no other. Often referred to as ‘A World in One Country’, it is one of the most diverse and interesting countries in the world. Here is the lowdown of what a holiday to South Africa can offer to you and your family, courtesy of Grenham Travel:
Highlights
Cape Town: Undisputedly one of the most stunningly beautiful cities, Cape Town offers an extraordinary diversity of scenery and attractions. Make sure to visit the iconic Table Mountain – you can either enjoy a picturesque hike or take the revolving cable car with 360 degrees of spectacular views of Cape Town. A sunset cruise is a must. Indulge in the exquisite vision of nature’s sunset at its best.
V&A Waterfront: Stroll along the popular V&A Waterfront, a sprawling cluster of renovated Victorian buildings amid a bustling working harbour. The Waterfront offers a plethora of restaurants and bars, designer boutiques, craft markets, cinemas, and live entertainment. Added to this, it is also the boarding point for sunset cruises and tours to Robben Island. Take the opportunity to visit the cell where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 19 years.
Spectacular safaris
South Africa is ideal for animal and nature fans. See the ‘big five’, the leopard, rhino, lion, buffalo, and elephant, from the wilds of Kruger National Park to the private reserves of the Eastern Cape. A jeep safari to less well-known game reserves is a thrilling and emotional way to see wild animals in their natural habitat.
Garden Route
Take a trip along the famous Garden Route with its pristine beaches, majestic mountains, lush forests, wildflower meadows, and hospitable towns and villages. Stop at a Township and sip a beer in a shebeen while chatting and soaking up the ambience and culture of the locals; their warmth, humour, and ease of manner is most endearing.
Beaches
The beaches are beautiful and you will be spoilt for choice with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. Amazing beaches include Clifton, Camps Bay, Plettenberg, and Bloubergstrand. Boulder’s Beach, located in Simon’s Town, is fascinating. Although you cannot swim, sunbathe, or walk on it, the beach offers visitors the chance to see penguins in their natural environment. The raised walkways allow you to get close without disturbing them.
Options are endless
Discover the vineyards and sample some of their fine produce; hike in the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains; explore the battlefields of Kwazulu or go whale watching in Hermanus. There is truly something to entice everyone in South Africa.
Eating out
South Africa is renowned for its good value and for the quality of its food and wine. This is often referred to as a bonus point when travelling to this country.
Car hire
They drive on the left side of the road, which makes it convenient for Irish drivers, plus the signage is in English. However, be mindful that many petrol stations in South Africa do not accept credit cards.
Passport
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return to Ireland. Parents travelling with children into or out of South Africa may be asked to show the child’s full birth certificate. Where only one parent is accompanying the child, parental or legal consent for the child to travel may be required.
The experienced consultants at Grenham Travel would be delighted to share their in-depth knowledge and tailor-make a holiday to suit your individual requirements at competitive prices. Call into their office at 1-3 Connaught St, phone (090 ) 6492028 or visit www.grenhamtravel.ie