On Wednesday, November 9, President William Ruto and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa’s agreed to lift visa requirements for citizens between the two countries.
The deal opened opportunities for the two countries that have enjoyed cordial bilateral ties. But what probably received a shot in the arm following the announcement was the tourism sector.
Just like Kenya, South Africa is a dream destination for many tourists around the world and pops up among the most popular travel destinations in Africa, and for legitimate reasons.
The map showing the journey between Kenya and South Africa
The Mzansi nation is known for it’s rich culture that spans from it’s ethnic diversity, beautiful wildlife in the golden Savannah, ocean-blue beaches, engaging safaris, awe-inspiring gorges, historic buildings, delicious food, and an active party life for people planning to unwind with dance and music.
Round trip flights to the Southern destination range from a fleeting fee of Ksh80,875 to Ksh114,200 depending on the city of choice.
The country offers an array of accommodation options, from five-star opulence to budget-friendly locations, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for, at prices ranging from Ksh5,000 to Ksh50,000 per night, highly dependent on the kind of experience you seek.
Below are some of the highly ranked destinations to look out for:
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the best game reserves in Africa, and one of the oldest in South Africa.
The park lies at a four-hour drive from Johannesburg and offers visitors the chance to see the ‘Big Five’: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an astonishing diversity of other wildlife. It’s also home to San (bushman) rock paintings and archaeological sites.
The entrance of Kruger National Park in South Africa
Kruger National Park
Cape Town
Deemed among the planet’s most breathtaking cities, the multi-cultural town is surrounded by nature and lies between a rugged range of mountains and the sea.
One of the top things to do in Cape Town is to visit Table Mountain, a flat-topped peak presiding over the city.
For a spectacular overview, hike to the summit, or glide up on the cableway. The hour-long hike up Lion’s Head also provides panoramic views.
View penguins waddling along the golden beaches in False Bay, and south of the city at the Cape Point. Other places to visit are Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
A file Image of an aerial view of Cape Town
Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park
This park is a merger of South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the largest wilderness areas in the world.
Among the huge diversity of wildlife, this vast conservation area is home to the famous black-maned Kalahari lion and other diverse animal species.
Johannesburg
Also known as Jo’burg, this is the largest city in South Africa by population and a gateway for many tourists on safari. Named the “City of Gold” for its rich deposits of the precious mineral, it’s also the economic engine and vibrant soul of the country.
Top things to do in Johannesburg include visiting the Apartheid Museum, a poignant look at the oppression of apartheid to the birth of democracy; Constitution Hill; and Gold Reef City, which traces the region’s history through mining-themed attractions.
A photo montage of Johannesburg City in South Africa.
Wikipedia
The Garden Route
Lying along the country’s southeast coast, the Garden Route runs for about 200 kilometers through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal sceneries. The route stretches along the Indian Ocean from Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape, to the Storms River, in the Eastern Cape.
The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
The spectacular Drakensberg, meaning “Dragon Mountains,” is one of the top places to visit in KwaZulu-Natal and a popular vacation destination. It’s also home to the country’s highest peaks.
An aerial view of the Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal also known as the Dragon Mountains in South Africa.
Wikipedia
Cape of Good Hope, Western Cape
Part of Table Mountain National Park, the scenery is appreciated globally for its amazing land formation, diverse fauna and unique flora. It records an annual average of a million guests visiting the iconic attraction.
An aerial view of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa
Cape Escape Tours
Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park is home to prolific wildlife and a dazzling diversity of birds about three hours away from Johannesburg and Pretoria. It makes a great day trip or multi-day stay.
Durban’s Golden Mile, KwaZulu-Natal
The sweeping waterfront promenade called the Golden Mile is a legendary Durban tourist attraction and a great starting point for a tour of the city. The long blond beaches lure swimmers and surfers.
Robben Island, Western Cape
World-Heritage-listed Robben Island is a haunting reminder of the horrors of apartheid. Legendary Statesman Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned in a tiny cell here along with other political rebels and social activists.
The entrance of Robben Island Prison in South Africa.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre
