Travel writers pick their favourite South Africa attractions
If you're planning a South Africa overland trip but unsure which of the country's many world-class destinations to stop off at, the thoughts of a group of native travel writers could help.
In an article for South African online news site iol.co.za, ten of the publication's regular travel writers have each picked their favourite location in this fascinating country.
With the wildlife one of the main draws of South Africa for those on Africa overland trips, it is perhaps no surprise that nature-related picks featured heavily in the list.
Kate Turkington picked the world-renowned Kruger National Park as her favourite South Africa attraction, describing it as a "South African institution".
"It's famous throughout the world, admired for its conservation efforts, teems with plants, birds and animals, and is home to 16 macro eco-zones," she said.
Aubrey Dhlamini recommended the Madikwe Game Reserve, where game drives offer close encounters with elephants, rhino, giraffe, zebra and lions, while Lesley Stones picked the Phinda Game Reserve, which offers specialist stays for birding, bush skills training, leopard and rhino research and photographic safaris.
Meanwhile, other writers went for less well-known destinations, or those which perhaps get overlooked by visitors.
"I've always been drawn to the more isolated regions of our country. None more so than the Karoo, and the hamlet of Nieu Bethesda particularly." said Nerine Dorman.
"Art, crafts and good food is available in abundance but, most important, is the peace. Here you may arrive a stranger but you leave a friend."
Finally, no list of top South African destinations would be complete without a mention of its idyllic beaches.
Sharmi Surianarain nominated Kalk Bay as her choice, located at the eastern lip of the Cape Peninsula, which is also home to a quaint fishing village as well as a hot spot for surfers.
"A highlight of Sunday afternoons is the Polana Restaurant's live jazz concerts on the harbour. You might also just catch sight of Rosie the seal, the harbour's most famous resident," she said.
