Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Beautiful green lawns stretch across this land with the magnificent view of the Eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is ranked as one of the most beautiful botanic gardens in South Africa. Don’t miss this one whilst visiting Cape Town.

Kirstenbisch Botanical Gardens

Fun facts about Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens:

• On every Sunday afternoon from the end of November until the beginning of April, open-air music concerts take place at Kirstenbosch.
• Kirstenbosch offers guided club car tours of the garden every day.
• As an alternative to eating at one of Kirstenbosch’s restaurants, one can also buy a picnic basket from Silvertree Restaurant or the Kirstenbosch Tea Room and have a picnic in the Garden.
• Kirstenbosch offers wonderful hiking trails up Table Mountain
• Kirstenbosch’s New Year’s Eve concert is one of the biggest events in Cape Town on 31 December.

Electrical Storm over Durban

Photograph by Justin Klusener

Home to the African Penguins

Boulders Beach in the Western Cape is home to the African Penguins. 

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach was started in 1983 and one of the very few mainland Penguin colonies.
The sea is great to swim in and the big boulders scattered on the beach provide shade and protection. 

Visiting the Penguins is a fun activity for the whole family, spend some time viewing and learning about the history and importance of conservation of these beautiful African Penguins. 

African Penguins, Boulders Beach

Tip: plan a trip with a few extra hours to spare and visit the small historical town of Simonstown. Simonstown has a lot to offer from whale watching to streets filled with history and heritage. Something you might not know is that their best time is during winter, I know right. Reason being they are part of the few small towns who are North-facing and they surrounded by magnificent mountains so well the rest are wet and windy, Simonstown is perfectly happy in the sun. 
  

Simonstown, Western Cape

If you have never been to Simonstown then I suggest you make a plan to visit this secret town situated between the mountains with magnificent views of the Giants of the Sea, our whales.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit

I found this quite interesting to read. According to the southafrica.net website; the Top 10 Reasons to visit South Africa are:

1. Affordable

During these tough times, who doesn’t want an affordable holiday? In SA, you can even afford luxury and have spending money for shopping and other treats!

2.  Natural Beauty

South Africa’s scenic wonders are legendary. From Table Mountain to God’s Window, our mountains, forests, coasts and deserts will feast your eye and lift your spirit

3. World-class Facilities

Whether you opt for Afro-chic or authentic Africa, you’ll find it easy to get around, find a comfortable place to stay, have a great meal, connect.  

4. Adventure

South Africa is the adventure capital of the world. With over 130 adventures and counting, there is something for everyone from mountain walks to shark cage-diving!  

5.  Good Weather

In sunny South Africa, our great weather invites you to enjoy the outdoors, play golf year-round and take advantage of the nearly 3000km coastline

6. Rainbow Nation 

The Rainbow Nation celebrates all its African and immigrant cultures. Find out how friendly our people are whilst you try your tongue at 11 official languages!

7. Diverse Experiences

Go almost anywhere in SA and experience the ultimate combo of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage and vibe – you’re spoilt for choice, so pack it in!

8.  Wildlife

Warning! Watching wildlife is addictive. First you start with the Big Five in so many ways, then whales, penguins, meerkats, wild dogs, birds, dung beetles

9. Freedom Struggle

 Discover a nation’s struggle for freedom whilst following the footsteps of Mandela, Hector Pieterson and many other celebrated revolutionaries. It will touch and inspire you.

10. Responsible Tourism 

In SA you can travel with care as you explore our protected areas, contribute to social and conservation projects, buy recycle art and stay green. 

Source: http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/za/top-10-reasons-to-visit