It’s the beginning of 2019, a year that holds much promise and hope. Don’t waste your time with boring New Year’s resolutions; rather make this a spectacular year by seeing phenomenal things and doing amazing activities all over South Africa.
It’s time to pack your travel gear – here’s your 2019 bucket list:
Bungee jump from Bloukrans Bridge
Bloukrans Bridge is an arch bridge across the Bloukrans River in the heart of the Garden Route. Bloukrans Bungee (operated by Face Adrenalin) manages one of the highest commercial bungee activities in the world from this spot.
Before you dive 216m for your bungee jump, you will zipline from the top of the Bloukrans River bank to the bridge arch, just to get your adrenaline pumping. After your bungee jump towards the river below, you will be winched back up to the bridge where you can then take in the incredible surrounding views. From there you leave the bridge from a suspended walkway beneath.
If you can’t muster the courage to bungee, then do the Bridge Walk to enjoy the views from the top.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to enjoy the drive along the Garden Route. If you have time, pop into the Garden Route National Park, and see beautiful forests and dramatic ocean views, on hikes, bikes and boats.
Visit Table Mountain
Table Mountain is Cape Town’s (and arguably also South Africa’s) most iconic landmark. And it has the creds to prove it, being the only African attraction included in the New7Wonders of Nature.
Whether you enjoy the cable car, or embark on a strenuous hike to reach the top, the view of the city and Atlantic Ocean below is sure to take your breath away.
See Jozi from the tallest building in Africa
The Carlton Centre in Johannesburg has 50 storeys and stands 223m high. It has been the tallest building in Africa since it was built in 1973. The cool part? The top storey is known as the Top of Africa and features a viewing deck offering a sprawling 360-degree view of Johannesburg.
Hop on a City Sightseeing red bus to visit top Johannesburg attractions, including a stop at the Carlton Centre where a City Sightseeing representative will take you all the way to the Top of Africa.
Hear a lion roar in the Kruger National Park
Have you really explored South Africa if you haven’t seen the Big Five in their natural habitat? The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and home to nearly 150 mammal species, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.)
Enjoy the park’s diverse fauna and flora on a self-drive (and go at your own pace), or join a game drive on which you are sure to see big game. If you’re feeling up to it, you can even go on a guided walk with a game ranger.
Visit the park as a day visitor or make the most of the experience and stay a couple of nights in one of the multiple camping sites, rest camps or luxury lodges.
Go underground at the Cango Caves
Great views aren’t available only from tall buildings and iconic mountains, but also underground! The Cango Caves, 29km from Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, offer a spectacular underground adventure where you can lose yourself in a world of dripstone caverns, stone halls and towering limestone formations.
Don’t worry, you won’t get lost in the cave network that stretches for more than 4km, as you’ll be with a guide the entire way. Try the adventure tour on which you will not only see and learn about the cave system, but clamber through tunnels and crawl through narrow passages.
