Why do we travel? That’s a question that many pedigreed travel writers have answered in their own lovely ways. Robert Louis Stevenson wrote, “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” G.K. Chesterton said that “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land: it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” Both loved the joy of the journey and the changing perspective it brings.

One of my favourite quotes on the matter comes from Pico Iyer, who wrote, “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again — to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more.”

Image: Jacob Lund

The best way to both lose yourself and find yourself is to visit a country that is so enchanting in its uniqueness, in its contrast to your own, and so captivating in its range of experiences that you get completely immersed in your adventure – that you almost forget who you are and where you come from. There are many incredible destinations in the world, but when it comes to a diversity of compelling experiences that roll into each other from one moment to the next, one stands supreme: South Africa.

There are 7 reasons for this.

1. A Land of Diverse Delights

If there was one word to sum up South Africa as a destination it would be diversity. And it’s this diversity that makes it a fascinating and dynamic destination that has something to offer every type of traveller.

Firstly, South Africa is often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation” due to its diverse population, which includes people of various ethnicities, languages, and cultures. It’s home to 11 official languages and a rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and cuisines.

Image: Michal Collection

Secondly, the country boasts a remarkable variety of landscapes, ranging from lush forests and savannahs to semi-deserts and rugged coastlines. Whether you’re interested in exploring vibrant cities, going on safari in national parks like Kruger or Addo, or relaxing on pristine beaches, South Africa has something for everyone.

Thirdly, South Africa is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, with a wide array of plant and animal species. Visitors can spot iconic African wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras, as well as many other species unique to the region.

2. Unforgettable Adventures

It begins with the setting, a country of towering mountains, dotted with forests and deserts, lakes and rivers, where two oceans meet. It’s the large number of different settings and natural playgrounds that means there is just so much to do. Would you like to swim with seals, what about sharks? Would you like to climb a natural wonder or track wild rhinos? Would you like to take a world-famous scenic drive on Chapman’s Peak or along the Garden Route? Would you like to surf epic waves at Jeffrey’s Bay or kayak down a gorge in Storm’s River? This is a land made for adventure, with one around every corner. Or bridge. How about one of the world’s highest bungee jumps?

3. Remarkable Wildlife

South Africa is one of the best places in the world to see a diversity of wildlife, but what makes it exceptional is the quality of the sightings. The Kruger National Park has perfected the luxury safari, where guests have encounters with predators like leopards and lions where you get so close as to hear them purr or hear the flick of an elephant’s tail. The superb rangers guide you through these sightings, whether on foot or in a game drive vehicle, and it’s often these once-in-a-lifetime moments that many cherish for long afterwards. This, coupled with the luxury lodges and exceptional food, service and views, are key to South Africa’s charm.

4. Cultural Tapestry

Beyond the “Rainbow Nation” lies a country of intriguing contrasts that can be mesmerising to delve into, with people across South Africa of African, European, Asian, and mixed descent.

Indigenous African cultures, such as the Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and Pedi, play a significant role in South African society. These cultures are characterized by vibrant traditional attire, music, dance, rituals, and storytelling, which are passed down through generations.

Image: Mano Africa

South Africa’s cities, such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, are vibrant hubs of culture and creativity. They are melting pots where people from diverse backgrounds come together, contributing to a dynamic urban culture expressed through art, music, fashion, cuisine, and nightlife.

In fact, music and dance are integral parts of South African culture, serving as forms of expression, celebration, and social cohesion. Traditional African music genres like mbube, mbaqanga, and marabi coexist with contemporary styles such as kwaito, Afrobeat, and house music. Dance forms like gumboot dancing, pantsula, and traditional tribal dances are also cherished cultural traditions.

5. A Paradise for Relaxation

What is adventure without relaxation? Why go up if you can’t go down, go and lay down that is. If you wanted to, you could go on the most incredible beach/pool lounger tour of South Africa. I’d start on the stunning beaches of Cape Town, head to the Cape Winelands for a spot of wine tasting, spa treatments and to the hotel pool, and on towards the fantastic coastal retreats along our stunning coastline before heading to the wildlife reserves to fall into the pace of the animals, eat, sleep and repeat.

6. Foodie Dreamland

South Africa’s food scene is incredibly diverse and dynamic, reflecting the country’s multicultural heritage and abundant natural resources. The cuisine is a delightful fusion of indigenous African, Dutch, British, Malay, Indian, and Portuguese influences. This fusion has resulted in a unique culinary landscape characterised by a rich tapestry of flavours, spices, and cooking techniques.

With its extensive coastline, South Africa boasts an abundance of fresh seafood. Local delicacies include snoek (smoked fish), hake, kingklip, calamari, and Cape lobster. Coastal regions like Cape Town and Durban are particularly renowned for their seafood restaurants and fish markets. Our meat is also excellent and regarded as some of the best in the world.

Let’s not forget about the world-class wine. South Africa’s wine regions, such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Constantia, produce world-class wines that complement the country’s cuisine perfectly. Wine-tasting tours offer opportunities to sample a variety of reds, whites, and sparkling wines, often paired with locally produced cheeses.

Ultimately, it’s the fine-dining experiences that visitors love. South Africa is home to numerous award-winning restaurants that showcase the country’s culinary creativity and innovation. Fine dining establishments in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban offer sophisticated menus featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared with flair and finesse.

7. Unexpected Value

And here’s the final kicker. It is all incredibly affordable. That fine-dining meal, that superb wine, that luxury getaway… they all offer such unbelievable value that many visitors simply can’t believe it and spend the first week of their holiday trying to make sense of it. To feel like royalty, your best bet is a trip to South Africa with a tier-one currency, the rest will take care of itself.

Words can only do so much to describe the raw enchantment and delight that South Africa holds. This is a place to immerse yourself in and lap up all the joys of travelling to a foreign and wholly unique land. Start planning your journey today with a quick message to our travel specialists.