Travel Destinations in South Africa

South Africa, officially known as the Republic of South Africa, is an excellent first-time safari destination. The African scenery is one of the country’s main draws: golden savannah, great gaping gorges, and hauntingly beautiful deserts, as well as an awe-inspiring cast of African creatures – and, as a bonus, all the creature comforts.

Before I say more, I want to take a minute and make a quick shout-out to my friends over at Apollo Construction Company Inc for a great travel recommendation!

Some of the most popular things to do in South Africa include exploring coral reefs and dragon-backed mountain ranges, white-water rafting, and relaxing on golden beaches lapped by legendary surf breaks.

Traveling around this vast land and touring the vibrant cities, you can learn about the nation’s turbulent history – in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world; in Durban, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines; in Johannesburg’s poignant museums and galleries; and in Soweto, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, who helped birth democracy here.

Discover the best places to visit in this diverse country with our list of South Africa’s top tourist attractions.

1. Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces

Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s best game reserves and one of South Africa’s oldest. If you enjoy wildlife, this well-known park should be on your South African itinerary.

The park is about a 3.5- to 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg and provides visitors with the opportunity to see the “Big Five”: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an amazing variety of other wildlife. There are also San (bushman) rock paintings and archaeological sites here.

Explore Kruger National Park on the extensive network of sealed roads, go on a walking safari, or take a hot air balloon ride over the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and river systems.

One of the best things about Kruger National Park is that there is accommodation to suit all budgets: you can stay in basic campsites, book a thatched bungalow, or unwind in a luxury lodge.

2. Cape Town, Western Cape

Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. This multicultural city is surrounded by nature, nestled between a rugged range of mountains and the sea.

Table Mountain, the flat-topped peak presiding over the city, is one of the top things to do in Cape Town. Hike to the summit or take the cableway up for a spectacular view. The hour-long hike up Lion’s Head also offers panoramic views of the city.

The magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The coast of Cape Town is also rich in natural wonders. You might see whales spouting from the harbour while strolling along the waterfront boardwalk. Penguins waddle along the golden beaches of False Bay, and Cape Point, south of the city, is rich in wildlife and botanical beauty.

Cape Town is also well-known for its stunning boulder-fringed beaches. Camp’s Bay is a popular spot, with many chic shops and cafés nearby.

Residents of Cape Town adore their coast so much that at sunset, they stake out a spot along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive to toast the sunset in a dusk ritual known as “sundowners.” Celebrating nature’s beauty in this way is one of the unique things to do in South Africa, and you may come across it on your travels throughout the country.

3. The Garden Route

The Garden Route runs for about 200 kilometres along South Africa’s southeast coast, passing through some of the country’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. The route runs from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape, along the Indian Ocean.

This well-traveled route winds through rolling green hills, picturesque coastal towns, lagoons, lakes, and coastal cliffs. The Garden Route’s highlights include the charming town of Knysna, nestled between dense forests and a sparkling lagoon; the stunning Garden Route National Park, with its gorges, tidal pools, and thick forests; Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms and Cango Caves; and the Robberg Nature Reserve’s seal colony in Plettenberg Bay.

The adventures along the way range from elephant encounters and whale watching excursions to bungee jumping and tree canopy tours.

4. Stellenbosch, Western Cape

Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s most beautiful towns. It’s one of the best preserved Dutch East India Company towns, a mosaic of farms, old oak trees, and white-washed Cape Dutch dwellings.

It is now a university town with a vibrant atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Foodies will enjoy themselves here. Stellenbosch has some of the best restaurants in South Africa, as well as many sidewalk cafés.

The Stellenbosch Village Museum, a collection of four restored houses and gardens dating from 1709 to 1850, is a must-see for history buffs. The Rupert Museum houses important works by South African artists, and a stroll through the Botanic Garden at the University of Stellenbosch is also a must-do.

Nature lovers can hike and bike on the wilderness trails of the breathtaking Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in the surrounding area.

5. The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal

The spectacular Drakensberg, which translates as “Dragon Mountains,” is one of the top places to visit in KwaZulu-Natal and a popular South African vacation destination. It also has the highest peaks in the country.

The region includes the World Heritage-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, which has jaw-dropping beauty with jagged basalt buttresses and San rock art, as well as Royal Natal National Park, which has the awe-inspiring Amphitheatre, a magnificent cliff face and the source of South Africa’s main rivers.

In the area, the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve protects large herds of eland. Dense forests thrive in the valleys, and the area is home to over 800 different species of flowering plants, as well as a diverse range of wildlife.

The mountain landscapes are lush and fertile in the summer, with gushing waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. Snow covers the dramatic peaks in the winter.

Hiking and biking the scenic mountain trails, fishing for trout, rock climbing, abseiling, parasailing, and rafting the waters of the fast-flowing rivers draw visitors here. Hot air balloon rides are an excellent way to take in the scenery.

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Is Mauritius Worth Visiting?

Of course, it is. The beauty and serene air of the island is one that wows all first-timers. Mauritius is home to nearly one million residents. This means that a lot of natural heritage sites are left largely untouched. As a result of the island’s beauty, there is a saying that heaven was fashioned after Mauritius. Numerous botanical gardens, magnificent waterfalls, and beautiful mountain ranges line the island.

Outdoor activities in Mauritius are even more fun than in other tourist hotspots. The popular beaches are perfect for water sports and other crowd-related activities. There are also lots of less popular beaches, lakes, and even lagoons. These are perfect for relaxing hangouts and romantic outings for couples. With the diversity of entertainment options, there is a perfect activity for everyone.

The island of Mauritius is a haven for golf enthusiasts. The country has some of the most scenic golf courses in the world. Did you know that Mauritius is the third location in the world where golf was initially played? A pretty interesting fact is that their Mauritius Gymkhana Golf Club has the fourth oldest golf course on earth. 

Spectacular sights and hiking trails are another major attraction of the island. Simply put, you will not regret spending your vacation in the Maldives. It will be totally worth it in the end.…

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Top Reasons to Visit Netherlands

Diverse Culture 

Did you know that the first multinational corporation ever originated in the Netherlands? The Dutch East India Company made its debut in the country.

Over time, the culture of the Netherlands has been influenced by the French, Austrians, Germans, Spanish, and even ancient Romans. For a history enthusiast, the history shows that are periodically held, as well as the ruins and heritage (architectural and others) left over the years, make it vacation-worthy. 

World-Class Cities

The Netherlands has so many cool cities with so many attractive features. The most popular cities however are Amsterdam and Rotterdam. 

As the capital city, Amsterdam is the face of the country to the world. The country’s rich history can be found in the various museums around the city. Its fun and vibrant culture is evident in the fact that Amsterdam’s nightlife has something of a bumbling, worldwide reputation. 

Beautiful Little Towns

There are tens of smaller cities and quaint towns that are less crowded than cities. These towns have a more relaxed feel to them. As a Gen-Z, you definitely want to get a few pictures or videos of these towns. They are totally IG-worthy. 

Spectacular Islands

Islands mean water sports, beach days, dive spots, and beautiful aquatic life sightings. Some of the more popular islands in the Netherlands’ North Sea are Texel, Ameland, and Vlieland.…

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Top Reasons to Travel to the Philippines

There could literally be a hundred really legit reasons to visit the Philippines. Fine, I might have exaggerated, but there are at least 50. We will take a look at the top 5.

  1. Top-Notch Relaxation Services

It might all seem like a popularity stunt, but when numerous islands and beaches in the region consistently turn up in trendy vacation articles and journals, they must be doing something right. 

  1. There is a Perfect Spot for Everyone

Are you a fan of crowded places and social interactions during vacations? Or do you prefer quieter “me times”? Regardless of preferences, the Philippines has you covered. With more than 7000 islands and beaches, there must be one that is just right for you. 

Other than the popular ones such as El Nido, a lot of these beaches are left untouched and uncrowded. Making them perfect for romantic getaways and personal time.

  1. Affordable Expenses

Getting there might cost a bit depending on where you depart from. But everything is affordable in the Philippines. From transportation to and from the various islands and tourist attractions, to accommodation, feeding, and everything in between.

  1. Magnificent Natural Heritage

Seeing as a lot of the islands are relatively untouched, their natural heritages are left preserved. Be sure to take along your camera, you will definitely have to preserve some sights in more than just your thoughts.

  1. Spectacular Weather

The weather is just right. Other than monsoon season, there is an adventure to be had during every season.

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Top 3 Reasons to Visit Switzerland

All tourist hotspots have their major perks or calling cards of some sort. For Switzerland, the list of attractions is extensive. So we will just settle for the top three.

  1. Scenic Water Adventure and Attractive Islands

Switzerland is the point of origin of quite a few of the largest rivers in Europe. It is not called the “Water Tower” of Europe for no reason. Fun fact, Switzerland’s Rhine Waterfalls is the largest waterfall in Europe. 

Then the laidback Mediterranean atmosphere of the islands will have you fully relaxing to enjoy your vacation in no time.

  1. Beautiful Wine Country 

The vineyards of Lavaux (along the edges of Lake Geneva) are also a popular attraction. This magnificent wine country offers a spectacular view as it steeply rises slowly but steadily along the edges of the lake. Trying a glass of their iconic wine is a pleasure you do not want to miss.

  1. Adventurous Transportation Systems

Whether by road, railway, or water, there is always a sight to enjoy. A boat cruise in any of Switzerland’s crystal clear waters is a calming experience. You could enjoy road trips and hiking adventures along any of their many trails. Then the train ride has been recognized as the most scenic in the world.

We haven’t even gotten to the fact that these guys are basically the godfathers of chocolate. What is not to love? A swiss vacation is one that you will totally enjoy.…

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Why Indonesia is the Best Place to Visit in 2022

Indonesia is a beautiful country, teeming with life, culture, and various natural endowments. It might not be a top choice (or even a choice at all) when considering vacation locations, but it should be on your list. 

With more than 17,000 islands Indonesia is the largest island country in the world. This means that the number of wildlife diversity is one of the highest in the world. From aquatic life to many land animals, Indonesia is a nature enthusiast’s heaven. With one of the oldest rainforests in the world, it has species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. So make sure your cameras are ready to take some totally awesome shots. 

With the island’s diversity, Indonesia has something for everyone. A few of the more popular ones include Bali and Sumatra. While Bali is every surfer’s dream island with wonderful dive spots and epic swells. 

Sumatra is known for hosting a pretty impressive gathering of endangered wildlife in its seemingly unending rainforests. Then we have Bintan and Lombok which are interesting destinations if you are looking to enjoy some top-quality luxury resorts, shopping, and partying. 

Simply put, in Indonesia, you do not have to worry about getting bored. Because you could quite literally experience a new fun adventure every single day.…

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Is Switzerland Worth Visiting?

Beautiful green fields, majestic mountains, interesting culture, beautiful waterfalls and beautiful locations all make up the Switz landscape. It has become a tourist hotspot in recent years and for many good reasons.

Switzerland is home to some of the most exquisite views in Europe. It’s villages and smaller towns all have certain aesthetic appeal that is difficult to beat. 

Switzerland is a beautiful place. Most times, it is difficult to get to all the really nice spots in the country. But thankfully the rail network is known around the world for having one of the most scenic views. You might not be able to stop at all of them, but by train, you will at least see them. A lot of times, the views go by so fast that people are still immersed in the beauty of the landscape until it fades out of sight. So don’t forget to be fast with your cameras. 

For art and fashion enthusiasts Switzerland might not be the first choice in vacation locations, but they have one of the most wonderful and diverse collections in Europe. The Musée de l’Elysée museum in Lausanne for instance is a hub for fashion lovers. Photos and work by numerous international figures are featured there.

We haven’t even mentioned the food. You need to add Switzerland to your top vacation destination choices. It will be one adventure that you’ll never forget.…

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Top Reasons to Visit Canada

Canada is a wonderful country that has recently become even more of a tourist delight. Here are the top reasons that attract tourists to this beautiful maple-loving country. 

  1. Various Natural Wonders

Canada as a country is endowed with a lot of natural gems. No one goes to Canada without marveling at a few of their natural heritages. Beautiful lakes, extensive mountain ranges, frosty arctic lands, and seemingly endless forests are some of the attractions that show how diverse the natural heritage of the country is. A few landscape attractions are:

  • Niagara Falls
  • Dinosaur Provincial Park
  • Nahanni National Park Reserve
  • Rocky Mountain parks
  1. Perfect for an Outdoor Vacation 

Despite being the second largest country in the world, Canada’s population is quite small. This means that there are still a lot of places where tourists can freely roam and have tons of fun. 

  1. Budget Friendly

A vacation in Canada is nothing if not budget friendly. You could have the time of a lifetime without having to exceed your budget.

  1. Friendly People

The laid back and welcoming attitude of the people makes Canada one of the most family-friendly locations. As a nation Canada is officially bilingual and has some of the most friendly immigration laws. This means you get to meet and interact with people from all over the world. Who wouldn’t want to vacation there? A vacation in Canada is the vacation of a lifetime.…

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Top 3 Reasons to Visit the Philippines

There are many reasons to visit the Philippines. But we will settle for the three most attractive reasons.

  1. Every Season is Fun Season

There is no good or bad season to visit the Philippines. They enjoy the perfect season all year round. Well, except of course during typhoon season. But if you go in the hot months (spanning March to May) you get to relax on the beach and take exhilarating dips in various awesome lakes. If you are looking for an adventure, try January and February (sunny but cool).

  1. Kind People

The Filipinos are considered to be one of the most hospitable people in Asia. they welcome tourists from all over the world annually and have become accommodating hosts. You feel quite at home as soon as you arrive.

  1. Magnificent Beaches

With more than 7000 islands and more beaches than anyone wants to count, the Philippines is the ultimate adventure ground. You could decide to visit a new island and a new beach every day and still be blown away by the diversity you will find. Each island is unique with some being perfect for fun, games, and water sports. While others are wonderful romantic spots, and others are perfect for just chilling alone, and relaxing in nature all vacation long. 

We haven’t even mentioned the budget-friendly cost of a Philippines vacation. What is not to love about a vacation in the Philippines?…

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What Makes Mauritius Special?

Mauritius is one island that is surrounded by diversity, beauty and natural elegance on all sides. It is home to some really out-of-this-works beaches and a favorite for numerous exotic species. It is a favorite location for tourists for a whole lot of reasons. 

For one thing, who doesn’t love a relaxing beach day while on vacation? The Belle Mare Plage is one of the most magnificent white sand beaches you will ever set your eyes on. Yet it is only one out of the many beach options in the eastern corner of this magnificent island. 

Additionally, the cultural diversity on the island is also a major attraction. Hindu temples, Chinese streets, French streets, modern architectural streets, restaurants preparing food from all around the world and many more. Mauritius as an island, is home to just about everyone. Not to mention the indigenous delicacies. You’d absolutely enjoy the experience.

From giant waterfalls, to beautiful lakes and various marvelous landscapes, Mauritius is rich in natural heritage. The giant water lilies that grow in the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is one of the major tourist attractions in the region. 

For golfing enthusiasts, Mauritius is paradise on earth. It is home to some of the most scenic and spectacular golf courses in the world. 

Mauritius offers a vacation experience like no other place. So pack your bags and get ready to truly enjoy your vacation.…

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Why do Tourists Love Mauritius?

If you decide to vacation in Mauritius you will find out exactly why a lot of tourists end up going back there every year. The mouthwatering food, the multicultural heritage, the beautiful natural views, and manmade fun ventures all contribute to make it one of the most special islands in the world. 

If you love water activities, then Mauritius is the place for you. It has the perfect destination for everyone. If you are looking to spend a mellow day at the beach, then West Coast calm waters would be perfect for you. Whether you are hoping to spend the day snorkeling, diving, or just generally chilling in the water, the West Coast is perfect. The currents in the East Coast on the other hand are more suited for water sports and activities. So if you are hoping to have a more fun and active time, the East Coast is where the party is at. 

What is a good vacation without top notch local delicacies? Mauritius is one of the top locations in the world for mind blowing street foods. These guys have restaurants with chefs that prepare delicacies from all over the world. Then their local smoothies, seafood menus and island delicacies will have you gaining a few pounds before you know it. 

As a tourist, Mauritius had everything you might think of to make your vacation perfect. What’s not to love?…

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