Sometimes you’re not sure where you want to travel, but you know what experiences you want to have along the way. Travel itineraries that highlight key experiences are becoming increasingly popular – we call this experiential travel. You may not want to zip line hundreds of feet in the air over Vic Falls or rough it in a rustic safari camp, but you want to do things that are out of the ordinary. Things like picnicking on the top of a mountain or trying an unusual food and wine pairing. Experiential travel leaves you with memories of more than just seeing the sights. Here are some of our top experiences in South Africa.
Go on a food & wine adventure
South Africa offers some of the world’s best wine and food pairings and in recent years there’s been a focus on unusual combinations. Try the scrumptious combo of ice cream and wine at Close Malverne or a fancy salt and wine tasting at Fleur de Cap. And who is the genius who came up with the concept of pairing cupcakes with wine? Head over to Delheim Wine Estate in Stellenbosch to sample these delicious fynbos-inspired cupcakes with complimenting wines.
Photo cred: food-blog.co.za
Explore underground caves
Head underground to the bowels of the earth and explore the Cango Caves just outside Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo. Choose between the easy, kid-friendly Heritage Tour (1 hour) or the thrilling Adventure Tour (90 minutes). The latter is suitable for kids over the age of eight and adults with no fear of claustrophobia. Marvel at the natural dripstone caverns and vast halls with intricate stalagmites and stalactites. On the Adventure Tour, you’ll bravely slide through tight crevices and climb up 200 rocky steps.
Photo cred: eyeseeafrica.net
Splash through rock puddles
Marking the start of the Panorama Route’s Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes lies between Lisbon and Berlin Falls. The potholes are the result of eons of erosion of the red sandstone of the canyon walls. The overhanging pedestrian bridges and hiker’s paths create a lovely meander around the third largest canyon in the world.
Photo cred: gone-fishing.net
Cruise the ocean at sunset
Think champagne, the sun setting over the Atlantic ocean and you cruising along on a boat to celebrate the day’s last light. With Cape Town’s sweeping mountain views and rolling ocean, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend a sunset. A romantic experience that we highly recommend.
Photo cred: getyourguide.com
Picnic beside a waterfall
For a picnic with the ultimate view and the soundtrack of tons of thundering water to add to the vibe, head to the Orange River and Augrabies Falls. Pack your trail shoes and hike out after your lunch to see the national park’s flora and fauna. Your snacks and drinks are best enjoyed from Moonrock, Ararat, Oranjekom, Arrowpoint and Echo corner. For a surreal experience, hire a guide and explore the landscape in the light of the moon.
See something you like? Let us know when you enquire and we can add any of them to your trip.
