Your South African Bucket List

Published: January 14, 2020.
Written by: Sawyer - Destination Specialist, Calgary

Africa, a continent rich in history and abundantly beautiful. Are you looking for a vacation in the warm sun? Do you enjoy wildlife? Are you ready for an adventure?

Africa is for you!

Where in Africa do you want to go?

Let Downunder Travel help you get transported to a place that checks off those items on your bucket list. Maybe you don’t have a bucket list; no problem, here are some bucket list items for you to start with.

South Africa

Let your adventure begin in South Africa, the land of city life and breathtaking wilderness. Start your bucket list experiences with:

Boulder’s Beach Penguins

If it’s the calming wildlife you seek, then a visit to see the penguins on Boulder’s Beach is a must. This beach is known for its African penguin inhabitants and these are no ordinary penguins. They are unique to the South African coastlines and Namibia.

Can you touch the penguins?

Better than that, you can swim with the Boulder’s Beach penguins. Since the climate is hot in Africa, the penguins will likely be out early in the morning or later in the afternoon so as not to bake during the hottest parts of the day. What’s that bobbing its head out of the water beside you? It’s a penguin!

African Safari

Calling animal lovers! Take off on an adventure of a lifetime by partaking in an African photographic safari. You will not regret it as you capture images of elephants, rhinoceros, lions, leopards, and buffalo through the lens of your camera. Are you a little nervous about your safari? Not to worry, you will be safe.

How do you stay safe during an African safari?

Listen to Your Guide

Follow along, listening to what your guide says during the safari. You will remain out of danger even when the animals get very close. You will be viewing wild animals so you must be aware that while they are lovely if they feel threatened for any reason they can charge. Wild animals are unpredictable but amazing. Never get out of your vehicle when on safari.

Wear Bug Spray

There are several bugs in the wilderness so to avoid getting a rash of bites you need to be prepared with a good bug spray. It’s also a good idea to check with your travel clinic to make sure your vaccines are up to date for the area you are headed to.

Kayak Through the Waters

Cape Town kayaking is some of the best so head to this port city for your chance to see the metropolis from a different vantage point.

What makes kayaking in Cape Town so terrific?

You can find yourself amidst dolphins, otters, and jellyfish to mention only some of the marine life by your side. It will feel as if you are part of the sea life.

Have you already visited the penguins at Boulder’s Beach but want to see more of these adorable creatures? You are in luck because Cape Town kayaking will give you the chance to paddle along with penguins while in the water. Yes, there is a colony of adorable penguins here too.

Hop-On Hop-Off

One of the best ways to see a city is to hop-on and hop-off one of their double-decker buses so why not take the one in Cape Town offering you amazing views? Be sure to get an outside seat on the top level where you have unobstructed scenes of some of the cities’ best landmarks and eateries. Do you want to stop and look around? All you have to do is get off at the designated location that appeals to you most.

What are some highlights on the hop-on-hop-off buses in Cape Town?

V&A Waterfront

Are you looking for some arts and crafts handmade by South African designers? You are in the right place to purchase some gorgeous jewellery or hand-painted dishes to bring home. After you shop, you can stroll around Nobel Square in the heart of the V&A Waterfront for some delicious lunch from one of the food markets.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

If it’s planted you, love, then the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is flowing with excitement for you. Growing in this garden are over 7,000 of South Africa’s 22,000 species of plants. Wow! This garden is more like a universe of natural beauty!

Here you have it, some items to add to your South African bucket list! Make sure to take time to breathe in every moment and write a journal about your memories. When you are ready for your next adventure, Downunder Travel is here to help.