Exploring the Backcountry of South Africa

When visiting South Africa, get ready for some real excitement and adventure. In addition to some wonderful cities that are visited often, we wanted to provide you with information on some of the other areas sometimes overlooked. Although South Africa has had its share of difficulties over the years, today we see a country that is growing and building a sound economy. Therefore, when you get ready for your next vacation, we hope you will add South Africa to your list of considerations.

If you prefer a lovely drive along the coastline, then the Garden Route in southern Western Cape is the ideal choice. As you drive along, you will discover dense forested areas that are surrounded by lagoons running behind sand dunes. If you like, you can stop along the journey to enjoy some of the most gorgeous, white sand or venture into some quiet places to include Buffalo Bay, Herold’s Bay, or Mossel Bay. Many times, people will make the Garden Route an overnight trip where you will find a number of nice accommodations.

The largest city in South Africa is Johannesburg, busy, wealthy, energetic, and with a wonderful climate. Some people do not like the hustle and bustle of this massive city while others find it quite intriguing. However, Kruger National Park is on the other end of the spectrum, being one of the most famous wildlife parks on the planet. Not only is this park, among the largest and oldest, but the abundance and diversity of the wildlife makes it an excellent adventure. For instance, you will see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo, not to count the giraffes, antelope, and cheetah.

Now, if you want to venture into some of the lesser visited places in South Africa, we would suggest you spend some time in Port St. Johns. At the mouth of the Umzimyubu River, this small town is charming with a relaxed atmosphere. With dramatic cliffs, magnificent beaches, and tropical pants, flowers, and trees, this is a great place to backpack or just get away from the busier regions of South Africa. Perhaps you might want to visit the Shipwreck Coast, literally a graveyard for many ships. Around the area however, you will also find a casino and a number of resort towns. Many people enjoy waling the Shipwreck Hiking Trail where you can camp or walk along any of the unspoiled beaches.

Finally, you have the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which was created from two different parks, the Mabuasehaba-Gemsbok National Park located in Botswana and the Kalahari-Gemsbok National Park in South Africa. Although not as famous as some of South Africa’s other parks and reserves, this particular location has several antelope species, birds, small mammals, and reptiles. In addition, this park boasts 19 different predators such as leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, foxes, jackals, ions, and more! If you decide to visit this national park, we recommend you stay in the town of Upington, which is nearby and friendly, and go in the months of June or July when temperatures are at their best.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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