SiNgEr : Joburg TouriSm ; CouplE : CApE ToWN TouriSm ; CANyoN : dEmErzEl21 / iSToCK ; lioNS : lylE grEgg / iSToCK
Joburg life , pay a visit to Soweto ( a . k . a . South West Townships ). The onceseparate suburb is crowded with 1.2 million-plus residents , living in a mix of luxury homes and low-income housing . Soweto ’ s architectural calling card is Orlando Towers , a former power plant that now serves multiple purposes : Graffiti canvas , advertising billboard , bungee-jumping platform and the area ’ s unofficial welcome mat .
Vilakazi Street is another notable Soweto destination . It ’ s filled with restaurants , shops , galleries and plenty of tourists attracted by Mandela ’ s former home ( which offers tours ) and the current residence of Archbishop Desmond Tutu . Street performers are also abundant , while vendors try to charm with traditional clothing , wood sculptures , leather and metal jewellery , and colourful wirecraft art .
From the bustle of Johannesburg , it ’ s a half-day ’ s drive to access a more natural attraction : Kruger National Park . Driving the Panorama Route to the continent ’ s largest public game reserve provides a decidedly different view of the country , as rows of high rises give way to cornfields and mountains .
On your way to the park , Pinnacle and God ’ s Window lookouts offer arresting views of the mountain region of Mpumalanga . Another Instagramworthy stop is Bourke ’ s Luck Potholes , natural craters caused by erosion from the Blyde and Treur Rivers that mark the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon . A clear day at the viewpoint showcases the Three Rondavels , rock
Stunning vistas of Blyde River canyon
Johannesburg
Twice weekly Bryanston Organic Market is a source of local produce , flowers , deli , baked goods and gifts .
The evolving warehouse district of Maboneng , known for its street art , galleries , boutiques and cafés , can be explored with local tour company Main Street Walks .
Rosebank Art & craft Market is the source for traditional handmade crafts from the southern African Zulu , Xhosa , Sotho , Tswana and Ndebele tribes .
The Island Bar celebrates happy hour every day at sunset on its pool deck at the contemporary-styled Southern Sun Hotel in Sandton .
formations that look like traditional African beehive-shaped huts .
After the mountain range , the vast savannah starts spreading out before your eyes . First established in 1898 , Kruger National Park encompasses
Johannesburg ( cultural megacity )
Residents of Kruger National Park vs
Cape Town
( laid-back beach city )
See how the cities stack up head-to-head
LocaL FLavours
hidden gem
shopping district
sundowner ( sunset cocktail ) cape town
The daily V & A Food Market provides healthy tastes like fresh-made juices at Dr . Juice , or locally sourced nuts and dried fruit from By Nature .
The Woodstock Art Tour by Juma Mkwela includes 40 colourful murals as well as introductions to local boutiques and cafés in this up and coming neighbourhood .
The Pan African Market tempts with its vast collection of clothing , jewellery , painting , sculpture and other creations from southern African tribes .
Say cheers to a day of exploring with a ginger daiquiri at Black Sheep , where one can watch the sun set over iconic Table Mountain .
two million hectares and is home to the “ big five ”: lion , leopard , elephant , buffalo and rhino , as well as an endless list of trees , fish , amphibians , reptiles , birds and mammals .
You can often spot monkeys and baboons beneath the trees , seeking shade and indulging in sweet marula fruit , the key ingredient of popular South African cream liqueur Amarula . As the sun begins to disappear below the horizon , you ’ re nearly guaranteed to see bouncing gazelles , herds of grazing zebra or jackals and giraffes along the roadside .
For guided game drives , head to nearby Karongwe Private Game Reserve , which will surely surpass any expectations you have about African wildlife . Each game drive brings more bird varieties and opportunities to see truly spectacular animals — from massive hippos frolicking in rivers to surprisingly skittish warthogs and lithe leopards . »
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