We’re halfway through the year and even though 2019 is flying by, there’s still plenty of time to explore our beautiful country on your next wild adventure.
In the spirit of celebrating and promoting South Africa’s marvellous wilderness heritage, we have a few local holiday destinations that will bring out your wild side. First Group has fantastic resorts that provide the utmost in luxury, like Qwantani, Magalies Park, Hastings Hall, Midlands Saddle & Trout, and The Palace.
Take a trip to one of our properties and ‘wild out’ in style. We have five top-travel ‘vacay’ spots for the month of July that we think you’ll love. 😉
KwaZulu-Natal
Lake View Cabanas in St Lucia is a peaceful paradise for travellers. Visit craft markets, a crocodile farm (snap snap), exclusive restaurants, and the estuary and nearby parks. For the wild at heart a five-minute drive from the Cabanas will take you to iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The park boasts 328,000 hectares of unspoiled natural ecosystems and is the country’s third-largest protected area.
Bushman’s Nek Berg and Trout Resort is the Southern Drakensberg’s rustic relaxation retreat that’s perfect for you and your family. This picture-perfect location has tailor-made holiday adventures for explorers who want to embrace a journey into the countryside. The selection of family entertainment options also includes a wellness spa, horse riding and paintball. Stay young, wild and free at the Mkhomazi Wilderness Area if hiking is more your flavour this month.
Mpumalanga
Waterberry Hill is cocooned in the lushest and leafiest surrounds, and offers indigenous fauna and flora as a backdrop to the most beautiful escape to Hazyview. Go on nature walks and get lost in the Bushveld, or soak up the onsite entertainment. You can go wild for wildlife at Elephant Whispers, for an enriching excursion where close interactions can be enjoyed with one (or six, to be exact) of Africa’s most majestic animals. Elephant rides, unforgettable one-on-one encounters, brush downs and even a joyful play-and-swim session in the dam with these astonishing creatures are fun-filled activities for the whole family to cherish.
Eastern Cape
Coffee Bay’s Hole in the Wall has been a spectacle of the Eastern Cape’s gorgeous coastline for decades. The Hole in the Wall Hotel and Holiday Village provides a quiet, quaint getaway where you’ll be able to squeeze in some bird watching, nature walks and fishing as you please. Walk out of the resort and onto the beach or explore the exquisite natural bay. A trip to the Wild Coast isn’t complete without a selfie at the most famous hole (in a wall) in South Africa.
Did we mention that there’s a hole… in a wall? 😉
For the wild and wicked, the Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock is where you’ll find Cape mountain zebra, black wildebeest, black rhino and cheetah roaming freely in 530,000 hectares of African plains. Animal and plant lovers will fall in love with some unusual animals – like the aardvark, black-footed cat and honey badger – as well as over 1200 indigenous plant species. Appreciate a unique educational experience and learn more about our natural heritage.
Western Cape
Port Owen Marina is a perfect place to lay your head while exploring part of the Peninsula. Your wild adventures can include sailing, boating and fishing if you’re a sporty voyager who prefers open-air activities. The great trekkers can tackle a rugged road trip and make their way to the Cederberg Wilderness – near Clanwilliam. The Cederberg region is home to spectacular mountains where you can see intriguing rock formations and San rock art.
Every wild ride needs a good cool down, so bring it all back to basics with a visit to La Vita Spa for a calming treatment or massage.
Let us know on social media where in South Africa you enjoyed your wildest holiday adventure using #MagicalMemories.
It has never felt this amazing to live on the wild side of the local leisure life! 😊
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