Explore the best of Mzansi: Your guide to spring and summer adventures
Spring and summer are all about experiencing the best in local travel. Mzansi has plenty of places to visit and things to do to keep you entertained.
As an adventure destination, there is no need to step out of the country to have world-class experiences. From cruising the Atlantis Dunes on a quad biking to enjoying panoramic views of Hartebeespoort on top of the Magaliesberg, South Africa was created for al fresco experiences.
As the weather warms up and we head into festive mode, prepare to travel and explore the country like never before.
Here are some of the best local experiences to add to your spring and summer travel bucket list.
A day out with Hartebeespoort Aerial Cableway
For adventurers around Johannesburg and Pretoria, consider a short drive out to the North West Province and spend the day out at Hartbeespoort.
Ride up Magaliesberg on the Hartebeespoort Aerial Cableway and enjoy a chilled day out on top of the mountain.
At the top, you can engage in plenty of activities including a relaxing spa date at Relax Spa, a ziplining adventure with SkyPark or exploring the Trail Park and Magalies mountain range on a stroll with your family or a bike ride.
As an attraction, Hartebeespoort Aerial Cableway provides fun and adventure for young and old with a variety of eateries and bars ranging from wood-fired pizza to fine dining.
Ticket prices for the cableway start from R325 a person and bookings are essential, especially during the peak travel season.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, then consider a stay at Mount Grace Hotel & Spa starting from R2 814 a night for 2.
Quad biking Atlantis Dunes
If you want to get your blood pumping and test you navigation skills then why not consider a day out of Cape Town at Atlantis Dunes?
The dunes are situated northwest of Cape Town and in an important conservation area protecting the Atlantis Aquifer which supplies water to the Atlantis area.
Adrenaline junkies can experience an exhilarating ride on a fully automated 4-wheeled Quad Bike (ATV) down Atlantis Dunes. Think navigating through white in formation with your friends or family.
The West Coast is an awe-inspiring setting for an amazing experience which shows off amazing soft white sand that reaches up to 50 meters high.
There are plenty of operators to choose from for a sandboarding or quad biking experience and no prior experience is needed as there are riding instructors to guide you.
An experience at the dunes starts from R1 600 a person depending on your tour operator. After experiencing this adventure, consider a stay at Atlantic Beach Hotel, Melkbosstrand starting from R2 565 a night for 2.
Swing Oribi Gorge
The biggest attraction on the KZN South Coast is the Oribi Gorge, inviting travellers from all around the country to enjoy its beauty and splendour.
The gorge also provides a perfect platform for adventurers to get their blood pumping by jumping into Oribi Gorge on the Wild Gorge Swing.
Standing at the top of Lehr’s waterfall, you will leap off the edge and dive into the depths of this 165-meter gorge, where you will swing from one side to the other.
This is the highest swing in the world and is equivalent to launching off a 55-storey building. On your descent you can reach a total speed of 120 kilometres per hour.
Adventurers are secured with a full body harness, unlike a bungee jump where you have your ankles strapped and you can jump while feeling absolutely secured and comfortable.
For a home base as you explore all that Oribi Gorge has an offer, consider a stay at the Oribi Gorge Guest Farm starting from R1 040 a night for 2.
Tempt nature with a lion and safari walk
For the brave, walking with lions is a once-in-a-life time experience that can be enjoyed near Johannesburg and Pretoria at Ukutula Lion Park in Brits, North West Province.
The Lion Park, known as a quiet place is a game farm comprising 260 hectares of unspoilt bushveld boasting a variety of antelope species, giraffe and zebra. It is also home to more than 130 different bird species.
At Ukutula, the animals are the focal point and the care and conservation of the wildlife outweigh any commercial gain.
There are several packages available, which include walking through the bush with lions and lion interaction programmes, as well as the opportunity to hold a lion cub.
Trained guides conduct these experiences to ensure that both the visitors and the animals are as safe and comfortable as possible, while educating visitors.
After your thrilling experience, consider a stay at Ukutula as it also has lodging facilities. A stay starts from R2 550 a night for 2.
Enjoy a taste of SA’s wines in the Valley of Dreams
The Cape Winelands is an expansive region and there are too many wineries to just pick one. Fortunately, oenophiles looking for a laid-back experience and to taste a variety of selection of wines can hop on The Franschhoek Wine Tram.
The hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley and passengers aboard the tour will experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as they journey through rolling vineyards in a double-decker tram and open-air tram-bus stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates.
A combination of tram and tram-bus transports passengers around a loop of stops allowing them to hop off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards and when they are ready, hop-on to continue the tour.
The wine tram experience costs R300 a person and wine tasting fees at each estate range between R60 to R260 per person which is not included in the tram price.
Full safari day tour at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
No country does safari experiences like Mzansi so why not enjoy a full day of tracking the Big Five at the country’s oldest game reserve? Heritage Tours and Safaris offers a package exploring the park with a game ranger at your service.
The start of the tour sees your game ranger for the day pick you up at your accommodation at 5am in St Lucia. You will then be transferred to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Nyalazi Gate (the southern section of the Park) and enter the park at 6am.
Once everyone is on board, your ranger will offer you an introduction to the Park, let you know regarding the area or destination for the day and you are off on a magnificent day's wildlife safari.
The Park is home to the African Big 5, Cheetah, Wild Dogs and much more. Early morning departures are more productive as this is when the predators are more active enhancing your chances of seeing them.
The full-day Big 5 safari includes breakfast, bush lunch and refreshments. The experience costs R1 700 a person. Consider a stay at Elephant Lake Hotel starting from R1 392 a night for 2.