Alternative Destinations in South Africa
South Africa has to be one of the most unique and fascinating nations on the planet. Not only are there 11 official languages but the ethnic variety and associated cultural differences are seemingly endless. This eclectic mix ensures an incomparable vacation experience.
From the powerful Zulu Kingdom of KwaZulu Natal to the predominantly mixed race community of Cape Town to the smaller clans of the Venda, Sotho, Indian, white Afrikaner and English speaking city dwellers; there is indeed unrivalled cultural diversity just waiting to be explored by the intrepid traveller.
Discover off beat attractions with car hire
Many of the inimitable tourist attractions, which are clearly not mainstream highlights, can be found far off the beaten track and visitors are therefore encouraged to select a self-drive or car hire holiday alternative.
Although South Africa is considered a developing nation, the road system and overall infrastructure is decidedly first world and, as long as common sense prevails, the self drive holiday option is certain to go off without a hitch.
The benefits of a self drive holiday have been well documented but it is arguably the flexibility, ease and privacy of an intimate African vacation that comes out trumps. All you have to do is arrive at the International Airport, pick up your pre-booked Cape Town car hire - resplendent with local maps - and head for the hills...it's as easy as that!
Plan a self drive South African holiday
A valid tip, however, is to plan your holiday right down to the minor details. South Africa is a vast nation, boasting 755 000 km of road and it's easy to get side tracked. Make sure you've pre-booked activities, car hire in Cape Town or Johannesburg and accommodation so that you stick to a rudimentary itinerary and then simply settle back and enjoy the ride!
Unusual South African tourist attractions
We've selected a handful of attractions that are slightly 'off the wall' but well worth a visit:
1. Situated in Nieu-Bethesda in the Great Karoo desert, The Owl House exhibits an eccentric collection of sculptures made from concrete and glass by the late Helen Martin, a reclusive and talented artist.
2. Deep in the arid Northern Cape, near the town of Loeriesfontein, is one of only two Windmill Museums in the world, the Fred Turner Windmill Museum. It consists of 27 windmills or windpumps donated from across South Africa and rivals its counterpart in the States.
3. An attraction which is proving popular with new-age gurus is the Celtis Horse Labyrinth in the Magaliesberg Mountains, reputed to be amongst the oldest mountains in the world. Based on the idea that equine therapy does wonders for both body and soul, visitors are encouraged to walk the labyrinth on horseback.
4. The Baobab Tree-Bar in Modjadjiskloof in the Limpopo Province is a bar situated slap bang in the middle of an iconic Baobab tree, estimated to be over 6000 years old. Over 7000 thirsty visitors are attracted to this incredible highlight each year, reputed to be the oldest living organism on the planet!
5. Dick Heysteck's Game Farm in Mpumalanga is a big game African safari experience with a significant twist - all the animals, in real life size, were hewn and crafted out of concrete and carefully placed in the bush offering an extraordinary outside art exhibition.
From the powerful Zulu Kingdom of KwaZulu Natal to the predominantly mixed race community of Cape Town to the smaller clans of the Venda, Sotho, Indian, white Afrikaner and English speaking city dwellers; there is indeed unrivalled cultural diversity just waiting to be explored by the intrepid traveller.
Discover off beat attractions with car hire
Many of the inimitable tourist attractions, which are clearly not mainstream highlights, can be found far off the beaten track and visitors are therefore encouraged to select a self-drive or car hire holiday alternative.
Although South Africa is considered a developing nation, the road system and overall infrastructure is decidedly first world and, as long as common sense prevails, the self drive holiday option is certain to go off without a hitch.
The benefits of a self drive holiday have been well documented but it is arguably the flexibility, ease and privacy of an intimate African vacation that comes out trumps. All you have to do is arrive at the International Airport, pick up your pre-booked Cape Town car hire - resplendent with local maps - and head for the hills...it's as easy as that!
Plan a self drive South African holiday
A valid tip, however, is to plan your holiday right down to the minor details. South Africa is a vast nation, boasting 755 000 km of road and it's easy to get side tracked. Make sure you've pre-booked activities, car hire in Cape Town or Johannesburg and accommodation so that you stick to a rudimentary itinerary and then simply settle back and enjoy the ride!
Unusual South African tourist attractions
We've selected a handful of attractions that are slightly 'off the wall' but well worth a visit:
1. Situated in Nieu-Bethesda in the Great Karoo desert, The Owl House exhibits an eccentric collection of sculptures made from concrete and glass by the late Helen Martin, a reclusive and talented artist.
2. Deep in the arid Northern Cape, near the town of Loeriesfontein, is one of only two Windmill Museums in the world, the Fred Turner Windmill Museum. It consists of 27 windmills or windpumps donated from across South Africa and rivals its counterpart in the States.
3. An attraction which is proving popular with new-age gurus is the Celtis Horse Labyrinth in the Magaliesberg Mountains, reputed to be amongst the oldest mountains in the world. Based on the idea that equine therapy does wonders for both body and soul, visitors are encouraged to walk the labyrinth on horseback.
4. The Baobab Tree-Bar in Modjadjiskloof in the Limpopo Province is a bar situated slap bang in the middle of an iconic Baobab tree, estimated to be over 6000 years old. Over 7000 thirsty visitors are attracted to this incredible highlight each year, reputed to be the oldest living organism on the planet!
5. Dick Heysteck's Game Farm in Mpumalanga is a big game African safari experience with a significant twist - all the animals, in real life size, were hewn and crafted out of concrete and carefully placed in the bush offering an extraordinary outside art exhibition.
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