[imagesource: David Burstein]

It’s been a tough year for the South African tourism industry.

The water crisis in Cape Town wasn’t exactly enticing visitors from elsewhere, our power outages are less than ideal, and we all know about the crime stats.

Despite all of that, South Africa has a way of bouncing back. We’re nothing if not resilient.

As the year creeps to a close, and summer officially gets underway, people from all over the world are starting to take note of what we have to offer again.

We’ve received some glowing reviews in international travel publications, and, more recently, a feature in National Geographic that listed the seven things they recommend checking out when visiting.

In no particular order, let’s get stuck in.

The Valley Of Desolation

Hike through the Valley of Desolation and you’ll find hundreds of millions of years of geology on display at Camdeboo National Park.

Visitors can take in the views by car or take advantage of the marked hiking trails. Look out for the Bat-eared Fox while you’re there.

Rafting Through The Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon, located on the scenic road that connects several noteworthy stops in the Mpumalanga highlands known as the ‘Panorama Route, is arguably one of the most striking natural wonders in South Africa.

You’ll find one of the world’s largest ‘green canyons’ which you can explore through white-water rafting, hot-air ballooning, hiking, and kloofing.

Blyde River Canyon is also the place featured in the image right up at the top of the page.

The Cederberg Mountains

Apart from the breathtaking scenery, look out for baboons, zebras, and antelope, plus—if you’re lucky—the more elusive porcupine, honey badger, and aardvark.

This is also the perfect place to stargaze due to low levels of pollution and cloud cover. The Cederberg Astronomical Observatory is open to the public on weekends.

Spot The Big Five

The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest park and home to almost every species of game found in South Africa, making it a great place to go on safari if you want to spot the Big Five: lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, and leopard.

If the Kruger is a bit too far to travel, or you’re only visiting Cape Town, you can find the perfect summer safari just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Mother City.

The premier luxury Big Five safari destination within the Karoo, Inverdoorn Game Reserve is filled with an array of wildlife. Aside from the Big Five, you will also find zebras, hippos, giraffes, wildebeest, eland, and springbok, as well as more elusive creatures like the aardvark and aardwolf.

The reserve has made a significant contribution to sustaining the biodiversity of the region, and Inverdoorn’s 10 000 hectares are also home to a successful cheetah conservation centre.

A number of these beautiful cats are being rehabilitated before release, and guests have the opportunity to watch them in action during feeding time from an elevated vantage point.

You can visit the reserve for the day, or stay overnight to get the full experience.

The Cradle Of Humankind

This UNESCO World Heritage site lies a short drive outside of Johannesburg. Over time, archaeologists have uncovered more than three million years of history at multiple fossil sites, including Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, and Kromdraai.

The fossils found in this region are considered proof that human life originated in Africa.

The Cape Winelands

Hop on board the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a tour of the Cape Winelands like no other. Along the way, you can explore some of South Africa’s oldest wine estates for cellar tours and tastings.

Remember to leave room in your suitcase for all the wine you’ll want to take back with you.

Whale Watching In Hermanus

Hermanus is one of the world’s best land-based whale-watching destinations. Visitors should be on the lookout for the southern right whale, humpback whale, and Bryde’s whale (seen year-round) along the bay’s cliffside paths.

Any South African will tell you that these seven destinations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the natural beauty we have on offer here, but they’re a good place to start.

Wherever you’re from, enjoy your stay.

[source:nationalgeographic]