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2020 has not been a kind year for tourism or the travel industry. Global lockdowns, travel bans, and quarantine protocols due to COVID-19 have brought much of the world to a standstill. Although devastating on many levels, there’s something that hasn’t been adversely affected by the pandemic – nature. So, where is the best place to find and explore the elements of the natural world that have remained untouched and are as beautiful as ever? South Africa. 

With an abundance of unique and exotic wildlife, sprawling deserts, world-class coral reefs, golden beaches with legendary surf breaks, and historic cities that blend culture, city life, and nature together, South Africa literally has it all. So take advantage of nature’s pristine beauty, while we still can, and let’s explore the 5 reasons that could make South Africa the hottest destination of 2021.

Number 1: Safaris

South Africa is the perfect destination for a first-time safari. The famous wildlife parks of Kruger and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, along with some of the world’s most luxurious private game reserves and lodges, draw in wildlife lovers from all over the globe. They come in search of the “Big Five”: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, and often they find it, and so much more. 

The dry months of June, July and August are the best to take on a wildlife expedition in South Africa. Warm (not hot), sunny days followed by cool nights make it very pleasant this time of year. Pair that with the fact that many trees have already lost their leaves ensuring an open view for wildlife spotting, makes this the ultimate time to go on a safari.

Number 2: Deserts

Two deserts run through the country of South Africa – the Namib and the Kalahari. The Namib Desert is thought to be the world’s oldest desert at around 80 million years old. This arid landscape’s immense sand dunes are some of the highest on the planet at over 300 meters tall. If you want to leave your footprints in the sand and feel like you’ve been transported back in time millions of years ago, then a trip to the Namib Desert is right up your alley.

While also hosting large sand dunes, the Kalahari Desert contains unique features such as huge salt pans left behind by long ago dried up lakes and the Okavango River. Access to water allows for an abundance of wildlife in the Kalahari, which is home to the famous black-maned Kalahari lions, brown hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, meerkats, antelopes, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles.

Number 3: Coral Reefs

A unique fact, 100% of South Africa’s coral reefs are in a marine protected area. Thus, ensuring a thriving coastal marine ecosystem full of aquatic life. Much of the reefs are accessible to the average snorkeler due to the clear waters and proximity to the shoreline but a significant portion is best seen by way of scuba diving. 

Divers beware, this is shark territory! The coastline of South Africa is home to 117 different types of sharks, including tiger sharks, bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, sand sharks and the often feared great white sharks. For the adrenalin junkies who are brave enough, the cage diving tours off the coast of Gansbaai offers the unforgettable experience of watching great white sharks feed in their natural habitat, sometimes breaching out of the water at mind-blowing speeds to catch their prey.

Number 4: Beaches & Surfing

Home to some of the most visually stunning beach vistas and a few of the best-in-the-world surf breaks, South Africa’s dual coast is a dream come true. For those who enjoy calmer, crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing, head over to the east coast where the waters of the Indian Ocean are a little warmer and mostly tranquil. Popular beach spots include Thomson’s Bay in Ballito (calm waters, tide pools, and shark nets for safe swimming), Kelly’s Beach in Port Alfred (protected swimming area, clear waters, and 2 elevated viewing decks for whale watching), and Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay (restaurants nearby, full amenities, and activities like kayaking or dolphin tours). If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience and are ok with cooler waters, head to Boulders Beach in Cape Town, known for its protected colony of African penguins. Here you can actually swim with the penguins! Of course, make sure not to touch, feed or chase them!

For the surfers out there looking for the best barrels in SA, you have a lot of options. South Africa is world-renowned for their surf breaks and with 2,500 kilometers of coastline, it’s no wonder this is a surfer’s paradise. If avoiding crowds and having no competition for waves is what you’re looking for, head a couple hours north from Cape Town, along the west coast to Elands Bay in Western Cape where you’ll have some of the best left breaks in the world all to yourself. If you’re looking for consistency, check out Long Beach in the small town of Kommetjie or the world-famous Durban (aka the “Bay of Plenty”) where there’s seldom a day when the waves aren’t ideal. Of course, we can’t talk about surfing in SA without mentioning Jeffreys Bay (supertubes) and Dungeons, the big-wave surfer’s kingdom of heaven. Definitely for only the most experienced surfers, or for those who prefer to watch in awe of these oceanic behemoths, but either way, the waves here are a must-see!

Number 5: Cape Town

This list wouldn’t be complete without Cape Town, aka the “Mother City” – a fascinating blend of African, European and Malay influences. The city has been recognised as South Africa’s beating heart with a thriving and diverse culture like nowhere else on Earth. It’s riddled with top sight-seeing attractions such as Table Mountain with the most epic panoramic views of the peninsula, the aforementioned Boulders Beach and it’s penguins, and Robben Island, the prison island turned museum which harbored Nelson Mandela for the majority of his sentence. 

In addition, the food and nightlife in Cape Town is as unique as its landscape. Neighborgood’s Market in the Old Biscuit Mill is a top-notch Saturday farmers market with everything from fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to right-off-the-boat seafood and local delicacies like chakalaka (cold vegetable side dish), biltong (thin slices of air-dried meat), Cape Malay curry, and some good old braai boerewors (barbecued sausage). 

If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for food and entertainment, the GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World is the place! With some of the best restaurants and buffets in the nation alongside a plethora of entertainment options including a huge theater, 24-hour cinema, several bars, and a nightclub, it’s a perfect stop for locals and tourists alike. The establishment’s casino offers an endless array of table games catering to players of every experience level. So whether you’re a master of counting cards at blackjack or trying your luck for the first time at a roulette table, everyone can enjoy taking a “spin” around the casino floor.

South Africa is truly a destination like no other, offering world-class sightseeing, unique nature, exclusive and exotic animal species, aquatic activities galore, a food culture that must be experienced and so much more. Locals, now is the perfect time to explore this amazing country without many tourists because when the travel restrictions are lifted, no doubt South Africa could be the hottest place to visit in 2021.