Tiny quaint towns do not have to be a thing of the past now that travelling outside the country has become an anxiety-filled process. Explore right here at home, keep safe and be sure to have a blast!
Port Alfred– The city of Venice in Italy is most famous for its boating life like the simple task of popping out to a grocery store requires a boat, luckily though, you do not have to board any plane to experience this thrilling life because you can do it right ‘next door’ here in our very own Mzansi.
The Eastern Cape is famous for its quaint villages, the dripping snows during winter, its coastal areas and of course, the language with the click: Xhosa. The exquisite picture above is a marina situated in Port Alfred, a tiny town in the Eastern Cape. The marina is built surrounding the Kowie River which is seen flowing in between the houses to the blue Indian Ocean- leaving the place beaming with beach houses, hotels and boats for hire. If you truly need to unwind whether, with friends, family or even host a wedding, take a shot left to the town that floats (well almost.) Activities to keep you entertained are listed here.
South Broom– At the beginning of the year, Mzansi went on a craze upon hearing about this tiny town on Twitter. Taken aback by its chilled green forests and dark blue oceans, Mzansi fell in love with this coastal village- reports claim that visits and random ‘stops for a picture’ have since gradually increased. With a population of just under 2000 according to census 2011, South Broom is perfect for a little getaway. The coastal village is based in the north of KwaZulu-Natal and is graced with white sands and blue calm beaches. The green coastal forest just a few kilometres from the town is great for a weekend camp. If getting away from the city to connect with Mother Nature, this sure should entice you. Check out below some awesome stuff to get up to during your stay!
Bela-Bela– The Limpopo province is well-known for its abundantly rich agricultural sphere and now, giving us the famous Bela-Bela, a resort in Limpopo with a Sotho derived verb meaning ‘Boiling-Boiling’. The verb is linked to the famous town’s hot springs which are the essential tourist attraction. The driving distance from Johannesburg and the Bela-Bela is approximately 172.3km meaning a 2-hour drive at the least. Some recommended accommodations include Elephant Springs Hotel & Apartment, Shangri-La Country Hotel & Spa and Leopards Rock Bush Boutique all within the price range starting from R500. For daily activities, you can visit the Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, go zip lining at Waterberg Adventures or check out the crocodile farm at Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm.
Dolphin Coast (Ballito)– Do you have a child obsessed with dolphins or you simply cannot get over these sweet shiny creatures yourself? The northern- coast of KwaZulu Natal is a place for you. Bottlenose dolphins can be spotted frequently parading themselves in the Indian Ocean waves. Although KZN weather is generally inviting all year-’round- September to December is the best time for whale and dolphin spotting all for free. Accommodation is widely accessible as the place is amongst the tourist A-list hotspot Zimbali.
God’s Window (Mpumalanga)– Forget the Amazon Rain Forest and marvel the open green air of God’s Window in the Mpumalanga Province. God’s window stretches as far as a 250km view of lush green mountains and exotic plants.
To witness the famous views to the exotic plants and the dewy forest, steer away from the crowd and climb up a bit. This is a place excellent for hikers, make sure to carry your refreshments as the walk can get a bit strenuous. Some accommodations close by include; The Ukuthula cottages (10,7km) away from God’s Window and The Blyde Canyon, A Forever Resort (4,5km) away, both with prices starting from R1000. With just R10 entrance fee to the resort, you truly have no excuse to not come witness nature put on a show!