When a person thinks about South Africa, they often follow the thought process of thinking about the current news or the past president, Father of the Nation, Nelson Mandela. The best thing about South Africa is not only its' rich history but the people who make up its' vast landscape. Being a land of many different cultures, races, and ethnicities - South Africa is definitely one to put on your Bucket List.
The historical walk
For those who love a good historical site, one of the best places to visit is The Cradle of Humankind. The Cradle, as it is often called, is situated about 50 km northwest from Johannesburg and boasts many of the early hominid fossils and has been deemed a World Heritage Site.
Some the most exciting places to visit for the fossil stories would be Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves. Maropeng is a grass-covered dome-like structure with a built-in museum. If you like relaxing water rides, this museum will give you one you will not soon forget.
Head up the street for a couple of miles and you will find yourself at the Sterkfontein Caves - the historical digging site and birthplace to many archaeological discoveries (like Mrs. Ples and Little Foot). If you do not mind going below the surface and getting down low, then make a turn at these historical caves. If the caves do not hold your attention, the Johannesburg amusement park - fondly known as Gold Reef City, allows you to tour the old mines - or even spend the day hyping up your adrenaline.
For the next stop on the historical walk, you will find yourself on an island just off the coast of Cape Town, historically known as Robben Island. Robben Island - a World Heritage Site - is now a museum where one can go to experience the stories it holds of past prisoners. One of the most well-known stories is that of past South African president, and father to the nation, Nelson Mandela.
If an ex-prison does not seem appealing, you could always visit Table Mountain, named as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The Historical Walk continues, and it requires you to take a trip to Kimberly. Not to experience the seasonal heat, but rather to see The Big Hole. The hole the remaining evidence that a diamond rush happened.
The Big Hole is now a tourist stop. Next, you can take a trip to see the Capture Site of Nelson Mandela in KwaZulu Natal. There you will see an artwork with the likeness of Nelson Mandela on it. In honour of the Pioneer history of South Africa, you will have to Travel to Pretoria, entering the Pretoria Nature reserve to visit the Voortrekker Monument.
Don't worry, if you aren't too interested in the historical aspects of the country, you can always visit the fun side of South Africa. Boasting a wide variety of Game Reserves, Amusement Parks and many others - South Africa still has a story to tell.
The fun side
Start off in the beautiful coastal city of Cape Town and head over to Ratanga Junction for some wild rides, that will both get you soaked and give you a memory of thrills.
For the next stop, you don't have to go too far. Just head further up the coast to a jewel known as Plettenberg Bay - where you will find the water park known as Adventure Land.
If you move even further along the coast, you will encounter the bustling world of KwaZulu Natal - it is there that you can visit the aquarium known as uShaka Marine World, that was the home to the dolphin Gambit. Moving inland for another adventure, you will find the hidden adrenaline gem - Acrobranch Melrose. If you have ever dreamed of being a human monkey, then Acrobranch would be the perfect place to live out that fantasy.
If it is a water park you are looking for, Wild Waters in Boxburg is the perfect place - hopefully you don't have a fear of planes flying overhead, as Wild Waters is situated directly across the highway from OR Tambo International Airport.
