Not only are South Africans ready for their freedom, but they are also ready to help boost local businesses; to do so, they are planning trips around SA.
South Africa (21 July 2020) – It’s been just over 100 days since President Ramaphosa called for the country to be put on a nationwide lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. For some, this was seen as a blessing as they would be able to enjoy the benefits of working from home and spending more time with their families. But after being stuck in the house for over 100 days, our feelings towards the lockdown have started to change.
For some of us, the prospect of a vacation at some point is keeping us going. It’s a great idea to start planning that dream post-lockdown trip, especially since we South Africans are spoiled for choice with a wealth of travel opportunities and scenic destinations right on our doorstep.
There are plenty of very popular spots, frequently featuring on the Instagram pages of the people who visit them on a regular basis. One positive thing we can take out of this global pandemic is that you would be able to enjoy these wonderful spots all by yourself as international tourists aren’t allowed into the country just yet. No long queues of foreign travellers to wait for!
Here are some places you could consider for your next road trip through the country.
For family trips from Jozi to KZN
For families who would like to make the five-and-a-half-hour road trip from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal, the N3 and the R34 offers the quickest route. When leaving Jozi, be sure to stop by the township of Intabazwe, where you and your family can learn some interesting things about Zulu culture.
When arriving in KwaZulu-Natal, taking a drive through Empangeni would be worth your while. Here you would be able to visit the Thula Thula Game Reserve which is home to all kinds of wildlife including leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos. If you’re looking for a good place to spend the night, the BON Hotel Empangeni is perfect as it is situated in the heart of the town’s business district, where you can find restaurants and a casino.
Day drives through the heart of South Africa
For those who didn’t know this, the Free State is often referred to as the heart of South Africa because it is embraced by several other Provinces and it shares the borders of the lush mountainous areas of Lesotho. This beautiful Province has endless amounts of beauty for you and the family to take in, including South Africa’s most valued San (Bushman) rock art which can be found here.
Bloemfontein is also known for being the birthplace of J.J.R Tolkien, the famous author of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. If you or any of your family members are a fan of this great author’s work, you’d love to visit the home where he was born, located at 19 President Steyn Street. For a good history lesson, you could also visit the Bloemfontein National Museum which houses some of the best-preserved anthropological and cultural displays in the country.
Trekking from Jozi to Mpumalanga
For those who would like to get out of the busy city of Johannesburg for a while, a road trip to Mpumalanga is more than ideal. The trip itself should take you three-and-a-half hours to complete but once you get there you’ll see why the drive was definitely worth it. Mpumalanga is known for its wonderful game reserve, the Kruger National Park, which is home to South Africa’s iconic Big Five. If you’re looking for a place to rest up near the Park, Bucklers Africa Lodge would be perfect for you and the family. The lodge boasts a watering-hole where wildlife can be spotted from the comfort of the lodge itself. You will be able to relax by the pool while taking in the stunning views the lodge has to offer.
Mpumalanga is also known for having the world’s third-largest canyon, the Blyde River Canyon. This place is absolutely beautiful and has to be on every South African’s bucket list.
So, after months of not being able to move around much, when lockdown restrictions are relaxed to allow South Africans to travel, one of these could turn out to be the most satisfying break you’ll ever have!
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