What I love about CapeNature reserves is how they balance looking after nature with letting people actually experience it. Conservation is the top priority (as it should be), but they understand that ecotourism is a brilliant way to get people excited about nature – and also help fund the work that keeps these places protected. Here are some of my favourite spots, stretching from the rugged Cederberg all the way to the wild beauty of Kogelberg and beyond.
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By Roxanne Reid
What I love about CapeNature reserves is how they balance looking after nature with letting people actually experience it. Conservation is the top priority (as it should be), but they understand that ecotourism is a brilliant way to get people excited about nature – and also help fund the work that keeps these places protected. Here are some of my favourite spots, stretching from the rugged Cederberg all the way to the wild beauty of Kogelberg and beyond.
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By Roxanne Reid
Out in South Africa’s dry, rugged heartland lies a wealth of wild animals, fossils and geology, a profusion of soaring cliffs and sweeping landscapes that beg to be explored. You’ll spot the entrance to this special place just off the N1, about 6km south of Beaufort West in the Karoo. Ready for an adventure? Here are my top 17 things to do in the Karoo National Park. By Roxanne Reid
Wilderness. Even the word speaks to my soul. Visit the village of Wilderness along South Africa’s Garden Route and you’ll revel in a festival of beaches, lakes, lagoons, rivers, mountains and forests all rolled into one unforgettable spot. Whether you love hiking, birdwatching and paragliding, or restaurants and shopping, there’s something here to make you happy. Dive into my top 20 favourite things to do in Wilderness. By Roxanne Reid
Kalk Bay must be the coolest place in greater Cape Town. This working fishing village tucked between the mountains and the sea on the Cape Peninsula has a laid-back, retro, artsy vibe. Think cobbled streets, quirky little shops, art galleries, and craft stalls popping up on street corners. Grab coffee, lose yourself in a second-hand bookshop, pick up some fish fresh off the boat, or hang out at the harbour and watch the seals doing their thing. By Roxanne Reid
Etosha National Park in northern Namibia is one of my favourite places for a wildlife safari. The huge white salt flats of Etosha Pan and the wide open spaces make it very different to the bushveld of many other national parks in southern Africa. Fairly easy to spot game too. Here’s my pick of the best things to do at Etosha. By Roxanne Reid
Augrabies. About 120km west of Upington in the Northern Cape, it’s a place that feels like another world. While the Augrabies Falls are understandably the centrepiece, there’s way more to the national park than that. For instance, think arid-adapted plants and animals, interesting rocks, hikes, and more. Here’s my pick of 17 things to do at Augrabies Falls National Park. By Roxanne Reid
Victoria Falls is the place to be if you love adventure, nature, food, culture, or just relaxing in a romantic spot. Whether you’re looking for thrills or just to chill out, there’s something for everyone in this gorgeous spot in northwest Zimbabwe. Check out my pick of the top 20 things to do at Victoria Falls – from adrenaline-packed activities and wildlife to cultural and community experiences. By Roxanne Reid
One thing you learn very quickly about Stanford in the Overberg is that it’s hard not to fall under the spell of its numerous restaurants and wineries. But wining and dining aren’t the only things to do in town, not by far. Here’s my pick of 18 things to do in Stanford. By Roxanne Reid Namibia Wildlife Resorts upped its prices by monstrous amounts in 2007, and they’ve gone up every year since then. For a long time after the huge upgrade, we avoided Etosha National Park’s Okaukuejo camp. But we made a comeback to the campsite a few years later, which reminded us of how fabulous that floodlit waterhole at camp really is. By Roxanne Reid
About 220km from Cape Town, the Cederberg Wilderness Area makes a great weekend getaway. Whether you’re all about hiking and mountain biking or more of a heritage and culture buff, there’s something for everyone. And if you just want to kick back with a glass of wine and soak in the view of the mountains as the clouds drift by, that’s fine too. Here’s my pick of things to do in the Cederberg. |
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AboutI'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel. Categories
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