South Africa bills itself as the “most beautiful end of the world”. The country is certainly a country of enormous diversity, which goes beyond the world-famous Kruger National Park or the Garden Route, the panoramic strip along the southern tip of the African continent.
Here are four stops for an unforgettable journey.
1. Cape Town: The colorful sides of the city on Table Mountain
It is as if painters have applied a thick layer of paint and plundered entire boxes of watercolours: Bo-Kaap, the historic Cape Malay district of Cape Town, resembles a large painting. The ancestors of its inhabitants were brought to the country from Asia by the Dutch colonial rulers in the 17th and 18th centuries, often as slaves.
The neighbourhood is symbolic of South Africa’s diversity of ethnicities, cultures and religions, underlined by the mosques. Small, refurbished, pastel-coloured houses stand in defiance of this dark history, if you want to call it that.
Hedges of hibiscus complement the yellow, green, pink and turquoise in red and orange. Silence hangs over the alleys, some of which are paved with cobblestones. Table Mountain rises in the background, when it is not hiding behind a white “tablecloth” of clouds.
When visiting Bo-Kaap, be sure to stop by Nathan Chikoto studio on Chiappini Street, which focuses on colourful recycled art. The nearby Atlas spice shop on Wale Street is well stocked.
2. Wild animals: it doesn’t always have to be the “Big Five”
Out of bed at 5am and into the 4WD bus. The sun is still setting and the anticipation is growing, whether you are going to the world famous Kruger National Park or to a private nature reserve.
Are you lucky enough to spot the legendary “Big Five” – elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, lion and leopard? The best option is to book a Game Drive, an organized wildlife expedition.
Although the giraffe is several metres tall, it is not one of the Big Five. Although it is, visitors to the Northern Cape Province can see many of these elegant animals feeding on trees.
Giraffes were a source of fascination for the indigenous people long before Europeans colonized the country. “Giraffes were depicted in rock art by the Khoekhoe,” says driver and guide Humphrey Javangewe, who uses an umbrella term for South Africa’s indigenous people. “They could touch the sky and make rain.”
Along the way we also see wildebeest, springbok, klipspringer and quiver trees with gigantic nests of weaver birds. It doesn’t always have to be the Big Five.
3. Wine and more wine: Beautiful vintages dating back to 1685
A tasting on the terrace of South Africa’s oldest wine estate, Groot Constantia, will make you feel like you’re in paradise.
Wine production has flourished here since 1685 – and connoisseur Phumela Bangani serves up drop after drop of deliciousness. Highlights include reds with hints of plum, dark chocolate, nutmeg and tobacco. “A Pinotage is really happy here in South Africa,” she says of the flourishing world-famous red.
For those who like reds and really full-bodied wines, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the best choice. For fresh rosés and whites, the family-run Die Mas of Kakamas in the Northern Cape province is the place to go.
Winegrower André Landman grows 17 grape varieties on his farm. His portfolio also includes brandies that mature for years in oak barrels.
4. Johannesburg: A city tour in a tuk tuk
It rattles and stinks. The plastic protection on the sides of the tuk-tuk is up, the padded back seat is comfortable. Sharon Miricale, who moved from Uganda two years ago, driven by the desire for a better life, is at the wheel. She is one of many refugees and migrants among Johannesburg’s 5 million residents.
The tour starts in the Maboneng district, which is considered a safe area. Miricale drives at full speed through the unpolished scenes of daily life. Fruit sellers push carts along the road, a cobbler on the side of the road glues soles onto shoes. Beauty salons and the financial district stand in stark contrast to the poor figures lugging bags of cans and plastic to recycling plants.
At Kwa Mai Mai market, a European visitor in a bright yellow tuk-tuk arouses friendly curiosity. Columns of smoke rise from barbecues. Sounds echo from speakers. Despite the morning, drinks are served at nearby tables.
One of South Africa’s hidden gems is located in the Jewel City district. Considered to be Africa’s largest second-hand bookstore, Collectors Treasury spans multiple floors filled with antique treasures, records and 2 million second-hand books piled high on stairs, shelves and across floors.
Brothers Geoff and Jonathan Klass are masters of the wondrous mess. But even they can only help you so much in your search, says the strange Geoff, 75. “Sometimes a book finds you,” he laughs.
Other must-sees in Johannesburg include the 15th-floor rooftop terrace at Hallmark House, which overlooks the bustling city. Looking down on Johannesburg, you’ll realise you’ve only scratched the surface of this colourful, diverse place at the end of the world.
