Under African skies

They are an attraction in themselves: the majestic African skies. The sunsets colouring the sky from warm yellow to dark red, the clouds breaking up the clear blue. Discover the most enchanting landscapes of South Africa.

BLYDE RIVER CANYON - MPUMALANGANj

Blyde means “happy” in old Dutch. The “happy river” was thus named in 1844, when some Voortrekkers safely returned from an expedition to join the rest of their party who had considered them dead. The Blyde River Canyon is one of the larger canyons on earth and is also called a “green canyon” because of its subtropical vegetation. The canyon is part of the Panorama Route that starts at Graskop and includes God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

BALULE PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE - LIMPOPO THREE RONDAVELS - MPUMALANGANj

Experience the wild heart of the South African Bushveld in the Greater Kruger Park. Balule Nature Reserve shares an unfenced border with the renowned Kruger National Park. It is home to the Big Five, and famous for its abundance of African wildlife. So named as the formation resembles the African round huts, usually made of mud with thatched grass roofs, called “rondavels” in the Afrikaans language.

PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK – NORTH WEST PROVINCE

The volcanic crater in which this park is situated resulted from an eruption that took place around 1.2 billion years ago. Over 40 years ago, the wildlife relocation project Operation Genesis was set up to increase the game population in the area. More than 6000 animals were re-introduced. Seeing this park from a hot air balloon high up in the sky is an incredibly calming experience. Since the balloon travels with the wind, you will not be hindered by turbulence, and the only noise you will hear is an occasional blast of the burner.

KOMMETJIE – WESTERN CAPENj

Slangkop (1919) is the tallest cast-iron tower on the South African coast. Standing 33 metres tall, the tower looks out over the surfers, fishermen, and divers in the tiny village of Kommetjie. Over the years it served its purpose to steer ships around the dangerous rocks and hidden reefs of the Atlantic Ocean.

COFFEE BAY – EASTERN CAPE

Hole in the Wall is one of the Wild Coast’s most beautiful natural attractions. According to geologists the cliff was once connected to the land, but the porous sandstone eroded as a result of constant wave action. The same goes for the more fragile shale and sandstone pockets beneath the hard dolerite, thus creating the arch. Locals also believe it is a gateway to the world of their ancestors.

GREAT GARIEP – NORTHERN CAPE

Where the Kalahari and the Nama-Karoo deserts meet, the Great Gariep River – more commonly known as the Orange River – flows, bringing life to the typically arid worlds on both sides, and turning the area into an oasis. This river was once called “God’s gift to the Southern African thirstland”. Here, travellers can experience the Quiver Tree Route, located in an arid zone with stifling hot summers and chilly winter nights. This route was aptly named after the eponymous quiver tree, one of this region’s most captivating botanical symbols.