As the end of May draws closer, I've been doing more and more research on Cape Town and South Africa itself an what to do there hoping to make the most of my free time there. When you are on a safari, they often talk about seeing the Big Five, which refers to the top 5 animals to see on safari. However, I thought I'd talk about my own personal Big Five...my own top 5 things I have to do during my month in the country. My Big Five are:
Cage Dive with Sharks
Since South Africa has a huge shark population (primarily great white sharks) it seems only natural to swim with them, right? Okay, maybe not. However cage diving in South Africa is the thing to do, and well, when in Rome right? After talking to someone who has done it, it really isn't as nearly as scary as you would think, nor is it as expensive. It is a cost, but I say to able able to tell people you've swam with sharks, in Africa no less, is totally worth it.
Table Mountain Cable Car Ride
It's one of Cape town's iconic landmarks: Table Mountain. Looming over the city, Table Mountain is a flat topped mountain (flat like a table) that seemingly grew out of the city itself. One of the most common things to do in the city is to take a cable car ride to the top where insanely incredible views of the entire city and the sea below await you. The cable cars themselves are unique as the bottoms are glass and rotate so you never miss out on the view. I hope to make it up here during the day, but also to view a sunset and possibly a sunrise too.
Kirstenbosch Tree Canopy
Located in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a tree canopy; seemingly a pathway built 40 feet above the ground at its highest point, nestled in among the trees. The canopy's construction started in 2013, to commemorate the garden's 100th anniversary of operation. Having been completed then opened in May of 2014, it is a fairly new addition to the gardens but in my opinion, is one I'd like to see.
Go on a Safari
Safaris are a must do in South Africa, or almost any African country. I am lucky enough to be able to experience a week long stay at Kruger National Park, arguably one of the best places to go on safari in all of South Africa. At 5 million acres in size (!) it seems a week long stay is not nearly enough to experience what this park has to offer. Unlike most safari parks in South Africa that are somewhat in an enclosed or restricted by environment, Kruger is an genuine as it gets. Here the animals are truly in their natural environment and are in the wild. Waking up early every morning to go on game drives or walks is sure to be surreal and I cannot wait.
Boulder’s Beach
One word: penguins. I absolutely adore penguins so I have to come here. Boulder's Beach is a famous beach located along the Cape Peninsula known for being home to a colony of African penguins. Here you'll witness the penguins waddling in the sand and swimming in the beautiful blue waters of False Bay. If you love penguins, Boulder's Beach is an attraction in Cape Town you have to see.
What are your Big 5 things to see in South Africa?
Images via here, here, here, here and here.
