South Africa Beyond Cape Town: Drakensberg Mountains, Elephant Coast & Kruger National Park
While every country showcases diversity, South Africa stands unparalleled in its variety.
After visiting Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, discover off-the-beaten-path gems with these expert picks from Lonely Planet Magazine:
Drakensberg Mountains
The soaring cliffs, deep valleys, and hidden ravines of the Drakensberg ('The Berg') mountains offer a breathtaking setting for easy day hikes. Bordering Lesotho, this range doubles as a living museum with ancient rock art, some over thousands of years old.
Stay at Montusi Mountain Lodge, a luxurious haven with 14 thatched-roof garden suites featuring plush beds and private patios with panoramic views.
Mango Airlines, South African Airlink, and British Airways fly from Cape Town to Durban, the nearest airport. Rent a car from Avis or Europcar for the 140-mile drive to Bergville, a key gateway to The Berg.
Elephant Coast
This pristine stretch to the Mozambique border features deserted beaches, wetlands, rivers, and Africa's largest estuary. In gateway town St Lucia, hippos are known to roam the streets.
Relax at Serene Estate Guesthouse, where high-concept architecture meets minimalist Dutch design in tranquil gardens. Observe birds and wildlife from private terraces.
Fly from Cape Town to Durban with Mango Airlines, South African Airlink, or British Airways, then drive 150 miles northeast to St Lucia.
Kruger National Park
South Africa's top wildlife haven, Kruger spans vast bushveld, savannah, and rivers. Spot the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino—plus cheetahs, giraffes, and hippos.
Olifants Restcamp provides cliff-top vistas of elephants and hippos at the river. Book directly on the Kruger Park website.
Airlink offers daily flights from Cape Town to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport near Nelspruit. Rent a car or book transfers with local tour operators.
