South African cities: Explore, discover and enjoy
We love South Africa and all it has to offer. So, as we celebrate our first birthday this month, it’s a good time to celebrate three major cities and all they have to offer.
With everything from beaches to cultural experiences, amazing shopping malls and art galleries, fine dining and outdoor markets, our cities offer everything you could want to experience.
Durban
The city’s Golden Mile beckons visitors to its gorgeous beach, fronted by the promenade with its many restaurants and recreational areas. Durban is a great destination to visit year-round. Comprising a mix of Zulu, Indian and Colonial heritage, the city is a melting pot of cultures that plays out superbly in the variety of dishes and flavours available whichever way you turn.
Things to do in Durban
Adventure seekers can go shark cage diving, deep sea fishing, zip-lining or take a flight on a microlight. For those looking to simply unwind, the beach, sea and sun are waiting. uShaka Marine World is a must-visit for the whole family; explore the aquarium, enjoy the water slides and marine show and dine next to the shark tank. The pathways in the Durban Botanic Gardens promise a relaxing walk. A must-see in the city is the Moses Mabhida Stadium with its SkyCar ride to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
The Gateway Theatre of Shopping and local markets are a shopper’s paradise. Foodies will want to taste the many flavours on offer at eateries all around the city.
And if you’re wanting to explore a little further afield, head inland to the Valley of a Thousand Hills with its traditional Zulu villages and cultural experiences or explore the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve.
Cape Town
We might be biased, but we think Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. It offers travellers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, history, culture and adventure.
Things to do in Cape Town
On good weather days, the city offers an abundance of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain or head up Signal Hill for breathtaking views of the city and ocean. Enjoy a hike in the Tokai Forest or Table Mountain and any number of other places. Discover the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or head out to Robben Island where tours are led by former prisoners. Cape Point is located in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and is a dramatic viewpoint with stunning ocean views. Stop at Boulders Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins on your way to Cape Point and be sure to visit the lighthouse and take a funicular ride if you prefer not to hike while you are at the southern point.
The V&A Waterfront is a bustling shopping and entertainment hub with restaurants, shops, galleries and the Two Oceans Aquarium. While you’re in the city make a point of visiting Bo-Kaap, an historic and colourful neighbourhood known for its colourful houses, Malay culture and the Bo-Kaap Museum.
For those wanting a more active holiday, go shark-cage diving, surfing at Muizenberg Beach, or paragliding from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head.
Of course, no trip to the Mother City would be complete without a foray into the Cape Winelands. Visit the nearby Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl regions for wine tasting. And top everything off with tastes from the many different cuisines on offer across the city and its surroundings.
Johannesburg
This vibrant and dynamic city is also known as Jo’burg or Jozi, and with about 5.7million people living in it, is the most populous city in South Africa. The economic and financial hub of the country, its history dates to 1886 when gold was discovered. It’s a true melting pot of different cultures, languages, and ethnicities – all of which are on display at the many markets and endless choice of restaurants and tastes available for visitors to enjoy.
Things to do in Jozi
If you’re after cultural experiences, the city offers loads. The Apartheid Museum provides insight into the country’s history. Constitution Hill, a former prison complex, now houses SA’s Constitutional Court. The sprawling township of Soweto boasts a rich history, including Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners (Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu) once lived.
Gold Reef City is a theme park and entertainment complex built around an old gold mine and the underground tour is not to be missed. Johannesburg Zoo is one of the oldest and well-known zoos in the country. The revitalised urban area of Maboneng Precinct boasts art galleries, restaurants, shops and creative spaces.
Outside of the city, the Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with limestone caves famous for producing some of the oldest hominid fossils. The Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve is a great day trip for the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife.
Designed to resemble a Tuscan village, Montecasino is a leisure and casino complex with a beautiful Bird Garden to visit during the daylight hours. The city has a vibrant arts scene with a wide choice of art and other galleries, theatres and music venues.
For those travellers looking to shop, Jozi has it all. Sandton City Shopping Centre and Nelson Mandela Square, the Mall of Africa, plus loads of other shopping malls all offer shoppers the choice of everything they could want.
Celebrate with us
Celebrate our one-year milestone with us by letting us take you on a tailormade visit to discover your city of choice.
Contact LZ Travel today and let us curate the perfect city discovery experience for you.
