Where do you plan to travel in 2018? If you haven't thought about it yet, let Lonely Planet recommend a good place to visit today on Lonely Planet's "2018 Best Travel Countries" list:
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One of the best safari destinations on the african continent, you can drive directly into the epic wilderness of national parks such as Kruger and Caggeragti to see the "African Five" up close;
There are so many landscapes to enjoy, from the hot Karoo and Kalahari semi-deserts, to the misty Drakens Mountains Highlands and the magnificent Bled River Gorge, where magnificent scenery abounds;
It is also one of the most diverse countries in the world, with people of all ethnic groups, from Afrikaners to Zulus, living together in 11 official languages. Meet the people here and experience their diverse cultures, and you'll be impressed.
This is – South Africa
Strolling lions, colourful folk art, misty Table Mountain, Kalahari dunes and Swazi and Zulu religious ceremonies make up southern Africa's most famous destination. It's full of adventure stories, multiculturalism and stunning scenery.
Photo by 3M1L14N0 via Flickr
South Africa has long been one of the most attractive countries in the world. But in 2018, the alluring south Africa will become even more enticing: the government has launched the Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018: Be the Legacy series, which covers sports, education and the arts, while honoring the legendary leader, will also feast the eyes of travelers.
In this series of activities, a large number of exhibitions on the themes of social transparency, social service, respect between people, enthusiasm for society and integrity will also inspire the construction of values in the entire local society. At present, the preferential exchange rate has increased the cost performance of the trip to this place, so coming to South Africa in 2018 is definitely "unusual". Let Lonely Planet take you to the 'Rainbow Nation' today and it's time to add South Africa to your travel plans!
Cape Town
Cape Town
Known as the "mother city" of South Africa, Cape Town has played an important historical role in the development of modern South Africa. The majestic Table Mountain is the protagonist of Cape Town, with clouds flowing from the top of the mountain, the mountainside covered with unique vegetation and vineyards, and the foothills adorned with golden beaches. Few cities have such great national parks in the city center as Cape Town.
Photo by Steven Jonathan Gill via Flickr
Cape Town is also one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with cable cars, walking trails and zipline activities overlooking the city. Life is so fulfilling that you can go to the beach, visit the Constantia Wine Estate, stroll around Alfred Pier, take a ferry to Robben Island and, most importantly, meet the friendly Cape Town people.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the city has benefited from ongoing urban regeneration, with gourmet restaurants, food markets and well-designed arched verandas being built in places like Woodstock and the East Side.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park
In terms of wildlife alone, Kruger National Park is one of the largest in the world. The diversity, density and number of animals here are almost unparalleled, and all of Africa's iconic species that are a must-see for safari – elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos and zebras – are staged here, along with 137 other mammal species and more than 500 species of birds.
A visit will be unforgettable, and the excellent transportation, huge and diverse wildlife, expansive size and diverse activities make Kruger National Park unique and fascinating. From wilderness trekking and jungle walks, to mountain biking and driving a 4WD buggy, you'll have countless opportunities to enjoy the wild and wildlife. Kruger is definitely one of the best places in the world to see animals large and small.
Region of the Dracons Mountains
Drakensberg & Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
If there really is a scenic spot as beautiful as the publicity photo in this world, it must be the peaks of the Drakens Mountains with lush vegetation and knife-like axes. The Dracons Mountains form the border between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. The beauty of the scenery here is a must in South Africa. The films Zulu and Beauty That Never Forget were filmed here.
The World Heritage-listed Ukalamba-Drakenspark is magnificent, and Drakensburg, which means "Dragon Mountain" in Afrikaans, is truly stunning. Zulu villages, wilderness and wildflowers, as well as good accommodation and food conditions, make the Drakensberg area an excellent destination for photographers, hikers and adventure travellers.
Photo by Jono Hey via Flickr
Cagrageti Transboundary Park
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Photo by Sean van der Westhuizen via Flickr
A long, hot road between the crimson sand dunes leads from Upington to Africa's first transboundary national park, one of the few large, unspoiled ecosystems in the world. Once inside this magical park, you'll quickly understand why this tour is so well worth it.
Photo by Bruce via Flickr
Photo by Ian White via Flickr
Located in the Kalahari Desert on the border between South Africa and Botswana, the Kagragti covers an area of nearly 40,000 square kilometres and is home to some 2,000 carnivores. While the numbers are staggering, they don't in any way detract from the charm of this vast expanse of land – scorching sunsets, velvety silky night skies and rolling red sand dunes.
Photo by Shawn Kinkade via Flickr
The park is one of the best places in the world to observe big cats, and you might see black-maned lions napping under thorn trees or cheetahs and golden leopards walking along the curbs. Best of all, you don't need to drive a 4WD buggy to get into the park.
Isimangariso Wetland Park
iSmangaliso Wetland Park
Photo by C&P_Pics via Flickr
Isimangariso Wetland Park means "miracle" in Zulu, and it does live up to its name. The World Heritage Site stretches for 220 kilometres from the Mozambique border to the southernmost tip of Lake Santa Lucia. The park covers an area of 3,280 square kilometers and contains 5 distinct ecological zones, ranging from offshore coral reefs and beaches to lakes, wetlands, woodlands, and coastal forests. It is a playground for nature, offering wildlife viewing, kayaking adventures, cycling and boat trips, as well as seeing extraordinary animals.
Photo by Johan van Rensburg via Flickr
Photo by Walter Lichtenberger via Flickr
The park is vast, more than 220 kilometers long from north to south, with many sand dunes and forests. The park is divided into four main areas: the south (easily accessible via St. Lucia, from which the east and west banks can be reached), the central (Sodwana Bay, accessible by Rte 22), the north (Gosi Bay, at the end of Rte 22, the most difficult to reach, but very beautiful) and the Mkuze Game Reserve (a road not far west of Rte 22 can be easily reached)
Photo by Seiltanz via Flickr
Clarence
Clarens
Photo by René via Flickr
Occasionally, international celebrities make a surprise visit just to breathe deep into the fresh mountain air, and the affluent town is labeled a celebrity visit. However, the galleries, antique shops, upscale restaurants, microbreweries and adventure activities in the surrounding countryside appeal to most visitors. After visiting Golden Gate Highlands National Park during the day, it's a great pleasure to take a walk in this laid-back town at night.
Photo by Mirko Eggert via Flickr
Photo by Ema Can via Flickr
Clarence is also an art destination. There are many galleries that house outstanding works by many of South Africa's most famous artists. Gourmet restaurants, pretty inns (from ultra-modest to ultra-luxurious), eclectic cafés and a variety of adventures make Clarence even more perfect.
Bled River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon
The Bled River Gorge is the third largest canyon in the world and one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in South Africa, becoming increasingly popular with international visitors. The size and beauty of the canyon will make your trip an unforgettable experience – especially if you're lucky enough to visit under a clear sky.
Photo by Federico Robertazzi via Flickr
Much of the canyon borders the 260-square-kilometre Bled River Gorge Nature Reserve, which winds north to Glaskop, along the Drakensker Cliffs, where it meets as the Bled River meanders into the lowland steppes. Most visitors drive along the rim of the canyon, and there are numerous viewpoints along the way, and you can stop and marvel at the stunning views. But if you have plenty of time, the walking tour will give you a better experience.
*This article is from Lonely Planet's South Africa guide and is not intended to be reproduced without authorization
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