News / 18 October 2023
Travel now! Make 2023 count
2023 may be creeping to a close, but it’s not over yet. There’s still time to pack in a local adventure if you’re feeling like you’ve missed your travel chances.
Where did you want to go at the start of the year? What did you really want to see or do? Don’t leave it until next year – do it now!
As an added incentive, travelling around this time of year means ample last-minute travel deals.
So, if you’re ready to get a head start on that 2024 travel list, here’s what and (and where) we recommend:
Witness a rhino dehorning
Sign up for the life-changing experience of a white rhino dehorning at Tala Collection Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. Local anti-poaching NPO, Rave Rhino, regularly dehorns and microchips their herd, and if you’re lucky they may have one lined up before year-end. All that’s needed in return is a small donation to support the cause – much less than what you’d pay at other high-profile reserves.
Try a Segway safari
For safaris with a difference, why not try out Finfoot Lake Reserve’s Segway safaris? Ditch the rumbling 4x4 in favour of these whizzing two-wheelers with an expert guide leading the way. Finfoot also offers bush walks, canoe trips, barge cruises, and mountain biking, so there’s plenty here to tick off your 2023 list. If you’re short on time, Finfoot is only a 90-minute drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Ferry across False Bay
Catch the ferry to and from False Bay and stay at Nibela Lake Lodge – the only accommodation on the northern banks of Lake St Lucia. As an exclusive experience in South Africa’s very first UNESCO World Heritage Site (iSimangaliso Wetland Park), this service charters remote parts of the lake prohibited to others. Twitchers and nature lovers, this one’s for you!
Catch Africa’s famous fighting fish
The Tiger Fish is regarded by most as being the best freshwater game fish in Africa, and where better to reel one in than Lake Jozini? This 16000-hectare dam in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal is situated in a lush destination that could easily rival Lake Kariba. Book your stay at Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa, complete with a private spa and barge cruises at sunset.
Witness African Penguins
Sadly the African penguin population is rapidly declining and the species is now listed as highly endangered. While we’re fortunate to still have small colonies in the Western Cape (Boulder’s Beach and Robbin Island), best to go see these remarkable birds now, as there’s no guarantee they will always be there. Need a place to bed down? The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel in Sea Point makes an ideal base from which to explore.
Horseback riding in the Berg
Before 2023 comes to a close, take to the saddle for a majestic outride in the Drakensberg. There’s no better way to explore the countryside, even if you’re a complete beginner. Hang up the car keys and check in at Little Switzerland Resort. With walking trails on-site you can also break out those hiking boots one last time.
Make a splash in Montagu’s hot springs
If you’ve had a tough year, take a moment to wind down in the mineral-rich hot springs near Montagu. Visitors have long flocked to this area to soak away stress and soothe their ailments in the water from this ‘miracle spring’. Need a place to stay? Book an overnight stay or day visit at the newly-renovated Avalon Springs Resort.
Right now, there is a great little place in your own or neighbouring province just waiting to be explored. Get in touch to tick a few things off your travel list before 2023 comes to an end: 0861 010 347
