From living it up on the beach to serene, nature-esque travel spots, there are many fun things to do this summer. We all certainly deserve to treat ourselves to a bit of adventure, especially after the busy year that was. Given this is the most popular season for travel, planning ahead is a wise move. Plus, it’s great for all the wanderlust potential—and the sweet promise of an unforgettable journey to look forward to once we’re free of winter’s grip.
Travel, of course, is at the top of the list for Previdar this month, considering that we debuted our very first travel edition last week. You fancy a well-deserved holiday but still, you’re unsure about where to go this summer? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
We’ve rounded up our 10 favourite sun destinations with some classics such as the The Motlatse Canyon, formerly known as the Blyde River Canyon Reserve and some more daring destinations on the other side of Mzansi– so whether you’re an adventurer or a beach bum, more short-haul than long, prefer a beach villa or a resort, looking for your honeymoon destination or a trip with the girls; you will find the perfect holiday destination that suits your holiday style right here!
Tintswalo Atlantic Robben Island Luxury Suite, Western Cape
From R10,490.00 per room per night, based on two people sharing
Experience the epitome of luxury and adventure with Tintswalo Lodges. From the breathtaking views of Tintswalo Atlantic overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, to the captivating wildlife encounters at Tintswalo Safari Lodge, each location offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Robben Island Suite in particular, pays tribute to South Africa’s first democratically elected president, the esteemed Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned on Robben Island for nearly 24 years. It provides a quirky yet very real reminder to those who wish to reflect on South Africa’s transition and the legacy that our beloved Madiba left for our nation.
Suite Amenities
Each suite has a private wooden deck offering premium views of the Atlantic Ocean and Hout Bay.
- Aircon
- Aircon
- Electronic safe
- Hair Dryer with vanity table
- Minibar
- Room service available
- Satellite TV
- Tea and coffee station
- Underfloor heating and heated towel rails
- Wood burning fireplace
Mbazo Safari Lodge, North West
R8 300 per person per night (Solo)
Mbazo Safari Lodge is a simple extension of the natural environment that surrounds it — lush, organic, and undeniably gorgeous.
The five two-sleeper chalets are modern elegance while still capturing the sense of craft ‘Out of Africa.’ Each has a king-sized bed, a fully-stocked minibar, a freestanding bath, en-suite and outdoor showers, and a shaded veranda elevated to take advantage of the bush views.
One of the five suites features a separate children’s room with its own en-suite bathroom (including an outdoor shower). This area is divided from the main bedroom, providing parents (and children) with their own space.
Ellerman House Cape Town & Kruger, Western Cape
R 295, 030 per person 
This 9-day journey combines the refined pleasures of Ellerman House in Africa’s design and gourmet capital, Cape Town, with a sensational Big 5 safari experience at Singita Lebombo, one of the continent’s finest safari lodges.
Ellerman House, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the Mother City’s most exclusive address, exudes elegant sophistication. Your home for four nights is centrally located and famous for world-class service from its charming staff, gorgeous views, and a superb art collection. Cape Town is a world-in-one destination, from the famous vineyards of the Winelands to award-winning beaches, the natural wonder of Table Mountains to superb spas, and, of course, exceptional cuisine.
Leave the city’s attractions for the legendary Kruger Park, and the sights and sounds of thrilling wildlife encounters. Singita sets the safari lodge benchmark for unrivalled comfort and elegance, and Singita Lebombo is a perfect example of this standard. Set in a private concession adjoining the Kruger Park, Lebombo combines the advantages of exclusivity with the superb game viewing that made the Kruger famous.
Perfect for a honeymoon, romantic holiday, or special celebration vacation, the opulence of this journey ranks it as one of Africa’s best. We recommend adding an Indian Ocean getaway to Azura or Vamizi Islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago for the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable vacation.
Highlights
- Exceptional accommodation
- Five-star cuisine & service
- Exclusive, private locations
- Superb Big 5 game viewing
- Day & night game drives
- Guided safari walks
White Water River Rafting, Free State
Are you ready to tackle some of the most unruly, white-knuckle rapids in South Africa? If the answer is ‘yes’, make a beeline for the Ash River near Clarens and the team at Clarens Xtreme will take you on a rip-roaring White Water River Rafting.
Thanks to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project the fast-flowing Ash River, originating in the Rooiberge range near Clarens, delivers 100% white water fun all year round.
Clarens Xtreme will kit you up with life jackets, helmets, and all the necessary gear to get you on the water. Then, hang on for the ride of your life as the experienced CX river guides show you how to handle the Ash’s 9 thrilling class 3 and 4 rapids. Paddlers also have ample time to take in the pretty scenery and stunning birdlife on their 3-hour white water rafting trip.
Thornybush Game Reserve, Limpopo
R 226, 390
Experience two very different wildlife destinations on this 10-day safari – you begin at Thornybush Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park before heading off to the Kalahari’s Tswalu Private Game Reserve. Escape to the peaceful Saseka Tented Camp in a private reserve bordering the Kruger National Park. it is here that you will enjoy five days exploring this beautiful landscape, encountering the Big 5 while staying in a luxurious safari camp.
After your Kruger safari, spend a comfortable night in Johannesburg before journeying to the edge of the Kalahari and the superb Tswalu Private Game Reserve – the largest privately owned reserve in South Africa. Enjoy game drives, guided dune walks, and excursions to view San rock art; you can also simply relax at the spa or by the pool. For the perfect end to your adventure, spend an evening stargazing, or even arrange for a sleep-out under the clear African night sky.
Highlights
- Search for the Big 5 in Thornybush Game Reserve
- Engaging community tour at Nourish Eco Village
- Enjoy the malaria-free Tswalu Private Reserve
- Experience the only lodge within the Kalahari reserve
- Thrilling desert animal sightings like pangolin & antbear
- Spend a night under the Kalahari sky
- Introduction to the Tswalu Foundation Research Projects
- Involvement in wildlife projects at Tswalu, if available
Johannesburg Zoo
R 120.00
You don’t have to visit the big game reserves to appreciate the variety of South African wildlife—it’s all on display at the Johannesburg Zoo. The sprawling 136-acre (55-hectare) site includes spacious habitats for more than 320 species, with a focus on the physical and psychological well-being of the animals on display.
The Johannesburg Zoo ranks among the city’s top family attractions. Visitors have the chance to see the Big 5—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo—as well as hundreds of other species from around the globe. Guests can choose between general admission or a guided tour, which must be booked in advance.
Tour options include a 90-minute ferry, a behind-the-scenes experience to learn more about animal care, or a night tour to observe the zoo’s nocturnal residents. The zoo also features a stop on the Green Route of the Johannesburg hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
The Motlatse Canyon Reserve, Mpumalanga
The Motlatse Canyon, formerly known as the Blyde River Canyon Reserve extends along the Blyde River Canyon’s winding path, which at every turn offers more and more impressive views over sheer edges dropping 800m into the riverbed.
Its fresh mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment are quite spectacular and give the area its name of ‘Panorama Route‘. Viewpoints are named for the spectacle they offer, and God’s Window and Wonder View hint at the magnitude of the scenery.
The ‘Pinnacle’ is a single quartzite column rising out of the deep wooded canyon and the ‘Three Rondavels‘ (also called ‘Three Sisters’) are three huge spirals of dolomite rock rising out of the far wall of the Blyde River canyon. Their domed heads are iced in green and their sides are stained with fiery orange lichen. From the ‘Three Rondavels’ you can see the extensive Swadini Dam in the far distance, which marks the end of the reserve.
The geology and climate of this high rainfall plateau results in masses of waterfalls, beautiful to look at and many of which you can visit. Others are hidden deep within some of the largest man-made forestry plantations in the world, with row upon row of pine and eucalyptus trees.
The rich and varied plant life is influenced by extreme climate, a range of altitudes, and various soil conditions. This variety of plant life supports an equally rich and varied fauna. klipspringer and dassies find food and shelter in rocky areas. The grassland supports grey rhebuck and the rare oribi as well as rodents, reptiles, seed-eating birds, and plenty of insects. Kudu prefer the cover of wooded bushveld and bushbuck and bushpig move amongst the luxuriant growth on the riverbanks.
DIAZ 15 House on the Bay, Eastern Cape
From R9,200.00 per person
Diaz 15 is a five-star, child-friendly guest house that is perfectly situated right on the seafront in Jeffrey’s Bay, giving guests direct access to the main beach and within easy walking distance of the quaint seaside town in the beautiful Eastern Cape of South Africa.
Tastefully decorated, spacious, air-conditioned, and equipped with every modern convenience. Each suite has its special character and all have balconies or patios where you can relax with a sundowner as you watch dolphins and whales frolicking in the bay, a common sight in this coastal town. The Superior Suites are spacious and tastefully decorated and include modern comforts, wifi, and a patio with barbecue. All bedrooms with own balcony. Living room with balcony and barbecue.
Amenities:
- TV
- DSTV / Satellite TV
- Sitting area
- Air conditioning
- Safe
- Telephone
- DVD player
- Bathroom amenities
- Hairdryer
- Separate tub and shower
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Coffee / tea facilities
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Full kitchen
- Minibar
- Balcony
City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off red bus, Johannesburg
From R 279.00
The popular hop-on hop-off buses run in Johannesburg seven days a week, 365 days a year, come rain or shine and arrive at each stop at regular scheduled intervals (with very few exceptions). Guests are encouraged to hop off the bus throughout the tour and explore the surrounding areas.
Furthermore, the open-top tours are a delight for anyone wanting a safe, fun, and informative introduction to the city, whether you’re a lone traveller to South Africa, some local friends, a mom with your kids, or a grandparent on a weekend outing with the grandkids.
Whitefoord Beach House – KwaZulu Natal
R 26, 000 per night
Calming waves, soothing salt air, and lush greenery create a private and picture-perfect island paradise. Whitefoord Beach Estate not only offers you an escape in the form of a luxury coastal property but also promises you an exclusive experience built on decades of family history.
The natural African beauty is sure to be a highlight of this location, however, it is the memories and stories behind the physical that make Whitefoord Beach the warm, personable, and unforgettable experience that it is.
Whether it’s a family gathering on the deck for a long lunch, sundowners on the private beach, or family tennis on the private tennis court, this hidden gem has brought many years of joy to the owners, which they hope to share with others as it collects more memories and stories for years to come. Brand new to our collection and newly decorated, spacious seven-bedroom family beach home, perfect for small bespoke weddings or just a family beach getaway.
Modern touches throughout the home. Family-friendly and sea-facing lounge, dining table, and kitchen with indoor bar and entertaining area.
PROPERTY DETAILS & FEATURES
- 7 bedrooms (all en-suite)
- 4 Bedrooms in main house & 3 Bedrooms in rear flatlet
- 7.5 bathrooms
- Sleeps 16 people (max 10 adults)
- Air-conditioned throughout the main house and flatlet
- Ceiling fans in bedrooms 5,6 & 7 (flatlet)
- Large ground floor entertainment space in the main house with bar, dining area, TV lounge, and kitchen
- Gas fireplace in the dining area
- Fully equipped kitchen with scullery and walk-in cold room
- Inside dining table for 10 guests
- No Pets allowed
- 4 Bedrooms in main house & 3 Bedrooms in rear flatlet
