Staycations – holidays spent in or near one’s home – are a pocket-friendly option for unwinding this summer. Fortunately South Africans are lucky to have incredible vacation destinations within our borders.
North West: Picnic at Blue Pools
Situated in the Buxton Quarry at the Taung Heritage Site, Blue Pools offers a serene picnic setting thanks to its beautiful collection of natural basins, streams and caves carved out of ancient rock and set against the backdrop of a limestone waterfall. Keep your picnic goodies cool for longer with a Tote Cooler.
Gauteng: Meander through the Melville Koppies
A nature reserve and heritage site, the Melville Koppies boast archaeological remains of Stone Age and Iron Age settlements, along with great views of the City of Johannesburg. With guided hikes every Sunday, you’ll need to have a roomy backpack for stowing all your essentials.
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Kwa-Zulu Natal: Explore Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
Only a 2.5 hour drive from Durban is Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park - the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. Home to 96,000 hectares of wilderness, rolling hills and magnificent wildlife, an overnight stay is a must – particularly when combined with a stop at the Isimangaliso Wetland Park.
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Western Cape: Barbeque Oudekraal
Nestled between Llandudno and Bakoven, Oudekraal, with its stunning sea and mountain views, tiny beach tucked away in a cove for swimming and big boulders for sunbathing, is ideal for braais with friends and family. Make sure you bring along Braai Tongs and a warm white LED torch to allows you to braai at night with ease.
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Mpumalanga: Camping along the Blyde River Canyon
With activities like hiking, horse riding, white water rafting, kloofing, hot-air ballooning, fly-fishing, biking, and boat trips on the Blyde Dam, a trip to the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve will be anything but boring. To make the most of your expedition, why not spend a night or two at one of the many camping sites along the Canyon? A lightweight 2 person tent is ideally sized for a backpacking trip.
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Eastern Cape: Attempt The Otter Trail
One of the most popular hiking trails in South Africa, the 42km long Otter Trail traverses the shorelines, lush forests, streams, and waterfalls of the stunningly beautiful Tsitsikamma. To ensure that you can keep track of everyone in your group or get hold of someone in case of emergency while exploring this exquisite stretch of the Eastern Cape, take along a Walkie Talkie - a must for anyone serious about adventure.
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Be daring this summer by exploring the beauty in your own backyard. For more information about camping gear for all of these adventures visit Cape Union Mart's website.