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7 Reasons to Visit South Africa, the Rainbow Nation

04/27/2015 by Kristin Addis 28 Comments

“Everyone of whatever race, nation or creed who comes to Africa feels a magnetism that cannot be ignored or explained. Because it is primeval. Because Africa is like a mother calling her children home. Old, addled and poor she may be, but the pull of the umbilicus is still there. Irresistibly.” 
– John Ryan, One Man’s Africa.

The Rainbow Nation was the name given to South Africa by Archbishop Desmond Tutu after its first democratic election in 1994 since apartheid ended. It’s a metaphor for the coming together of all different peoples who live in South Africa – a nation with 11 official languages.

This is a perfectly descriptive name, not only because of the diversity of the people here, but also the biodiversity. The constantly changing microclimates give a feeling of entering a completely different world constantly, all within one country.

Allow me to show you:

Red is for the Karoo

south africa rainbow nation
Red canyons in Graaff-Reinet

The Karoo is one of my favorite spots in South Africa. This vast bush land spans several provinces and is full of wildlife, sloping mountains, and red canyons. Pictured here is a place called the Valley of Desolation with tons of wildlife and great hiking.

I know most people will think I’m crazy for preferring this rugged hot environment to the serenity of a beach or the magic of a forest, but the vast distances stretching from fingertip to fingertip, not another person in sight, give a real sense of peace and aloneness that I have not often felt before.

Most people stop while just passing through, but this is a mistake. The Karoo is a destination in itself.

Orange is for Hogsback

south africa rainbow nation
The orange sunrise over the Hogsback Mountains

Leaving behind the beach and trading it in for pine trees and giant butterflies only a bit inland of the coastal drives is a welcome change. The smell of the air morphs from salty sea to fresh trees. The sounds of waterfalls and baboons roaring in the distance reminded me that yes, we were still in Africa.

The permaculture farm where I stayed (Terra Khaya) is completely off the grid, offers a beautiful sense of peace and oneness with nature, and best of all, provides views like this one from the outdoor shower.

Yellow is for Golden Gate Park

south africa rainbow nation
How it got its name – the setting sun reflects off the mountains and paints them gold

Looking back on my photos and remembering how it looked and felt to be hiking through the beautiful Golden Gate Highlands National Park, I’m instantly transported back to this lovely place. I had so many “Oh my God, I’m in Africa right now,” moments as I took in the vistas and layered green mountains.

It’s easily one of the most naturally impressive places I’ve ever been. There were hardly any other people around, but there were plenty of wildebeest, zebras, kudu, and springboks running around. Don’t just stick to the Garden Route in South Africa. Check out the middle parts, too.

Green is for the Drakensberg Mountains

south africa rainbow nation
The second-tallest waterfall in the world!

In South Africa, every now and then, you just stumble upon a fact that is so impressive you can’t believe everyone just talks about it so casually. ”Like, “the origin of mankind is north of Johannesburg,” or “you can see all of the Big Five in Kruger National Park”, and especially, “if you take the Amphitheatre Hike in the Drakensberg, you’ll see the second tallest waterfall in the world.”

The day before, I didn’t even know it existed. A few hours in, I was across from this magnificent site with horsemen from Lesotho making peace signs and taking selfies with me. It’s all in a normal day’s fun in South Africa.

Blue is for the Wild Coast

south africa rainbow nation
Coffee Bay

Enter: Perfection.

I passed through Coffee Bay briefly on my South Africa road trip, but with some time left over at the end of my second month in the country I thought about the places I really wanted to return to, and this place kept popping back into my head. I found myself there for nine additional days, unable to uproot myself.

Turn in any direction and take a walk and it’s just gorgeous and green. The round and brightly colored houses typical to the area give it such a unique look. Cows laze away on the sand. The water is rough but warm enough to swim in. There are cliffs for jumping off of, and holes in limestone walls for swimming through.

When I go back to the Rainbow Nation, I know what will be on my list again and again.

Indigo is for the love

south africa rainbow nation
Holding hands in Cintsa

Indigo is the color of the rainbow that is the hardest for the human eye to clearly distinguish, but we know it’s there.

The same goes for the friendly vibes and welcoming nature of South Africans – it’s something you feel.

I’ll never forget the time when my road trip buddy and I stopped for some street-side BBQ next to a metal shack on our way to the Drakensberg. At first the cook was a bit surprised to see us, but turned to all smiles when he realized we were foreigners interested in trying his food.

His mother came out and was so delighted to have international guests, she took down my email address and invited me to stay if I ever returned to her town. She even followed up a few days later, extending the invitation once again.

I don’t think I’ll ever forget that. Not her kindness nor her smile.

Purple is for Cape Town Sunsets

south africa rainbow nation
There’s nothing like a sunset in Cape Town

Cape Town is hands-down one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A giant mountain rises up from the middle, and doesn’t quit until it circles the coast right out of the city. The sunsets there are just incredible, whether from the top of Table Mountain or from Camps Bay below.

—

It used to be that when I was asked about my favorite country to travel in I’d have a hard time answering the question. They all have things that are great for certain interests, like hiking, beaches, or culture. However, now I have no problem answering that question: South Africa. Regardless of what you’re looking for in a vacation, chances are you’ll find it there. It really has everything.

Expect to see me back soon, Rainbow Nation.

Have you been to South Africa? What was your favorite part?

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About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

« The Astonishing Beauty of the Wild Coast in South Africa
What Does It Cost to Travel in South Africa? »

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I'm Kristin, and my vision of a better world is one where more women are empowered and living out their dreams. Solo traveling is the best method I've found to become the best, bravest version of me. This site is all about how YOU can have the adventure of a lifetime in an easy, fun, approachable way, so that you can feel empowered, too. Want to learn more about me?

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Comments

  1. Victoria says

    04/27/2015 at 9:03 am

    My home country certainly is beautiful! Really enjoyed your post 🙂 Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/27/2015 at 10:42 am

      SO very beautiful. Traveling in South Africa was awesome.

      Reply
      • Bruce Eisermann says

        02/25/2024 at 6:14 pm

        Certainly is BEAUTIFUL!!!

        Reply
  2. Jenny @ Till the Money Runs Out says

    04/27/2015 at 9:33 am

    I love the way you used a rainbow photo essay to tell the story of your visit to South Africa. Also, WOW, your favorite country in the world?! Bold statement that has me super keen to visit. Tom and I always get asked that question too (I think every traveler does) and can’t imagine a country blowing our mind so hard that we’d have an actual response!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/27/2015 at 11:03 am

      I always figured I’d be unable to answer that question too, but I loved it so much there and find it to be so complex and interesting that for now, yes, it’s my favorite. So much to keep learning and seeing in South Africa. I love that.

      Reply
  3. Kristin says

    04/27/2015 at 1:06 pm

    I feel fortunate to have seen as much as I did of South Africa, but my thirst is not quenched! Still need to see so much more!

    Reply
  4. Kristin says

    04/27/2015 at 1:07 pm

    Thanks so much for the vlogger suggestion. It can only help me to improve my videos! Yes those two areas of South Africa were highlights for me – especially Coffee Bay

    Reply
  5. Geri says

    04/27/2015 at 11:42 pm

    I have visited Kruger Park by passing the border with Mozambique. I knew that the rest of South Africa is beautiful, but not that much! Thanks for sharing this post. It inspires and definitely make me feel nostalgic. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/27/2015 at 11:47 pm

      South Africa totally blew me away with this! I didn’t know it had this either. I hear great things about Mozambique and am thinking of a return to see both.

      Reply
  6. Onne from Wild Wings Safaris says

    04/28/2015 at 12:25 am

    Great post! So many beautiful places, and that’s only the beginning! The kalahari, the Isimangaliso wetland park, the famous Kruger National Park and adjacent Sabi Sand game reserve, the scenic Panorama Route, the peaceful Garden Route, the ancient Mapungubwe National Park, the majestic Augrabies falls, one could go on and on!

    Reply
  7. Ceecestravel says

    04/28/2015 at 3:19 am

    Hi.

    Great post! Lovely to be reminded of the beauty of my home country, especially while we are going through such a rough time.
    Green and Blue will always be my fav. I love hiking Sani Pass and if I am not in the mountains, to the sea I go. Love the way you have written your article, its just the best! I can’t wait to read more from you.

    #LoveandTravelHugs
    Cee (Your fellow South African Blogger)

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/28/2015 at 3:56 am

      I love hearing from native South Africans that they like what I’ve written about their home country! Green and blue might be my favorites too, though I really did enjoy the Karoo.

      Reply
  8. Alexis Kensey says

    04/28/2015 at 7:34 am

    Yes! I have a friend who was just living in SA and I am dying to get out there and explore. Another thing to add to the list- the sailing in Cape town is (allegedly) unreal and awesome!! Can’t wait to make my way down there, it’s on the ever growing list! haha

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/28/2015 at 8:31 am

      I didn’t try sailing in Cape Town. I can imagine it being awesome. It’s on the list!

      Reply
  9. hitham says

    04/29/2015 at 2:26 am

    what an amazing country and nation
    ive been to kruger park which was an unforgittable experiance and gladly i managed to see all the big five 🙂

    even though i know its beautiful i didnt even imagine the rest of places to be so amazing like this.

    i toke a one and half hour ride of a sailboat in the atlantic around the sunset in capetown, belive me nothing beats that ride. it is just the most beatiful sunset i ever seen.

    mozambique and kruger are in my to do list in the next three years or so.

    amazing country, people and weather.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      04/29/2015 at 3:39 am

      I think a lot of people visit South Africa and only go to Kruger Park and Cape Town so I really want to show how much amazing stuff there is besides those places, and even outside of the garden route, because there really is so much beauty!

      Reply
  10. Kristin says

    04/30/2015 at 6:56 am

    I had seen other bloggers as well which inspired me to go, but ended up visiting mostly different places than them since our interests are different and I like off the beaten path stuff. South Africa really has something for everyone!

    Reply
  11. Nicole @ Treasure Tromp says

    05/15/2015 at 1:49 pm

    Oh, I love this so much. It makes me miss SA, especially Hogsback, so much!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      05/15/2015 at 2:26 pm

      Hogsback was beautiful! I didn’t expect to feel like I was in a pine forest in SA!

      Reply
  12. Brooke of Passport Couture says

    11/12/2015 at 7:38 pm

    Love your thoughts in this piece and how you developed your story. The coast and the Indigo reference were my favorites. Your photos tell a wonderful story along this journey.

    Reply
  13. Jani van Wyk says

    11/13/2015 at 11:29 pm

    Such a heartwarming post!

    I’m South African but have been living in China for the last two years. I’m strongly considering doing an open-ended wander around the world at the end of my time in China.

    Your blog’s been great to read and when I stumbled upon this post, it transported me right back to SA.
    So happy that you loved it and got to experience the amazing nature, kindness and food of SA.

    Hope your journey continues to be fantastic, testing and rewarding.

    Thanks for a great blog!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      11/14/2015 at 5:18 am

      Hi from Johannesburg! I couldn’t stay away 😉
      China is awesome too, and I hope you enjoy your open-ended journey! You’re in for a treat. Must be cool to know that you’ll eventually come home to such a beautiful place.

      Reply
  14. Alicia Petersen says

    05/29/2019 at 11:43 am

    FYI – It was Nelson Mandela that was the first president of RSA after Apartheid; not Desmond Tutu. They are both great men, but not the same.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      05/31/2019 at 2:49 am

      I know 🙂 I didn’t say he was the first president anywhere in this post.

      Reply
  15. Pippa says

    06/05/2019 at 12:10 am

    This is a really wonderful ode to South Africa and made me rather emotional. Thank you for sharing the positives about such a spectacular place. Beautifully written!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/05/2019 at 4:29 am

      Aw so glad you like it!

      Reply
  16. Matt says

    08/12/2019 at 11:33 pm

    Awww!! Amazing blog!! I really loved this blog, Would love to explore it soon!! Keep on sharing.

    Reply
  17. Emmanuel bundi says

    08/27/2023 at 12:12 am

    I leave in kenya but. I want to visit
    Beautiful country

    Reply

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