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Hidden gems to visit in South Africa

by Ncumisa Lerato Kunana
Image: Unsplash

A Buzzfeed piece titled “The 20 most beautiful countries in the world” ranked South Africa first, with the USA coming in second and New Zealand third. Africa is a special place, as seen by the inclusion of other African nations like Namibia, Kenya, and Tanzania in the top 10.

The part of this award that interests us the most is that practically all of our important wilderness areas—the Drakensberg, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi—are mentioned in the justification for South Africa’s “most beautiful status.” It is apparent that wilderness needs to be protected due to its clear benefit to tourism. Living in South Africa makes it sometimes easy to overlook how wonderful and precious our country is.

Riemvasmaak 

Riemvasmaak is a community in the South African province of the Northern Cape’s ZF Mgcawu District Municipality. The name translates as “tied with straps” or “tighten the strap. “Close to the border with Namibia, Riemvasmaak is situated close to the Orange River.

Riemvasmaak lodge has sprung in winding tourism prospects as a result of its growth as a town. You will quickly notice the unique charm and warm environment of Riemvasmaak’s lodge. With a variety of luxurious sceneries, lodging options, and vacation spots that can accommodate every traveler.

The climate at Riemvasmaak is almost always pleasant. Summers are fairly warm, with afternoon rain frequently cooling down hot summer days.

Blyde River Dam Wall 

In the lower Blyde River Canyon, close to Hoedspruit in Mpumalanga. The Blyderivierpoort Dam is a gravity-arch dam on the Blyde River. The Ohrigstad River, a tributary of the Blyde, is similarly flooded in its lower sections. The dam was finished in 1974. The 22 m deep and 71 m high dam wall are located 3 km from the Swadini resort via road.

Swadini Forever Resort 

Swadini is situated on the banks of the Blyde River and is landlocked by the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, is tucked away among the Drakensberg mountains. The resort location allows its visitors to enjoy  privileged boat trips on the Blyde Dam, see hippos and crocodiles, and see the “Tufa” Waterfall. You’ll also like going to God’s Window, Mac-Mac Falls, The Pinnacle, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Kadishi Tufa Falls  

One of the few remaining tufa waterfalls in existence, is hidden at the end of the Blyde Dam and is reputed to be the second-highest tufa waterfall in the world, plummeting 200 meters from a limestone shelf to the Blydepoort Dam’s water. It takes millions of years for tufal waterfalls to form. It is best to visit Tufa during daylight hours in order to experience it in all its glory.

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