The Kruger National Park in one of the best known game reserves in the world, where you'll see a host of wild animals. Among them, you'll be able to spot the Big 5.

The Kruger, in search of the Big 5

Even though Robben Island and Mvezo provide poignant links to Nelson Mandela, spending time exploring his history in Johannesburg will also show you how Madiba spent several years.

Johannesburg, in search of Mandela

Stretching well over 200km, the Drakensberg range is a mind blowing blend of peaks and troughs. Numerous trails run along the length of this hiking paradise.

Hiking through South Africa's Drakensberg

Durban is the biggest town in KwaZulu-Natal. Sitting on the Sunshine Coast, by the Indian Ocean, its American/Australian beach culture attracts surfers and water sports fans from all over the world.

Durban and water sports in South Africa

Kruger National Park

Balule

Graskop

Hoedspruit

 Transkei is a region of Eastern Cape, populated by the Xhosa, Nelson Mandela's ethnic group.  Since the collapse of apartheid it no longer exists as such, but it used to be a bantoustan, an autonomous region centred on Mthatha. 

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The history of the region is very singular and a visit to it really changes from the other South African regions. Transkei was an indigenous black region created at the end of the 19th century and declared independent in 1976. It was never recognised by the Apartheid regime and re-entered South Africa when the regime collapsed in 1994. 
Today, life here is very tribal and rural. I adored walking in the countryside (as far as Qunu village where Nelson Mandela grew up), you really feel like you are in Africa and Xhosa traditions are very strong here (the singing is incredible!). This matriarchal society gives women great responsibility: village chief, sangoma (native doctor)... In addition to looking after the house and the children. They are very firm-handed!
The hilly landscape, with colourful huts typical of Xhosa villages standing on it, is magical. Mthatha, the capital, is the hub of activity for the whole region and its market is gigantic and colourful. You must absolutely pay a visit to the Nelson Mandela Museum there!

Transkei is a region of Eastern Cape, populated by the Xhosa, Nelson Mandela's ethnic group. Since the collapse of apartheid it no longer exists as such, but it used to be a bantoustan, an autonomous region centred on Mthatha.

Transkei Holidays

Transkei: How to get there?

Transkei: See when to go?

Transkei: For how long?

Transkei: What to see nearby?

South Africa: our articles for your holidays