South Africa is a land of incredible natural beauty, boasting an array of breathtaking landscapes that will leave you spellbound. From towering mountains to sweeping grasslands, shimmering coastline to teeming wildlife reserves, the country is a veritable feast for the senses. Here are just 7 of the more popular wonderful natural sights in South Africa that you may want to visit while exploring the country.
1) Table Mountain
Table Mountain is perhaps South Africa's most iconic natural landmark. This flat-topped mountain rises majestically above the city of Cape Town, offering incredible panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and hinterland. You can take a cable car to the summit for an unforgettable experience. Don't forget from Cape Town you are also just an hour away from some amazing trout fishing in mountain streams!
2) Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, and home to an incredible diversity of wildlife including all of the big 5! Visitors can take guided game drives or self-drive through the park to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and a host of other creatures in their natural habitat. The park also offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to basic campsites. With this being one of the best places to visit in South Africa, it is worth noting that while you cannot fly fish within the park, you have some opportunities close by for you to cast a fly for some awesome fish such as the prized yellowfish and trout, not to mentioned bass.
3) Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world, and one of South Africa's most spectacular natural sights. The canyon is part of the Drakensberg escarpment, and is characterized by towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and breathtaking waterfalls. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the canyon, or hike one of the many trails that wind through the surrounding wilderness. Again, with a fly rod in hand some wonderful fly fishing opportunities exist in the area should you wish to get your fly box out!
4) Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands are a picturesque region of rolling hills and vineyards, just a short drive from Cape Town. The area is renowned for its wine production, and visitors can sample some of the world's finest vintages at one of the many wine estates in the region. The Cape Winelands are also home to a number of historic towns and villages, each with its own unique character and charm. In and around the area one has the option of trout fishing, bass fishing, carp fishing to name just a few. From still waters to streams you have plenty of reasons to pack a fly fishing rod and cast for a few hours, a whole day, or even more.
5) Garden Route
The Garden Route is a scenic stretch of coastline that runs from Mossel Bay to Storms River, and is one of South Africa's most popular tourist destinations. The route is characterized by rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and verdant forests, and offers visitors a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to surfing and whale watching. From our perspective however nothing beat the fly fishing opportunities that exist in the area. Throughout the coast one has the opportunity to target our favourite species to fly fish for: The Spotted Grunter. With the right guide or the right gear and some advice, you have a chance at landing one of these amazing fish or another salt water species that inhabit this section of coastline. Pack a 7 or 8 weight rod and cold water fly lines and some saltwater flies and you have a lot of fun to be had.
6) iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most biodiverse regions in South Africa. The park encompasses a range of ecosystems, from pristine beaches to mangrove swamps, and is home to a vast array of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles. This is one of the coolest places in South Africa, a place that still feels wild. Pack the 9 weight fly rod and explore the coast for all sorts of salt water fun. The town of St. Lucia is special and now and then Hippos can be seen roaming the streets!
7) Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountains are a spectacular range that runs along South Africa's eastern border with Lesotho. The mountains are characterized by towering peaks, deep valleys, and crystal-clear streams, it is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. Not only is there amazing hiking, climbing, horseback riding and a large range of accommodation on offer, there is also a vast area to explore and a lot of these streams contain wonderful trout and make for a dream fly fishing trip that will be enjoyed by the non-angling members of the group too!
These are just a small sample of some of the things one can check out while visiting South Africa. The wonderful thing is that in or around all of the places mentioned above, it is possible to find somewhere wonderful to cast a fly rod and enjoy some top class fly fishing in the most Southern country on the African continent. The wonderful range of sights and sounds means that fly fishing can be enjoyed by the avid fly angler while the family o non-fishing member can have just as amazing a time exploring the sight and sounds.
On The Fly Adventures (PTY) Ltd was established in 2019 with the simple idea of sharing the wonder of South Africa with travelers wanting to explore the place we love.
For more information you can contact us directly and we can start putting together a trip idea for you. Remember we are not a fly fishing travel company, we are a travel company for everyone, that happens to keep fly fishing in mind. Talk to us and we can plan you South African adventure.