We are bombarded with the most average list of places to visit, but as genuine thrill-seekers, the hunt for interesting, memorable and immersive experiences are rare. Here are 5 suggestions of incredible experiences you can look forward to after lockdown:
1. Visit The Bushiest Retreat Centre in Ixopo, KZN
Perched on a ridge at the head of a valley in the Umkomaas river system in KwaZulu-Natal, the Buddhist retreat Centre looks out on a vista of indigenous valleys, forests and rolling hills receding like waves in the blue distance. Here, for more than twenty years people of all religions have come to experience peace and tranquillity. It is a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. CNN featured the BRC as one of the 10 finest Meditation centres in the world.
2. Sleepover in a cave at Kwagga Kamma, WC
Kagga Kamma offers ten unique man-made ‘Cave’ Suites that were constructed to seamlessly integrate with the natural Sandstone formations. Each ‘Cave’ Suite has a small terrace with a view and is simply furnished with comfort in mind. The beautiful rock formations can be experienced up close in these man-made suites that blend into their environment seamlessly. Each ‘Cave’ is equipped with a double bed, air-conditioner, and coffee/tea making facilities, en-suite bathroom, bathrobes, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
3. Visit Semonkong Falls in Lesotho
Lesotho, a landlocked kingdom within our borders is a perfect break from convention. This “Kingdom in the Sky”, lying at 1500 metres above sea level, has dramatic and beautiful scenery, a 4×4 road trip is one the best ways to explore its vast and varied yet underdeveloped landscapes. Visit the highest pub in Africa located at the Afriski Resort, the snow-capped mountains of Maluti or take in the unspoilt scenery of the Semonkong Falls. You can also visit the Tse’hlanyane National Park of the Katse Dam and Botanical Gardens should you wish to spend more time in this beautiful kingdom.
4. Take a tour of Ponte, Johannesburg, GP
This Iconic building flourished in the mid-1970s is now believed to be a poster child for urban decay. This tour and experience will change your perception about this historic building. The guides will take you through a chronological journey, helping better understand the building’s history and context, and you’ll go through the early days of grand opulence, government red-lining and social oppression then finish off with a drink on the 51st floor of the building to compliment the experience. Leave any prejudices at home and bring your camera, but remember to live in the moment and take it all in.
5. Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Ehlanzeni, MP
Thousands of years of water erosion have created a unique and otherworldly geological feature where the Blyde River and the Treur River meet. Here at the mouth of the Blyde River Canyon, the two rivers formed swirling eddies of water. Over time, this formed huge cylindrical potholes in the sandstone bedrock. The effect, seen from the crags above, is now a fascinating network of tunnels and tubes and interconnected whirling pools. The different soil levels in each hole give them each a unique color and makes for a striking and colorful landscape.
