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In South Africa, you’ll come across many incredibly beautiful places. You can discover destinations in South Africa that resemble places from all over the world. You can experience the world all captured in one country: South Africa.
Travelers seeking a coastal escape with a touch of cosmopolitan flair might find the area from Sea Point to Camps Bay, to be a hidden gem that rivals the charm of the renowned Amalfi Coast.
The captivating Amalfi Coast in Italy is often considered a dream destination, renowned for its scenic coastal allure and charming villages. Surprisingly, Sea Point in Cape Town, South Africa, shares some delightful similarities that make it a compelling destination. Both locations boast stunning coastal views, but Sea Point has its own unique features that make it an attractive spot to explore.
Sea Point, much like the Amalfi Coast, offers a beautiful seaside setting with a picturesque promenade along the Atlantic Ocean. The palm-lined boulevard provides a relaxing atmosphere, reminiscent of the coastal charm found in certain Amalfi Coast towns. Visitors to Sea Point can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the iconic Table Mountain, creating a serene backdrop for leisurely strolls or sunset appreciation.
Bantry Bay, adjacent to Sea Point, and Camps Bay, enhances the appeal with its exclusive and tranquil ambiance. Sea Point, Camps Bay, and Bantry Bay offer a mix of sophisticated dining options, trendy cafes, and boutique shopping, making them ideal for those seeking a coastal escape with a touch of urban elegance. They offer a delightful alternative to the allure of the renowned Amalfi Coast.
You can stay in Mykonos, just as if you’re in Greece, only you’ll be just a few minutes away from Cape Town. Mykonos, inspired by its Greek namesake, features charming architecture with white buildings and blue accents, creating a Mediterranean ambiance. The architectural homage to its Greek counterpart creates a unique ambiance that captures the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle. As the sun sets, the warm glow against the white facades adds a magical touch to this coastal haven, making Mykonos in Langebaan an enchanting destination for visitors seeking both beauty and charm.
Nestled along the shores of Hartbeespoortdam, the residential area of Kosmos reveals itself. Throughout our visits, it became evident that there are striking resemblances to the enchanting Lake Como, although the true Lake Como will forever hold its unparalleled allure.
Things we saw during our visit in Kosmos, South Africa, that made us think of Lake Como in Italy:
In Kenya the Amboseli National Park is famous for its elephants, as well as the Maasai Mara National Reserve. In Botswana the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are known for their elephant populations. While in Thailand although not in the wild, they offer opportunities to interact with elephants in ethical sanctuaries that prioritize the well-being of these animals. In Sri Lanka Minneriya National Park is recognized for its “Gathering,” where large herds of elephants congregate during certain times of the year.
In South Africa, you’ll have the opportunity to see elephants in their natural habitat any time of the year.
Located in the northeastern region of South Africa, within the expansive Greater Kruger National Park area, the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is positioned along the borders of the Timbavati Game Reserve. As an integral part of the greater Kruger ecosystem, this reserve is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, hosting an array of wildlife that includes the iconic Big Five. For those seeking an authentic and exclusive safari encounter, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve promises a captivating experience amidst a pristine natural environment. A place where you can observe elephants in their natural habitat.
Napa Valley in California and the Winelands of South Africa share similarities in their enchanting landscapes adorned with expansive vineyards, creating picturesque settings for wine enthusiasts. Both regions embrace a rich wine culture, offering visitors opportunities for tastings, tours, and immersive experiences in the art of winemaking. The culinary scenes in Napa Valley and the South African Winelands are celebrated, with winery restaurants providing gourmet delights paired with local wines.
Napa Valley, known for its world-class vineyards, offers a picturesque landscape with rolling hills covered in lush vineyards. The region is characterized by iconic wineries, manicured estates, and charming tasting rooms.
On the other hand, the Winelands of South Africa, encompassing regions like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, showcase a diverse and breathtaking landscape. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the South African Winelands feature sprawling vineyards, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and vibrant flora. The Cape Winelands’ beauty is accentuated by the convergence of wine estates, each with its unique character, and the fusion of European and South African influences.
When looking at destinations in South Africa that resemble places from all over the world, were you expecting the Netherlands?
Jasmyn is located in Hartbeespoort, a town in the North West Province of South Africa.
Zaanse Schans is known for its historic windmills, providing visitors with a glimpse into traditional Dutch life. You can witness a working windmill and learn about the process of grinding grain or sawing wood. The site also features traditional wooden houses, museums, and craft shops, creating a picturesque setting that reflects the country’s cultural heritage.
On the other hand, Jasmyn in Hartbeespoort offers a more relaxing experience in a beautiful natural setting. It is known for its gardens, farm stalls, and a variety of activities like boat cruises on the Hartbeespoort Dam. The emphasis here is on leisure and enjoying the serene surroundings.
In summary, Zaanse Schans is a cultural and historical destination, showcasing the industrial past of the Netherlands, while Jasmyn in Hartbeespoort focuses on providing a tranquil and scenic escape. The choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a cultural exploration or a more laid-back experience.
You can find the “Mercedes on the roof” in Gordon’s Bay, a coastal town just outside of Cape Town.
There is a building with a car on the roof in Gordon’s Bay: buildings with cars on the roof are often part of creative or promotional initiatives, serving as attention-grabbing landmarks. Here in Gordon’s Bay, it is a well-known landmark to the community – the spot where you can search for books the whole day long: The local book store.
Although not quite the same, The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, USA also serves as an attention-grabbing landmark. It is a public art installation featuring a series of Cadillac cars buried nose-first in the ground, forming a unique and iconic display. It’s a well-known example of “land art” and has become a popular tourist attraction.
You’ll find this replica at a cozy restaurant called “French Toast” in Hartbeespoort (Harties) in Northwest province, South Africa.
A visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris is a dream come true! It’s super famous for its intricate design and stands tall in the heart of Paris. You can see the stunning cityscape and the lovely Seine River from its different levels. Whether you take an elevator or climb the stairs, each level gives you a fantastic view of the romantic city.
Now, the Eiffel Tower in Hartbeespoort, South Africa, is like a friendly cousin to the one in Paris. It’s a replica, so it has that Eiffel Tower elegance, but it’s in a different setting. In Hartbeespoort, you get a mix of the iconic tower and the South African vibe.
There is also another smaller-scale replica of the tower in a town called Parys, South Africa, but we prefer the one in Harties.
Come see The South African Lipizzaners in action at Mistico Equestrian Centre just 30 minutes outside of Cape Town.
While the Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna are undeniably stunning, there’s something truly exceptional about the Lipizzaners in South Africa. The combination of their beauty and the unique environment makes the South African Lipizzaners a special and captivating experience.
Destinations in South Africa that resemble places from all over the world: Could this be your ‘little Switzerland’?
***Discover more about the Drakensberg as a travel destination…Read more
The Drakensberg, a mountain range in South Africa, is often referred to as “Little Switzerland” due to its striking resemblance to the Swiss Alps.
The Drakensberg’s rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and scenic beauty evoke a sense of similarity to the Swiss mountainous terrain
The Inland Sea, also known as Khor al Adaid, is a unique natural wonder located in the southeastern part of Qatar, near the border with Saudi Arabia. It’s a tidal embayment surrounded by towering sand dunes and is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert.
“The sand dunes at Qatar’s Inland Sea remind me of those at Lambert’s Bay. Despite being in different places, both have massive sandy hills close to the sea. They share a similar appearance with these big dunes near the water, creating a resemblance despite their distance apart.” Arina Janse van Rensburg
Find The Dunes 4X4 on the West Coast Way Wild Route:
And while we’re on the subject of “dunes and deserts”… Did you know you can go visit a camel farm with some awesome adventures in South Africa?
Victoria Falls, often called the “Smoke that Thunders,” is larger in size and is renowned as one of the largest and most famous waterfalls globally, offering a similar awe-inspiring experience to Augrabies Falls in terms of natural grandeur and spectacle. Both falls captivate visitors with their magnificent cascades and the sheer force of water flowing through dramatic gorges.
However, when you visit the Northern Cape and see that the Augrabies is actually situated in a very dry climate area, you get to appreciate the spectacular sight of the falls so much more. The name “Augrabies” is derived from the Khoikhoi word “Aukoerebis,” which means “place of great noise” or “place of big noises.” This is a fitting name for the Augrabies Falls, as they are known for the powerful and thunderous sound created by the water cascading down the gorge. Make sure to check with the tourist center and on Facebook to see when the falls are in full flow. That would be the best time to go.
DID YOU KNOW:
From Danger Point in the west to Cape Infanta, which marks the outer eastern boundary of De Hoop Nature Reserve, approximately 140 shipwrecks have been documented. The majority of these wrecks are clustered around Cape Agulhas, Arniston, and Quoin Point.
One notable shipwreck near Cape Agulhas that is still visible is the Meisho Maru. The Meisho Maru ran aground in 1982, and its remains can be seen on the rocks near the coastline. It has become a popular site for visitors interested in maritime history and the dramatic coastal scenery, or just everyone who loves to take photos of stunning sunsets…
The Edro III Shipwreck is in Cyprus. It run aground during a heavy storm in November 2011. The Edro shipwreck can only be publicly accessed by footpath via ONIRO Restaurant/Bar Entrance – Address: Glykou Nerou Street, Peyia 8560 – Free car parking is available behind ONIRO and in Glykou Nerou Street.
TRAVEL TIP: Whenever you visit places like this, please be considerate and respectful towards the area. For some, this might be sacred ground with a sad history…
You can also read: Meiringspoort vs Columbia Gorge
And…if you’re looking for more adventure, why not go for a hot air balloon ride… now that might be a mix of everything… You might just discover more destinations in South Africa that resemble places from all over the world.
Get in the holiday spirit with these festive elf-themed cards, and hats.
The ultimate must-have is to adopt a Scout Elf from the North Pole. Now you can bring home your own Scout Elf!
Planning a trip revolves around key elements like flights, accommodation, activities, and cuisine. They form the foundation of a successful travel experience.
It’s like building a well-rounded story, and these pillars indeed play a crucial role.
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