by Vas Mylko, Roman Bilusiak
For the first time, Curiosio is unlocking South Africa. We combined South Africa with the other two countries — Lesotho and Eswatini (former Swaziland). We took several travel stories from National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet for inspiration and testing of the density and quality of geo/travel data.
Ultimate South Africa #1
The first travel story that inspired us is The Ultimate Road Trip: Johannesburg to Kruger by National Geographic and SouthAfrica.net (South Africa’s Official Tourism Site). “En route between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park lies Blyde River Canyon National Park, a sublime wilderness characterized by sweeping vistas and geological curiosities, and surrounded by waterfalls and creaky prospecting towns.” National Geographic.
Panorama Route is included. “The Panorama Route is a scenic road in South Africa connecting several cultural and natural points of interest. The route, steeped in the history of South Africa, is in Mpumalanga province, centered around the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest canyon. It features numerous waterfalls, one of the largest afforested areas in South Africa, and several natural landmarks. The route starts at the foot of the Long Tom Pass … following the natural descent from the Great Escarpment … ending near the Echo Caves.” Wikipedia.
We added Cradle of Humankind. It’s not far from Johannesburg (~50km or ~30mi). It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers who are interested in the origin of mankind will enjoy it. You can add/drop points as you want and see what’s possible in your requirements.
Ultimate South Africa #2
The second travel story is The Ultimate Road Trip: Durban to Drakensberg by National Geographic and SouthAfrica.net. “The diversity of a road trip through KwaZulu-Natal can be summarised by the four Bs: beaches, bush, battlefields, and Berg.” National Geographic.
This route enters and exist Lesotho — a landlocked state in the middle of South Africa state. Sani Pass — the famous mountain pass between two countries — is present on the route.
Less Traveled Western Cape
The third travel story is Roads less travelled in the Western Cape by Condé Nast Traveler. “The west coast stretches an awe-inspiring 650km from Cape Town to Namibia, its white-sand beaches pummelled by the angry Atlantic all the way. Foiled by fog, the strong currents, and rocky reefs, ships lie wrecked everywhere along it. In the far north, great swathes remain inaccessible and the remotest coastal towns are unlovely, sandblasted outposts best left to those hankering after empty space in unfathomable abundance.” Condé Nast Traveler.
We introduced Robertson, Western Cape as a hub in the famous Robertson Valley, for wine and dine. Also, we made sure you will not miss the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cederberg. Enjoy those detours! Modify the trip plan further as you like.
Garden Route
The fourth story is The Garden Route: South Africa’s Ultimate Road Trip by Lonely Planet. “Stretching some 200km, a Garden Route road trip takes in national parks, dense forests, placid lakes, and some outrageously beautiful beaches.” Lonely Planet.
“The Garden Route (Afrikaans: Tuinroete) is a 300-kilometer (190 mi) stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa which extends from Witsand in the Western Cape to the border of Tsitsikamma Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The name comes from the verdant and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered here and the numerous estuaries and lakes dotted along the coast. It includes towns such as Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Great Brak River, Little Brak River, Wilderness, Sedgefield, and Nature’s Valley…” Wikipedia.
We added a few points between Cape Town and the “official” beginning of the Garden Route so that you enjoy more of the coastline scenery. Play with the trip plan, modify it for your liking.
