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| Home / Articles / Nature and Leisure / Unusual SA: Lakes, Lagoons and Rivers of South Africa |
| Unusual SA: Lakes, Lagoons and Rivers of South Africa |
So you’re a water-baby and have done the beaches. A large portion of South Africa is coastal, but it doesn’t consist only of beaches. Freshwater streams, rock pools, waterfalls, lakes and more are on offer along with great weather for water enthusiasts.
Die Hel Valley, Groot Winterhoek Wilderness
Although the trip is a real ‘trek’, the stunning beauty of Die Hel Valley’s natural pool is unmatched. The end result of a Waterfall, enveloped by wilderness, it is one of S A’s best-kept secrets.
Otter Trail
Along one of South Africa’s most challenging and well-known hiking trails, lies the gorgeous Waterfall River Pool. The pool hugs the bottom of a sheer waterfall, providing astoundingly stunning views of the craggy coastline.
Warmwaterberg Spa, Barrydale
For a different experience, the spiritual sanctuary of Barrydale offers something original. The Warmwaterber Spa, situated in the Little Karoo, comprises hot spring water that is supplied to ‘Roman baths’. This spa-oasis in the desert is totally unique.
Valley of The Waves, Lost City
Perhaps not entirely ‘authentic’, this still qualifies as unusual. This man-mad wave pool is part of the Sun City complex in the North West, and a delight for kids of all ages. From body surfing to crazy water slides, there’s fun to be had for all. And if you’re still not entirely’ quenched’, sip a pina-colada under breezy fake palms on the artificial sands of the man-made beach! (The pina colada is real, by the way.)
Ushaka Marine World
There is loads of fun to be had at biggest ocean park in Africa. The Phantom ship, Seaworld Aquarium, the Wet ‘n Wild entertainment centre and Ushaka Beach, all offer endless entertainment. Of course you can’t leave the park without trying the Plunge freefall slide, as exciting a thrill-ride as you can get.
Bela Bela
Being extremely fit will certainly stand you in good stead to get a good view of the magnificent natural pools on the Eastern Cape’s Amatola Trail. Waterfalls of varying sizes waterfalls plummet and thunder into rock pools, leaving you refreshed and inspired.
Bush House Experience
Here swimming, in the wild takes on a whole new meaning, and should in fact be swimming ‘with’ the wild. Bush House lodge in Madikwe, North West Province, invites you to indulge in a unique swimming experience. While relaxing in the pool, you can observe wildlife drinking at the nearby watering hole. Although fenced off from the animals, the proximity you’re allowed is akin to being in a close-up wildlife documentary. The thrill of being so near to these wonderful creatures is unmatched and makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
Limpopo Legends
Like out of Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones, take a swim in the wild at Debengeni Falls in Magoebaskloof. This sizeable pool created by a river, is encompassed by an indigenous forest, with awe-inspiring scenery on all sides. Even the heavens above seem remarkable when you lie floating on your back.
Midmar Dam
The Midmar Dam in KwaZulu Natal is host of one of the world’s biggest swimming events – the Midmar Mile. Annually, thousands of swimmers swim the 1,6km race in a half an hour. Of course, any other time of the year when it isn’t packed with competitors is a great time to put your endurance to the test. If however, you do want to enter, other race you might be keen on are the Vista Nova charity race to Robben Island taking place in April, and The Fish Hoek Mile in December.
Riemvasmaak Hot Springs
Another secret gem is the natural wonder of The Riemvasmaak Hot Springs in the Northern Cape. Revered by many for its healing powers, these springs are an unusual feature in the desert landscape. The hot springs are said to have great medicinal value.
Mpumalanga Madness
If you’re looking for true thrill-ride holiday, make your way towards Mpumalanga. There are trails which make the most of adventure activities from abseiling into hidden valleys and exploring waterfalls, rocks and rock pools, doing a body surf down min-rapids and swimming to your beached canoe before kayaking home. Try staying dry through all of this!
Links:
ushakamarineworld
openswim
mpumalanga
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