Although our stereotypical image of the South African travel experience will usually consist of safari parks and exotic beaches, there’s much more to the Rainbow Nation than that.
South Africa features a thriving tourism trade that builds on the country’s growing reputation for fine cuisine, vibrant bars and luxurious nightlife.
So if you’re tired of the somewhat generic choice of options facing the modern traveller, then check out these uniquely South African nightlife hotspots!
Fine dining
For starters, visit the award winning Test Kitchen in Cape Town. This was recently announced as the Eat Out Restaurant of the Year, and with renowned British chef Luke Dale-Roberts at the helm, it looks to build upon its brand of combining the best in South African and Asian cuisines.
The Western Cape is also famous for its great seafood cuisine. If you’re looking to sample the best in speciality seafood dishes then you could do worse than head to Die Strandloper seafood restaurant that is beautifully situated on the beach, and has an amazing menu featuring local delicacies such as bokkoms and stompneus!
Casino resorts
Many are also enjoying South Africa’s all-in-one casino resorts. Not only do they provide a top-class gaming environment, but resorts like Gold Reef City in Johannesburg have over 30 roller coasters and a huge range of chic restaurants and bars.
Not that you have to head to one of these resorts to sample South Africa’s gaming boom of course. Now there is a range of impressive online gaming sites such as Black Diamond Casino that you can easily enjoy, thanks to South Africa’s rapid growth in the online domain.
Vibrant bars
For such a diverse nation, South Africa has built a great reputation for its range of bars that display the national character at its best.
Everybody must visit a shebeen at least once whilst visiting South Africa. These were originally illicit bars that existed without a licence, but have now become legitimate and offer the chance to try Umbomqothi, a traditional African beer made from maize and sorghum, and not for the faint of heart!
Another recognisable South African institution is the chain of bars called Café Sofia. These offer a bustling and lively atmosphere that has just the right amount of relaxed attitude to make everyone feel welcome. With a warm and spacious décor, a great range of meze and tapas platters, and some fairly intense cocktails on offer, it’ll get you in the South African spirit in no time!
