From luxurious glamping beneath starlit skies to rustic lodges perched by serene lakes, join us as we explore some of the most awe-inspiring natural retreats around the globe.

Get ready to add these must-visit spots to your travel bucket list!

1. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone is where you can watch a grizzly bear fishing for trout or discover a hidden geothermal pool through the trees.

The park’s lesser-known hikes can lead you to quiet geyser basins and untouched wilderness areas, where the vast landscapes remind you just how wild America can be.

Under Canvas Yellowstone: This glamping site is just minutes from the national park entrance and offers a luxurious outdoor experience with tents equipped with full beds and wood stoves.

2. Big Sur, California, USA

Big Sur is where the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean in a dramatic display of natural beauty.

This rugged stretch of California’s coastline is not just about scenic drives, it’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

You can explore hidden coves, spot migrating whales from cliff-top vantage points, and marvel at the ancient redwood forests that tower majestically overhead.

For a truly magical experience, visit McWay Falls, where an 80-foot waterfall tumbles down to a pristine beach below.

Treebones Resort: It is one of the best options for glamping in Big Sur. Offers unique yurts with spectacular ocean and mountain views, fully integrating you into the stunning landscape of Big Sur’s coast.

3. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Welcome to the wild edges of the world. In Torres del Paine, Chile, you might spend your days chasing the perfect sunrise over the iconic Towers or spotting elusive pumas.

Over in Argentina, the Perito Moreno Glacier offers a dramatic spectacle – you can listen to the thunderous crack of ice breaking off, a process known as calving, and feel the thrill of walking across this ancient ice during a mini-trekking expedition.

EcoCamp Patagonia (Chile): Stay in geodesic domes that blend into the landscape of Torres del Paine, offering luxury and sustainability with stunning views of the mountains and steppe.

4. Banff National Park, Canada

Banff is not just another park – it’s a kingdom of the wild, with elk wandering the town streets and turquoise waters that have to be seen to be believed. Try canoeing on Lake Louise in the early morning mist or hiking up to the teahouse above Moraine Lake for a slice of freshly baked pie in the clouds.

Moraine Lake Lodge: Nestled right by the lake, this lodge offers cozy, rustic cabins with unparalleled access to the surrounding natural beauty, especially the breathtaking lake view.

5. The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

Imagine sleeping in a hammock surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon, waking up to the call of howler monkeys. A riverboat trip could have you fishing for piranha by day and spotting caimans by flashlight at night. The Amazon is not just a place to visit but a vast, vibrant ecosystem that pulses with life.

Ariau Amazon Towers: This hotel offers treehouse accommodation elevated above the jungle floor, allowing you to live among the treetops and experience the Amazon from a unique vantage point.

6. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Climbing Kilimanjaro is as much about the journey as the destination. You’ll walk through lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and finally across a barren lunar landscape to reach the summit. It’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day here, a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability.

Kilimanjaro Halisi Retreat: Located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, this retreat offers serene accommodations in nature, providing comfort and scenic views before or after your climb.

7. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Fiordland is more than just scenery; it’s an epic of earth and water.

You might kayak through the misty waters of Doubtful Sound, dwarfed by its towering cliffs and deep silence, or find yourself staring down a kea, a mischievous alpine parrot, as it attempts to swipe your lunch.

Fiordland Lodge: Overlooking Lake Te Anau and surrounded by natural flora, this lodge offers a luxurious yet eco-friendly stay, perfect for exploring nearby fjords.

8. Iceland’s Golden Circle

Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle is like touring another planet. At Thingvellir, you can snorkel between tectonic plates in crystal-clear waters, or feel the earth tremble beneath your feet at the Geysir geothermal area, where the ground bubbles with geothermal activity.

ION Adventure Hotel: Situated near Thingvellir National Park, this hotel offers a modern and eco-friendly stay with stunning views of the volcanic landscape.

9. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos are a patchwork of bizarre landscapes and even stranger creatures. You might snorkel with playful sea lions, watch marine iguanas sunbathing on black lava rocks, or walk among giant tortoises that seem almost prehistoric. Each island tells its own evolutionary story.

Galapagos Safari Camp: Inspired by African safari camps, this luxury tented camp on Santa Cruz Island offers comfort in the wild, with an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

10. Bhutan’s Himalayas

In Bhutan, the journey to the Tiger’s Nest hangs on a cliffside and challenges both body and spirit. It’s a place where monks might pass you by in vibrant robes, and prayer flags whisper in the wind—each step feels like a move towards enlightenment.

Gangtey Lodge: Providing stunning views of the Gangtey Valley, this lodge offers a blend of luxury and traditional Bhutanese style, with detailed woodwork and modern amenities.

11. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is a mosaic of color under the sea. Whether you’re diving among the neon corals or taking a glass-bottom boat ride, you’re in the midst of a living artwork. It’s a place where the vibrant life below the surface is as vital and fascinating as the ocean itself.

Lizard Island Resort: As the only resort on Lizard Island, this exclusive location offers luxury rooms and villas with direct beach access and spectacular reef views.

12. Drakensberg Region, South Africa

The Drakensberg is South Africa’s highest mountain range and offers breathtaking vistas and a serene escape into nature.

The area combines rugged peaks with lush green valleys teeming with wildlife.

Hikers can explore trails leading to San rock art sites, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams.

A must-do is the hike to Tugela Falls, the world’s second-highest waterfall, which plunges dramatically over the escarpment.

Cathedral Peak Hotel: Features charming stone-and-thatch cottages and provides easy access to hiking trails and breathtaking views of the Drakensberg mountains.

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Cape Town is an Instagrammer’s dream location to visit, featuring endless natural beauty, clifftop views, pastel pink neighbourhoods, and turquoise waters.

Here are the 20 Most Instagrammable Spots In South Africa:

Bloubergstrand

• Location: Just north of Cape Town in Western Cape, South Africa.
• Facts: Bloubergstrand is known for its white sandy beaches and spectacular views of Table Mountain across Table Bay. The name Bloubergstrand translates to “blue mountain beach” in Afrikaans, inspired by Blaauwberg, a nearby hill. It is a popular spot for surfing, kite surfing, and photography, particularly of the iconic Cape Town scenery.

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

• Location: Adjacent to the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga province.
• Facts: Sabi Sands is famed for its superior game viewing opportunities, particularly for spotting the elusive leopard. The reserve is a collection of private game lodges with no fences between the lodges and the Kruger Park, allowing wildlife to move freely. It offers some of the most luxurious lodges and exceptional safari experiences in Africa.

Jacaranda Trees, Pretoria

• Location: Mainly in the older, more established suburbs of Pretoria, Gauteng.
• Facts: Every spring, the city of Pretoria transforms as thousands of jacaranda trees burst into purple blooms. The city is sometimes referred to as the “Jacaranda City” due to the approximately 70,000 jacaranda trees planted throughout. It’s believed that these trees were first imported from Argentina and planted in the early 1880s.

Mandela Capture Site, KwaZulu-Natal

• Location: Outside the town of Howick, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Facts: This is the location where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962, an event that changed the course of South African history. Today, a sculpture and visitor centre commemorate the capture. The sculpture by artist Marco Cianfanelli consists of 50 steel columns that form an image of Mandela’s face when viewed at the correct angle.

Orlando Towers

• Location: In Soweto, Johannesburg, Gauteng.
• Facts: Originally the site of a coal-fired power station, these iconic towers are now famous for their colorful murals and for offering extreme sports such as bungee jumping, abseiling, and zip-lining. Each tower is adorned with artwork reflecting the culture and history of Soweto.

Blyde River Canyon

• Location: Northern Drakensberg, Mpumalanga.
• Facts: Known as Motlatse Canyon, Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world and one of South Africa’s most remarkable natural sights. It features lush subtropical foliage, and some of the best views are from the viewpoints like God’s Window, the Pinnacle, and the Three Rondavels.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

• Location: At the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, near Kruger National Park.
• Facts: Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is known for its luxury accommodations and excellent game viewing. Its unique feature is the treehouses where guests can spend a night under the stars, surrounded by wilderness and wildlife.

Stellenbosch

• Location: In the Western Cape, just an hour away from Cape Town.
• Facts: Stellenbosch is known for its vineyards and is considered the capital of the South African wine industry. It’s also famous for its well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture, vibrant university town atmosphere, and numerous galleries and museums.

Lion’s Head, Cape Town

• Location: Between Table Mountain and Signal Hill in Cape Town.
• Facts: Lion’s Head is a distinctive mountain peak in Cape Town offering panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Seaboard. The peak is so named because it resembles a crouching lion. The hike to the top is popular for sunrise and sunset, providing magnificent photo opportunities.

Sani Pass

• Location: The road between Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal and Mokhotlong in Lesotho.
• Facts: Sani Pass is the highest mountain pass in South Africa and requires a 4×4 vehicle to navigate. It’s known for its dramatic scenery and is the gateway to the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. The pass climbs to an altitude of 2,876 meters above sea level.

Mapungubwe

• Location: Located at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers in the Limpopo Province.
• Facts: Mapungubwe is an important archaeological site, once home to a powerful pre-colonial state during the 11th to 13th centuries. It was South Africa’s first kingdom, and it thrived through trade with Egypt, India, and China. The area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity and cultural significance.

Valley of Desolation, Camdeboo National Park

• Location: Near the town of Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape.
• Facts: The Valley of Desolation is a geological phenomenon; featuring sheer cliffs and precariously balanced columns of dolerite that rise 120 meters from the valley floor. These formations were created by volcanic and erosive forces over 100 million years.

God’s Window

• Location: On the Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga.
• Facts: God’s Window is so named because of the panoramic view of the Lowveld more than 900 meters down into lush indigenous forest clad ravine. The viewpoint is part of a series of scenic spots along the Panorama Route which is known for its breathtaking natural beauty.

De Hoop Nature Reserve

• Location: Overberg region, three hours from Cape Town.
• Facts: De Hoop Nature Reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the Cape Floral Kingdom and numerous mammal and bird species. The reserve is also a favorite for whale watchers as Southern Right whales migrate to these waters to breed.

Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

• Location: Situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre in Cape Town.
• Facts: Bo-Kaap is famous for its brightly colored homes and cobblestone streets. The area is historically significant as it is one of the oldest urban residential areas in Cape Town. It has a rich cultural heritage with roots in the Malaysian, African, and Indian communities.

Tsitsikamma National Park

• Location: Part of the Garden Route National Park along the south-eastern coast of South Africa.
• Facts: Tsitsikamma is a Khoi word meaning a place of abundant water. The park stretches along the coast and is known for its indigenous forests, dramatic coastline, and the Otter Trail—one of the country’s most famous hiking trails.

Sodwana Bay

• Location: Part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Facts: Sodwana Bay is one of the top dive destinations in the world. It is known for its unique coral reefs and incredible marine life, including turtles and over 1200 species of fish. It’s also a popular spot for deep-sea fishing and whale watching.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

• Location: Between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast near Cape Town.
• Facts: Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. The 9km route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman’s Peak, offering stunning 180-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cape Vidal

• Location: Located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Facts: Cape Vidal is known for its sport fishing and snorkeling opportunities. Its beaches are protected within a marine reserve that supports a diversity of marine life in the clear, shallow waters. The area is also a popular launch site for deep-sea fishing.

Diving Board, Table Mountain

• Location: Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town.
• Facts: The Diving Board is a famous flat rock that protrudes out overlooking the city of Cape Town, providing a thrilling spot for photographs. The rock is accessed via a hiking trail and offers panoramic views of the city, mountain, and bay below.

For those who have enjoyed exploring the stunning landscapes and unique spots in South Africa through our guide, there’s more to discover!

If you’re intrigued by vibrant cityscapes and scenic coastlines, why not continue your visual journey with posts on San Francisco and California instagram captions by HikingInBigSur.com? These articles are packed with inspiring captions and photo ideas that will surely enhance your Instagram feed with images of iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

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Accommodation options in Winterton cater to diverse preferences, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay for visitors:

B&B / Guest Houses:

• Palmswift Guesthouse: Affordable B&B accommodation in Winterton, known for its warm hospitality provided by hosts Dolly and Len.
• Swallows Nest: Offering B&B accommodation in the heart of Winterton, providing a cozy retreat in the Central Drakensberg.
• Doveton: Bed and Breakfast accommodation located between Winterton and Bergville, ideal for exploring the Central Drakensberg.
• The Wild Geese B&B: Providing Bed and Breakfast accommodation between Winterton and Colenso, offering a peaceful escape.

Self Catering:

• Acorn Cottages: Self-catering accommodation nestled in the Champagne Valley of the Central Drakensberg, perfect for independent travelers.
• Lilac Lodge: Offering self-catering accommodation in Winterton, providing comfort and convenience in the Central Drakensberg.

Hotels & Lodges:

• Spionkop Lodge: Offering an unforgettable South African experience on the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields Route, ideal for history enthusiasts.
• Bridge Hotel: Country inn accommodation situated in Winterton’s central area, providing a blend of comfort and rustic charm.
• The Nest: A country hotel located in the heart of the Central Drakensberg, offering a tranquil setting amidst natural beauty.
• Umsuluzi Riverside Lodge: Bush lodge accommodation near Winterton, offering a serene retreat along the banks of the Tugela River.
• Tugela River Lodge: Located near Spioenkop in Winterton, this lodge offers a peaceful getaway in the Central Drakensberg of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

With its scenic surroundings, diverse accommodation options, and array of activities, Winterton serves as an inviting destination for travelers exploring the wonders of the Central Drakensberg.

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White Mountain Lodge is designed to accommodate various types of stays, including holidays, weekend getaways, overnight stays, school development courses, conferences, and team building exercises. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, the lodge ensures a memorable experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of one of South Africa’s most picturesque regions.

The lodge offers a plethora of activities, ranging from abseiling, cross-valley fuffi slide, river rafting, hiking, and fishing to historical sightseeing and simply unwinding in the lap of nature. Experienced instructors and attentive staff strive to make every guest’s stay enjoyable and memorable.

Accommodation options at White Mountain Lodge include chalets catering to different group sizes, ranging from 2 to 6 berths, available in both self-catering and full board options. The chalets feature fully functional kitchenettes equipped with fridges, stoves, and washing areas, ensuring convenience and comfort. Each chalet comes with hot water facilities and bath/shower combinations for a relaxing experience.

Friendly and helpful staff provide daily servicing of the chalets, catering to additional needs such as babysitting upon request. Outdoor furniture and barbecue facilities outside most chalets allow guests to enjoy the scenic surroundings to the fullest.

For camping enthusiasts, White Mountain Lodge offers six camping facilities of varying sizes, equipped with ablution blocks and washing areas for convenience.

The lodge also provides professional conference facilities, including two conference rooms, a boardroom, and breakaway rooms, equipped to meet the requirements of any business function. Additional services such as email and internet access, faxing, photocopying, typing, transportation, and entertainment organization are available to ensure a seamless event experience.

Combining conferences with team building activities led by specialized Outdoor Adventure Association instructors can enhance delegate motivation and communication skills, adding value to corporate gatherings at White Mountain Lodge.

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The town’s name, derived from Afrikaans, translates to “weeping,” commemorating the hardships endured by the Voortrekkers during their encounters with the Zulus at Bloukrans and Moordspruit. Along the Muden road, approximately 10 kilometers from Weenen, stands an ‘isivivane’—a substantial pile of stones measuring six meters in diameter and one meter in height. Travelers traditionally contributed to the pile by following a ritual involving stone-handling and spitting before adding their stone to the collection.

Weenen is also home to the Weenen Game Reserve, managed by KwaZulu Wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for game viewing amidst its picturesque landscapes. Spanning across typical inland KwaZulu-Natal acacia grasslands with sporadic thickets, the reserve provides extensive facilities for observing wildlife, including guided walks and educational programs tailored for school groups at the Nyandu Bush Camp.

The Weenen Game Reserve boasts a rich avian diversity, with over 230 bird species documented within its boundaries. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching from two designated hides overlooking a dam, while also witnessing the successful rehabilitation of degraded habitats—a testament to the park’s conservation efforts.

Among the mammals that roam the reserve’s expanses are rhinos, giraffes, hyenas, jackals, bushbucks, reedbucks, steenboks, and porcupines, adding to the allure of this natural sanctuary. With three picnic sites available, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the reserve while enjoying the sights and sounds of its vibrant ecosystem.

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This park boasts a diverse array of scenic wonders, including the renowned Amphitheatre at Royal Natal and the spectacular southern Drakensberg landscapes at Cobham and Lotheni. Home to majestic creatures like the black eagle, bearded vulture, and herds of eland, the park also harbors a wealth of indigenous flora and fauna, adding to its natural allure.

A plethora of recreational activities awaits visitors amidst this scenic splendor. From leisurely day walks starting from the major camps to the self-guided Giants Cup Hiking Trail and numerous captivating rock art sites, there’s something for every adventurer. Whether it’s a tranquil stroll along a self-guided trail, serene fly fishing in a river or dam, or more exhilarating pursuits like rock climbing or mountain biking, the park caters to diverse tastes and preferences.

Other leisure pursuits include camping, hiking, birdwatching, swimming, horseback riding, photography, painting, or simply soaking in the pure mountain air while marveling at the breathtaking vistas.

Accommodation options within the park are equally varied, ranging from luxurious lodges at Giant’s Castle and Royal Natal’s Thendele to fully equipped cottages and chalets at various locations such as Giant’s Castle, Injisuthi, Kamberg, Lotheni, and Royal Natal. Scenic campsites with excellent amenities are available at Royal Natal, Injisuthi, Lotheni, Cathedral Peak, and Monks Cowl.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, rustic mountain huts and overnight caves at places like Injisuthi and Giant’s Castle can be booked for hiking and backpacking adventures. Overnight camping is generally permitted in most areas.

Located just two hours from Durban and four from Gauteng, the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park should feature prominently on every visitor’s itinerary. With an average altitude of 3000m, spanning 150km, and covering an area of 243,000 hectares, this park offers an unforgettable mountain escape and an opportunity to connect with nature’s grandeur on a monumental scale.

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Another trail to behold the magnificence of the Tugela Falls begins at Royal Natal National Park, offering a more leisurely seven-kilometer trek through the Tugela gorge, meandering amidst indigenous forests. The final stretch of the hike involves navigating a boulder hop, culminating in a little chain ladder ascent that rewards adventurers with a breathtaking view of the falls cascading down the Amphitheater in a series of five spectacular cascades.

For detailed directions and guidance on these routes, travelers can seek assistance from their hotel, resort, or accommodation hosts. During our recent visit, we chose to stay at Antbear Guest House, where hosts Andrew and Conny provided invaluable tips, insights into road conditions, and expert advice on reaching the Tugela Falls. Not only were the accommodation facilities top-notch, but the hospitality extended by Conny and Andrew made our stay truly exceptional. Without a doubt, Antbear Guest House stands out as the best lodging experience we’ve had in South Africa.

Reflecting on our experiences, I can’t help but emphasize the importance of not missing out on the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Tugela Falls, Sentinel Peak, and the Amphitheatre when visiting South Africa. These natural wonders offer unforgettable moments that will stay with you long after your journey concludes.

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Accommodation at Taylors B&B comprises four cozy double rooms, two bathrooms with shower and W.C., a welcoming living room, breakfast nook with a private entrance, and a patio. Each room is equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, a skottelbraai and fridge, TV, and radio. Smoking is not permitted on the premises. Guests can indulge in a hearty farm breakfast, with optional three or four-course meals available upon request.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery surrounding Taylors B&B, with sweeping views of blue mountains, verdant pastures, and shimmering dams and rivers offering seven kilometers of trout fishing and canoeing opportunities. Whether casting a line in a tranquil pool, birdwatching amidst the peaceful ambience, or witnessing the cows returning for milking, guests can savor the beauty of nature. Adventurous souls can embark on invigorating hikes or horse rides in the nearby mountains, or simply enjoy a leisurely picnic beneath the shade of willow trees by the riverbank.

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Rugby holds a revered status in South Africa, with the Danie Craven Museum in Stellenbosch standing as a testament to the sport’s legacy. Stellenbosch University’s rugby club, renowned as the largest in the world, reflects the nation’s passion for the game. Major rugby stadiums like Newlands in Cape Town, Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, and Ellis Park in Johannesburg witness intense matches, with the national team, the Springboks, leading the charge.

Cricket commands widespread attention in South Africa, with matches captivating the entire nation, even during business hours. Iconic venues such as Newlands in Cape Town and Wanderers in Johannesburg host thrilling cricket encounters.

Soccer, particularly popular among the black community, garners immense support, with the FNB Stadium serving as the sole venue for matches. The national team, Bafana Bafana, enjoys fervent backing from fans.

South Africa’s prowess extends to tennis, producing notable talents like Wayne Ferreira and Amanda Coetzer. In athletics, promising athletes like Lewellyn Herbert in the 400m hurdles and Marius Corbett in javelin showcase the country’s sporting excellence.

Golf boasts a rich heritage in South Africa, boasting legendary players like Gary Player and Ernie Els. The country’s picturesque landscapes provide the backdrop for world-class golfing experiences, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe.

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Perched atop the Sani Pass lies Sani Top, home to the highest pub in Southern Africa, where travelers can pause for lunch amidst unparalleled mountain vistas. Once a rugged mule trail facilitating trade between old Basutoland and Natal, the Pass saw determined drovers navigating its slopes with wool and mohair on donkeys and mules. Their exchanges included vital supplies like blankets and maize meal, essential for life in the remote and impoverished region.

In 1955, David Alexander realized a vision to establish a motor vehicle service along this extraordinary route, inspired by the 4-wheel drive vehicles he had witnessed during World War II. His pioneering spirit led to the founding of the company that has operated on the Sani Pass ever since, facilitating access to this breathtaking terrain for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.

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