Unusual Places to Get Wet
South Africa boasts incredibly good weather, gorgeous scenery and fantastic
beaches. The country not only has wonderful oceans to swim in but there are
also rock pools, freshwater streams, and natural lakes on offer. Here are some
of the wetter areas worth exploring:
The Otter Trail
Waterfall River Pool can be found along the Otter Trail, one of South Africa’s
most challenging (and famous hiking trails). This pool sits at the base of
a sheer waterfall and offers up ridiculously beautiful views of the rugged
coastline. If you’re not a participant on the Otter Trail, this pool
can be reached on a day walk from Storms River Mouth.
Bela Bela
The area of Bela Bela (formerly known as ‘Warmbaths’) is known
for its hot springs discovered by the Tswana people in the 1800’s. In
fact the name Bela Bela means ‘Boiling Boiling’ in Northern Sotho.
The area has become extremely popular as a ‘spa destination’ as
well as being a great place for family holidays. Here, hot water bubbles out
of the earth at 22 000 litres per hour at temperatures above 53 centigrade.
Certainly a great way to get wet!
Warmwaterberg Spa, Barrydale
The area of Barrydale is particularly popular with
spiritual-seekers. Set in the Little Karoo the Warmwaterberg spa consists of
hot spring water that is fed into ‘Roman baths’. The water-bound
experience (situated in a desert landscape setting) is certainly original in
every sense.
Valley of The Waves, Lost City
Okay, so we did say ‘unusual’ swimming spots, if not authentic
ones. The Valley of the Waves forms part of the Sun City complex in the North
West province. The man-made wave pool at the Valley of the Waves is an absolute
favourite for children (and those who are young at heart). Try out a bit of
body surfing or one of the crazy slides. You can always hang out at the artificial
beach afterwards and sip on a pina colada in the shade of a few fake palm trees.
Great fun!
Limpopo Legends
Go for the swim of a lifetime at Debengeni Falls in Magoebaskloof. This large
pool (fed by a river) is surrounded by an indigenous forest – and the
scenery is simply sublime. Float on your back and enjoy nature’s bounty.
Amatola
Trail
Only the fittest of the fit get the first viewing of the incredible natural
pools along the Amatola Trail in the Eastern Cape. Varying size waterfalls
rumble and tumble into rock pools below – the sight is breathtaking and
should be savoured….slowly.
Bush House Experience
The Bush House lodge in Madikwe (North West Province) offers up a very unusual
swimming experience. From the swimming pool one can watch the wildlife coming
to drink at the nearby watering hole. There is adequate fencing between the
lodge and the watering hole, but the illusion is that one is watching a wildlife
National Geographic documentary (for real) just a few metres away. A fantastic
illusion nonetheless and perhaps one of the most unique swimming pools around.
Go the Distance
The Midmar Dam in KwaZulu Natal is home to
one of the world’s biggest
swimming events – the Midmar Mile. Every year thousands of participants
are given half an hour to swim the 1,6km race. However, when it’s not
competition season, then Midmar Dam is a great place to test your endurance
in the water. The Fish Hoek Mile (December) is a popular ocean race and then
there is always the Vista Nova charity race to Robben Island (April). Only
the super-fit need apply.
Mpumalanga Madness
If you’re one of those people who simply can’t sit still and getting
wet is no problem for you – then head towards Mpumalanga province. Trails
are organised so that you experience all manner of adventure activities from
abseiling into secluded valleys and then making your way over waterfalls, rocks
and rock pools, body surfing down min-rapids and swimming off to find your
beached canoe before kayaking homewards. Sheer madness and absolutely no chance
of staying dry!
Die Hel Valley,
Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area
It may take you two days to get there, but the natural pool in Die Hel Valley
is awesomely beautiful. Fed by a waterfall and framed by the wilderness, this
is definitely one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets.
Riemvasmaak Hot Springs
The Riemvasmaak Hot Springs in the Northern Cape is another relatively unknown
natural wonder. This hot springs contrast the desert landscape and the area
is known by some for its healing powers – apparently the medicinal
value of the hot springs (and its effect on the body) should not be ignored.
Ushaka Marine World
KwaZulu Natal’s Ushaka Marine World is the largest ocean park in Africa
and the most fun you can have with your swimming costume on. Visit Seaworld
Aquarium, the Phantom Ship, Ushaka Beach and the Wet ‘n Wild entertainment
centre. (This is a fresh water world of mega slides and sparkling pools). The piece
de resistance is the Plunge freefall slide …say no more. If you
like things a bit more tame then go on the 450m river ride or just hang out
on the beach. The aquarium is said to be one of the finest of its kind in the
world.
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