“Mawetbu we Afrika” (this is my African dream), are words sung by prominent South African singer Vicky Sampson. How true this is, the dream we as South Africans live out on a daily basis, surrounded by the most beautiful destinations, animals and oceans around the globe.

However, we seem to stick to the ropes by visiting the same places and do the same things we do each year when we go on holiday.

Rather visit these six proudly South African off-the-beaten-track destinations this festive season.

1. Visit the Boulders Beach penguins

Boulders Beach is located on the outskirts of Cape Town and has much to offer. Aside from its exceptional beauty, the ancient granite boulders shield it from the wind, making it the perfect swimming destination. To top things off, you get to see many African penguins waddling around. The cherry on top is definitely the price for this venture, a mere R42 per adult per day or

R21 per child per day (if you show your SA ID). Irresistible, to say the least.

2. Drakensberg Mountains calls you to celebrate its excellence

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg escarpment is 200km long and surely the closest thing to heaven on earth you will experience. It is a paradise consisting of rivers, cliffs, peaks exceeding 3 000m and hiking trails. The sheer beauty of the scenery and amount of activities will be able to keep you and your family amazed for your entire trip.

3. The magic of the Kruger National Park

A list of the greatest destinations of South Africa will most certainly not be complete with the centre of most South Africans hearts – the Kruger National Park.

Here you can hear and see the Big Five and hundreds of species of birds and trees. Beautiful rivers and scenery beyond your wildest dreams.

4. The ancient city of Mapungubwe

The Unesco World Heritage Site of Mapungubwe in Limpopo was a place surrounded by more than 200 villages. Today, visitors of this unique heritage site can be mesmerized by its baobab trees, stones and bones that tell the story of what once was a city as large as eSwatini.

5. Take a leap of faith at Bloukrans Bungee

The Bloukrans Bridge offers you a safe leap of 216m into the gorge. As far as adrenaline rushes go, this is above and beyond your highest expectations.

It is situated along the Garden Route, and besides offering the best and safest bungee jump of your life, there are activities for the whole family to enjoy such as rides, jumps and swings.

Living in South Africa is an adventure by itself, so make sure you do not miss out on these amazing trips.