In a world where holidays are becoming more about deeply engaging with the destination, South Africa’s timeshare resorts have long been at the forefront of experiential travel. Strategically located within or near Nature and Game Preserves, National Parks and World Heritage Sites means timeshare owners enjoy a front-row seat to exploring the country’s cultural heritage while experiencing memorable holidays.
The first resorts were developed in the early 1980s, and today, over a hundred resorts offer quality holidays to more than 250,000 families each year. Additionally, an annual investment of approximately R553 million is dedicated to maintaining the high standards of these properties, with a focus on environmental conservation, uplifting local communities, and preserving cultural heritage sites – when situated on the resort properties.
Avalon Springs Resort, located in the historic town of Montagu, underwent a R28 million refurbishment of its natural hot spring pools.
“Preserving this healing fountain, provided free by Nature herself, is a responsibility that’s taken very seriously not only for the Resort, but for the Montagu community as well as Cape Town and South Africa,” said Nick Dickson, Dream Hotels & Resorts CEO.
There have recently been several news headlines about the remarkable find of an ancient Khoekhoen artefact at Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve.
“This artefact has the potential to shed light on Late Stone Age history in the Cederberg region. Given the vast expanse of our Reserve, we imagine there must be more hidden treasures here at Kagga Kamma.” said Tania Steenkamp, Kagga Kamma General Manager.
ASTRO TOURISM: ONE OF 2024’S BIGGEST TRAVEL TRENDS
Timeshare resorts located in very remote parts of the country where there is little to no light pollution, offer uninterrupted views of the night sky – making them perfect astro tourism destinations. Some of the most popular resorts for stargazing include Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve and Highland Run
in Mpumalanga and Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in the semi-arid Karoo desert of the Western Cape.
THE OLDEST KNOWN CAVES IN THE WORLD
The Sudwala Caves in Mpumalanga were formed about 240 million years ago and inhabited by prehistoric humans about 1.8 million years ago. Nestled just below the Caves at the foot of Mankelekele Mountain and the Houtbosloop River, the Sudwala Lodge Timeshare Resort serves as a premier gateway for timeshare enthusiasts. Sudwala is also the perfect base from which to explore other spectacular marvels of Mother Nature such as God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes to name a few.
WORD HERITAGE SITE: ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK
iSimangaliso Wetland Park spans 332 000 hectares of rivers, lakes, mangroves, swamps, grasslands, fresh water pans and ancient sand dunes. Famous for its bird life, Big Five and home to the largest hippo population in South Africa, the Park is one of the world’s most important wetlands. Just a short 5-minute walk away is Lake View Cabanas timeshare resort, and in the picturesque town of St Lucia you will find Nibela Lake Lodge along with several other resorts.
MOUNT SHEBA RAINFOREST
The Mount Sheba Rainforest in Mpumalanga beckons with its verdant foliage, cascading waterfalls and is home to the rare Samango Monkeys only found in the Amazon and rainforests. Timeshare properties, like Mount Sheba Cottages, that are nestled within this pristine ecosystem provide a sanctuary for nature lovers, offering guided hikes and wildlife encounters that highlight the delicate balance of life within the rainforest.
NATURAL MINERAL HOT SPRINGS
South Africa is home to around eighty-seven documented natural hot springs, of which approximately twenty have been converted into thermal holiday resorts. Flowing naturally from a fissure in the rock face, these waters have healing powers which have yet to be fully understood and can be enjoyed in their most natural form at timeshare resorts such as Avalon Springs in the Western Cape, Gooderson Natal Spa in KwaZulu-Natal and Falcon Glen in Mpumalanga.
THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
As the flagship of the South African National Parks, the Kruger National Park spans nearly two million hectares, showcasing an unrivalled diversity of life forms intertwined with historical and archaeological sites. It is one of the most popular public-entry game parks in the world. Right on its doorstep, you’ll find at least four timeshare resorts, some just a stone’s throw away – including Ngwenya Lodge, Kruger Park Lodge, Sabie River Sun and Mjejane Game Reserve.
WHALE WATCHING
Beacon Island Resort, perfectly situated in Plettenberg Bay, offers timeshare owners an unparalleled experience to witness the migration of Southern Right and Humpback whales right from the resort’s terrace. Guided tours and expert-led excursions enhance the experience, allowing for closer encounters and deeper understanding of these majestic creatures.
ROCK ART DATING BACK THOUSANDS OF YEARS
Resorts in the Drakensberg and Cedarberg, offer more than just accommodation – they provide a glimpse into the days of yesteryear with ancient rock art revealing the stories etched into the rock by generations past. Timeshare owners and guests get this first-hand experience at resorts such as Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, which has been carefully developed within an historical area that was once home to the traditional Khoisan.