Millennials see travel as a vital component of their personal growth and life experience.
According to Millennial Marketing, the 18- to 30-somethings view travelling and seeing the world as an intrinsic part of their life, with 78% of them choosing to splurge on experiences over ‘things’.
Millennials are constantly looking for more opportunities to diversify their lives and experience new cultures and adventures.
So what exactly has South Africa got to attract this group of travellers?
Orlando Towers
For the daring and adventurous, the Orlando Towers bungee jump features high on the ‘let’s do it’ millennials’ list.
Orlando Power Station is a decommissioned coal-fired power station in Soweto, Johannesburg. The landmark cooling towers boast a100m bungee jump, with thrill-seekers jumping from a suspension bridge between the towers.
For the serious daredevil, there is SCAD freefall inside the western cooling tower. It’s only for the brave, however, as it is the world’s highest freefall and is the only system in the world that allows an unattached and controlled freefall.
If jumping seems too extreme, visitors can climb on to the viewing platform on the tower to check out the 360-degree view of Soweto.
Sleepout decks
The sleepout decks at Rhino Walking Safaris’ Plains Camp in the Kruger National Park provide the ultimate bush experience.
Managed by Seolo Africa, the camp boasts sleepout decks where guests sleep on individual decks, connected by ladders and walkways to each other, the bathrooms and the main deck.
Thedecks overlook theXiteveteve waterhole, where visitors can keep an eye and ear open for animals coming to drink.
Jo Shirley, Marketing Manager of Seolo Africa said: “This is an activity we offer usually as part of the walking trail experience from our PlainsCamp or occasionally – by prior arrangement – from Rhino Post Safari Lodge.”
A stay at the sleepout decks can be booked, where the guide cooks a traditional South African braai (barbecue) over an open fire, and the night is spent under the stars listening to the night sounds.
Sleepout decks offer guests a night under the stars.
Voortrekker Monument ‘Parkacoustics’
The Voortrekker Monument is one of the most visited heritage sites in Pretoria and one of the popular tourist attractions in South Africa.
But the landmark also hosts international music concerts as well as the monthly ‘Parkacoustics’, where crowds flock to the site to listen to well-known South African musicians performing.
Tourvest Destination Management has a ‘War and Peace’ theatrical day tour that operates from the Voortrekker Monument, educating guests on South African history. Visitors will ‘meet’ historic icons such as Paul Kruger and Dingaan, and get a first-hand account of South Africa’s earliest liberation struggles during the walk. The tour visits the Voortrekker Monument, Church Square, where a bronze statue of President Kruger stands in the beautiful gardens, to his home at Kruger House, and ends at the official seat of the South African government, Union Buildings.
The ‘War and Peace’ theatrical tour is a full-day tour.
KwaZulu Natal Canopy Tours
Millennials looking for a one-of-a-kind eco-experience that is all about fun could be drawn to the Karkloof Canopy Tours in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands.
Gliding through the trees on a zipline is a great way to see the beautiful Midlands scenery. The canopy tour is built in a valley in the Karkloof Nature Reserve and consists of 12 platforms and 10 zip-line slides, the longest of which is over 200m. The tour lasts about two hours and is a safe adventure for anyone between ages of five and 80 years.
On the exhilarating aerial ride, visitors can expect to see incredible bird life, and a variety of animals, including the Samango monkey.
Karkloof Canopy Tours in KwaZulu Natal
