If you grow tired of the ear-shattering blasts of the vuvuzela (stadium horn) during your time in South Africa for the World Cup, take a break between the matches and explore other parts of southern Africa. The host nation shares its borders with six countries, and they're all mere hours away by air and road. From bungee jumping to bird watching and even skiing, this region has enough to keep you going throughout your visit.
SWAZILAND
For horse riding
Ezulwini
Enjoy a panoramic view of Ezulwini Valley from the vantage point of Mdzimba Mountains, home to the Swazi kings' burial caves, and explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary on horseback.
Other drawcards The magnificent waterfall, bird watching and game. If it's good enough for royalty, its good enough for you too.
Accommodation Lugogo Sun Hotel Ezulwini (www.go2africa.com)
Getting there SA Link and Royal Swazi National fly from Johannesburg to Matsapha International Airport in Manzini daily.
For sightseeing and gaming
Piggs Peak
Drive down to Piggs Peak and enjoy the scenic route along the way with spectacular views of the mountains and lush green pine trees. Kick off your shoes and enjoy the fresh air.
Other drawcards Piggs Peak Casino, where you can try your hand at the tables.
Accommodation Piggs Peak Hotel and Casino (www.piggspeak.co.sz)
Getting there Five-hour drive from Pretoria or Johannesburg.
Lesotho
For trekking
Malealea Pony Trekking Centre
Get up close and personal with the sure-footed Basotho pony. It will take you on a scenic route through the countryside all the way up to the 192-metre high Maletsunyane Falls on the Orange River in Semonkong, about 120km from the capital Maseru.
Other drawcards Abseiling to the bottom of the gorge - for adventurous daredevils - and nature walks.
Accommodation Malaelea Lodge (www.malealea.co.ls)
Getting there Drive from KwaZulu-Natal down the spectacular Drakensberg mountains or across from Bloemfontein in the Free State.
For skiing
Oxbow
In winter, the picturesque mountains of the Kingdom of Lesotho get really cold, and sometimes it snows heavily. Hence it is one of a handful of places in southern Africa that boasts a ski slope. June to August is the perfect time for skiing but it's largely dependent on the weather.
Other drawcards Don't miss trout fishing, bird watching and the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains.
Accommodation New Oxbow Lodge (www.oxbow.co.za)
Getting there SA Link flies daily from Johannesburg to Maseru.
Botswana
For a wildlife safari
Okavango Delta
An oasis in the desert which affords visitors a rare opportunity to see the big five in their natural environment. If you're lucky you might even witness a kill.
Other drawcards Horseback safari, boat cruise and bird watching.
Accommodation Camp Moreni (www.okavango-delta-safaris.com)
Getting there Drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria to the Delta.
Namibia
For fishing
The Skeleton Coast Park
This hideout exudes an aura of mystery thanks to the dense coastal fog and the haunting dunes of the Namib Desert. Its main attraction is angling.
Other drawcards The beach and spectacular views of the dunes and rugged canyons, 4x4 or quad bike tours of the park and exploring the Namib Desert on a flying safari.
Accommodation Terrance Bay (www.namibian.org)
Getting there Air Namibia and South African Express fly from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Windhoek.
Botswana/Namibia
For river safari
Chobe River
Go on an exceptional river Safari along the Chobe River, which flows between Botswana and Namibia aboard the Zambezi Queen, a five-star floating hotel. Highlights of the trip include game viewing and bird watching from smaller boats as well as tiger and bream fishing.
Other drawcards Guided 4x4 excursions at Chobe National Park and aerial game viewing.
Getting there Fly from South Africa to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe; Livingstone Airport, Zambia or Kasane Airport, Botswana and then transfer to the boat by road. From Impalila Island, Namibia, a small boat will take you to the Zambezi Queen.
Zimbabwe
For braai and scenery
Matobo National Park
Located about 50km from the city of Bulawayo, this Unesco World Heritage Site is home to the famous balancing rocks and several wildlife species. Make sure you make a pit stop at Mthwakazi to buy your braai (barbecue) packs - they have amazing choice cuts and succulent boerewors (sausage). Camp sites are dotted around the park.
Other drawcards Game drive around the park, mountain climbing, fishing in the dams
Accommodation Holiday Inn Bulawayo (www.africansunhotels.com) Getting there South African Airways flies everyday from Johannesburg to Bulawayo.
For bungee jumping
Victoria Falls
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world and a Unesco World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls' main attraction is bungee jumping on the Victoria Falls Bridge on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border. At 111m, the world's second largest bungee jumping spot offers an exhilarating experience down the Batoka Gorge into the Zambezi River, with the spectacular rainbow and falls in the background - a must-do.
Other drawcards Swimming at the Devil's Pool and aerial viewing of the falls.
Accommodation The Kingdom at Victoria Falls (www.africansunhotels.com)
Getting there Air Zimbabwe flies from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls three times a week; South African Airways flies daily.
MOZAMBIQUE
For diving and surfing
Catembe and Ponta d'Ouro
These islands are renowned hot spots for diving and surfing. If you're lucky you can get to swim with dolphins and whale sharks in the wild.
Other drawcards The beautiful sandy beaches are ideal for a leisurely stroll as you soak in the African sun.
Accommodation Parque de Malongane Holiday Resort (www.pontadoouro.co.za)
Getting there Drive from Johannesburg or Durban through the Kosi Bay border.
