Homesick for South Africa? Be a tourist in your home country with these virtual tours

One of the toughest things for expats to deal with is homesickness. No matter how long you’ve lived away overseas, sometimes you just get an inexplicable yearning to go back and experience those things found only in South Africa. You know what we mean: a sunset game drive in the bushveld, the views from the top of Table Mountain, the sounds of a highveld summer thunderstorm, the smell of a braai. That’s home. That’s South Africa.

While it might not be possible to experience those things right now, you can do the next best thing – you can be a tourist in your own home country and go sightseeing, without leaving your couch or busting out the passport. We’re talking about taking a virtual tour of some of the best attractions that South Africa has to offer using the power of your internet connection.

 

Virtual tours of South Africa

 

360-degree virtual tours of South Africa

Where we can no longer go physically, thanks to social distancing regulations and travel restrictions, we can instead visit virtually, thanks to technology. To help you experience the best of South Africa, we’ve put together a virtual tour itinerary that will take you around your home country and show you more than a thing or two.

 

Cruise Cape Town aboard the city sightseeing red bus

• Visit the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, and enjoy the wind in your virtual hair as you tour through Cape Town’s City Bowl, and take in the splendid views of Camps Bay, the Atlantic Seaboard and enjoy the vibe at the V&A Waterfront. Usually, a tour like this would take an entire day (or more!) but you can get it done in ten! How’s that for efficiency?
• Click here for the virtual tour of Cape Town.

 

Take in Table mountain from every angle and enjoy the views.

• Of course, Cape Town’s crown jewel needs to be a tourist destination all on its own. With approximately 800 000 people visiting each year; it’s no surprise that it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Over 240-million years old and rich in biodiversity, Table Mountain is home to a staggering 8 200 plant species, roughly 80% of which is fynbos.
  That’s worth being a virtual tour highlight, right?
• Click here for the virtual tour of Table Mountain.

 

Take a wander around the Zeitz museum of contemporary African art in Cape Town.

• The largest art museum on the African continent, and the largest in the world showcasing the art of Africa and its diaspora, this institution has made its purpose to research, collect and exhibit work from all over the continent. With more than 6,000 square meters of space over nine floors with 100 gallery spaces, you’re sure to see something that will blow your mind and change your perspective on Africa.
  If you want to go deeper, the Zeitz MOCAA has a SoundCloud channel with all their audio tours catalogued for your listening pleasure.
• Click here for the virtual tour.

 

Explore the Drakensberg mountains.

• One of the highest, oldest mountain ranges in the country, the Drakensberg spans three countries: South Africa, Swaziland, and Lesotho. Magnificent waterfalls, dazzling heights, and sweeping landscapes. The Drakensberg will blow you away with its incredible beauty!
  Will you get a glimpse of some of the Bushmen art that has been found in these mountains? It’s the largest collection of its kind in the world – and there are more than 20,000 individual rock paintings located within 500 different caves across the range. This makes it one of the oldest art tours you can take – with the oldest paintings believed to have been made 2,400 years ago.
• Click here for the virtual tour.

 

Soak up the history at Robben Island.

• Used as a political prison during the 17th and 18th centuries by the Dutch East Indies, Robben Island is most famous for being the prison where Nelson Mandela served 18 out of the 27 years he spent behind bars. This virtual tour includes a visit to Mandela’s prison cell and makes a stop at activist Robert Sobukwe’s house, giving insight into the tale of the island and some of its prisoners.
  You can experience all of the artwork and historical collections online, as well as a guided tour of Robben Island by former inmate and freedom fighter Vusumsi Mcongo.
• Click here for the virtual tour.

 

If you’re still looking for more to see of your beloved homeland, take a look at these bonus items on our virtual tour of South Africa itinerary.

• Explore the city of Pretoria using Google StreetView.
• Experience South Africa’s oldest producing wine farm, Groot Constantia Estate.
• Appreciate the artwork at the Standard Bank Art Gallery in Johannesburg.
• Get into nature at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
• Marvel at the Karoo National Botanical Gardens.

 

FinGlobal: Cross-border financial services for South Africans

Once you’ve ticked a few great South African landmarks off your virtual tour to-do list, it’s time to tackle other things like your cross-border financial portfolio. FinGlobal is ready to be your guide on all things related to:

• Tax emigration from SA
• Tax clearance
• Tax refunds
• Foreign exchange

We’ve already helped more than 60,000 South Africans in 105 countries with their money moves. Let us help you with yours! We promise highly-competitive exchange rates, transparent fees, and expert advice delivered with personalised service on every transaction. Get in touch to tell us about your cross-border financial requirements today!