South Africa, one of the most popular travel destinations on the continent, offers an abundance of breathtaking landscapes and incredible animals. Some regions are equally well-known for their wines, whale watching, surfing, and shark cage diving, in addition to safaris and natural areas.
The Atlantic and Indian oceans encircle the "Rainbow Nation," which is located at the southernmost point of Africa. A hotspot for biodiversity, it features a wide range of ecosystems, from savannahs and mountains to wine regions, stunning gorges, and deserts. The vast nation is dotted with enormous game parks and natural reserves that are home to the Big 5.
Though most people's travel plans center around Cape Town and the Kruger National Park, practically every region of South Africa has something fresh and exciting to offer. Travelers soon learn that the vibrant locals and rich historical background perfectly complement South Africa's main tourist destinations, making for an incredible experience.
Top Attractions in South Africa
1. Kruger National Park
The magnificent Kruger National Park, located in the far northeast of the nation, is another of South Africa's most visited destinations. There are an incredible amount of creatures inside its boundaries, and among its picturesque grasslands, forests, and savanna are frequent sightings of the Big 5.
Established in 1926, this game reserve, which is currently among Africa's largest, is bordered by both Mozambique and Zimbabwe. There are fourteen distinct ecozones within it, each with unique wildlife, plants, and vistas to discover.
You can nearly guarantee that you will see some of the thousands of lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos that call this region home on amazing walks and safaris. Its glistening lakes and gurgling rivers are home to crocodiles and hippos. If you would like to stay even longer, the park has dozens of campers scattered throughout.
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2. Table Mountain
The magnificent Table Mountain, one of South Africa's most famous sights, dominates Cape Town and its shoreline. Known for its unique plateau with a flat top, it provides excellent opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and observing wildlife. Beyond this world are the views from the peak.
Its striking plateau, which is currently under protection as a national park, is bordered by the similarly striking Devil's Peak and Lion's Head. They combine with Signal Hill to form the enormous metropolis Bowl, which gives the seaside metropolis an amazing background.
The experience is much more remarkable after you get off the cableway. Enjoy unparalleled vistas across Table Bay, Cape Town, and even Robben Island in the distance as it truly spins. It's a five-minute trip overall, but it descends almost a thousand meters to the city below.
3. Drakensberg Mountains
The enormous and magnificent Drakensberg Mountains rise to a height of 2,482 to 3,482 meters. It's regarded as one of the wildest and most untamed regions of South Africa, with death-defying drops, buttes, and jaw-dropping summits.
Translating to "Dragons' Mountains" in Afrikaans, this colossal escarpment spans more than a thousand kilometers. It defines the border with the landlocked Kingdom of Lesotho in addition to encircling the plateau in central South Africa. Its wide valleys and steep hills are crisscrossed by countless pathways. Among the most well-liked locations are the breathtaking Amphitheater cliffs and the Cascades waterfall sequence.
The second-highest waterfall in the world, Tugela Falls, is located within the enormous mountain range. The difficult climb is well worth it because of the breathtaking scenery and the precipitous 947-meter descent.
4. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront positively sparkles before your eyes, in contrast to the Golden Mile. The retail and entertainment complex is well-maintained and has a relaxed yet energetic atmosphere. The sea in front of it shimmers, and the famous Table Mountain rises in the distance, adding to its allure.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront conjures up memories of the harbor's early days and is one of Cape Town's most popular tourist spots. In addition to hundreds of upscale stores and eateries, the area is home to an outstanding art gallery, aquarium, and market for African crafts. It is centrally located in Cape Town.
In addition to dining, shopping, and taking in some live entertainment, you may take pictures of its picturesque shoreline or observe the boats as they come and depart. You can take journeys to Robben Island and board harbor tours from this location.
5. Durban’s Golden Mile
The Golden Mile is a well-known beach strip that is popular for people to hang out and work out in Durban. Numerous hotels, restaurants, swimming pools, skate parks, and surfing locations along the lengthy promenade.
The core commercial district encircles the broad, sandy beaches, which span around six kilometers. Many high-rises, most of which are from the 1970s, are located directly above them. Still visible, though, are some striking Art Deco structures next to the crowded promenade below.
This destination has drawn tourists for decades because of its ostentatious entertainment complexes and enjoyable, family-friendly attractions. These include the renowned uShaka Marine World aquarium and the amusement park Durban Funland. If you'd want to try your luck with some table games or slot machines, there's also the Suncoast Casino.
6. Drive the Garden Route
A lot of visitors drive down the beautiful Garden Route for approximately a week after visiting Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Among the best things to do in South Africa, it passes by quaint tiny seaside villages and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
The immaculately paved road winds 170 kilometers from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. One side of it is bounded by the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains, while the other faces the ocean. Gorgeous beaches, lagoons, and tidal pools line its coast.
There is so much to do that each person has a unique schedule. While whale watching and meandering through quaint coastal towns are highly recommended, stops at Plettenburg Bay's beaches are practically a must. Hiking the many paths in Tsitsikamma National Park and taking shark cage dives are among popular activities, as are trips to Knysna and Nature's Valley.
7. Cape Winelands
Take a trip around the Cape Winelands, as South Africa is known for its reds, whites, and roses. Encompassing a significant portion of the Western Cape, its lush fields and vineyards yield some incredibly delicious wines. Stellenbosch, a historic university town located in the center of the scenic landscape, is worth a visit.
The area is ideal for grape cultivation because of its warm, dry summers and chilly, rainy winters. Its lowlands are blanketed with several fine wineries; excursions typically take you around several of them at once. With these, you can relax and enjoy the lovely estates without worrying about making the trip back.
The stylish J.C. Le Roux and the renowned Beyerskloof both match excellent sparkling wines with inventive meal pairings. You can always count on delectable cocktails in a stunning environment wherever you go. In addition to all of this, you can take in breathtaking views of the Cape Fold Mountains, which tower over the surrounding area.
8. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve
The iSimangaliso Wetlands and St. Lucia are both located just inland from the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which is another well-liked park. It is primarily hilly and home to one of the world's largest remaining herds of white rhinos as well as the Big 5.
Located in what is now central KwaZulu-Natal, it was created in 1895 and is the oldest nature reserve in Africa. Reported to have served as a royal hunting reserve during Shaka's reign, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is well-known for its abundant wildlife and exceptional conservation initiatives.
It is far less congested than Kruger and is home to a sizable pride of lions, leopards, and cape buffalos. The amazing white rhinos in the show, however, are undoubtedly its stars. If you spend the night at the opulent Rhino Ridge Lodge or the rustic Mpila Camp, you'll be able to witness even more incredible wildlife. Get up early and go on an adventure to witness a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, cheetahs, hippos, and wildebeest.
9. Blyde River Canyon
Despite the abundance of breathtaking scenery, landscapes, and wildlife in this area, the Blyde River Canyon continues to be unique. A portion of the province of Mpumalanga, it is frequently visited by visitors coming up from Johannesburg, along with the neighboring Kruger National Park.
The enormous canyon, which stretches 26 kilometers, gets its name from the meandering river that passes through it. Huge tracts of subtropical vegetation cover its sweeping slopes and steep edges. Glistening streams meander through its magnificent rocky formations. Go to God's Window or Pinnacle Rock viewpoints for the best views of the river and canyon.
Views of notable rocky outcrops like Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels are available from higher elevations. Take a leisurely riverboat trip or go hiking and horseback riding down the canyon floor for an alternative viewpoint.
10. Robben Island
Undoubtedly the most well-known historical site in South Africa, Robben Island served as Nelson Mandela's 18-year jail. It provides an interesting peek into the lives of the prisoners during Apartheid and is now a museum. During tours, the people who show you around the cell blocks are typically the former inmates.
After being found by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, the Portuguese, British, and Dutch fortified and utilized the secluded island as a prison. This was where the South African government detained political detainees who protested apartheid beginning in 1961. Sadly, especially in the early years, they were frequently beaten, given subpar food, and forced to labor in quarries.
We were unable to attend the tours led by the former political dissidents, even though they sound quite fascinating. Unfortunately, inclement weather on our final day in Cape Town forced us to cancel our quick ferry from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Just be advised that if you have a busy schedule, this may occur.
11. Whale-Watching in Hermanus
Hermanus is one of the greatest places to go if you want to see more of the magnificent beasts. Whale migrations can frequently be seen from the top of the rocky cliffs in this renowned beach resort, which is home to Walker Bay. Popular activities in Hermanus include sea kayak excursions and amazing boat journeys for an even closer view.
The charming tiny village is around 90-minutes drive southeast of Cape village, right along the Garden Route. Southern Right, humpback, and minke whales can all be seen from June through December. You won't soon forget the incredible sensation of watching them swim leisurely along its breathtaking beach.
You can visit the Old Harbour Museum and Whale Museum in addition to taking sightseeing boats and strolling around the cliffs that surround it. The annual Hermanus Whale Festival is also held in the town. This marks the beginning of the season for calving and mating in its sandy coves and shallow waters.
12. iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Along KwaZulu-Natal's east coast is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, another location worth visiting for very different purposes. Excursion from Durban takes 2.5 hours, and once there, the picturesque coves, beaches, and reefs are truly a delight to discover.
Its name, which appropriately translates to "a miracle" or "something wondrous" in Zulu, is home to Africa's greatest estuarine system. Its breathtaking scenery, which includes mangrove forests and savannas bordering immaculate beaches and vibrant oceans, really captivated us.
Numerous hippos and crocodiles can be seen here, along with the occasional leopard, white rhino, and elephant. Sometimes, pods of whales and playful dolphins can be seen right offshore.
13. Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg
The Apartheid Museum is a terrifying location to see that sheds light on a horrifying yet crucial period of South Africa's history. The excellent displays and the spoken testimony truly bring the daily horrors and inhumanity of the racial system to light.
It is housed in a concrete structure in the heart of Johannesburg and was only opened in 2001, seven years after multiracial elections were finally permitted. After passing through the divided entryway, you'll find rooms filled with antiques, films, and pictures to look through. These provide an account of the emergence and demise of Apartheid, the racial classification system, and the current constitution of the nation.
Many different feelings will be evoked by its exhibitions, leaving you feeling both fatigued and optimistic at the conclusion. You really should spend at least half a day here because apartheid's effects can still be painfully seen and felt everywhere in South Africa. You will gain a deeper understanding of all the people and places you visit as a result.
14. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
One of the biggest wildlife preserves in the world, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, spans the border between South Africa and Botswana. Massive herds of wildebeest and springbok inhabit its golden grasslands and never-ending desert vistas. You can also see some of the crafty cheetahs, leopards, and lions that hunt them here.
The park is extremely dry because it is primarily located in the southern Kalahari Desert. Its wide expanses and undulating dunes are only broken up by dry riverbeds and scarce flora. Even though it is hostile, KTP serves as a refuge for the local fauna. This is because giraffes, gemsbok, and eland gather around the approximately one hundred waterholes in the area.
Founded in 2000 to safeguard wildlife and birds moving between the two countries, it is the only park of its kind in Africa. Even while the park might not have as many species as Addo and Kruger, it is still quite worthwhile to visit. This is due to the stark yet breathtaking surroundings, which heighten the significance of sightings.
15. Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind, located in Johannesburg's northeastern outskirts, is a must-see for history buffs. Its site is home to the world's largest concentration of human ancestor remains in addition to cool caves and an excellent museum.
At the paleoanthropological site, 200 caverns and many fossil sites have been found since the first discoveries were announced in 1936. The tourist center today houses a large number of these extraordinarily ancient stone artifacts, skulls, and skeletons on display. Educational books also provide an explanation of Earth's history and the evolution of humans.
You can venture into the deep, shadowy depths of the Sterkfontein Caves after taking in the displays and taking a brief boat ride beneath the surface. Its air tunnels and caves have revealed some of the earliest human fossils, including "Little Foot" and "Mrs. Ples."
16. Ride the Blue Train
Snagging a suite on the Blue Train is an amazing (but pricey) way to explore more of the nation. You should be prepared to pay top cash for its opulent lounges, fine dining cars, and butler service, as it is marketed as a "five-star hotel on wheels."
The 1,600 km line that links Cape Town and Pretoria is among the most opulent train rides in the world. Numerous presidents, legislators, and even members of royal families have traveled this historic path since 1923.
You can unwind in its carpeted chambers while gazing out the window over some of South Africa's most captivating landscapes. It is even possible for visitors to relax in a bubble bath while watching the train roll down the tracks in certain apartments.
17. Boulders Penguin Colony
Boulders Beach's cute African penguins are a must-see, especially because it's so close to Cape Town. Here, you can watch the entire colony build nests, eat, play, and swim around carefree.
The number of these little birds has increased significantly since 1982 when the first two breeding pairs arrived at the beach. These days, about 3,000 people live among its massive granite rocks and protected dunes. The colony of black-and-white birds can be observed bustling around and enjoying breathtaking views of False Bay from the promenade.
The cost, while a little high for foreign tourists, helps support the preservation of the penguins' natural habitat and education on the plight of the endangered African penguin.
18. Sun City Resort
Sun City Resort is the place to go if you want to unwind in elegance after all the sightseeing and safaris. The "Las Vegas of South Africa" offers entertaining water parks, golf courses, and a casino to its visitors.
The resort, which has long been a well-liked weekend and vacation spot, first opened its doors in 1979 amid the undulating highlands west of Rustenburg. These days, its four upscale hotels provide thrilling watersports and a plethora of fascinating family-friendly activities.
In addition to the coasters and water slides, you may go water skiing and quad biking, or you can try your luck in the casino. In addition, there are many possibilities for great eating, and there are constantly exciting events and shows. The opulent resort is a perfect escape from Pretoria and Johannesburg, just two hours drive away.
19. Wildflowers of Namaqua
Every spring, hundreds of succulents appear out of nowhere in the semi-desert region of Namaqua, causing a natural phenomenon unlike anything other. Currently, one of the most popular things to do in the isolated area is to watch the vibrant wildflowers bloom.
The biodiversity hotspot, which spans a sizable portion of the Northern Cape, is home to some 5,000 different plant species. Since many of these are native to the region, they can endure the dry, dusty landscapes it offers. Because of the winter rains, the biome undergoes a dramatic transition in August and September of each year, lasting only a few weeks.
Succulents provide a captivating kaleidoscope of hues in the desert during this time of year, with daisies and lilies coexisting with aloes and even quiver trees. From Namaqua's picturesque roads and paths, visitors may also observe interesting rock formations and a wide variety of animals.
20. Addo Elephant National Park
The Addo Elephant National Park is located close to PE, also known as Gqebera, the name given to the seaside city. With almost 600 of the massive animals housed there, it's one of the most visited destinations in South Africa. In its seas, spying on whales and white sharks is also occasionally possible.
It was created in 1931 to save the last eleven elephants living in the region, and today it is the third-largest park in the nation, behind Kruger and Kgalagadi. In addition to herds of zebra, antelope, and Cape buffalo, the dense jungle also conceals lions, leopards, and rhinoceros. Enormous breeding colonies of Cape gannets and adorable African penguins are found along the coast and on the two offshore islands.
A night safari to view the park's nocturnal animals is an incredible experience, as is hiking and horseback riding across the area. Addo, the only park in the world to include all seven of the "Big 7," is unquestionably worth visiting.
21. Surfing in Jeffreys Bay
The relaxed town of Jeffreys Bay, located in the Eastern Cape and around an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth, is home to some of the world's top surfing locations. Renowned for its reliable swells, breaks, and large waves, it annually plays host to world-class surfing contests.
Expert and amateur surfers have come to J-Bay since the release of The Endless Summer, a surf documentary, in the 1960s. It is mainly known for its swift right-hand point break, which can occasionally last more than a kilometer. Its waves can occasionally be as high as three meters, with the Super Tubes stretch being the most well-liked.
Jeffreys Bay is a pleasant spot to hang out even if you're not like surfing or are tired of falling off your board. You may lounge on its lovely beaches, which are lined with lovely shells, before sampling some of the mouthwatering seafood eateries there.
22. Cape Agulhas, Western Cape
The Atlantic and Indian oceans converge at Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa. Though it's frequently disregarded in favor of Cape Point, which is somewhat closer to Cape Town, it has some incredibly beautiful landscapes. A picturesque historic lighthouse and a photo opportunity are also present to serve as proof of your visit.
Once dubbed the "Cape of Needles" by Portuguese explorers, it faces a choppy area of the ocean notorious for winter tempests and errant waves. This isolated lighthouse was constructed in 1849 to guard the ships and sailors who were around the cape. These days, the red-and-white striped tower and the adjacent enormous metal relief map of Africa provide some amazing photo opportunities. In addition, there are rock pools to discover and a lovely boardwalk to walk around.
We were pleased to visit even though it is not even close to the most picturesque stretch of beach in the nation while traveling the Garden Route. Seeing the oceans collide and their glistening waves extending into the distance was truly remarkable.
23. Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Situated in the northeast region of the nation, the expansive Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a part of the Mpumalanga province. One of the most opulent safari experiences available, its upscale lodges almost ensure close-up interactions with amazing wildlife.
Established in 1938 as a private game reserve, the park is named after the two rivers that cross through it. It is currently devoted to conservation and is home to hundreds of animal, bird, and reptile species. The Big 5 are, of course, the most sought-after and unique to witness.
The luxury resorts hire professional trackers and guides, so visitors come back talking about all the elusive animals they saw. Because of their efforts, you can frequently see lions, elephants, and leopards walking beside the jeep. The exceptional safaris and five-star service make the substantial expense worthwhile.
