South Africa is a country full of amazing sights and wonderful experiences. From its famous wildlife and stunning landscapes to vibrant cities and rich history, there’s always something to learn for the visitors.
Whether you go on the beaches, explore the caves, or go hiking, South Africa won’t disappoint. In this travel guide, you’ll find every perfect place in South Africa you wish you wouldn’t miss.
Best Places to Visit in South Africa
Below are the best places in South Africa to refresh and make golden memories.
#10: Table Mountain
Starting with the best on the list, Table Mountain is an iconic symbol of Cape Town, offering its tourists some beautiful views of the city, coastline, and surrounding landscapes. If you visit this place, you can make your time worthwhile by hiking various trails or taking the rotating cable car for an easy ride to the summit. Additionally, you must see some spots like Maclear’s Beacon, Platteklip Gorge, Tafelberg Road, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Dassie Walk, and The Tabletop Plateau. The best times to visit this place are November to March in summer for warm and clear skies. You should visit it early in the morning to avoid crowds.
You can also take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for a scenic ride to the top in just under five minutes, it provides a 360 view. There are several routes for hikers, ranging from easy to tough including Platteklip Gorge or India Venster.
“Table Mountain is a meeting place for the land, sea, and sky. It’s where nature shows its purest form.”
You can witness some breathtaking scenes extending to Robben Island and the Cape Peninsula on clear days. If you are visiting Cape Town, visiting Table Mountain must be at the top of your list.
Do you know? Over 70% of the plants found here are endemic—meaning they are not found anywhere else on Earth.
#9: Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves and a significant destination for wildlife enthusiasts. If you love nature and animals, it’s the best place for you to visit.
It covers over 19,455 km square and is 350 km long from North to South and 60 km wide from east to west. The Kruger Park lies between two South African Provinces. While visiting, you must see the Sabie River Area, Lower Sabie Rest Camp, Satara Camp Area, Skukuza Rest Camp, Crocodile Bridge Area, and Pafuri Region.
This park is also an excellent destination for birdwatching. You can see over 500 species there. You can guess how popular this place is by the fact that more than a million international and domestic tourists visit Kruger National Park annually, translating to more than 83,000 visitors monthly and roughly 2,800 daily.
#8: Cape Point, Cape Peninsula
Located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, the well-known Cape Point is noted for its cliffs and impressive views, especially at the divide between the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. The lighthouse has an opening where you can enjoy the view, take funicular, or walk up the mountain. You will enjoy this activity too!
During the visit, you must surely visit Cape Point Lighthouse, Dias Beach, Cape of Good Hope, Flying Dutchman Funicular, Bordjiesrif Beach, Olifantsbos Beach, and Platboom Bay.
The area is undoubtedly part of Table Mountain National Park. If you visit Cape Point, you will see its gorgeous beaches, sizable rocks, and cliffs, offering the best places to watch whales during their migration season. Those who want to enjoy nature and complete silence should visit there.
Pro Tip: Go on early morning and late afternoon safaris; animals are most active during these times.
#7: Blyde River Canyon
One of the best places to visit in South Africa is the Blyde River, as it is one of the largest canyons in the world and a highlight of South Africa’s natural beauty. Located in Mpumalanga, the canyon offers dramatic views of towering cliffs, tropical landscapes with lots of palms, and the Blyde River meandering along. The must-see spots of this place are God’s Window, Three Rondavels, Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, Kadishi Tufa Waterfall, Panorama Route, and Swadini Dam.
Undoubtedly, this area is perfect for hiking and boating, and it is the best moment for photographers to click on some wonderful pictures. This place is situated below the confluence of the Blyde [joy] and Treur [sorrow] rivers. The canyon’s beauty and views make it a natural wonder and perfect travel place.
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#6: Robben Island, Cape Town
An island in Table Bay, 6.9 km west of the coast of Bloubergstrand and north of Cape Town, is Robben Island. It takes its name from the Dutch word for seals, “Robben.” You can enjoy taking a ferry to the island; there is Mandela’s actual prison cell, where the former statesman and Africa’s first black president stayed for almost twenty years.
If you visit this place, you should also visit Maximum Security Prison, Robert Sobukwe’s House, Island Graveyards, WWII Gun Batteries, Robben Island Lighthouse, and Church of the Good Shepherd. Prisoners’ lives are still reflected in this area. The museum and other relics on the island give a better perspective of some of the worst days of apartheid.
#5: Garden Route
The grand region of the Garden Route is famous for its beautiful scenic landscapes, which are also a source of grape production. Some highlights include Plettenberg Bay, the forests of Knysna, and the Tsitsikamma National Park cliffs. If you come here, you should also visit Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna Heads, and Mossel Bay. The best times to visit these places are early, 7 AM to 10 AM, and afternoon, 3 PM to sunset.
There are many things for you to do around the area, like hiking or going out for a kayak ride, along with jumping on a bungee off the Bloukrans Bridge. These activities will surely make your day better. This area also has cultural experiences, with art galleries and markets showcasing local crafts. The views of this area are some of the most beautiful scenes to witness. You will surely love it!
#4: Durban’s Golden Mile
The Golden Mile is the widespread strength of the beachfront in Durban. The vast stretch of golden sands, artificially separated, allows swimmers to make their time valuable and enjoy the sub-tropical sunshine and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. At this spot, you can enjoy many activities like swimming, surfing, drowning and fishing too. The Mile is also known as a surfer’s haven.
If you visit here, you will see a large water park and aquarium called the uShaka Marine World. The wonderful spots of this place include uShaka Marine World, Durban Beachfront Promenade, and Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World. The best timings are 6 am to 9 am and then after 4 pm till sunset.
Pro Tip: If you are visiting from November to February, arrive early at this spot to avoid crowds.
#3: The Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Johannesburg. It was established and listed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List in 1999 due to being rich in fossils and ancient human fossils. The area has yielded and remains among the most productive sources of information on the early evolution of humans. You should also witness the beauty of Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng Visitor Centre, Wonder Cave, Kromdraai Fossil Site, and Lion & Safari Park.
You can also explore the caves and learn about human evolution at the Maropeng Visitor Centre, which offers interactive exhibits. It’s some of the best places you can visit in South Africa!
Do you know? The Cradle of Humankind is often called the “birthplace of humanity” because it contains some of the oldest hominid fossils, cutting across over 4 million years.
#2: Addo Elephant National Park
This park is located in the Eastern Cape and is known for its large population of elephants, making it one of the best places in South Africa to witness these majestic animals. The park has almost 600 elephants and other wildlife animals, including lions, buffalo, and black rhinos. The best places to visit in it are the Main Game Viewing Area, Zuurberg Mountains, Addo’s Elephant Memorial, and The Birdwatching Area. You will love exploring these spots.
“In Addo Elephant National Park, the elephants roam freely, teaching us the power of strength, family, and the beauty of nature in its most pure form.”
This park also offers birdwatching opportunities and a rich cultural heritage, which makes the views even more attractive. If you are a bird lover, then this park is only made for you!
#1: Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands, just outside Cape Town, have gained fame due to their stunning vineyards and world-class wines. They comprise one of the best wine routes and display hundreds of wine producers. Every second spent exploring will be worth it.
During your visit to this place, you will see Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Constantia. The best times to visit are 9 AM to 11 AM and then after 1 pm to 3 pm.
You can also go on scenic hikes or bike rides and visit the local markets.
Since its origins in the mid-1600s, it is not only the most prominent wine producer but can also be considered the oldest. The Cape Winelands are an ideal destination for food lovers.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing adventure in its vast national parks, soaking in the vibrant energy of its cities, or marveling at its diverse landscapes, this country promises an unforgettable journey.
So pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and prepare to make memories that will last a lifetime in South Africa.
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