South Africa is a country of stunning beauty, incredibly rich culture, and astounding diversity. You can find everything from rugged coastlines and soaring mountains to world-renowned safaris and exciting cities in South Africa. Every type of traveler will find something for themselves. It is a country where adventure, history, nature, and hospitality combine – and each area has its own unique taste. Below are some ideas for where to go in South Africa.
1. Cape Town and Table Mountain
Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world, and rightly so. This city is situated perfectly between beautiful Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, boasting some of the most stunning scenery to pull on your hiking boots and check out the views. You can either hike or take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for some breathtaking views, particularly on a clear day. You can check out the historical Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned), take in the views from Signal Hill, or get lost through the brightly colored houses of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood.
The picturesque Cape Winelands are also only a short (and beautiful) drive from Cape Town. Stellenbosch & Franschhoek is a day trip in itself, with tons of wine tasting and fantastic restaurants in beautiful sceneries.
2. Kruger National Park
When in search of a classic African safari, it will be hard to top Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest game reserves in Africa — and it is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Kruger contains hundreds of species of birds and many other wildlife species.
Whether you stay in a luxury lodge or go through the park using a self drive route, there is no substitute for the safari experience in Kruger. The best time to visit is during the dry winter months (May to September) because the animals congregate around waterholes.
3. The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a picturesque journey down South Africa’s southeastern coast, running from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The road trip takes you through a small range of geographic features including magnificent ocean views, magical forests, tranquil lagoons, and majestic mountains.
With many great spots to stop and explore the Garden Route, make sure you scout out popular spots like Knysna, famous for their lagoon and oysters; Plettenberg Bay, popular for their beaches and marine life; and Tsitsikamma National Park, home to world class hiking and adventure activities including the popular bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge.
This route is great for anyone who enjoys nature, small towns, and stunning coastlines.
4. Johannesburg
Johannesburg is South Africa’s biggest city and is the country’s economic center and cultural capital. Johannesburg is a city with a story; a story that takes us through the more somber moments of South Africa’s past and present, from the years of the apartheid struggle to the vibrant contemporary art and active music scene of today.
The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill are two fantastic locations that will help provide insight into the cultural landscape and complicated history of the country. The Maboneng Precinct is another great place to experience Joburg’s imaginative energy among the newly developed street art, galleries, cafes.
5. Durban
Durban, along the Indian Ocean coast, is a blend of African, Indian, and colonial influences. The southern African coastal city is known for its warm beaches, tropical weather and cuisine, and relaxed lifestyle. A favorite location to participate in water sports, surfing, and the nightlife.
Durban’s Golden Mile is a long stretch of beach promenade where visitors can walk, bike ride, or enjoy the sea views. Be sure to partake in a local favorite, “bunny chow”, which is a spicy curry served in a hollowed out loaf of bread.
6. Drakensberg Mountains
For the outdoorsy explorers among us, the Drakensberg Mountains are some of the best hiking and climbing available in southern Africa. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains stupendous peaks, waterfalls, and ancient San rock art. It is a wonderland for the scenic drive, horseback riding and birdwatching.
Regardless if you are hiking in Royal Natal National Park, or simply relaxing in the foothills, the Drakensberg offers a serene escape.
7. Addo Elephant National Park
Addo is South Africa’s third-largest national park, located in the Eastern Cape. This park provides the opportunity for a more authentic safari experience off of the beaten path. This park was originally created to protect the last 11 elephants in the area, and now is home to over 600 elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, and even whales along the nearby coastline.
For travelers along the Garden Route, this can be a great choice for alternative wildlife viewing, without going all the way to Kruger.
In conclusion
South Africa is a country with amazing richness. In terms of its people and its physical landscapes, wildlife, and experiences. It does not matter if you are sipping wine in the Cape, looking for lions on the savanna, or learning about the nation’s history in Johannesburg — South Africa will leave an unforgettable impression on every visitor. It is more than a destination. It is an adventure, an experience, a story waiting to be told, and a memory waiting to be created.
