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South africa’s top 10 incredible attractions.

A A sk anyone and they’ll tell you, South Africa boasts amazing tourist attractions that are worth visiting more than once. But where does one even start? Here’s a list of top 10 attractions that you should tick off your “to-do” list.

1) Table Mountain

S S itting at 1,085m above sea level, you’re guaranteed incredible sunset views of Cape Town and surrounds on the new 7 Wonders of the World – the magnificent Table Mountain . Sprawling with indigenous plants such as the Protea and wildlife including adorable Dassies (rock badgers), Table Mountain is the ideal spot to witness nature at its best. Get a bird’s eye view of the city below from the Table Mountain Cable Way .

2) Cradle of Mankind

I I magine what life was like in South Africa millions of years ago. Now you can when you visit the Cradle of Mankind in Gauteng, just northwest of Johannesburg. This World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of fossilised history, and home to the remains of our ancestors – the Hominids. Go back in time and discover an ancient world of dinosaur fossils, hominid skeletons and evidence of their existence at the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Sterkfontein Caves.

3) Robben Island

O O f course, a visit to the Cape Town (The Mother City) is not complete without a boat trip to Robben Island . One can almost feel the spirit of legendary Tata Madiba - Nelson Mandela on the island, where he spent 27 years in incarceration. Take a tour of his former prison cell and learn more about his years spent on the island with other struggle fighters.

4) The Cape Winelands

W W ho doesn’t like to swirl and sip delicious and award-winning wines? Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, everyone can appreciate a good glass of wine. There’s no doubt South Africa, particularly the Western Cape is gateway to incredible wines that’s made in centuries old vineyards across the province. From Stellenbosch to Franschoek , drive along the wine route and enjoy wine tasting along with food pairing to tickle your palate.

5) The Drakensberg Mountains

R R eaching a whopping 3482 metres above sea level, the Drakensberg Mountains covers a distance of over 1000 kilometres. Thabana Ntlenyana is its highest peak and can be found around the area bordering Lesotho.

6) The Kruger National Park

E E xpect to see the 'King of the Jungle' in its natural domain, ruling over the savannah... and the roads. The Kruger National Park is a gateway into the wild, where visitors get to see the Big Five including lions and other fierce cats in their prime. 

F F rom the former home of legendary Nelson and Winnie Mandela to other prominent struggle fighters who fought for equality during apartheid, visit Soweto to get a real sense of South Africa’s past and an in-depth look into the lives of those who once lived there. Go on a Sowetan tour, including a visit to nearby taverns to enjoy local beer, braai (barbeque) and experience the vibe of the township.

8) Blyde River Canyon

T T ravelling to Mpumalanga requires a stopover at the Blyde River Canyon . There’s so much to see at this incredible part of the province, including God’s Window – an attraction that will greet you with sweeping views of the valley below.

9) Sun City Resort

I I n 1979 the Sun City Resort was built and houses the Valley of Waves. It’s situated along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park and is known for its casino entertainment, water theme park and renowned for its safari adventures.

10) Golden Gate Highlands National Park

S S ituated in the enchanting Golden Gate National Park in the heart of the Free State and at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains , it's the perfect place to find South Africa and yourself.

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Touropia Travel

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23 Top Tourist Attractions in South Africa

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 28, 2024

One of the continent’s most popular countries to visit, South Africa boasts loads of epic scenery and amazing wildlife. Asides from safaris and nature spots, some parts are just as famed for their wines and whale-watching or surfing and shark cage diving.

Occupying the southernmost end of Africa, the ‘Rainbow Nation’ is bordered by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. A biodiversity hotspot, it includes everything from dramatic deserts and gorges to savannahs, mountains and wine lands. Dotted all about the huge country are gigantic game parks and nature reserves home to the Big 5.

While Cape Town and Kruger National Park dominate most peoples’ itineraries, almost every corner of South Africa has new and interesting things to do to offer. Visitors quickly discover that the rich history and colourful inhabitants ideally complement the top tourist attractions in South Africa, which creates an unforgettable experience.

23. Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Part of the Mpumalanga province , the sprawling Sabi Sands Game Reserve lies nestled in the northeast of the country. One of the most luxurious safari experiences you can have, its top-end lodges almost guarantee up-close encounters with incredible animals.

Named after the two rivers that flow through it, the park was founded as a private game reserve in 1938. Now dedicated to conservation, it has hundreds of species of animals, birds and reptiles residing within its confines. The most sought after and special to see are, of course, the Big 5.

As the upscale lodges employ expert guides and trackers, guests return raving about all the elusive animals they’ve seen. Thanks to their efforts, you can often watch leopards, elephants and lions roam about, right beside the jeep. It is these superb safaris and the five-star service that make the considerable outlay well worth it.

22. Cape Agulhas, Western Cape

The southernmost tip of the African continent, Cape Agulhas is where both the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. Oft-overlooked in favour of Cape Point, which is much closer to Cape Town, it contains some absolutely stunning scenery. In addition, there is also a charming old lighthouse and a photo spot to prove you’ve been here.

Fittingly named ‘Cape of Needles’ by Portuguese navigators, it overlooks a rough patch of sea renowned for winter storms and rogue waves. To protect the sailors and ships rounding the cape, a lonely lighthouse was built here in 1849. Its red-and-white striped tower now makes for some fantastic photos as does the large metal relief map of Africa nearby. There is also a scenic boardwalk to stroll along and rock pools to explore.

Although it is nowhere near the country’s most impressive bit of coastline, we were still happy we stopped by while driving along the Garden Route. It was quite special seeing the oceans meet and their glittering waves stretching away endlessly into the distance.

21. Surfing in Jeffreys Bay

One of the best surf spots in the world, the laidback town of Jeffreys Bay can be found in the Eastern Cape, about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. Known for its consistent swells, breaks and big waves, it hosts top-class surfing competitions each year.

Since The Endless Summer surf documentary came out in the sixties, both expert and amateur surfers have flocked to J-Bay. It is most famed for its fast right-hand point break that sometimes continues for over a kilometre. At times, its waves also reach up to three metres in height with the Super Tubes stretch being the most popular.

Even if you’re not into surfing or are fed up with falling off your board, Jeffreys Bay is still a nice place to spend some time. It has beautiful beaches full of pretty shells to lounge on before trying some of its delicious seafood restaurants.

20. Addo Elephant National Park

Also lying near PE (or Gqebera as the coastal city is now known) is the Addo Elephant National Park. One of the most popular places to visit in SA, it houses over 600 of the enormous animals. Whales and white sharks can also sometimes be spied in its waters.

Established in 1931 to protect the area’s last eleven elephants, it is now the third-largest park in the country behind Kruger and Kgalagadi. Besides herds of zebra, antelopes and Cape buffaloes, you can also see rhinos, lions and leopards amidst the bush. Cute African penguins and Cape gannets form large breeding colonies along the coast and on its two offshore islands.

Hiking and horseback riding about the park is a truly epic experience as is taking a night safari to see its nocturnal creatures. The only park in the world that boasts the ‘Big 7’, Addo definitely isn’t to be missed out on.

19. Wildflowers of Namaqua

A natural phenomenon like no other, the semi-desert area of Namaqua is transformed each spring when thousands of succulents seemingly shoot up over night. Watching the colourful wildflowers bloom in the remote region is now an increasingly popular activity.

Spread across a large part of the Northern Cape, the biodiversity hotspot contains roughly 5,000 species of plant. Many of these are endemic to the area and can survive amidst all its dry and dusty landscapes. In August and September of the year, the biome changes dramatically for just several weeks thanks to the winter’s rains.

During this period, succulents paint the desert a mesmerizing mix of colors with daisies and lilies seen next to aloes and even quiver trees. Cool rock formations and a diverse array of animals can also be seen from Namaqua’s scenic roads and trails.

18. Sun City Resort

If after all the sightseeing and safaris you’re looking to kick back and relax in style, then Sun City Resort is the place to go. At the ‘Las Vegas of South Africa’, guests can enjoy fun water parks, golf courses and a casino.

Long a popular holiday and weekend destination, the resort opened in 1979 amidst the rolling mountains outside of Rustenburg. Nowadays, its four high-end hotels offer up all kinds of exciting family-friendly activities and exhilarating watersports.

Asides from rides and water slides, you can quad bike and water ski or try your luck at the casino. It also has plenty of fine dining options while scintillating shows and events take place all the time. As it only lies two hours drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg, the luxury resort makes for a great getaway.

17. Boulders Penguin Colony

As Boulders Beach is located so close to Cape Town, you must go and see its adorable African penguins. Here you can watch the entire colony nest, feed, play and swim about without a care in the world.

Since the first two breeding pairs arrived at the beach in 1982, the tiny birds’ numbers have swelled considerably. Around 3,000 now inhabit its sheltered sands and hulking great granite boulders. From its boardwalk, you can see the colony of black-and-white birds bustle about bask in divine views over False Bay.

Although a bit pricey for international visitors, the fee does go to protecting their natural habitat and raising awareness about the endangered African penguins.

16. Ride the Blue Train

An unforgettable (yet expensive) way to see more of the country is to book a lavish suite aboard the Blue Train. As it is advertised as a ‘five-star hotel on wheels’, expect to pay top dollar for its elegant lounges, fine dining cars and butler service.

One of the world’s most luxurious train journeys, the 1,600 kilometer-long line connects Cape Town to Pretoria. Since 1923, countless presidents, politicians and even members of royal families have ridden along the historic route.

While relaxing in its carpeted compartments, you can see some of South Africa’s most spellbinding scenery outside the window. In some suites, guests can even sit and soak in a bubble bath as the train trundles along the tracks.

15. Cradle of Humankind

For those interested in history, the Cradle of Humankind on the northeastern outskirts of Jo’burg is an absolute must-visit. As well as cool caves and a splendid museum, its site contains the largest concentration of human ancestral remains in the world.

Since the first finds were unveiled in 1936, numerous fossil sites and 200 caves have been discovered at the paleoanthropological site. Many of these remarkably old stone tools, skulls and skeletons are now displayed in its visitor center. Informative texts also explain the history of the Earth and human evolution.

After enjoying its exhibits and short underground boat ride, you can brave the deep, dark reaches of the Sterkfontein Caves. Amidst its atmospheric tunnels and caverns, some of the oldest human fossils like ‘Little Foot’ and ‘Mrs. Ples’ were uncovered.

14. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Straddling the border between SA and Botswana is the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park; one of the world’s largest wildlife preserves. Its endless desert landscapes and golden grasslands are home to massive herds of wildebeest and springbok. Here too you can also spy some of the cunning lions, cheetahs and leopards that prey on them.

As it lies largely within the southern Kalahari Desert, the park is quite arid. Only sparse vegetation and dried out river beds punctuate its rolling dunes and open plains. Despite its inhospitable nature, KTP is a haven for local wildlife. This is thanks to its hundred or so waterholes that giraffes, gemsbok and eland all congregate around.

The only park of its kind in Africa, it was founded in 2000 to protect animals and birds migrating between the two countries. Although you may not see as much wildlife as in Addo and Kruger, the park is still well worth visiting. This is because its bleak but beautiful scenery makes sightings even more special.

13. Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg

A harrowing place to visit, the Apartheid Museum covers a hugely important yet horrific part of South Africa’s past. The well-done displays and oral testimonies really highlight the daily atrocities and inhumanity of the racist system.

Only opened in 2001 (just seven years after multiracial elections were finally allowed), it occupies a concrete complex in the center of Johannesburg. Once you walk through its racially-segregated entrance, you’ll find rooms packed with photos, videos and artifacts to explore. These chronicle the rise and fall of Apartheid, how races were classified and just what the country’s constitution now includes.

Its exhibits will evoke a wide range of emotions, leaving you exhausted but upbeat at the end. As Apartheid’s impact is still sadly seen (and felt) wherever you go in SA, you really have to spend at least half a day here. This will help you better understand all the peoples and places you visit.

12. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Another spot to enjoy for completely different reasons is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park along the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal. After two and a half hours drive from Durban, its idyllic bays, beaches and reefs really are a treat to explore.

Home to Africa’s largest estuarine system, its name fittingly means ‘a miracle’ or ‘something wondrous’ in the Zulu language. We certainly found its beauty captivating as savannas and mangrove forests border pristine beaches and waters teeming with life.

Here you can see huge numbers of hippos and crocodiles as well as the odd leopard, white rhino and elephant. Playful dolphins and pods of whales can sometimes also be spotted just offshore.

11. Whale-Watching in Hermanus

If you want to see more of the majestic mammals, then Hermanus is one of the best places to head. From atop of the popular seaside town’s craggy cliffs, visitors often see whales migrating all along Walker Bay. Memorable boat trips and sea kayak excursions to get an even closer look are also popular things to do in Hermanus.

Located just off the Garden Route, the cute little town lies around ninety minutes’ drive southeast of Cape Town. From as early as June through til December, southern right, humpback and minke whales can all be sighted. Watching them slowly swim along its dramatic coastline is an amazing experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

Other than sightseeing cruises and walking along its surrounding cliffs, you can visit the Old Harbour Museum and Whale Museum. The town also hosts the annual Hermanus Whale Festival. This celebrates the start of the calving and mating season that occurs in its shallow waters and sandy coves.

10. Robben Island

Certainly the most famous historic site in South Africa, Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Now a museum, it offers up a fascinating look at the lives of the inmates during Apartheid. On tours, it is usually ex-prisoners themselves who actually take you around the cell blocks.

Discovered by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, the isolated island was later fortified and used as a prison by the Portuguese, British and Dutch. From 1961, the South African government kept political prisoners here who opposed Apartheid. They were sadly often beaten, fed poor food and forced to work in quarries, particularly in the early years.

While the tours conducted by the former political dissidents sound super interesting, we didn’t manage to make it ourselves. On our last day in Cape Town, bad weather meant our short ferry from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront was unfortunately cancelled. Just be aware this can happen if you’re on a tight schedule.

9. Blyde River Canyon

In a country awash with stunning landscapes, scenery and nature, the Blyde River Canyon still manages to stand out. Part of the Mpumalanga province, it is often visited alongside the nearby Kruger National Park by tourists traveling up from Johannesburg.

Stretching 26 kilometers in length, the colossal canyon is named after the winding river that runs through it. Coating its steep sides and sweeping slopes are vast swathes of subtropical forest. Twinkling waterfalls also course their way down its stupendous rock formations. For the best panoramas of the canyon and river, head to either the Pinnacle Rock or God’s Window viewpoints.

From up high, you can look out over distinctive rocky outcrops such as the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. For a different perspective, hike and horseback ride along the canyon floor or enjoy a relaxing cruise along the river.

8. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

Just inland from both St. Lucia and the iSimangaliso Wetlands is another popular park to hit up: the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. Mostly hilly, it boasts the Big 5 and one of the largest remaining white rhino populations in the world.

The oldest nature reserve in Africa, it was established back in 1895 in what is now central KwaZulu-Natal. Thought to be a royal hunting ground during the days of Shaka, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is renowned for its rich wildlife and world-class conservation efforts.

Much less crowded than Kruger, it contains large numbers of lions, leopards and cape buffaloes. The stars of the show though have to be its wonderful white rhinos. Staying at the rustic Mpila Camp or luxury Rhino Ridge lodge overnight enables you to see even more amazing animals. Wake up early and head out to see everything from hyenas and hippos to crocodiles, cheetahs and wildebeest.

7. Cape Winelands

As South Africa is famed for its reds, whites and roses, make sure to take a trip around the Cape Winelands . Covering a large part of the Western Cape, all its fertile farms and vineyards produce some absolutely superb wines . At the heart of the picturesque area is the historic university town of Stellenbosch which is also well worth visiting.

Thanks to its hot dry summers and cool wet winters, the region is perfect for growing grapes. Countless top-class wineries coat its plains with tours often taking you around a handful in one go. These allow you to enjoy your time at the attractive estates and not have to worry about driving back.

The chic J.C Le Roux pairs some fine sparkling wines with creative food combinations, as does the award-winning Beyerskloof. Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed delicious drinks in a gorgeous setting. On top of all this, you can enjoy outstanding views of the Cape Fold Mountains rising above the region in the distance.

6. Drive the Garden Route

After seeing Cape Town and Stellenbosch, many people spend about a week driving along the delightful Garden Route . One of the top things to do in South Africa, it takes you past magnificent coastal scenery and peaceful little seaside towns.

From Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, the perfectly paved road meanders its way 170 kilometres to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. While the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains border it to one side, the other looks out over the ocean. Lining its shores are beautiful beaches, lagoons and tidal pools.

As there is so much to do, everyone has a different itinerary. Stops at Plettenburg Bay’s beaches are almost a given though as is whale-watching and ambling around charming coastal towns. Knysna and Nature’s Valley are pretty popular as are shark cage diving trips and hiking Tsitsikamma National Park’s numerous trails.

5. Durban’s Golden Mile

A legendary stretch of sand, the Golden Mile is one of the main places in Durban where people relax and enjoy some exercise. Lining its long promenade are dozens of hotels and eateries as well as swimming pools, skate parks and surf spots.

Bordered by the central business district, its wide, sandy beaches extend six kilometres or so in length. Overlooking them are lots of high-rises that mostly date to the seventies. Some arresting Art Deco architecture can still also be spied however alongside the busy boardwalk down below.

For decades, tourists have flocked here for its flashy entertainment complexes and fun, family-friendly attractions. These include the excellent uShaka Marine World aquarium and Durban Funland amusement park. There is also the Suncoast Casino if you want to try your luck at some table games of slot machines.

4. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

In contrast to the Golden Mile, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront positively sparkles before your eyes. Immaculately maintained, the shopping and entertainment complex has a lively yet laidback feel. Adding to its appeal is the shimmering sea before it and iconic Table Mountain rising in the background.

As one of Cape Town’s largest tourist attractions and most visited destinations, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront invokes images of the earliest days of the harbor. Located right in the heart of Cape Town , you’ll find hundreds of upmarket shops and restaurants along with an excellent art museum, aquarium and African crafts market.

Besides shopping, dining and enjoying some of its live entertainment, you can watch the boats come and go or snap photos of its picture-perfect waterfront. From here, you can hop on harbour tours and take trips to Robben Island.

3. Drakensberg Mountains

Reaching between 2,000 and 3,482 meters in height are the massive and majestic Drakensberg Mountains. One of the most rugged and wild parts of South Africa, it is known for its jaw-dropping peaks, buttes and death-defying drops.

Meaning ‘Dragons’ Mountains’ in Afrikaans, the absolutely enormous escarpment stretches over a thousand kilometers in length. As well as encircling the central South African plateau, it forms the border with the landlocked Kingdom of Lesotho. Countless trails crisscross its steep slopes and sweeping valleys. Some of the most popular places to head are the awe-inspiring Amphitheater cliffs and Cascades series of waterfalls.

The ginormous mountain range is also home to Tugela Falls which is impressively the second-highest waterfall in the world. Its dramatic 947 meter drop and all the stunning views make the arduous hike more than worth it.

2. Table Mountain

One of the most recognizable landmarks in South Africa, the marvelous Table Mountain towers over Cape Town and its coastline. Famed for its distinctive flat-topped plateau, it offers up some great hiking, rock climbing and wildlife viewing. The panoramas from its summit are also out of this world.

Now protected as a national park, its prominent plateau is flanked by the equally arresting Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Together with Signal Hill, they form the colossal City Bowl which creates a breathtaking backdrop to the coastal city.

Getting the cableway down is an even more memorable experience. As it actually rotates, you enjoy unrivaled views over Cape Town , Table Bay and even Robben Island in the distance. Although it descends over a thousand meters to the city below, the ride only lasts five minutes in total.

See also: Where to Stay in Cape Town

1. Kruger National Park

Another of South Africa’s most popular attractions is the incredible Kruger National Park in the very northeast of the country. Its confines contain a staggering number of animals with the Big 5 regularly sighted amidst its scenic savanna, woods and grasslands.

Now one of Africa’s largest game reserves, it was established in 1926 with Zimbabwe and Mozambique both bordering the park. It encompasses fourteen different ecozones, each of which have their own fauna, flora and landscapes for you to explore.

On unforgettable hikes and safaris, you are almost sure to spot some of the thousands of lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos that inhabit its territory. Crocodiles and hippos can also be seen in its reflective lakes and rushing rivers. Dozens of camps are dotted about the park should you want to stay even longer.

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Reader interactions.

February 25, 2019 at 11:40 am

Traveled to south Africa 4 times twice in a RV 2 first time two months second time one month the entire country is amazing it holds a special place in my heart would love to retire there some day

December 30, 2014 at 2:16 pm

This will be my seventh trip back to South Africa, it never gets boring visiting and revisiting some places is never the same experience twice. Recommend anyone who wants to visit RSA… Just do it! I fall in love with the Country every time I visit.

November 20, 2014 at 7:21 pm

Another well kept secret is Phinda Private Reserve, located in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Region in between the Mkuze Game Reserve and the St. Lucia wetland Park. Phinda is remarkable because it allows you to get the closest to wildlife. Here you can see Africa’s Big 5 up close; elephants, lions, leopards, cape buffalo, and rhinos.

April 10, 2014 at 12:16 am

it was great their never had such fun in the outdoors i would really like to visit knysna again

January 23, 2014 at 5:46 am

A lot of natural beauty are there. Amazing!!!!!!!!

October 7, 2013 at 8:54 am

Drakensberg. I’d never heard of that, but it looks absolutely stunning, thanks so much for tipping me off about this 🙂

Fun note on names, as well, almost the same as we’d say in Norway, Drageberg… Or maybe I’m just being a language geek again 😉

October 27, 2012 at 12:19 am

Thanks for bringing back my memories when I was there at South Africa. I volunteered there as a doctor for almost 10 years. Mostly of the spots above particlarly the Table Mountain have a special place in my heart. I hope to be back soon!

October 13, 2012 at 4:19 am

There are too many things to do in South Africa. We think that we’ll go next year, so we take in account your tips! Greetings from Spain!

October 9, 2012 at 6:34 am

Woah! I like having a coffee break at Knysna because I love outdoor adventure. Great shots and reviews on South Africa!

September 22, 2012 at 9:04 am

Every time I see pictures of wild animals in a forests, it amuses me. There are still places like this for animal to live with freedom.

September 17, 2012 at 1:27 am

Many people do not know how great and beautiful South Africa is. They fail to grasp that South Africa is one of the most recommended place with its virgin forest and grandeur city.

September 9, 2012 at 1:42 pm

Look at those animals. I think this is one of the best country to visit and to enjoy nature. Almost all places here are spectacular. Cant wait to go in South Africa.

September 8, 2012 at 12:22 pm

Just WOW!!!!!!

What a collection of colors. South Africa is really too much beautiful country. The Table mountain, Blyde River Canyon,and Sun City Resort are simply awesome. Thank you for this nice post.

September 4, 2012 at 11:12 am

Great list. I’ve been itching to travel to South Africa for years now. It’s definitely high on my list and posts like this make me want to go all the more. Of course, my bank account disagrees. Details, details 🙂

July 20, 2012 at 1:13 am

I’m genuinely shocked knowing there is also a great canyon similar to the breathtaking views in Colorado. I would certainly take on more details about this spot since I love the things I see in these Canyon formations.

July 19, 2012 at 11:33 am

Wow some wonderful pictures here! I never knew how colorful and diverse South Africa is. This is on my list of places to travel. Now just what part of South Africa is what I need to figure out next.

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17 Absolute Best Places to Visit in South Africa (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 19, 2024

If you are reading this because you searched for the best places to visit in South Africa , then it probably means that you already know that South Africa is one of the most remarkable countries in the world and that you are considering a trip there.

Go for it! South Africa is one of the most beautiful destinations you’ll ever visit!

South Africa is so special and unique that it’s often called The World in One Country . And so it is! S-A is like a perfect mix of the very best of the entire world in one place. At the same time, it’s like no other place on Earth…

In this article, you can find a list of the very best places to see in South Africa. 17 incredible destinations in South Africa that are worth a trip from the other side of the world. Find out!

Disclosure:  This article is sponsored by South African Tourism . It’s not a secret that South Africa is our absolute favorite country in the world, so we are really excited to be working with them to inspire you to discover this incredible country. All opinions and enthusiasm about South Africa are, of course, our own.

We fell in love with South Africa the first time we visited it many years ago and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way too. It’s a place that captures your heart forever.

Below, you can find the list of the  most amazing places you should visit in South Africa .

This is in no way a complete list, but it should give you a good idea of what to expect and where to go when visiting for the first time. It’s the list of the very best things to do and places to see in South Africa .

I ranked this list by putting my own favorites on top. So if you are limited in time, I suggest that you start with the top of the list and work your way down. At the bottom of this article, you can also find the map indicating all the main tourist attractions in South Africa mentioned in this post. Find out!

TIP: If you are not sure how to plan your trip, please check our South Africa 2 week itinerary that covers most of the must-see places in South Africa. Please note that it’s a very complete itinerary, but it doesn’t leave much extra time to explore deeper.

If you want to visit every place from this list, you’ll need at least 3 weeks and it will be rushed. If you want to see all the best places in South Africa mentioned in this article AND have some time to explore somewhat deeper, you’ll probably need at least a month…

These are the best places to visit in South Africa:

1. Cape Town

If there is one place you absolutely have to see in South Africa, it’s Cape Town . It was the oldest European establishment in South Africa (1652) and is therefore often referred to as the Mother City.

It’s difficult to describe in just a few words what Cape Town is all about. You really have to experience it in order to be able to appreciate the mingle of African and European cultures, a mix of tradition and modern, and the unique blend of city life and nature…

If South Africa is the world in one country, then Cape Town is the world in one city. Absolutely not to be missed when visiting South Africa!

Here are some of the main places you have to see in Cape Town : Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Table Mountain, Signal Hill & Lion’s Head, Robben Island, Bo-Kaap area, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Two Oceans Aquarium, and also the city center with its local markets, shops, restaurants, and museums.

TIP:  If the gondola to the top of Table Mountain is open, go there first. It often gets closed due to high winds, so don’t leave it for the last day.

2. Cape Peninsula

Together with Cape Town, Cape Peninsula  is one of the most impressive regions of South Africa. This is one of those places that you really don’t want to miss!

The absolute highlights of the Cape Peninsula include Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point and the stunning 12 Apostles   coastline from Camps Bay to Hout Bay and further south along Chapman’s Peak Drive .

Not to be missed is Simon’s Town with Boulder’s Beach penguin colony (yes, you can see wild penguins in South Africa!) and also an ocean walkway from  Muizenberg to Kalk Bay via St. James beach is really nice. Groot Constantia wine region in Cape Peninsula has spectacular scenery and some of the best wines in South Africa.

Also, in Hout Bay you can take a boat to see a seal colony – it’s called Duiker Island , but most people just refer to it as Hout Bay Seal Island. This is a very popular tourist attraction, so you may want to book in advance. For a more unique experience, you can even go snorkeling with the seals .

TIP: One day is hardly enough to see the highlights of Cape Peninsula. So if you can, try to spend at least a few days in this area. I recommend at least a week for Cape Town and Cape Peninsula, with 3-4 days being an absolute minimum.

3. The Garden Route

Another absolutely amazing region, the Garden Route is one of those places you really have to see in South Africa as well. This +-200km stretch between Mossel Bay and Stormsrivier is one of the most scenic routes in the world, but you have to take the time in order to truly appreciate it.

You could drive the Garden Route in just half a day, but you won’t see much just by sitting in the car. So ideally you take at least a couple of days to explore this area. 

Some of the nicest places along the Garden Route are Storms River and Tsitsikamma National Park , Robberg Nature Reserve , Plettenberg Bay , the whole area around Knysna (don’t miss the Heads and the Featherbed Private Nature Reserve!), Wilderness , and the beautiful coastline along the entire route.

Oudtshoorn , famous for its ostrich farms and Cango Caves , is a bit out of the way from the rest, but it’s also considered as part of the Garden Route. Well worth a visit.

TIP: If you are traveling with kids or if you just love wildlife, don’t miss Monkeyland and Birds of Eden   (both just next to each other). Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is a great place for a family-friendly safari along the Garden Route and Knysna Elephant Park is one of the best ethical places to interact with elephants in South Africa. 

4. Kruger National Park

Without any doubt, Kruger National Park is one of the best-known places to visit in South Africa. If you want the best wildlife safari experience in South Africa, then Kruger NP is definitely the place to be.

Kruger is the oldest and also the biggest National Park in South Africa. To give you an idea, with 2,000,000 hectares (20,000 km 2 ), it’s about the size of Israel or the state of New Jersey. In other words, Kruger NP is huge! Ideally, you plan to spend at least 2-3 days in Kruger NP and make several game drives.

Hundreds of animal species call Kruger home and it’s also the best place to see the Big 5 in South Africa. The Big 5 refers to five most difficult African animals to hunt on foot: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Hunting is really not cool anymore, but this term is widely used as a sort of ‘5 must-see African animals’ list.

There are 101 ways to explore Kruger National Park. You can opt for one of the many luxury lodges and private safari rides , organized day tours , or you can drive and explore Kruger NP with your own car. No matter which way you choose to explore Kruger National Park, it’s a place that you really must see in South Africa!

If you have never been on a safari before, please check our ultimate guide to safari in Africa .

TIP: Combine a visit to Kruger National Park with the nearby Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon (see below).

5. Blyde River Canyon & Panorama Route

Blyde River Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural landmarks of South Africa. It’s also one of the largest canyons in the world.  Due to its proximity to several main entrances of Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and the whole Panorama Route make a very popular day trip in the area.

Together with Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in northern South Africa.

Start your day with breakfast at the famous Harrie’s Pancakes in Graskop . Then head north to the Pinnacle , God’s Window , and Wonder View . Further highlights of the Panorama Route include Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls , also  Bourke’s Luck Potholes , and Lowveld viewpoint . But the most impressive of them all is the Three Rondavels viewpoint . The scenery here is simply spectacular!

Three Rondavels was one of the first places we visited just after arrival in South Africa and that image stayed with us forever. It was here that we fell in love with this amazingly diverse country and realized that it has so much more to offer than we ever imagined… Don’t miss if you are visiting Kruger NP and have a day to spare!

If you have more time, you can also consider a visit to the Echo Caves  or a small museum-town called Pilgrim’s Rest.

6. Hermanus

Hermanus is my husband’s favorite place in South Africa, one we always wish we had stayed longer at…

The town itself isn’t that special, but its coastline is second to none! Grab a picnic and explore the beautiful coastal walking path. The bay near Hermanus is known as the best place to see whales and dolphins in South Africa and it definitely lives up to its reputation!

You can take a whale watching boat tour and get really close to these majestic animals, but you can usually also see them from ashore. Both experiences are very different and each special in their own way. I really recommend both – taking the boat tour and also walking the coastal route in Hermanus and watching whales and dolphins from the shore.

Please note that whales are not always around. The best time to see whales in Hermanus is between June and December, but some years they arrive earlier or leave later, so you just never know. 

We have been on many whale-watching tours all over the world, but nowhere did we see so many whales from so close by as in Hermanus. There were tens of whales just meters away from our boat… We also saw hundreds of dolphins while walking along the coast. It sure is one of the best places to go whale – and dolphin-watching in the world.

TIP: Nearby Gansbaai is also a beautiful place with a stunning coastline and a good chance to see the whales. It’s not as well known and therefore much less visited than Hermanus, but it’s a perfect place to visit for those who have more time in the area and looking to discover some off-beat hidden gems.

7. South Africa Wine Region: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

South Africa has become world-famous for its wines and the best region to see the wineries and taste some wines is the beautiful area between  Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek.

This wine region is just a short drive from Cape Town and is therefore really easy to visit, even if you only have limited time in South Africa.

Stellenbosch and Paarl are bigger towns and I’m not sure if they are worth a visit, but the nearby wineries and the surrounding scenery is a must. We loved the quaint little Franschhoek town with its white buildings, hilly landscapes, and a very cozy atmosphere. Such a beautiful region – a place you have to see in South Africa!

TIP: Don’t drink and drive! If you are staying in Cape Town, you can visit the wine region with an organized day tour. Here is one of the best-rated and most complete wine region tours from Cape Town  that I was able to find. 

8. Cape Agulhas – Southernmost Tip Of Africa

Cape Agulhas, the Southernmost place in Africa , is so far from every other landmark in South Africa and main tourist routes that it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. But what a beautiful and unique place it is!

Standing at this point where two oceans meet you truly feel like you’ve reached the end of the world…

The best way to visit Cape Agulhas is by making a stop there on your way from Cape Town to the Garden Route (or vice versa). We once did it in a day, just stopping there when driving from Knysna to Cape Town, but it was a really long drive.

TIP: I suggest that you break the drive and either stay in Cape Agulhas or in the area around Hermanus or Gansbaai for one night.

9. Drakensberg

Another wonderful region a bit off the beaten tourist path in South Africa is the Drakensberg mountains . The Dragon Mountain is a +-200km mountain range between the Kingdom of Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa, a few hours drive from Durban. 

The region is known for its incredible vistas, countless waterfalls, mountain streams, rock pools, caves, and tranquil scenery pretty much undisturbed by human development. The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in South Africa and if you visit here in the winter (July) as we did, be prepared for the freezing cold temperatures at night.

Theoretically, you could visit the Drakensberg region just for a day, but ideally, you spend at least a couple of days here. There is a wide range of outdoor activities available, such as hiking or golf to mention just a few…

TIP: If you stay close to the Underberg area (we stayed at this hotel ), you can pop over the border and visit Lesotho for a day ( day tours are available too). 

10. Addo Elephant National Park

If you are looking for a malaria-free family-friendly safari experience in Africa, Addo Elephant National Park is one of the very best places to do that.

South Africa’s third-largest National Park is located in the southern part of the country, close to Port Elizabeth and just a few hours drive from the Garden Route.

As the name suggests, Addo Elephant NP is a perfect place to see wild elephants. This park is home to over 600 elephants and they are all around. Many other African animals live here as well and if you are really lucky, you may even get to spot The Big 5…

TIP: You can easily explore the park on a self-drive safari. But – as always – a guided open-jeep safari tour will give you a very different experience. If you come here for a few days and have your own car, I suggest you do both – visit the park on your own but also book at least one safari ride.

11. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park has a lot to more to offer than it looks at first sight. It’s not that widely known and definitely not one of the main tourist attractions in South Africa, but it’s well worth a trip.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park has it all: beautiful scenery, unique landscapes, white-sand beaches, snorkeling, diving, and lots of wildlife. You can expect to see rhino, zebra, buffalo, troop baboons, wildebeest, and even elephants, to name just a few…

One of the main reasons tourists visit this area is to see hippos in the wild. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a paradise for water-loving animals and is, therefore, one of the best places to see hippos and crocodiles in South Africa .

TIP: You can visit the park by car, but if you really want to get close to the hippos and the crocodiles in a safe way, it’s best to book St. Lucia estuary boat tour . The boat tour takes just two hours, so you can spend the rest of the time self-driving and exploring the park.

12. Pilanesberg National Park

Just over 2 hours drive from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park is probably one of the easiest and best-accessible places for a wildlife safari in South Africa.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is set in an extinct volcanic crater, where the soil is rich with grasslands, perfect for wildlife. A man-made lake, Mankwe Dam, is used as a drinking waterhole – a perfect place to see African animals.

Wildlife here includes zebras, lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and many other species. Because the park is rather small, it’s quite easy to find the animals, even if you come here just for a few hours.

TIP: You can visit Pilanesberg National Park  as a day trip from Johannesburg , but if you have some time to spare, stay a few days. If you like places like Las Vegas in the US , don’t miss the nearby  Sun City with entertainment for young and old.

From luxury resorts and casinos, waterparks and golfing, to outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and even hot air balloon safari – this area truly has it all.

13. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

One can never have too many safari experiences in Africa, right? So if you are visiting St.Lucia/Durban area, then I really recommend a day trip to  Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park .

This park is not as well known as Kruger and the other National Parks mentioned above, but it’s just as beautiful and offers amazing wildlife viewing. Africa’s Big 5 live here and, of course, many other animals.

TIP: You can visit this park on a self-drive safari or take a guided safari tour from Durban . If you want to make the best of your short time, you can also opt for a tour that combines Hluhluwe and iSimangaliso Wetlands, mentioned above.

14. West Coast National Park

Just an hour drive north of Cape Town, West Coast National Park is the locals’ favorite, so if you come in a warm season, expect it to be busy. This park has beautiful beaches, stunning coastlines, scenic hiking trails, wildlife, and lots of wildflowers.

Springtime (August – September) is the best time to see the flowers and the park might be even busier than usual. 

West Coast National Park is considered a real jewel. It’s not a must-see in South Africa if you are short on time, but if you are staying in Cape Town and have a day to spare, definitely check it out!

TIP: There aren’t many facilities here; it’s all about nature. So if you come for a day, make sure to bring some food and plenty of water. 

Durban is considered one of the cities that you should see in South Africa. We found that there were better ways to spend our time in South Africa than visiting its cities… so we didn’t stay in Durban longer than necessary. Just in case you wonder, Cape Town is a whole other story, one city you have to see.

Nevertheless, if you are traveling in this area, you shouldn’t miss Durban. One of the best things to do here is go to the beach and stroll the Golden Mile , visit UShaka Marine World  or Durban Botanic Gardens .

Durban is also a good base for a day trip to the earlier mentioned Hluhluwe-iMfolozi NP and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and also to the Drakensberg mountains. A really interesting thing to do in Durban is also this Shakaland and Zulu culture day trip .

TIP: If you are short on time, fly from Durban to Port Elizabeth or Cape Town – it will save you lots of driving. 

16. Johannesburg

The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg’s history goes back to the 19th century. It’s hard to believe that this bustling city with a population of 1 million started as a gold-mining settlement.

If you want to learn about South Africa’s long part to democracy, then don’t miss Soweto township ( go with a guide! ) which was once home to Nelson Mandela and also Desmond Tutu. 

Must-see in Johannesburg is the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill , a former prison complex. Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and tens of thousands of others were imprisoned here at some point in South Africa’s turbulent history…

17. Namaqua National Park & Namaqualand

Namaqualand and Namaqua National Park , close to the Namibian border, are so far from all the other tourist attractions in South Africa that you’ll hardly ever see it mentioned as one of the best places to visit in the country. It’s actually more of a hidden gem of South Africa.

Come spring and the dusty valleys are transformed into a magical wildflower wonderland. The whole area is covered in colorful flower carpet, attracting local visitors and international tourists alike.

If you are visiting South Africa in August-September and feel like getting off the beaten path, you may want to include this unique region in your itinerary.

Best places to visit in South Africa on the map

In order to help you plan your trip to South Africa and visit as many of the highlands as possible, I created this map indicating all the places mentioned in this article. This way you can get a better idea of where everything is located and plan accordingly.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our list of the most beautiful and trip-worthy places to visit in South Africa . If you are wondering where to go and what to see in South Africa, now you should have a much better idea.

South Africa Travel FAQ

Here are some of the popular questions our readers ask about visiting South Africa:

South Africa is a year-round destination and every season has something to offer. The best time to see wildlife in Kruger National Park is the dry season between May and October. Whereas the best time to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route is between September – November and from March to May.

South Africa is huge and there are so many beautiful places to see. But if you have to choose just one area to visit, we recommend Cape Town and Cape Peninsula.

South Africa is not the safest place to visit in the world and the crime rate is quite high. That being said, if you are cautious, aware of your surroundings, and do not take unnecessary risks, crime against tourists is really not that common. We visited South Africa several times, also with kids, and we never experienced any problems.

No, South Africa is not an expensive destination. The biggest cost or the trip is the flight to get there. Accommodation, food, and activities are quite cheap in South Africa. But – as everywhere in the world – a lot depends on the choices you make and mostly on the accommodations that you choose.

2 weeks is the minimum time if you want to see the most beautiful places of South Africa. If you have about 10 days, spend 3 days in Kruger NP and fly to the south of the country for the rest of the trip. If you have 1 week or less, it’s best to concentrate on just one area – either Kruger NP and surroundings or Cape Peninsula and the Garden Route.

TIP: When planning a trip to South Africa, make sure to also check our South Africa itinerary . It contains most of the highlights of South Africa from this list and shows you how to see all the best places in just two weeks. Check it out – it will help you plan a trip of a lifetime!

And if you are traveling with a family, check out this guide for more info on what to expect and where to go when visiting South Africa with kids .

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Sunday 30th of October 2022

Hi, South African here living in Jhb. A must is Oribi Gorge Southern KWAZULU-NATAL, if planning a Durban trip. I love traveling my country as well as other African countries.

We just got back this September from a road trip to Etosha National Park, Namibia. As always we absolutely loved it.

Sunday 6th of November 2022

Thanks for the additional tip and happy travels, Vennie!

Sunday 18th of September 2022

This is so helpful! I will definitely go to South Africa someday. Thank you so much!

Monday 19th of September 2022

Glad to hear that. Hope you can visit South Africa one day - it's a wonderful country!

Wednesday 4th of May 2022

Thanks Jurga! This is a great source of information. Just planning a three week trip to South Africa for December 2022. My first trip to South Africa since 1991. You've given me plenty of ideas for my itinerary.

Oh, lucky you! We're also contemplating another trip to S-A soon. Good luck with the planning and have a great trip! PS We also have a guide with a sample 2-week South Africa itinerary - check it out. You could build on it if you want to visit all these places and add more since you have 3 weeks.

Tuesday 22nd of March 2022

Thanks for sharing such a beautiful informative information on the blog. I have read your other posts which are all really informative for any traveler before arriving South Africa.

Wednesday 23rd of March 2022

Glad to hear you found our guides useful. Happy travels!

Thursday 10th of February 2022

The end of this month I am going to travel to South Africa by myself. I am 21 years old and I am from the Netherlands. The first 2 weeks I am going to work at an Baboon orphanage center in Phalaborwa, which is next to the Kruger National Park. In these two weeks I will have some free time to visit the Kruger Park on a safari. After the two weeks I have 4 weeks to travel by myself to see other beautiful places in South Africa, and stay in hostels etc. My idea is to take a flight after the two weeks from Hoedspruit airport to Durban or Kaapstad, and then stay there for a while and see other nice places. Do you guys have any tips for my journey?

Kind regards,

Friday 11th of February 2022

Hi Jesse, this sounds like an amazing experience for you! With 4 weeks to travel in South Africa (and already having seen Kruger before), you can see a lot. Durban - Drakensbergen area is nice, but I'd definitely try to spend more time in the south - the Garden Route, Cape Town, etc. If you are not renting a car, it will be a bit more difficult to explore outside the cities, but you can find a lot to do in/near them too. If you choose just one place, then Cape Town is really the best option. And you can also take some tours if there are some places you absolutely want to see and can't easily get to on your own. Hope this helps a bit. Have a great time in South Africa!

• Things To Do , Travel
• June 20, 2021
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South Africa enjoys an average of 14-16 million tourists every year. With good reason! The country is blessed with diverse landscapes, magnificent beaches, spectacular wildlife, and ideal weather ( most of the year ). South Africa also has a rich and interesting history, resulting in many cultural landmarks! Then there is also the friendly people, the diverse culture and the oh-so-delicious food! In other words, there is a wealth of South Africa tourist attractions that visitors are yearning to see and experience.

For your convenience, the South Africa tourist attractions below also tell you the province that it is located in. If you happen to be visiting that province and you are wanting to make the best out of your trip, do make your way to that particular attraction.

South Africa's biggest tourist attractions

1. table mountain national park (western cape province).

But Table Mountain is just a part of the Table Mountain National Park, which gets an average of 4 million visitors a year. The park    features miles of tranquil walking trails lined with  beautiful fynbos (a colorful shrub). It stretches out to 22,000 hectares and is separated into 3 urban areas. 

Here is a few Table Mountain National Park highlights you may want to explore:

• Table Mountain—you can hike to the summit or go up the cable car;
• Table Mountain’s famous hills. They include Signal Hill, Lions Head the Back Table, Devil’s Peak, The Twelve Apostles (a series of peaks across the Atlantic Seaboard), and Orange Kloof.
• Boulders Beach — the beach is home to a colony of around 3000 African Penguins .
• Constantiaberg, Steenberg Peak, and the Kalk Bay Mountains.
• Cape of Good Hope—this includes the most southern part of the Cape Peninsula, reaching from Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope to the north of Scarborough on the Atlantic coast and Simon’s Town on the False Bay coast.

2. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (Western Cape Province)

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden was established in 1931 to cultivate and preserve indigenous plants. 36 Hectares (of its 528 hectares) are dedicated to indigenous South African vegetation. The gardens are  considered the first botanical gardens in the world devoted to a country’s indigenous flora.

When stopping by, make sure to visit the renowned Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway (nicknamed “Boomslang”). The popular walkway is a wheel-chair-friendly bridge that curves and dips as it guides you through. From the forest floors to above with the trees and over the canopy, the Boomslang bridge is a must-see!

3. Blyde River Canyon (Mpumalanga Province)

With 600,000 visitors every year, the Blyde River Canyon is one of the most anticipated South Africa tourist attractions!

The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world and accommodates a large variety of life. Here you can find over 1000 species of plants, countless breeds of fish, antelope, hippos, crocodiles, and every South African primate.

4. Cape of Good Hope (Western Cape Province)

The Cape of Good Hope (and Cape Point ) is the  continent’s southwestern-most point—it is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Here you will find spectacular views of the sea, flora and fauna. In fact, if you take the time to explore, you are bound to run into a few of the Cape of Good Hope’s full-time residents (like ostriches, baboons, etc.)

The Cape Of Good Hope is globally appreciated for housing thousands of different species of unique plants and animals.

5. Kruger National Park (Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces)

The park gathers around 2 million visitors every year.

Kruger National Park is considered the flagship of South African national parks! The park offers unique wildlife exposure and some of the most experienced rangers in the world.

Kruger National Park houses an outstanding variety of species. There are 34 species of amphibians, 507 species of birds, 49 species of fishes, 147 species of mammals, 336 species of trees, and 114 species of reptiles.

Some highlights you may want to check out include the Letaba Elephant Museum, Stevenson Hamilton, the Memorial Library, The Jock of the Bushveld Route, and the famous Big Five.

The Big 5 Safari includes buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos. You can also keep your eyes out for the Little Five, which are the Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Ant lion, and Rhino Beetle.

6. V&A Waterfront (Western Cape Province)

At first glance, you may think the V&A Waterfront is a spectacular mall with amazing shops and tons of restaurants (serving both international and local cuisine). That is true, but it’s so much more!

Explore the area and you will find the Two Oceans Aquarium, Nobel Sqaure (where you’ll see the statues of South Africa’s 4 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates ), the Diamond Museum, the Zeitz MOCAA Art Museum, the Cape Wheel (which is like fancy Ferris Wheel), The Watershed (where you can shop for local arts and crafts), etc. 

But there’s more! From the V&A Waterfront, you can also take a helicopter tour, book a sightseeing cruise, catch a ferry for a Robben Island tour, etc.

And of course, you can do it all with Table Mountain as a beautiful backdrop.

7. Constitution Hill (Gauteng Province)

Visit to explore South Africa’s historical struggle and witness history unravel before your eyes.

8. uShaka Marine World (KwaZulu-Natal Province)

Ushaka Sea World is an underground aquarium—the fifth largest aquarium in the world. It has 32 tanks and a wide range of sea creatures, sharks, dolphins, and more! The aquarium is designed to look like a series of shipwrecks, incorporating a number of restaurants and cafes.

Highlights to look forward to are:

• Chimp & Zee—A fun rope adventure park with ziplines, outdoor activities, and the longest continuous roping system in Africa.
• The Cargo Hold—A restaurant with a full wall-sized aquarium, which is visible for most of the dining area.
• Wet ‘n Wild—This is a waterpark with a variety of slides and pools to enjoy. Wet ‘n Wild is also the highest slide in Africa.
• Sea Animal Encounters Island—This is an island adventure where you can meet numerous sea creatures. Activities include diving with the sharks, meeting the dolphins, snorkeling with exotic fish, and feeding stingrays!

9. Cradle of Humankind (Gauteng Province)

On your visit, you will find the remains of the first hominid, plus several excavation sites. 

10. The Drakensberg (KwaZulu-Natal Province)

Thanks to its world-renowned peaks (Giant’s Castle, Cathedral Peak, and Mont-Aux-Sources), the Drakensberg enjoys almost 620,000 visitors a year. Besides the peaks, the mountains are also scattered with caves, streams, waterfalls, rock pools, and over 600 San rock art .

Other Drakensberg attractions include:

• Mafadi—South Africa’s highest mountain.
• Tugela Falls—The world’s second-highest waterfall.
• Sani Pass—The Drakensberg Mountain Range’s only road that crosses its summit.
• The Amphitheatre—The cliff faces are regarded as one of the most famous and impressive in the world.

11. Robben Island (Western Cape)

A tour of Robben Island starts at the V&A Waterfront. There will be a multimedia exhibition, followed by a 30-minute ferry ride to the island. The tour itself offers a unique experience, as former political prisoners narrate the historical facilities.

12. The Apartheid Museum (Gauteng Province)

The Apartheid Museum uses film footage, photographs, and live accounts of people to portray the struggles of life. The museum is very effective in provoking a response from visitors, as they explore under apartheid.

13. Addo Elephant National Park  (Eastern Cape)

A visit to Addo Elephant National Park is a nature enthusiast’s dream! Covering 120,000 hectares, the Addo Elephant National Park is the 3rd largest national park in South Africa.

In 1931, the Addo Elephant Park was established as a preserve (to protect the remaining 11 elephants in the land). The Park is now home to over 600 elephants and enjoys thousands of visitors every year.

The Addo Elephant National Park also serves as a sanctuary for the following animals: buffaloes, great white sharks, leopards, lions, rhinos, and southern right whales—offering visitors excellent sightseeing opportunities. You can take your pick of guided game drives at sunrise, sunset, or nightly game drives. They also offer marine tours, giving you an opportunity to spot great white sharks or southern right whales.

14. Groot Constantia (Western Cape Province)

The Groot Constantia Estate is world-renowned for its wine, but their two restaurants, wine tastings, cellar tours, chocolate and wine pairings, and museum are big attractions.

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Hi! We’re the Cheltens’. We visit South Africa 1-2 times per year. We want to share our experiences with you so that you may make educated decisions when you plan your next trip to the rainbow nation.

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South Africa’s top tourist attractions

If there was a checklist for the perfect travel destination, South Africa would tick most of the boxes. Famed for its amazing wildlife and landscapes, superb local cuisine, warm hospitality and great weather, it’s easy to understand why tourism is so big in South Africa. With an average of 15 million visitors flocking to the country every year, the allure is strong.

We’ve put together a list of South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions, based on bookings by our safari desk:

Cape Town and the Cape Winelands

Nestled between a rugged mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Africa. This multicultural city enjoys a superb natural setting, pristine beaches, sophisticated infrastructure and a mild, Mediterranean climate.

A few city and peninsula headline acts include  Table Mountain and Lion’s Head  (the most iconic landmark in South Africa), the magnificent  Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens , Boulders Beach for  penguins  that waddle along golden beaches in and amongst holidaymakers, the  Victoria & Alfred Waterfront , the famous  Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were imprisoned during the apartheid years) and  Cape Point . And there is no shortage of world-class trendy restaurants and a vibrant nightlife for all tastes. It’s no wonder that Cape Town is the crown jewel of the country.

For the active traveller, the Cape Town peninsula is a treasure trove of hiking and mountain biking trails, kayaking and wind-surfing spots – in fact just about every physical outdoor pursuit is catered for within a relatively short radius of the city.

South Africa is famous for its award-winning  wines , and some of the best wine in the country comes from the scenic rural outskirts within a short drive of the city – including  Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia  and  Robertson . Set against a picturesque mountain backdrop the Cape Winelands are among the most scenic in the world and feature many historic wine estates that date back centuries. The area is also home to charming boutiques, gourmet restaurants and five-star hotels. A drive through South Africa’s wine country is well worth the trip – especially if you’re not the ‘designated driver’!

Kruger National Park and private reserves

South Africa’s iconic national park and one of Africa’s conservation success stories, the Kruger National Park is a must-do safari for any bush lover and for those keen on ticking off the  Big 5  (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) in a relatively short space of time.

The park and adjoining private reserves (Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie, Umbabat and Balule) that share its unfenced western border make up about 2,2 million hectares (22000km²) of varied bushveld with six ecosystem types, and are collectively referred to as the  Greater Kruger National Park . Kruger’s vast size and variety of ecosystems results in a wide diversity of wildlife (including over 500 bird species) and some of the finest game-viewing in Africa.

In terms of wildlife, the sheer number and diversity of wildlife is almost unparalleled, making this the perfect place to spot the Big 5 and much more while out on a game drive, or even a guided walking safari. While Kruger National Park receives over 1.4 million visitors a year, you’d be surprised at how often you find yourself alone in the vast open spaces, giving you a truly authentic African wilderness experience. The national park offers self-drive options and affordable self-catering accommodation options, but there are also areas within the park boundaries set aside for the exclusive use of private lodges, and together with the adjoining private reserves to the west of the park, these private lodges guarantee exclusivity, low visitor numbers and sensational game viewing – where sightings of the Big 5 are almost a daily occurrence.

A safari in the Greater Kruger National Park is a must for first-timers and is also very popular with experienced bush-goers who go back year after year.

Madikwe Game Reserve

The  malaria-free  75,000 hectare (750 km²) Madikwe Game Reserve in northern South Africa, close to the Botswana border, is favoured by those who want a  Big 5  safari, but without the crowds sometimes associated with larger, more popular reserves. Madikwe does not permit day trippers or self-drive game drives, ensuring a private safari experience.

The dry Kalahari ecosystem offers an alternative to the Lowveld bush seen in the Kruger National Park, and so Madikwe offers some unique and exhilarating safari game viewing and photographic opportunities. Aside from the Big 5 species, Madikwe offers the chance to see wild dogs, cheetahs, brown hyenas and large numbers of plains game – and about 360 species of birds.

The absence of malaria plus easy access from Johannesburg via road and air makes Madikwe an excellent choice for family safaris, and some lodges even cater for children-friendly activities. The range of accommodation, from luxury to basic, means that there is something for everyone.

Madikwe is something of a success story for wildlife conservation, local community economic empowerment and private/public enterprise. The land and animals are managed by the state, private investors profit from the lodges, and three nearby villages benefit via sustainable jobs and skills advancement.

Garden Route and Little Karoo

Sandwiched between vibrant Cape Town and the malaria-free Cape Game Reserves – are the idyllic Garden Route and Little (Klein) Karoo, together offering an unrivalled mix of experiences and adventures within a proverbial stone’s throw of each other.

The  Garden Route  offers a laid-back and intoxicating blend of beaches, lagoons, craggy mountains and ancient indigenous forests. Gorgeous historical coastal towns such as Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley offer a range of accommodations to suit every need, and the many smaller rural villages along the way each offer an authentic charm. While the spectacular landscape is enough to leave you awestruck, it’s worth exploring the many hidden nooks and crannies, where some of the true gems lie. Expect to unearth artist communities, wood cutter clans, fishing communities and many visitors who arrived on holiday and have never left this forested coastal paradise.

Whether you’re into rambling through art and craft markets, zip-lining through forest canopies, chilling on golden beaches or relaxing at a health spa, the Garden Route has it all in spades. You will be seduced by this charming haven and emerge relaxed and ready to resume your real life.

The  Little Karoo  lies inland of the lush Garden Route, just across craggy mountains that themselves harbor many wild and secret places. The dry semi-desert Karoo is a place of historical ostrich farms, olive groves, wine, the famous Route 62 and adorable habituated meerkats.

KwaZulu-Natal

The northern coastline and bushveld of KwaZulu-Natal hosts one of the most diverse habitat matrices, endemic species strongholds, successful conservation projects and enthralling Big 5 safaris in Africa. And to top it all off, there are a wealth of cultural and ecotourism activities, miles and miles of sandy beaches with warm water and, for some reason, relatively few tourists.

Zululand and the Elephant Coast, where black and white rhinos recovered from almost going extinct, plays home to the mighty Zulu warrior and to iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Africa’s oldest protected area and South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. This is also the home of other renowned protected areas such as  Hluhluwe-iMfolozi ,  uMkhuze ,  Ndumo  and  Thembe , offering a wide array of habitats such as woodlands, wetlands, palm savannas and coastal forests. And amongst this vast network of protected areas are private game reserves such as Phinda, Pongola, Zululand Rhino and Zimanga, which offer luxury safaris to our discerning guests, with exceptional sightings of big cats, rhinos and elephants in addition to a host of other species.

For the avid birder, KwaZulu-Natal is not only a haven for colourful endemics, it also offers the best birding infrastructure in South Africa.

The adventurous can expect exciting walking safaris and a stunning coastline bathed in warm water and offering the best scuba in South Africa – with coral reefs, whale sharks, dolphins and breeding turtles.

For the history buffs, the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal were the anvil that forged South Africa’s political past.  The famous battlefields of Isandlwana, Blood River and Spionkop witnessed fierce clashes between British forces, Zulu warriors and ‘Boer’ soldiers.

So, if a combination of bush, beach and history is your thing, visit KwaZulu-Natal.

Cape Game Reserves

For those seeking a malaria-free bush break closer to Cape Town than the traditional bushveld destinations, the Cape Game Reserves have much to offer, even for Big 5 fans.

Expect a range of dry bushveld types, from the vast and arid plains and mountains of the Great Karoo to the succulent Klein Karoo and the dense valley thickets of the Eastern Cape. You will even see big game in mountainous Cape fynbos habitat, in amongst the proteas and ericas. Some Eastern Cape reserves even offer boat trips down winding rivers for a day at the nearby idyllic beaches for that classic bush/beach combo.

Most Cape rural areas have been historically farmed, and many of the private and even government reserves are reclaimed farmland – a great success for conservation. Purists might prefer the classic upcountry game reserves of Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal or the Kalahari – but others enjoy the proximity to Cape Town for their bush break.

The vast  malaria-free  Kalahari offers a true desert safari experience – with endless vistas of red dunes and grass savannahs dotted with massive gnarled camelthorn trees, and the desert-adapted species that thrive here.

This unique ecosystem hosts a remarkable population of arid-specialist species, including the rare desert-adapted black rhino, Kalahari lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, springbok, oryx (gemsbok) and sought-after smaller species such as aardvark, honey badger, brown hyena, pangolin and aardwolf. There are also a few habituated colonies of meerkats that provide excellent photographic opportunities.

The absence of malaria makes the Kalahari an excellent choice for family safaris.

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Must-see attractions in South Africa

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Location and unique flora combine to make these 5.28-sq-km botanical gardens among the most beautiful in the world. Gate 1, the main entrance at the…

Constitution Hill

Johannesburg

Do not leave Jo'burg without visiting Constitution Hill. One of South Africa's most important historical sites, the deeply moving and inspirational…

Kruger National Park

South Africa

In terms of wildlife alone, Kruger is one of the world's greatest national parks. The diversity, density and sheer numbers of animals is almost…

Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum illustrates the rise and fall of South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression, and is an absolute must-see. It uses a broad…

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Blyde River Canyon

This stunning 260-sq-km reserve centres on the 30km-long Blyde River Canyon, where epic rock formations tower above the forested slopes and eagle-eye…

Table Mountain

Around 600 million years old, and a canvas painted with the rich diversity of the Cape floral kingdom, Table Mountain is truly iconic. You can admire the…

Three Rondavels Viewpoint

The area's highlight, with a staggering view of these enormous rounds of rock, their pointed, grassy tops resembling giant huts carved into the side of…

Mapungubwe National Park

Stunningly stark, arid, rocky landscapes reverberate with cultural intrigue and wandering wildlife at Mapungubwe National Park. A Unesco World Heritage…

Northern Cape

Although the R50 million that turned the Big Hole into a world-class tourist destination came from De Beers, touring the world’s largest hand-dug hole…

Babylonstoren

This 2.5-sq-km wine and fruit farm is on the north slope of the Simonsberg mountain between Klapmuts and Paarl. Its highlight is an 800-sq-metre, formally…

District Six Museum

It's impossible not to be emotionally moved by this museum, which celebrates the once lively multiracial area that was destroyed during apartheid in the…

Groot Constantia

Simon van der Stel’s manor house, a superb example of Cape Dutch architecture, is maintained as a museum at Groot Constantia. Set in beautiful grounds,…

Although it was established in 1702 and has some of South Africa's oldest pinotage and shiraz vineyards, as well as a handsome Cape Dutch homestead,…

Freedom Park

This stunning park and museum honours fallen South Africans in all major conflicts and adopts an integrated approach to African history. It is a place of…

Franschhoek

There’s enough to keep you occupied for a full day at this vast estate just west of Franschhoek. As well as tastings of the superb shiraz range, wine…

This is a quintessential Winelands estate, with lovely architecture, food and wine. Tasting options include bubbly, brandy or wine and chocolate pairing…

Confluence Viewpoints

Four wonderfully sited viewing decks sit atop the cliffs and allow for uninterrupted views out over the river plain, the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers and…

Bloubergstrand

The beaches beside this pleasant coastal suburb are where the British won their 1806 battle for the Cape. The panoramic view they provide of Table…

Sea Point Promenade

Sea Point to Hout Bay

Strolling along Sea Point’s wide, paved and grassy promenade is a pleasure shared by Capetonians from all walks of life. Once a white-only area, it’s now…

Valley of Desolation

Eastern Cape

The park’s most popular sight, the Valley of Desolation is a hauntingly beautiful valley with outstanding views – the rugged, piled dolerite columns are…

Buitenverwachting

Buitenverwachting means ‘beyond expectation’, which is certainly the feeling one gets on visiting this Cape Dutch estate. It's a lovely estate to visit…

Walker Bay Nature Reserve

Western Cape

This coastal reserve has excellent hikes and is a prime birdwatching spot. The main attractions though, other than the ocean vistas, are the impressive…

Spice Route

Spice Route is known for its complex red wines, particularly the Flagship syrah. Aside from wine there is a lot going on, including glass-blowing…

Spier Hotel and Wine Farm

Stellenbosch

Spier has some excellent shiraz, cabernet and red blends, though a visit to this vast winery is less about wine and more about the other activities…

Sterkfontein Caves

One of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, Sterkfontein Caves include a permanent hominid exhibit and a walkway down into the…

South African Astronomical Observatory

During the day you can take a guided tour of the huge research telescopes, including the Southern African Large Telescope, but it's the two-hour night…

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

These bizarre cylindrical holes were carved into the rock by whirlpools at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Bridges span the rivers,…

Hector Pieterson Museum

This powerful museum, named after the 12-year-old boy shot dead during the student protests in Soweto on 16 June 1976, illuminates the role of Sowetan…

Partly housed in a building that looks like a giant grassy mound on one side and shiny modern steel on the other, Maropeng is an all-in-one information…

Constitutional Court

Inaugurated in 2004, with its design based on the African concept of 'justice under a tree', the Constitutional Court is a very real symbol of modern…

Guga S’Thebe Arts & Cultural Centre

Decorated with polychromatic ceramic murals, this is one of the most impressive buildings in the townships – even more so now that it has a theatre,…

Workshop Ko Kasi

Serving both as a community centre and a much-needed tourist draw, Ko Kasi is a must-stop if you're passing through Kuruman. Started by two local…

This quiet spot in a gracious old homestead serves delectable, organically made wines. The formal tasting takes around an hour, or you can join a two-hour…

Liliesleaf Farm

A highlight of Jo'burg's northern suburbs is Liliesleaf Farm. This was the secret headquarters of the ANC (African National Congress) from 1961 until a…

Irma Stern Museum

The pioneering 20th-century artist Irma Stern (1894–1966), whose works are some of the most sought-after among modern South African painters, occupied…

Klein Constantia

Part of Simon van der Stel's original Constantia estate, Klein Constantia is famous for its Vin de Constance, a sweet muscat wine. It was Napoleon’s…

June 16 Memorial Acre

Opposite one of the schools from which students marched on 16 June 1976 is this stunning open-air memorial to the bloody events that presaged the Soweto…

Langa Pass Museum

Step inside a grim apartheid relic at Langa's old pass office, where black people had to present their identity cards, and the attached court, where they…

KwaZulu-Natal Museum

KwaZulu-Natal

This impressive museum has a range of well-curated displays reflecting a diversity of cultures, including settler history, war records, stuffed birds and…

Elephant Hall Museum

Even if you're not staying at Letaba Rest Camp, it's worth swinging by to check out this excellent museum. It has life-size skeletons and dozens of…

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The Top 25 Attractions in South Africa

Here is our selection of the top 25 attractions in South Africa. We will link to recommended tours and some travel bloggers who have experienced these areas to give you their own opinions of each attraction and what to see.

The Sanbona Reserve

Featured in the photo above and one of South Africa’s largest private game reserves, Sanbona Reserve is located near Cape Town and is a top attraction in South Africa. Widely regarded as the best attraction on the western Cape, the Sanbona Reserve was named after the impressive San people who have lived in this arid environment for hundreds of years.

The reserve itself sits below the Warmwaterberg Mountain Range in an area of South Africa known as Little Karoo, which is a semi-desert region with boundaries defined by surrounding mountains. This area was once farmland and the animals were removed, but has been protected and the animals have been returned in honor of the environment and the San people who live here.

A great way to explore the San environment is on the Sanbona Explorer Camp to get a more intimate experience with nature and a classic safari adventure experience. With the great views of mountains and the high amount of wildlife, the Sanbona environment is a fantastic South African destination.

The Sanbona Explorer Camp operates during summer to make the most of the experience and begins in October with the last excursion taking place at the end of April. On the Explorer Camp, you will explore the reserve over two days to find the different wildlife and learn about the San people. Of an evening, you will then head back to camp for some delicious meals.

You will enjoy guided tours in the Sanbona Reserve on foot and by safari vehicle to spot fantastic animals. Within the reserve, you can find all members of the Big 5, including lions, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and elephants, plus a great many others such as wildebeest, zebra, kudu, giraffe, eland, oryx, and the iconic springbok. The reserve is also home to around 200 different birds.

Sanbona Explorer Camp

The kruger national park.

The most famous and popular location for an African safari, Kruger National Park is a great starter for Africa with its incredible wildlife and facilities. The national park is very large and covers 2 million hectares, which is larger than some countries. Not just a magnificent park to visit for a safari, Kruger is also historically significant as this was the country’s first national park.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, Kruger ranks as one of the world’s top protected areas. Over this vast park, you can find all the iconic African wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhino, giraffe, hippo, and zebra. With all the iconic and favorite animals to see, you can also find over 500 different birds.

In addition to wildlife, there is some stunning scenery in the park and great lookout points, which you can visit on some of the best safaris. While out scouting for wildlife, you will rest in these areas and enjoy some delicious food.

There are some fantastic ways to experience Kruger National Park and we will mention two of our favorites. If you would like to enjoy a traditional safari camp in the style of the first African explorers, you have the Jock Safari Camp. The camp has been carefully designed to copy the accommodation of the first explorers complete with lanterns, the same style beds, and canvas washings basins.

The explorer camp is a two-day experience where you head out to encounter some of the impressive wildlife. Of an evening, you will enjoy fantastic meals around a campfire and hear the story surrounding Percy Fitzpatrick and the foundation of Kruger.

As in true explorer style, the Jock Explorer Camp is unfenced so animals can wander through the campsite to provide a true and adventurous safari experience. The camp operates in the cooler months with the first safari in April and the last safari at the end of October.

For a more comfortable experience and positioned inside Kruger National Park itself, we recommend the Jock Safari Lodge. This is a luxury-class experience where you can watch the wildlife from the comfort of your personal deck and have exclusive access to around 6,000 hectares of the protected area. The lodge has 12 very comfortable and individually thatched rooms, plus a spa, lounge, bar, swimming pool, and a fantastic restaurant.

The Jock Safari Lodge

The shamwari reserve.

Another fantastic private protected area, the award-winning Shamwari Reserve is one of South Africa’s most successful conservation initiatives and is located close to Port Elizabeth. The area of the Eastern Cape is malaria-free and covers 25,000 hectares

You can enjoy some fantastic encounters with African wildlife and all members of the Big 5 live in the Shamwari Reserve. One of the best ways to explore is to enjoy the Shamwari Explorer Camp.

The Shamwari Explorer Camp is an African safari adventure that takes place over two days in the summer months. This is a walking safari that starts on Friday and although it’s offered as a two-day package, you can add an extra night if desired.

The Shamwari Explorer Camp differs from some of the others above as despite going back to basics for an adventure experience, luxury is high on the list to create a comfortable camp. Relax with very comfortable beds and bedding, a light for night time use, your ensuite bathroom, outdoor hand washing basins, and insect repellent to keep you comfortable.

Aside from offering a little more luxury, another difference from the first two explorer camps on this list is that the camp here is discreetly fenced for visitors who would like a little more separation and security from the wildlife, but who still want to be out in the same environment. This creates the same ambiance of an explorer camp

When back at camp after your safari, you will enjoy delicious meals over the campfire complete with silverware and crystalware to compliment the comfortable tents. In the morning, you will have a choice of tea or coffee and of an evening we provide a portable bar where you can enjoy a traditional gin and tonic overlooking the reserve.

Shamwari Explorer Camp

The Bayethe Tented Lodge

One of the country’s fantastic cities, Cape Town is located on South Africa’s coast and is known for its remarkable landmarks, such as Table Mountain which we will mention later. Cape Town is a fantastic place to visit and won the best place in the world to visit in 2014 from the Daily Telegraph in the UK and the New York Times in the USA.

There are some great botanical gardens and parks around the city making it a nice place to explore. This is also a great place to enjoy some more adventurous activities, including mountain biking, hiking, and paragliding off Table Mountain. Around Cape Town, you can find nice places to explore, including one of the world’s largest winelands growing award-winning wines. Additionally, Cape Town is one of the world’s best places to see whales and the intimidating great white sharks. The hiking spots are also fantastic with the nearby stream-filled forests and just outside the city, you can find some iconic wildlife, such as zebra and wildebeest.

Influenced by Dutch, French, English, and local culture, Cape Town ranks as one of the world’s most colorful and attractive cities and is full of modern bars, art galleries, designer shops, and restaurants with a traditional African flair. The surroundings add to its beauty complemented by ocean views. Despite the often cold Atlantic, there are also some fantastic white sand beaches nearby.

South Africa’s Beaches

South Africa has some of the world’s best beaches where you can enjoy white sands, beautiful scenery, and gently lapping waves. Some of the best beaches include Camps Bay, Santos Beach, Muizenberg, and North Beach.

Although the water itself is quite cold, Camps Bay offers one of the most popular beach destinations with excellent places to relax, restaurants serving delicious food, and some great bars.

North Beach is another favorite and is located near Durban. This is consistently ranked as one of the country’s favorite beaches. This is a hit for surfers, body boarders, swimmers, and sunbathers. Tourists are drawn to the beach because of the fantastic conditions, facilities, and the many different restaurants nearby.

Another of the favorite beaches, the Santos Beach is not only a beautiful location but there is a little B&B made from a train that provides views over the ocean. Enjoy your own carriage for the night and laze on the beach during the day with water great for swimming.

Great White Shark Diving

South Africa is one of the best places in the world to cage dive with great white sharks and there are three places where you can enjoy this exciting activity, which are Seal Island in False Bay, Seal Island in Mossel Bay, and Dyer Island in Gansbaai. Dyer Island then has the most tour operators.

The sleepy fishing village of Gansbaai is a two-hour drive from Cape Town and offers its own charm with friendly locals. This unassuming town is a draw for visitors from all over the world because this is one of the best places on Earth for seeing great white sharks near Dyer Island. The sharks patrol these waters because of the populous seal colony of 30,000 that inhabit the island.

Although the adventure and excitement is mainly linked to our fear of sharks from movies like Jaws, the sharks themselves are more curious than anything and combined with a very high standard of safety, it makes for an experience to be enjoyed by anyone. To be so close to such an incredibly powerful and prehistoric predator in its natural environment is an experience of a lifetime.

Gansbaai is the most popular area for great whites as the chance of seeing them here is highest. There is an area famously known as ‘Shark Alley’ between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock where sharks take their pick from the 30,000 or so seals living in the area. Despite this being one of the best places in the world to see the sharks, there is an optimal season between May and September and despite better chances of seeing sharks, it is quite cold.

The boats often provide breakfast and lunch onboard and supply your snorkeling equipment for the experience. As the water is cold, we recommend bringing some warm clothes for the journey back to land.

Seeing the world’s most famous shark is a great add-on experience to your African safari in Kruger National Park, Shamwari Reserve, or the Sanbona Reserve mentioned above. Seeing the most formidable ocean predator is a perfect compliment to seeing the Africa’s Big 5. However, there is currently a debate in the conservation community over its benefits and impacts on the sharks themselves with good arguments both for and against the activity.

Some travel bloggers who have seen great whites in South Africa are Mathew from Expertvagabond.com and Ellen from Travellingtheworldsolo.com .

The Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind is a series of archaeological sites and cave systems spanning 47,000 hectares about 50 km from Johannesburg. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, within the limestone cave complex researchers have found many different remains from human ancestors, such as a 2.3 million-year-old fossil of Australopithecus africanus and a 2.5 million-year-old complete Australopithecine skeleton. Nearby sites have also revealed fascinating discoveries, such as an early species of the Homo genus, the genus that we ourselves share. Thousands of fascinating discoveries have been found in the cave systems, which ranked the area worthy of being covered by UNESCO.

In 2015, researchers also found another species of Homo, which they named Homo naledi and found some similar behaviors between this species and our own, such as similar burial traditions. The species ranks as one of the earliest examples of our own genus emerging just after the Australopithecines.

Combined with these burial rituals, these caves are such a gold mine for Hominids as predators such as leopards would bring their kills into the caves to eat or the individuals would fall into holes. These remains are now found today, millions of years after, along with their stories.

The first discovery of Australopithecus africanus known as the Taung Child reveals talon marks in the child’s skull. The probable event that took place was that the child was out with his mother and wandered too far away. The unfortunate child then ended up as prey for a large eagle that dropped scraps from its meal below and into the cave system. It was these discoveries, dated to a much older time than anywhere else, that highlighted South Africa as the cradle of mankind and subsequent finds confirmed the theory.

The Cape of Good Hope

Accessed from Cape Town in the country’s south, the Cape of Good Hope is South Africa’s famous headland and points into the Atlantic Ocean. The fame of the Cape came from sailors, as this was a point on the route between the far east and Australia. The name Cape of Good Hope is thought to be linked to its Portuguese discovery and indicates that India could be reached from Europe.

The entire peninsula is home to eight protected areas, which are together recognized as a World Heritage Area by UNESCO in the Cape Floristic Region. You can enjoy fantastic walks, birdwatching opportunities, beaches, and beautiful scenery. There is a two-day Cape of Good Hope Trail, which takes you on a circular route around the cape, plus a number of other shorter trails.

For wildlife lovers, over 250 different birds have been spotted on the Cape, including ostriches and cormorants. There are also a high diversity of different plants with nearly 3,000 different varieties to be found. Some of the other animals you can see in the region include mountain zebra, clawless otters, and antelope. However, the most famous animals are the 3,000 or so penguins at Boulders Beach where you can enjoy a walking trail to see the birds. We will cover these little guys later.

Some travel bloggers who visited the Cape of Good Hope are Tim, Julie, & Family from Earthtrekkers.com and Audrey from Thatbackpacker.com .

The Apartheid Museum

When visiting a new country, it’s always worth visiting museums and memorials to have a glimpse of the country’s history. The Apartheid Museum is certainly that. Learn the struggle many South Africans faced in the not so distant past from 1948 to 1990 with the segregation of people based solely on race. The museum depicts the apartheid system with text, audio, and film and will have a significant effect on anyone who is not already familiar with South African history.

The struggle South Africans had towards a non-racial democratic government was extraordinary and life in apartheid South Africa greets you at the museum entrance with separate doors for ‘whites’ and ‘non-whites’, which will be determined by your entrance ticket.

The extension of this system didn’t just mean there were separate buses and water fountains, but that racial identity meant people could have their land taken from them, had curfews, were limited in movement, and were denied economic opportunities. Because this was the white minority that placed themselves at the top of power, it meant the unprivileged were not the few but the many, as it represented the majority of South Africa’s population.

The Addo Elephant National Park

The Addo Elephant National Park is near Port Elizabeth on South Africa’s Eastern Cape and covers around 120,000 hectares of land. This makes it the third largest national park in South Africa after the impressive Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

The park was originally founded in 1931 to help protect the 11 elephants that were left in the area. Since this time, the elephant population has grown to 600 individuals and the park helps to protect a diversity of other animals.

You can find Africa’s Big 5 in the park, including the buffalo, lion, elephant, rhinoceros, and leopard, plus a diversity of others, such as zebra, eland, kudu, ostrich, hippo and hyenas. This is a great place for a representation of South Africa, as five of the country’s seven biomes are included within the park. As the only large protected area on the coast, you can also find an area of marine environment and coastline home to whales and great white sharks.

There are many different activities to enjoy in the park, including game drives to see the iconic African animals, horse riding, walking safaris, birding tours, and also marine eco-tours. The park is located very close to the Shamwari Reserve above where you can enjoy a bit more comfort, including the very comfortable Shamwari Explorer Camp .

Some travel bloggers who visited the Addo Elephant National Park are Heather from 2summers.net and Marilu from Maggieinafrica.com .

The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

The world’s third largest canyon, and arguably one of the most beautiful due to its covering of sub-tropical vegetation, the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve covers 29, 000 hectares. The canyon itself, named the Motlatse Canyon, is a gigantic and beautiful geological structure of red sandstone of iconic importance for South Africa.

This is one of the country’s most beautiful areas and is found near the town of Graskop. There are many different lookouts for incredible views from the reserve, including the favorites of the Devil’s Window and God’s Window where you can see as far as Mozambique and into the Kruger National Park.

The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve includes different waterfalls you can visit, fascinating geological features, and some fantastic wildlife. Over 1,000 different plants are found within the reserve, including the favorites of orchids, lilies, and tree ferns. You can enjoy seeing all five primates that live in South Africa, such as vervet monkeys and baboons, plus a lot of other animals. Enjoy spotting kudu, wildebeest, zebra, and then crocodiles and hippos in the river. There is a fantastic amount of birdlife to see in the reserve, including a number of birds of prey, such as black eagles, peregrine falcons, lanner falcons, black-chested snake eagles, and long-crested eagles.

The Cango Caves

Another of the must-visit attractions in South Africa, the Cango Caves are a series of limestone caverns, tunnels, and chambers in the Western Cape. These are the most popular in the country and are some of South Africa’s finest cave systems.

Enjoy guided tours to explore the caves that stretch under the earth for over four kilometers. This was already a very popular place to visit, but research in the 1930s added interest by showing that people had lived in the cave throughout the stone age.

You can choose how adventurous you would like to be on a choice of two different tours. Choose from either the General Tour to show the larger sections of the cave or opt for the Adventure Tour, which includes crawling through tunnels and climbing up cave walls.

There are some fascinating formations to see in the caves and the walls are illuminated so you don’t miss out. Enjoy the shapes the caves have taken with the iconic stalagmites and stalactites. Hear from your knowledgeable cave guide about the history of the area, as you are guided around grottos and water bodies deep underground.

Robben Island

The island where Mandela was imprisoned, Robben Island is known to all South Africans and is located in Table Bay near Cape Town. Mandela was housed here for 18 years of the 27 that he served behind bars during the time of apartheid.

Robben Island is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Heritage Site. The island has a history as the place for incarcerating political prisoners since the 17th Century and three presidents of South Africa were jailed here. The guided tours around the island are all led by Robben’s former political prisoners. You will visit the maximum security prison and see the cell where Mandela lived, which has been kept as it would have been during his imprisonment. You will also visit the lime quarry where Mandela and other prisoners performed hard labor.

The island was also home to a whaling station built in the mid-1900s and a leper colony in the mid-1800s. You can visit the Robben Island Museum to learn about the history, which also features a restaurant and shop to enjoy before your ferry back to the mainland.

Table Mountain

The iconic geographical feature of Cape Town, Table Mountain is protected within the Table Mountain National Park, which also includes the Cape of Good Hope above. The giant flat-topped geographical structure is definitely the centerpiece of the park, but there are other beautiful things to see, including fantastic scenery and a diversity of animals and plants.

Protected within the UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site, you can enjoy a cable car up to Table Mountain to enjoy fantastic views over Cape Town and there are also some great hiking trails up the landmark.

The Table Mountain itself is home to over 2,000 different plants with 70% of the flowers here found nowhere else. The botanical garden at the bottom helps provide information on the different species, plus plants from all over the world are housed in the large conservatory.

Animals you can find on Table Mountain include the baboons, rock hyraxes, caracals, and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

The Cape Winelands

One of the world’s finest winelands producing some great wines, the Western Cape was introduced to wine in 1652 when the Dutch East India company established a refreshment station on the Cape of Good Hope. Nowadays, the winelands are split into six main wine regions, which all have their different wine routes.

Not only a fantastic place to tour, taste and stock up on some great wine, this part of South Africa is famous for its beautiful scenery. Enjoy the rolling wine country and looking into the mountains.

The KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields

For history enthusiasts, you can visit some of the famous places for South Africa’s Boer Wars and Zulu War. This area is where the majority of the country’s most significant battles took place and you can take guided tours to learn about the different battles. You can also visit the different Zulu Culture and Heritage sites.

Your guided tour of the area can begin from either Durban or Johannesburg where your guide will collect you and drop you back after your tour. See the areas where the British were defeated, the fields where the Boers were finally weakened, and where the Zulu battles took place.

There are different ways to explore the areas, which include self-driven tours with a good guidebook, a guide who collects you and drops you off at your hotel, or seeing the sites on horseback. The recommendation is to use the services of a qualified and knowledgeable guide to make the most of the experience.

The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

Once a royal Zulu hunting ground, the Hluhluwe–Umfolozi Game Reserve was established in 1895 and is the oldest nature reserve in Africa. Located about 300 km north of Durban and covering just under 100,000 hectares, you can find all the iconic animals here, including the lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, rhinoceros, buffalo, plus many others, such as zebra, cheetah, kudu, eland, and giraffes . The park is also fortunate to contain the world’s largest white rhino. For bird lovers, you can find over 300 different species in the reserve.

The Umfolozi area in the south of the reserve is mainly grasslands, which then turns into woodlands. The Hluhluwe part in the north is more mountainous with more forest, but there is also African savannah areas. There are some fantastic viewing areas across the reserve, such as hides placed near watering holes to watch the wildlife at close range.

Within the reserve, you can find different safari lodges ranging from luxury lodges, through self-catered accommodation, to explorer camps. From these lodges, enjoy game drives, river tours, and walking trails to find some of the reserve’s different animals and plants.

The St Lucia Estuary

Although an estuary may not be the majority of people’s preference for an attraction, remember that we are in sub-Saharan Africa and St Lucia is one of the largest on the continent.

You can see the 800 strong hippo population and a fantastic assemblage of birds. There are also over 1,000 Nile crocodiles to spot in the water. The area is also home to kudu, leopards, and rhino. Because of its rich wildlife, the estuary and surroundings were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the first to be established in South Africa.

Different stone tools and other evidence of early human ancestors from as far back as 130,000 years ago have been found in the St Lucia Estuary. Researchers have found almost 7,000 different stone tools from just one cave here making a great place to tour important places of human origins.

The Howick Falls

Howick Falls is located in the KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa and reaches almost 100 meters in height. The falls has been important in regional Zulu culture and was known as KwaNogqaza, which translates roughly to ‘the place of the tall one.’ The local mythology surrounding the falls regards the pool below as the place of ancestral spirits and also home to a giant snake-like creature.

This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country and visitors often combine a tour here with a number of other waterfalls and cascades in the region. The Howick Falls, however, is often regarded as the most magnificent.

The Amphitheatre, Drakensberg

One of the most stunningly beautiful scenic areas for a hike, the 500 meter high and 5 km wide Amphitheatre can be found in the Royal Natal National Park and offers one of the world’s most dramatic looking cliff faces. If this wasn’t magnificent enough, you can also see the world’s second largest waterfall from the amphitheater, which is called the Tugela Falls. There is some argument that this the world’s highest and actually exceeds Angel Falls in Venezuela.

The area is home to a fantastic hiking trail that takes you up onto the Amphitheatre via chain ladders for incredible views. This view is regarded as one of the world’s finest and this is the only day hiking trail to the top, which takes around five hours to complete.

There are a variety of other trails in the region ranging from day hikes to multi-day adventures. This is one of the favorite areas in South Africa for its landscape and walking tracks. There are different rivers winding their way through the area and you can enjoy walks to the falls and through indigenous forests for great scenery and wildlife. For any hikers, make you visit the camp to fill in the register at the Visitor Centre before you set off for safety and collect your map of the walking trails.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Protecting a vast expanse of the famed Kalahari Desert, among the scrubland and dunes live springbok, eland, and wildebeest moving with the availability of food and water. The frontier the park crosses is the border between South Africa and Botswana with the merging of South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park.

The park covers an incredibly large area of over 3.6 million hectares and ranks as one of the world’s largest protected areas. Although the landscape may look sparse in many areas, there are some fantastic animals to see. The dominant predators are the black-maned Kalahari lions who share the area with meerkats, antelope, hyenas, Namibian cheetahs, leopards, and much more. The park is also well known among birders for its abundance of birds of prey.

As we are in a southern portion of the Kalahari, the water here is very limited and the rivers only briefly flow after large thunderstorms. The vegetation you can see on the Kalahari is instead fed from underground river systems. The weather can be extreme with temperatures ranging from -10 °C and up to 45 °C in the summer, so make sure you plan your month to visit carefully.

The Mkuze Game Reserve

Mkuze Game Reserve is a 40,000-hectare area located in a prime part of South Africa, as it sits on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The reserve is positioned in the middle of Zululand and is home to all of the iconic Big 5, such as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo, but also giraffes, zebra, cheetah, hyenas, Nile crocodiles, hippo, and wildebeest. The area is also well known among birding enthusiasts for the abundant species seen in the reserve and there are over 400 different birds to find.

The reserve protects grasslands, mountains, forests, and waterways. The main conservation initiative within the reserve is to continue the work of restoring the population of white rhinos, which were brought back from the brink of extinction in the 1950s.

The Garden Route

South Africa’s most famous drive, the Garden Route is on the minds of many visitors to the country. The route runs between the Southern and Eastern Cape and provides some very beautiful scenery. The small villages and destinations enroute adds to the popularity and provides a fantastic introduction to the country.

The towns many people enjoy visiting on the route include Oudtshoorn with its ostriches, Calitzdorp, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Although there are many little bays enroute, Plettenberg Bay provides a great place to spot whales and other marine life from the land.

The route itself stretches around 300 km along the southern coast between Mossel Bay in the west and Plettenberg Bay in the east. You can also visit the Garden Route National Park, which contains ancient forests and beautiful lakes with a few different walks you can enjoy.

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

A quintessential bustling and attractive waterfront filled with over 80 restaurants, many shops, malls, and entertainment, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a must-visit area if you’re in Cape Town. The different malls mean you can find almost anything your shopping needs desire, including the major brands and boutique shops.

For entertainment, enjoy two cinemas, which includes a luxury complex to enjoy your movie in utmost comfort. You can also enjoy the fantastic Two Oceans Aquarium on the waterfront and some different museums. As the surrounding area is a working harbor, you can enjoy the activity of the dock as tug boats travel out to sea and ferries shuttle visitors to the nearby Robben Island.

The Boulder & Foxy Beach Penguin Colony

Last but not least and probably the most loved group of animals near Cape Town, the Boulder Beach Penguin Colony is a 2,000 strong population of African penguins. You can enjoy a boardwalk from the visitor center and you can even get onto the beach with the penguins themselves. Although Boulder Beach is the most popular, you can get better penguin viewing at Foxy Beach. Do remember to keep a respectful distance as the penguins can peck with sharp beaks if they feel threatened.

The group is protected within the Table Mountain National Park mentioned above, but many people make the trip just to see the penguins. The African penguins ( Spheniscus demersus ) you can see are actually an endangered species and the colony was founded in 1982 by two breeding pairs. With the reduction in fishing activity in the bay, which previously devastated the penguin’s food of small fish, the population number has rocketed up. There are a variety of nearby eateries and accommodation options to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

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Home » Travel Guides » South Africa » 15 Best Places to Visit in South Africa (Update 2023)

15 Best Places to Visit in South Africa (Update 2023)

I use this article to share my love of South Africa’s best places to visit. Having roamed this masterful country from tiny hamets to the biggest cities, I’ve picked out its most unmissable destinations. And having traveled extensively in each and every one of them, you can be sure my picks are worthy of such a list!

With more landscapes and terrain than just about another country on Earth, South Africa takes the lead when it comes to diversity. An epic country at the tip of an epic continent, wildlife is likely your first draw. And why not, when you can boast hippos on the Limpopo River, penguins on the Cape, and Kruger’s Big Five?

But don’t forget about South Africa’s other attractions. There’s over 1800 miles of dramatic everchanging coastline. There are some of Africa’s best museums, an intriguing history, incredible cuisine, and no shortage of nightlife either.

Coming from an country which struggled for decades under the racial segregation of apartheid, this is utterly extraordinary. The legacy of apartheid can still be felt in places.  But the education and welcome you’ll receive will give you hope for the country’s future. Be sure to plan for a long trip, or at the least plan to return again and again. You’d need a lifetime to experience and appreciate this magnificent country in full.

1. Cape Town

South Africa’s ‘mother city’ – it’s oldest – is a microcosm of the country as a whole. Here you’ll find evidence of Europe’s earliest footprint on the continent at the Company’s Gardens and Castle of Good Hope.

At the same time, attractions including Zeitz MOCAA, the world’s largest gallery dedicated to Africa’s contemporary art scene, show Cape Town still has what it takes to wow.

A myriad of diverse neighborhoods each offer something different, from street art to amazing architectural examples.

Then there’s Table Mountain, cool indie shopping on Long Street, almost endless nature trails, water sports, golden beaches, and fine dining. Plus a literally unique flora, which can be explored at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

The adventurous can abseil from Table Mountain or paraglide off Lion’s Head. The historic farms of nearby Constantia offer relaxing wine tasting, while game reserves promise sightings of Africa’s wildlife.

2. Kruger National Park

When it comes to seeing Africa’s best known species, there’s little argument over the best place in South Africa to head – Kruger National Park . The size of a small European nation, the density and diversity of animals within Kruger National Park makes it one of the world’s greatest.

You’ll find all the iconic safari species here – leopards, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, elephants, and zebras.  Plus about 140 other mammals and 500 varieties of birds. While areas of the park can get busy, Kruger is large enough at 8000 square miles that it’s also possible to be the only game vehicle in sight. The longer you spend here, the more likely this is to be the case.

More than just savanna grassland, Kruger also contains granite hills to its south, the Lebombo Mountains in the east, and sub-tropical forest in the north. It’s no wonder Kruger’s species list is so extensive!

Part of the famous Garden Route, Knysna is known for its oyster festival and incredible views which stretch from Leisure Isle all the way to the Knysna Heads – a difficult passage of water where many ships have been wrecked.

All the same, the reason to include Knysna on your South Africa itinerary is for relaxation with a little added adventure.

Top attractions include Featherbed Nature Reserve for communing with nature, alongside the incredible Knysna Elephant Park and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary.

Dolphin sightings are pretty regular in Knysna too. There are several dolphin spotting boat trips to choose between. Many include a stop at Plettenberg Bay or the Robberg Peninsula in order to see the noisy seal colonies there.

4. Stellenbosch

During the Anglo-Boer War, British soldiers who showed courage and valor on the battlefield where sent to Stellenbosch as a reward. Head there today and it will feel like you’re being rewarded too. Stellenbosch is a beautiful town with restaurants, street cafes, and some of South Africa’s oldest buildings. These days, the town is centred on the university, one of the leading educational institutions in the country. As a result, the atmosphere can be very differnet between term time and the university holidays. There are also some fantastic wine estates here – check out Spier (established in the 17th century) to enjoy Segway tours, picnics, Eagle Encounters, and an amphitheatre for entertainment.

Other top picks include Thelema, Tokaa, and Blaauwklippen. For food, Stellenosch has two of the top ten “Best Restaurants in South Africa”. For something a little different, there’s AmaZink. This restaurant has a night dinner show recounting the history of the neighboring Kayamandi Township with music and dance.

South Africa’s most famous township is undoubedly Soweto, an abbreviation of South West Townships. Created in the 1930s as a means of pushing black communities out of central Johannesburg, Soweto became a vocal centerpoint for protests against apartheid. Nelson Mandela even lived in its Orlando West neighborhood until his imprisonment in the 1960s. His home here is now an important stop on any tour of Soweto.

These tours include places like Walter Sisulu Square, where South Africa’s Freedom Charter was signed in 1955, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, where the 1976 uprising began. There’s also Vilakazi Street, once home to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. It makes it the only street in the world where two Nobel peace prize winners have lived.

For some fun, take a look at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.  It’s listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest hospital in the world. To get the adrenaline flowing, opt for a bungee jump between the famous painted cooling towers of the decommissioned Orlando power station.

Durban is where South Africans head on vacation, making it one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations. Why? Because just a short stroll from the city center you’ll find mile after mile of perfect golden sand. Add to this excellent year-round weather, and you have the beginnings of a great few days. If you somehow tire of the beach, check out the gondola rides, fishing, or uShaka Marine World theme park and aquarium.

When you want a break from the sun, head downtown and discover the wonderful art deco facades amid the more urban parts of town. Its buildings include the Durban Natural Science Museum, which contains one of the most complete dodo skeletons in the world among its artifacts. Stroll through its markets and you’ll wonder if you’re still in South Africa, given the influence of the city’s Indian community. They gifted Durban delights including bunny chow, a vegetable stew packed with flavor.

7. Bloemfontein

The capital of Free State and one of South Africa’s three national capitals, Bloemfontein is one of South Africa’s most attractive cities. Meaning ‘fountain of flowers’ in Afrikaans, ‘Bloem’ is often called ‘the city of the roses.’ Flower beds line many of its broadest streets, while a rose festival is held here each year. But it’s more than just beautiful to look at, the city has a plethora of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.

For a start, try the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, the National Museum, the Free State National Botanical Garden, Vodacom Parkland, or the Anglo Boer War Museum. For round two, try the digital planetarium, the music scene at Die Mystic Boer, or go fishing at Maselspoort. For something a little different, head up to Naval Hill’s Franklin Game Reserve. Popular with joggers and cyclists, this hilltop reserve contains zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests, in addition to a plethora of bird species.

8. Blyde River Canyon

Though it’s a very small province, Mpumalanga is truly exciting. Mountain vistas, cooler climates, and green valleys make the region a magnet for outdoor lovers. Abseil down waterfalls, river raft, canoe, inner tube, trek, mountain bike, or throw yourself off a cliff! All are possible.

The main attraction is definitely Blyde River Canyon, which has been carving its way through the Drakensberg Escarpment for centuries. It’s truly one of South Africa’s iconic sites. Although less than 17 miles long, it’s the perfect destination for nature and walking lovers. A rich dense carpet of green provides habitats for a huge number of species, from monkeys to birds.

Plus, the canyon is right next door is Kruger National Park. Its surrounding towns form a great base camp while you spend time exploring this magnificent area. Expect the best treks to last between three and five days.

9. Johannesburg

The ‘city of gold’, Jo’burg has it all – if you know where to look. It’s true to say that downtown Johannesburg has seen better days. The last 20 years haven’t been kind to South Africa’s most populous city. However, things are rapidly changing for the better in Newtown and Braamfontein, the two cultural districts. Here you’ll find the restaurants, cafes, museums, and theatres you’d expect from a city the size of Jo’burg. Indeed, the energy here is almost infectious.

Even the inner city is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot.  You’ll want to make a stop at Maboneng, a hipster type neighbourhood on the eastern side of downtown. While in the area, try and pay a visit to Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park. With 15 galleries and a sculpture garden, its collection includes a mix of classical European works and modern home-grown art.

It’s a city still struggling with its history, but Johannesburg isn’t pretentious and has a lot to offer. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Apartheid Museum on its outskirts for a sobering reminder of just what Johannesburg has gone through.

10. Kimberley

Another historic city is Kimberley, also known as ‘the city that sparkles’ because of its link to South Africa’s diamond industry. Located in the heart of the Diamond Fields region, it’s the home of De Beers and has a rich mining past. The billion dollar company’s first headquarters, a tiny tin shack, still exists beyond the train station.

Not to be missed is the Big Hole and Mine Museum. It’s surrounded by a series of old buildings relocated to the site, including a functioning old time saloon. Inside, visitors first get to watch an enjoyable documentary into just how Kimberley became the center of diamond mining. You’ll then get to see the Big Hole – the world’s largest hand dug pit.

Reaching a depth of 240 meters, and covering 170,000 square meters, the Big Hole miners discovered 3000 kg of raw diamonds before it was closed in 1914.

11. East London

If you want a laid back beach scene that doesn’t have the crowds, East London is perfect for you. Flying somewhat under the radar, it’s got everything you would want in a beach getaway. Its coast is lined with sandy beaches, its Indian Ocean waves are warm, there’s wall to wall sunshine, and loads of water sports and other outdoor adventures to consider.

East London Museum contains two examples of the coelacanth too. Often called a ‘living fossil,’ it’s a large scaly fish that was thought to have been extinct for millions of years before one was caught in a fishing net in the 1930s nearby.

Meanwhile, Potters Pass Nature Reserve protects rare coastal grasslands which burst into life during the spring months. It’s here you’ll also discover the historic Hood Point Lighthouse.

12. Oudtshoorn

Welcome to the ostrich capital of the world, where a trip to an ostrich farm is a must. Located between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, Oudtshoorn is another ideal destination for outdoor and nature lovers. You have to travel through Klein Karoo to get there, but that’s no trouble given the beauty of this semi-desert area.

The mountain range has been declared a Cape Floral World Heritage Site, and you’ll see some stunning vistas as you explore the area. Nearby are the Cango Caves and the historical village of De Rust. If you’re in the mood for a road trip, consider crossing the Swartberg Pass or driving down the 25km Meiringspoort.

If you’re there around Easter time, don’t miss the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees – the largest language arts festival in the country.

13. Pietermaritzburg

This heritage city is located in the forests and rolling pastures of the Natal Midlands. The provincial capital of kwaZulu-Natal, it’s considered one of the best preserved Victorian cities on Earth. A tour through town to look at the historic buildings will take you back to another age. They include the magnificent City Hall building.

Pietermaritzburg’s treasures extend to the Msunduzi Museum and Tatham Art Gallery. Once known as the Voortrekker Museum, the Msunduzi Museum contains a complex of historic buildings including the humble home of Andries Pretorius, a major Boer leader.

The Tatham Art Gallery has a fine collection of 19th and 20th century artworks, all housed in the Old Supreme Court building.

14. Pretoria

‘Jacaranda City’ is swimming in a sea of purple Jacaranda trees.  The sister to Johannesburg, but much more laid back, Pretoria has great museums, historical buildings, and natural attractions for your enjoyment.

Once the heart of apartheid South Africa, a new energy is infusing the city as foreign embassies, businesses, and tourism reach Pretoria. When you want a relaxing stopover as you travel the country, Pretoria is definitely worth a visit.

Named after our old friend Andries Pretorius, any tour of the city should start at Church Square. From here, head the short distance to the Union Buildings on Meintjieskop hill – the home of South Africa’s presidency. On another hill, Salvokop, Freedom Park contains a monument to all the South Africans who lost their lives during wars and the apartheid era.

15. Port Elizabeth

Most South African cities seem to have a nickname, and Port Elizabeth’s is the ‘friendly city.’ It’s located at the eastern end of the Garden Route, and the western end of the Sunshine Coast, on Algoa Bay.

As you might expect from such a location, there are blue-flag beaches and water sports offerings. Summerstrand’s beaches are particularly popular with surfers. Yet there’s a surprising amount of history here too.

Now officially known as Gqeberha, the city was founded in 1820. There are therefore plenty of grand Victorian buildings at its heart.

However, my personal favorite thing to do in Port Elizabeth is stroll across Donkin Reserve. Blending a historic lighthouse and memorial pyramid with modern sculpture and art, its a wonderful place to wander.

15 Best Places to Visit in South Africa (Update 2023):

• Kruger National Park
• Stellenbosch
• Bloemfontein
• Blyde River Canyon
• Johannesburg
• East London
• Pietermaritzburg
• Port Elizabeth

• TheTraveler .net
• South Africa
• Places of interest

The 13 best places to visit in South Africa

Situated on the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa, nicknamed ‘the rainbow nation’, is unquestionably a destination which is ripe for discovery all throughout the year. It’s a country brimming with areas of natural beauty, of parks and nature reserves filled with wildlife. A country where the feeling of living beyond your wildest dreams takes on its full meaning, at the heart of varied, diverse regions and captivating, spectacular scenery. South Africa is a country of many facets, and each of the country’s regions is different, thus offering travellers a wide range of activities and various things to experience. The country gives travellers the opportunity to participate in cultural experiences with its unique melting pot and poignant history at the heart of the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town. It’s also possible to experience the best of fine dining by tasting vintage South African wine in Cape Town’s wine estate region, or even to make one of your childhood dreams a reality through discovering incredible wildlife in nature reserves such as the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi game reserve and national parks such as the legendary Kruger Park. A trip to South Africa is also synonymous with nature and its breathtaking sights which you could discover while on a hike, whether that’s in the Cederberg mountains or even the Drakensberg mountains on the opposite side of the country. Having lived for almost a year in South Africa, here are my 13 not to be missed places situated all over the country.

Tourist attractions

Our selection of must-see places.

Blyde River Canyon

To the west of Kruger Park, located in the heart of the Mpumalanga region, is the Blyde River Canyon. At 26 kilometres long, this is the third largest canyon in the world, with imposing geological features called "Giant's Kettles", or "Bourke's Luck Potholes". In addition to offering breathtaking views, this natural site is an ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, climbing, horseback riding and even bungee jumping.

As the third largest city in the country, Durban is "the capital of the Kwazulu-Natal region" and can be likened to Australian or American cities but with the added bonus of being steeped in Zulu culture. Durban is famous for its long walk on the seafront, its Indian district and beaches conducive to surfing. You can also go scuba diving and come face to face with the "great white shark" as well as other species of sharks. This memorable adrenalin-fuelled activity can be experienced in the waters of Aliwal Shoal, to the south of Durban.

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve

In the heart of Zululand, in the Kwazulu-Natal region, and not far from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi reserve, the oldest in the country. Here you can spend one or more days on safari in your own vehicle or alternatively in one of the park’s vehicles accompanied by a guide-ranger. Either way, you can then follow the trails of the "Big 5" and also observe the highest concentration of rhinoceros in the world in the heart of green landscapes and beautiful savannah hills!

Kruger National Park

Do you dream of going on safari in South Africa and tracking the "Big 5" at one of the largest wild sanctuaries in the world? Good news, it’s possible in the north-east of the country at the Kruger National Park, a five-hour drive from Johannesburg and not far from the border with Mozambique. Embark upon a guided or self-drive safari, for one or more days, in the largest reserve in South Africa. With a total area of ​​over 20,000 km2, you’ll get to follow in the footsteps of the thousands of mammals and birds that live there in total freedom.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park and St Lucia

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, located east of Durban on Santa Lucia’s coastline, in the KwaZulu-Natal province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region of Saint Lucia is home to a unique and unspoilt ecosystem of beaches, swamps and mangroves, savannah and forests. The coast is wild with a water temperature of around 77°F. Large marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, turtles, hippopotamuses and the Nile crocodile, have made it their home (off Sodwana Bay). For a chance to see them, just take a boat cruise on the Saint Lucia estuary.

Drakensberg

It’s in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site bordering Lesotho, that you really get to explore majestic mountain landscapes and other remarkable natural wonders. The Drakensberg is a mountain range, culminating at about 3,500 meters above sea level, and is home to nearly 300 species of birds and no less than 50 mammals. The area is also ideal for hiking, such as in the Kamberg Nature Reserve and Giants Castle, where you can observe paintings depicting the daily life of the San people and even take a well-deserved dip in the waterfalls and natural pools.

Johannesburg & Soweto

Johannesburg is a modern city with many unusual and fashionable neighbourhoods that are often steeped in history. Between art galleries, shopping malls, museums and exhibitions, markets and trendy restaurants, the city of Johannesburg is home to many must-see areas, such as the cultural district of Newtown (former industrial area) with its theatres, historical museum, the MuseuMAfricA, and the trendy districts of Braamfontein and Maboneng. There is also Soweto, a city in its own right and the historic centre of the anti-apartheid struggle, where you will be able to follow in the footsteps of Ghandi and Nelson Mandela. With a one-day guided visit of the township, on foot and / or by bike, you can visit the Apartheid Museum which traces the history of the country and the struggle for racial equality, and at the same time have lunch in a "shebeen", which was an underground bar during the apartheid period.

The Cederberg region is north of Cape Town with breathtaking scenery and many outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, etc. Cederberg can be discovered through its many hiking trails, rooibos farms and tea factories and even historical sites on the trail of Bushmen rock art sites. It’s also a region that invites you to take it easy and have a good time in a sublime natural mountainous setting, spending days in the great outdoors and seeing the day out under unforgettable starry skies.

The Cape wine route

Just an hour’s drive from the city of Cape Town, you will find the wine growing region in the heart of the beautiful countryside with the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, known as ‘the French corner’, where the first Huguenots settled in the 18th century. Among the Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl vineyards, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the many renowned wine growing estates where you will taste excellent South African wines. You’ll enjoy fine dining at one of the wine estates’ restaurant tables or go for a picnic on the vineyard lawns. In addition to its beautiful, mountainous countryside, its valleys and wine estates, the region is also home to historic ‘Cape Dutch’ architectural monuments which are a trademark feature of this region.

Addo Elephant National Park

Located east of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, this is the third largest park in the country. Addo National Park was created in 1931 to protect the last of the region’s elephants from extinction. Today there are about 400 elephants, as well as other mammals such as black rhinos, buffaloes, various species of antelopes, a wide variety of birds and, for some years now, a number of lions. The National Park is also home to a marine reserve where you can see the “Big 7” including the Southern Right Whale and the Great White Shark.

The Garden Route

The Garden Route is a symbolic road, also known as the legendary Route 62. It runs along the coast and crosses beautiful sea, mountain pass and countryside landscapes, from the city of Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. About 850 km long, the Garden route offers many charming sites to discover, including the world ostrich capital, Oudtshoorn, where you can meet the biggest bird in the world. There are also the Cango caves, the seaside towns of Mossel Bay and Knysna, with its beautiful lagoon and Featherbed Nature Reserve, the bay of Plettenberg, with mile upon mile of sandy beaches, and the Robberg Nature Reserve that will not disappoint with its beautiful hikes, views of the ocean and sometimes even sea lions.

Hermanus Region

From the city of Cape Town (approximately 2 hours’ drive), you will take one of the region’s most beautiful, scenic roads, the R44 (Clarence Drive), which leads to the whale capital, the town of Hermanus. It is here, and more specifically in Walker Bay, that whales come to reproduce and give birth between June and November. During this time, you will be able to watch them from the seafront, or from on board a boat for a stunning and unforgettable experience. If you’re a thrill seeker, head over to Gansbaai (a 30 minute drive from Hermanus) where you can go cage diving with white sharks in the shallow channel of Shark Alley (between Diver Island and Geyser Rock) which is an area frequently visited by sharks. What’s more, further inland lie several wine estates, where you will be able to enjoy a wine tasting experience and find out even more about South African wines.

Head towards the other side of the world with the spectacular city of Cape Town, known as the ‘mother city’, which is still a must-see place to explore in South Africa. A city of multiple natural attractions, such as the Table Mountain which overlooks the city, or even the Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope, which are both listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. Culture is also a part of Cape Town, with the Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for almost 27 years, or the very latest Zeitz MOCAA museum, which is the largest contemporary art museum on the African continent. Cape Town is also brimming with areas which are well worth a visit, such as the colourful Malay quarter of Bo-Kaap, the unmissable Waterfront – a big hit with tourists, or the creative suburb of Woodstock with its works of street art, trendy market and its art galleries. Among the sea, mountains, urban and rural landscapes, the Cape Town region offers other getaway opportunities, like Simon’s Town with its Boulders Beach, where colonies of African penguins have chosen to settle, or even the Muizenberg beach where you can take up surfing and discover the famous colourful houses overlooking the seaside.

Marlène's review

Desmond Tutu described South Africa as "a whole world in one country" and I can only agree with him. Because this really is a true reflection of everything South Africa is: a country with varying landscapes and a land of contrasts, with large natural spaces and scenery like nowhere else. South Africa is also a melting pot of different cultures and influences. I loved my experiences living with locals, like cooking in the Bo-Kaap area or visiting the township of Kalyetisha in Cape Town. I love the multitude of landscapes that one can discover during a trip to South Africa, whether on foot, by car or in the air. The Kwazulu-Natal region is, in my opinion, one of the most surprising regions of the country and one which has a lot of unexpected bonuses in terms of landscapes and wildlife. There is something for everyone when traveling to South Africa, and you are guaranteed of a different experience every time. I particularly like the city of Cape Town and its region with its unmissable sites that reflect both the country and its history, and which will never fail to surprise nature-seeking travellers as well as those looking for culture, art and gastronomy. One thing is certain, you’ll need more than one trip to experience the true extent of what this country has to offer.

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18 Best Places to Visit in South Africa

Located on the southernmost tip of Africa, South Africa is one of the largest countries on the continent and the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town have become popular tourist destinations for travelers from around the world. However, there are many other places in South Africa to visit than just the two biggest cities.

Travelers looking to escape the ordinary can enjoy the mountain air in Hogsback and the Drakensberg; settle back with world-class wines from the Cape Winelands; relax on the coastline of Knysna : or enjoy a safari in the oldest and best Wildlife Park in Southern Africa,  Kruger National Park .

Fortunately, it's also relatively easy to travel around South Africa with several low-cost airlines operating throughout the country and excellent roads, which makes it convenient to rent a car to explore the country yourself. 

Cape Town, Western Cape

Known for its cultural diversity and social tolerance, Cape Town is a trip highlight for many visitors to South Africa. The Mother City is blessed with a variety of great sights, experiences, dining destinations, and outdoor activities perfect for travelers of all ages and interests.

While in Cape Town, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery—from the white-sand beaches of the Cape Peninsula to the iconic cliffs of Table Mountain —or a whole selection of world-class restaurants and local wines. You can also spend leisurely mornings browsing beachside farmer's markets or shopping at the V&A Waterfront; and afternoons hiking, surfing, scuba diving, or making friends with the penguins at Boulders Beach.

Cape Town is also full of important cultural sites, including Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years), and the apartheid-era ghettoes of Bo-Kaap and District Six.

There are several safari parks within a few hours' drive of the city center.

The Cape Winelands, Western Cape

TripSavvy / Anna Haines

To the east of Cape Town lies the Cape Winelands, a spectacular region full of verdant mountains and fertile valleys. Visitors love the area for its astounding scenic beauty, for its culture (best represented by the stunning Cape Dutch architecture of its towns and outlying farms), and for its world-famous vineyards.

There are several distinct viticultural regions, the most popular of which include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington, and Paarl. Each one offers wine-tasting tours and an array of superb restaurants, most of which showcase the Western Cape's finest local produce.

Tourists can  rent a car in Cape Town to explore the vineyards independently, book a stay at a local B&B, or hop aboard the Franschhoek wine tram  to take in a variety of vineyards and sample many different wines while in the region.

Hermanus, Western Cape

Located 120 kilometers southeast of Cape Town, the seaside town of Hermanus has earned itself a reputation as the whale-watching capital of South Africa.

Every year, migrating southern right whales pass within a few hundred feet of the Hermanus shoreline, with many of them stopping to breed and calve in the town's own Walker Bay. You can book a tour with one of Hermanus' many whale-watching boats , or you can enjoy the whales' antics for free from any of the lookout points along the Cliff Path.

In the center of town, the restaurants that line scenic Gearing's Point are a great place to sample gourmet cuisine while keeping an eye out for passing cetaceans. The whale-watching season lasts from July to November, but there are also plenty of other attractions worth seeing in Hermanus year-round.

Knysna, Western Cape

 TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

South Africa's Garden Route is world-famous for its plethora of enchanting coastal towns, and Knysna is arguably the most beautiful of them all.

Nested between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna offers a wide range of charismatic guesthouses and bed and breakfasts, in addition to art galleries , boutiques, and craft centers. It's especially well known for its seafood restaurants, which feature oysters freshly harvested from the town's picturesque lagoon.

While in Knysna, you can take a hike to the top of the twin cliffs known as the Knysna Heads; spend idyllic days on the golden beaches of Leisure Isle and nearby Brenton-on-Sea; or encounter the world's largest terrestrial animal at the Knysna Elephant Park . 

Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

The small town of Oudtshoorn makes a great pit stop along Route 62 through South Africa's wine country. Known for its ostrich farms and the nearby Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn offers a variety of attractions ranging from wildlife parks and ostrich museums to hot air ballooning over the countryside.

Among the top attractions in the region, the CP Nel Museum is dedicated to early 20th-century and Victorian-era life in the region as well as the rich history of the ostrich trade, which put the city on the map. While you're there, you can also take a guided tour of the Safari Ostrich Farm or the Cango Wildlife Ranch for an up-close look at the wildlife around Oudtshoorn.

Hogsback, Eastern Cape

Situated high in the misty Amathole Mountains, Hogsback is a quaint town said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien (who was born in South Africa) when he wrote  " Lord of the Rings." The surrounding landscape is lush, green, and dotted with hiking trails that take you through the forest to a series of hidden waterfalls and streams.

The dense indigenous woodland also plays host to an array of endemic birdlife, including the highly endangered ​ Cape parrot . The town itself is steeped in fairy folklore. Here, you'll find a bohemian collection of backpacker lodges, guesthouses, art galleries, and New Age boutiques. Perhaps most magical of all, however, is the view from the cliffs at The Edge Mountain Retreat .

The Transkei, Eastern Cape

Designated as a Black homeland under apartheid, the Transkei region was once considered separate from South Africa. Now, it is a wild, unspoiled area of incredible natural beauty that extends from the Great Kei River to the Umtamvuna River in the Eastern Cape.

As the birthplace of anti-apartheid leaders including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Oliver Tambo, the Transkei has a proud cultural heritage. The traditional Xhosa way of life is still observed in its remote rural villages, and its rolling landscapes are dotted by simple rondavel huts and herds of indigenous Nguni cattle.

With its abandoned beaches and pounding surf, the Transkei is also a haven for fishermen, hikers, surfers, and nature lovers. 

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

The cosmopolitan center of KwaZulu-Natal province, Durban , is known for its golden beaches, its tropical climate, and its rich Indian culture.

Flavorful curry restaurants dominate the city's culinary scene; and after dark, an impressive array of bars and nightclubs await visitors. For the best view with your cocktail, head to Moyo at the end of uShaka Pier. During the day, visitors embrace the perennial vacation atmosphere of Durban's Golden Mile, home to some of the most famous surf spots in South Africa .

Shopping is another favorite pastime—whether you choose to explore the colorful stalls of Victoria Street Market or to spend your money in upscale malls like the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga.

Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

The capital of KwaZulu-Natal province, Pietermaritzburg, is a great destination. Popularly referred to as Martizburg, this industrial hub known for its colonial buildings, rich gambling culture, and the lush nature found in parks and reserves nearby.

If you're a fan of sports, you can catch the Comrades Marathon between Pietermaritzburg and Durban in June or the yearly Amashovashova cycling race held between the two cities in October. For history and art enthusiasts, Martizburg is also home to a number of museums and galleries including the KwaZulu-Natal Museum, City Hal, the Imperial Hotel, and the Tatham Art Gallery.

Additionally, Albert Falls Nature Reserve, Midmar Public Nature Reserve, Queens Elizabeth Park, World's View, and Howick Falls are all within a few miles of Maritzburg, making it a great place to stay if you hope to explore the upland savanna around the city.

The Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountain range stretches along the border of South Africa and Lesotho. It includes the country's highest peak and Blyde River Canyon , the third largest canyon in the world. It's an impressive playground full of soaring summits and plunging valleys and is the ideal destination for those with a love of hiking, climbing, horse-riding, whitewater-rafting and mountain fly-fishing.

A series of trails cater to all abilities, with options ranging from hour-long hikes to multi-day expeditions. However, you choose to explore, keep an eye out for rare regional wildlife, including 300 different bird species and altitude-adapted mammals like the klipspringer and the mountain reedbuck. The mountains are also home to many fine examples of ancient San rock art. 

Soweto Township, Gauteng

Soweto may not be the most beautiful destination in South Africa, but it certainly ranks as one of the most culturally important sights the country has to offer.

A sprawling township located in​ Johannesburg , Soweto is home to over 1.3 million people. Much of the struggle against apartheid played out in the slums of Soweto, and the township was in a virtual state of war during the 1970s and 80s. Nowadays, Soweto is still subject to crippling poverty and a high crime rate; however, it also features some of the most vibrant music and theater South Africa has to offer.

Visitors can join a township tour to explore the area's incredible history and culture in safety. Sample local food, visit Nelson Mandela's house, or even opt to stay overnight at a township bed and breakfast. 

Johannesburg, Gauteng

While Soweto may be one of the biggest draws of the city, the rest of Johannesburg has plenty to offer tourists of all persuasions. What started as a gold-mining settlement, Johannesburg is now the biggest city in South Africa and the capital of the Gauteng province.

While you're there, you can visit underground shebeens (speakeasy-style bars) in the surrounding townships, eat traditional shisa nyama (a form of barbecue) at local restaurants, or enjoy the nightlife in thriving the Braamfontein neighborhood.

The history of Johannesburg is another important aspect to explore on your trip, and there are plenty of museums, monuments, and historic sites to discover including the former home of Nelson Mandela, The Mandela House, which is now a moving museum.

Pretoria, Gauteng

Located in the northern part of the Gauteng province, the city of Pretoria is similar to Johannesburg but much more relaxed. Known for the Union Buildings that house the set of South Africa's government, Pretoria is also a great place to take in some history, culture, and wildlife.

Popular attractions in Pretoria include the Voortrekker Monument, dedicated to the Afrikaans settlers who arrived in South Africa in the 1830s; the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, a research hub and 210-acre zoo; and the Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum, which is dedicated to the South African freedom fighters.

Kruger National Park, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga

South Africa's first national park is also its most famous attraction, offering one of the best safari experiences on the continent.

Located in the far northeast of the country, the Kruger offers an incredible variety of flora and fauna, including Africa's Big Five and the lesser-known Little Five . The birdlife is exceptional, too, with over 500 species recorded within the park.

There are countless different ways to explore: You can rent a car and drive along the park's well-maintained roads, or sign up for a private game drive and benefit from the knowledge of an experienced guide. Night drives and walking safaris are also well worthwhile. In terms of accommodation, your options range from rustic campsites to five-star lodges. 

Bloemfontein, Free State of South Africa

Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State of South Africa and one of the country's three national capitals; however, it's also known as the "city of the roses" due to the huge rose festival held in the city each spring.

Bloemfontein is also full of history, culture, art, and wildlife to explore and discover. Stop by the Oliewenhuis Art Museum and gardens or the Gallery on Leviseur for a look into the modern art scene of the country. To learn about the history of the region, you can visit the Anglo Boer War Museum or the National Museum of Bloemfontein.

For an outdoor adventure, you can head over to the Free State of South Africa National Botanical Garden or meet the wildlife up close at the Bloemfontein Zoo or an exclusive Cheetah Experience found right outside the city.

East London, Eastern Cape

Located on the Indian Ocean on South Africa's eastern coast, East London is a quiet, relaxed beach town perfect for an escape any time of year.

Cove Rock and Nahoon beaches are the biggest attractions in East London, but a variety of wild game reserves nearby and the local East London Museum also provide a chance to get to know the history, culture, and natural habitat of the region. Mpongo Park Game Reserve, the Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve, the East London Aquarium, and the East London Lion Park are all popular attractions.

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

A little further southwest along the eastern coast of South Africa, Port Elizabeth is a bustling city on Algoa Bay known for its thriving port, numerous beaches, and the wild elephants, rhinos, and other big game living on wildlife reserves nearby.

Encounter cheetahs at the Kragga Kamma Game Park or explore maritime and natural history at Bayworld, a kid-friendly museum dedicated to aquatic life. Tourists can also take private boat tours of Algoa Bay, where rare birds and whales are often seen enjoying the warm climate.

Kimberley, Northern Cape

The capital of the Northern Cape province, Kimberley, is known for its 19th-century diamond mines, including the hand-dug Big Hole—the world's largest diamond mine.

Kimberley is also the home of Da Beers, one of the nation's most popular brands, as well as a variety of history museums, art galleries, and colonial houses built in the 1800s.

Along with visiting The Big Hole, tourists can learn about natural and cultural history at the McGregor Museum, see endangered species at Mokola National Park, and explore South African and European art at the William Humphreys Art Museum.

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10 Superb Tourist Attractions In South Africa

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Located in the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is a destination with serene vistas, pulsating nightlife, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The majestic Table Mountain and the Atlantic frame Cape Town, its capital make it one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Wineland and Garden Route tours, Kruger National Park, and Robben Island are some of the top tourist attractions in South Africa. Here, we put together 10 superb attractions to make your vacay memorable. So, scroll down and take a look at them.

Top Tourist Attractions In South Africa

Kruger national park.

This is the largest game reserve on the continent that boasts of varied species of wildlife including the Big Five. Kruger is a unique experience as it is a self-drive attraction, unlike most other safaris. The excellent infrastructure provides tented camps and luxury lodges for stay. This is one of the most famous tourist attractions in South Africa as you game drive to watch cheetahs, giraffes, varied bird-life, and more. This is Africa at its best.

Location: Northeast of South Africa

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is within the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town. Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head flank the superb tourist attraction in South Africa. The top of the mountain is a distinctive 3 km level plateau that was once the bottom of a valley. At a height of 1086 meters, you can reach the top in a cableway. Explore the scenic views as each Rotair car features revolving floors to give you 360-degree views of the location.

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Garden Route

South Africa’s Garden Route is one of the top tourist attractions as it has plenty of things to do and see. This is the ultimate road trip across a coastal road that stretches for 300 km. The road gets its name from the Garden Route National Park that it covers. Here you witness an abundance of vegetation, wildlife, lagoons, mountains, forests and more. There are activities to partake in such as hiking, whale watching and deserted sandy beach tours among other things to do. The journey starts from Port Elizabeth to Mossel Bay or vice versa.

Location: Start and endpoint Cape Town  

Robben Island

This tourist spot is an island in Table Bay in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It translates to Seal Island from the Dutch name Robbeneiland. Plan a trip to learn about the history of South Africa on the island that is home to the Robben Island Museum. You get guided tours of the island prison where prisoners laboured and a view of Mandela’s cell. Also, witness the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.

Location: Robben Island, Cape Town, 7400, South Africa

Two Oceans Aquarium

This superb tourist attraction in South Africa opened on the 13th November 1995. The Skretting Diversity Gallery showcases marine life from South Africa’s two major oceans. See the Knysna seahorses, sea stars, compass jellyfish and more. There is an I & J Children’s Play Centre, a Predator Exhibit with the ragged-tooth shark and  I & J Ocean Exhibit that holds 1.6 million litres of seawater.

Location: Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa

Castle of Good Hope

They built this bastion fort in the 17th century in Cape Town. Due to land reclamation, the fort that was formerly on the Table Bay coastline is now inland. The attraction is the oldest colonial building in South Africa that was built by the Dutch. It is a pentagonal fortress and has a Dutch name “Kasteel de Goede Hoop”. We consider it the best-preserved example of a Dutch East India Company fort that is now a provincial heritage site. No wonder it is one of the greatest places to visit in South Africa,

Location: Darling Sy & Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Kalahari Transfrontier Park

The attraction is the largest wilderness area in the world that is a merger of South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park. This is a top tourist attraction in the Northern Cape of South Africa with a tremendous diversity of wildlife. Watch the majestic Kalahari lion with its famous black mane, the stately gemsbok with their sharp horns and many birds. Hyenas, leopards and cheetahs are also found here.

Location: R360, Upington, 8800, South Africa

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

This is a favourite attraction on a drive between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. It is home to Africa’s second-largest canyon that boasts rich wildlife, glistening rivers, waterfalls, and subtropical foliage. The game viewing experience is the best way to explore the spectacular park filled with South African primates, hippos and crocs. There are extensive hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints aptly called God’s Window. Enjoy boat trips and white water rafting activities too.

Location: R543, Ehlanzeni, South Africa

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

This is a magnificent tourist attraction in South Africa and a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens are located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.  The botanical garden in Cape Town covers South Africa’s six different biomes. You witness here the Colonel’s Birds Bath, wander the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway and the Conservatory housing plants. The attraction lays a strong emphasis on the cultivation and nurturing of indigenous plants. It was founded in 1913 to preserve the flora that is native to South Africa.

Location: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa

Pilanesberg National Park

One of the best places to visit in South Africa, the Pilanesberg National Park has a high concentration of game and lies in a transition zone between the Kalahari Desert and the rain-filled Lowveld. You get to see varied animals here from the Big Five to African wild dogs, roan antelope, zebras, giraffes and an abundance of bird species. You can take a day trip or a multi-day stay tour with self-catering units, permanent safari tents or luxury guest lodges to pick from. It is a great choice for a family safari tour on your next visit.

Location: Pilanesberg, Northwest Province

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Stay connected, top 15 tourist attractions in south africa.

South Africa is a diverse and beautiful country that offers visitors a wide array of cultural, natural, and historical attractions. From stunning landscapes to vibrant cities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we will explore the top 15 tourist attractions in South Africa that you should not miss on your visit.

Table Mountain

One of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa is Table Mountain. Located in Cape Town, it offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can hike to the summit or take a cable car ride for an easier ascent. Once at the top, you can enjoy panoramic views while exploring various walking trails.

Kruger National Park

If wildlife is what you seek, then Kruger National Park is an absolute must-visit destination. This world-renowned game reserve covers nearly two million hectares of land and boasts over 140 species of mammals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, and more. Embark on a thrilling safari experience where you can witness these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Robben Island

A visit to Robben Island provides a sobering but important history lesson about South Africa’s past struggles with apartheid. This small island was once used as a prison where political prisoners were held captive during apartheid times. Take a guided tour and listen to former inmates share their personal stories as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cape Winelands

Wine enthusiasts will delight in visiting the Cape Winelands region near Cape Town. This picturesque area features beautiful vineyards set against dramatic mountain backdrops. Take part in wine tastings at renowned estates or dine at award-winning restaurants that offer gourmet meals paired with local wines.

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Located along the famous Panorama Route in Mpumalanga province lies Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. This breathtaking natural wonder is one of the largest canyons in the world and offers stunning views of towering cliffs, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. Don’t miss the iconic viewpoints such as God’s Window and the Three Rondavels.

The Big Hole

The town of Kimberley is home to The Big Hole, an impressive excavation site and a reminder of South Africa’s diamond mining history. This massive crater was created by hand over a century ago when miners were searching for diamonds in the area. Explore the museum on-site to learn more about this fascinating industry.

V&A Waterfront

For a blend of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences all in one place, head to Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. With its stunning marina backdrop and lively atmosphere, you can explore designer boutiques, art galleries, restaurants serving diverse cuisines, and even catch live performances at outdoor entertainment venues.

Durban Beaches

Known as South Africa’s playground due to its sunny climate throughout the year is Durban – where vibrant beaches await you. Golden Mile beachfront stretches for four miles along Durban’s coastline offering warm waters perfect for swimming or surfing. Take a leisurely stroll along its promenade or indulge in delicious street food at numerous beachside cafes.

Cradle of Humankind

South Africa is renowned for its rich hominid fossil heritage that dates back millions of years. UNESCO recognized this significance by designating Cradle of Humankind as a World Heritage Site near Johannesburg. Visit Maropeng Visitor Centre to delve into human evolution exhibits or go on guided tours through Sterkfontein Caves – where some significant ancient hominid discoveries occurred.

Garden Route

For nature lovers seeking an unforgettable road trip experience along some of South Africa’s most scenic landscapes should explore the Garden Route situated between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth Game Reserve coastline. This coastal stretch offers breathtaking vistas, pristine beaches, dense forests, charming towns, and abundant wildlife.

Soweto Township

Experience the vibrant culture of South Africa by visiting Soweto township located near Johannesburg. Home to approximately four million people and a significant historical site during apartheid, it offers insights into the country’s social history. Explore landmarks such as Nelson Mandela’s former home or join a guided bicycle tour to see how communities have transformed over the years.

Valley of Desolation

Unearth a geological marvel at Valley of Desolation found in Camdeboo National Park close to Graaff-Reinet town in Eastern Cape province. These towering rock formations were formed by volcanic and erosive forces millions of years ago creating an otherworldly landscape with panoramic views across endless Karoo plains.

Addo Elephant National Park

Located near Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park is an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts wanting to spot elephants up close. Besides elephants, this expansive park is also home to Cape buffalos, rhinos, lions – including rare white lions-, zebras and many more species. Enjoy game drives or guided walks through this diverse ecosystem.

Apartheid Museum

To gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s past struggles with apartheid and its journey towards democracy since then visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. Through powerful exhibits that tell stories about oppression and liberation movements experiences you’ll leave with profound historical insights.

Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park along Garden Route will mesmerize you with its lush green forests set against an azure Indian Ocean backdrop perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking beauty untouched by human hands. Activities like hiking trails through ancient indigenous forests or kayaking along Storms River mouth are surefire ways to immerse yourself in nature’s splendor.

In conclusion, South Africa is a country filled with incredible diversity offering visitors breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences as well as an abundance of wildlife. From Table Mountain’s majestic beauty to Kruger National Park’s thrilling safaris, each destination mentioned in this article will leave a lasting impression. So plan your trip and explore these top 15 tourist attractions in South Africa – you won’t be disappointed!

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Top Tourist Attractions in South Africa

by SouthAfricaTravel | Jun 4, 2020 | Attractions , Destinations

#tours #touristattractions #sightseeing #safaritours #winetours #privatetours #attractions #destinations #wildlife #safaritours #gardenroute #citytours

A nation of breathtaking and stunning beauty, South Africa holds wondrous creatures, thriving cities, impressive vineyards, and numerous natural wonders. It’s a country of cultural diversity and enormous contrast, and there are surprises waiting for anyone who is curious enough to explore it.

Tourism has become one of South Africa’s most important industries, as it generates a substantial amount of revenue. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the industry created 10% of the country’s jobs in 2012, and the numbers have undoubtedly risen in the last decade. To bring in more international tourists, South Africa’s government has introduced a unique program that simplifies the process of getting a travel visa.

As the country continually grows its infrastructure and modernizes its visa system, foreign travelers will have many incredible attractions to experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve listed some of the best South African tourist attractions.

The Sanbona Reserve

Being one of South Africa’s biggest private game reserves, the Sanbona Reserve is one of the country’s top attractions. Located near Cape Town, it’s widely regarded as one of the best attractions in the area. The reserve was named after the San people, who have thrived in this dry, hot environment for centuries.

The reserve is located south of the Warmwaterberg mountain range in a part of the country called Little Karoo. Though the area was once used as farmland, those days are long past. The land is now protected, and it has been returned to its natural state in honor of the San people, who still call it home. The Sanbona Explorer Camp is a great way to get back to nature while enjoying a classic safari experience.

Kruger National Park

One of the country’s most popular safari locations, Kruger National Park, is a great place to start when finding out what’s famous in South Africa. This national park covers over two million acres, and it’s historically significant because it was the first park established in South Africa.

Inside Kruger National Park , you’ll find all the wildlife you’d expect to see in Africa, such as leopards, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and hippos. You’re sure to see your favorite animal! Along with its wondrous wildlife, there’s breathtaking scenery to see at one of the park’s many lookout points. These places make excellent resting spots where you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine.

Shamwari Reserve

Another private and protected area, the Shamwari Reserve, is one of the country’s most successful conservation areas and one of the best tourist attractions in South Africa. Located near Port Elizabeth, this malaria-free area covers over 25,000 acres.

On the reserve, you’ll enjoy memorable encounters with lions, elephants, zebras, and other well-known African wildlife. Consider joining the Shamwari Explorer Camp for a real safari adventure. This two- or three-day walking safari will help you get up close and personal with the country’s animals, all without sacrificing the comfort and luxury you deserve.

Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most well-known cities. Located on the coast, it’s known for its memorable landmarks.  These locations, as well as numerous awards from worldwide publications, make Cape Town one of the planet’s best places to visit.

The city’s parks and botanical gardens make it one of the most beautiful places in South Africa. If you’re more adventurous, try hiking, mountain biking, or paragliding off the top of Table Mountain. One of the world’s largest vineyards is in Cape Town, and it produces several award-winning wine varieties. It’s also the place to see great white sharks and whales, as well as zebras, wildebeests, and other wildlife.

With English, French, Dutch, and local influences, Cape Town is one of the world’s most eclectic cities. It’s full of modern art galleries, designer boutiques, hip bars, and restaurants serving up great local cuisine. If you’ve got Cape Town on your travel radar, we’ve got a fantastic suggestion for you. Don’t miss out on the incredible experience of exploring the Cape Peninsula through a private guided tour. 🌟 Get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you in awe of stunning landscapes and hidden gems.

South African Beaches

Despite its proximity to the frigid Atlantic Ocean, South Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Here, you can enjoy pristine white sand, gentle waves, and amazing scenery. During your trip, be sure to visit Santos Beach, North Beach, Camps Bay, and Muizenberg .

North Beach is a tourist favorite near Durban, and it’s considered one of South Africa’s favorite beaches among body boarders, surfers, sunbathers, and swimmers. Tourists and locals alike are drawn to this beach because of its great conditions, comfortable facilities, and proximity to local restaurants.

Diving With Great White Sharks

If you’re looking for a place to get up close and personal with great white sharks, South Africa is a great place to do it. It’s home to three places where tourists can take part in this exciting endeavor: False Bay’s Seal Island , Mossel Bay’s Seal Island, and Gansbaai’s Dyer Island.

Gansbaai is just two hours from Cape Town, and this sleepy little town is a worldwide draw because it’s one of the planet’s best places to see great white sharks. These sharks populate the waters around the area because of the enormous seal colony that lives on the island.

Though most of the excitement of shark diving is linked to our innate fear of the animals, the high safety standards of the dive operators and the sharks’ natural curiosity make it a safe activity. Getting so close to these prehistoric, powerful predators in their natural environment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

See Where Humanity Was Born

Approximately 50 kilometers from Johannesburg, you’ll find the Cradle of Humankind. This series of cave systems and archaeological sites spans nearly 50,000 acres, which means there’s plenty to see and do. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and within the complex, scientists have found fossil remains from numerous human ancestors, such as Australopithecus africanus. It was that discovery that designated South Africa as the birthplace of mankind, and later finds backed up the story.

The Cape of Good Hope

Located near Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope is the country’s most well-known headland. Pointing into the Atlantic, the Cape’s fame came when it was used as a stopping point on a sailing route between Australia and the Far East. Its name is thought to be associated with its Portuguese discoverers, and it shows that it’s possible to reach India from Europe.

The peninsula area is home to several protected areas, which, as a group, are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. When you visit this area, you can enjoy awesome nature walks, beaches, birdwatching, and scenery. Consider taking the two-day Cape of Good Hope Trail, or one of the many other short trails in the area.

The Apartheid Museum

When in a new country, visiting its memorials and museums will give you a glimpse into its history. The Apartheid Museum does just that, and it shows how South Africans once segregated people based on race. This museum tells the story of apartheid through film, audio, and text, and it will have a sobering effect on anyone who isn’t well-acquainted with the country’s history. 

The Addo Elephant National Park

Located near Port Elizabeth on the Eastern Cape, the Addo Elephant National Park covers about 120,000 acres, making it South Africa’s third-largest national park.

The park, founded in 1931, was established to help the area’s remaining 11 elephants. Since that time, the population has grown to over 600 animals, and park rangers also work to protect the area’s other wildlife.

In the Addo Elephant National Park, you’ll find lions, buffalo, rhinos, elephants, leopards, ostriches, elands, kudu, hyenas, kudu, and many more. As one of the area’s largest protected areas.

The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

The world’s third-largest canyon and one of the most beautiful, the Blyde River Canyon Reserve covers almost 30,000 acres. The canyon is a huge red sandstone structure that’s an icon of the South African landscape.

The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve includes many fascinating geological features, beautiful wildlife, and several different waterfalls. More than 1000 plant species are seen there, including tree ferns, lilies, and orchids. You’ll also see baboons, vervet monkeys, and other primates.

The Cango Caves

Another one of South Africa’s must-see attractions, the Cango Caves are a vast network of limestone tunnels, chambers, and caverns near the Western Cape. You’ll get the chance to enjoy a guided tour of the Cango Caves, which stretch for more than four kilometers underground.

It’s always been a very popular place to visit, but science has added to its popularity. In the 1930s, researchers discovered that the caves were used by early humans during the Stone Age. You’ll have a choice between two tours: the general tour, which shows the biggest sections of the cavern system, or the adventure tour, which involves climbing up walls and crawling into tunnels. Either way, it’s sure to be a memorable trip.

Robben Island

Known mostly for being the place where Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned, Robben Island is well-known to almost every South African. Situated in Table Bay and close to Cape Town, Robben Island is a National Heritage Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a history as a place in which political prisoners have been incarcerated since the early 17 th century.

Former prisoners lead the guided tours on Robben Island. Here, you’ll visit the maximum-security prison, see the very cell where Mandela spent all those years, and visit the limestone quarry where the prisoners performed countless hours of hard labor. Visit the island’s museum to learn about its history, and be sure to stop by the restaurant for a bite to eat before catching a ferry back to the South African mainland.

Looking to add a dash of history and adventure to your Cape Town trip? Look no further – we’ve got the perfect experience waiting for you. 🌟 Join us on our exclusive tour of Robben Island and discover the captivating stories held within its shores.

Imagine walking in the footsteps of legends, where Nelson Mandela and others made their mark. Feel the breeze as you approach this iconic island by boat, and get ready to immerse yourself in a journey through time.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Check out all the exciting details of our private city tour in Cape Town. Let’s make history together— book your adventure now ! ⚓🌍🇿🇦

Table Mountain

One of Cape Town’s most well-known geographical features, Table Mountain, is within a protected national park that also contains the Cape of Good Hope, as mentioned above. This flat-topped mountain is the park’s centerpiece, but there are plenty of other interesting things to see, including diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery.

As part of UNESCO’s Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site, visitors can take a cable car up the mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of all of Cape Town. Or, you can take the scenic route on one of the landmark’s many hiking trails. Table Mountain is home to more than 2000 plant species, with 70% of them found nowhere else in the world.

The Cape Winelands

One of the planet’s finest wine-growing regions, the Cape Winelands got its start in 1652 when Dutch colonialists established a way station on the Cape of Good Hope. These days, the beautiful Cape Winelands are divided into six different regions, each with a distinct wine route.

The winelands aren’t just a great place to tour (and stock up on some new favorites); they’re also famous for their breathtaking scenery. Enjoy a glass of wine while looking into the mountains at sunset. If you’re looking for an epic wine-tasting experience, click here .

The KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields

For history buffs, this is a great place to visit. You’ll get to see places made famous during South Africa’s Zulu and Boer wars; it’s where most of the battles took place, and you can find out all about them on a guided tour. You’ll also be able to visit various Zulu heritage and cultural sites.

Guided tours begin in Johannesburg or Durban, where your guide will pick you up and drop you off. Take a tour and see where the British were finally defeated, where the Boers gave up, and where historic Zulu battles happened.

The St. Lucia Estuary

Although it’s one of the lesser-known attractions on this list, the St. Lucia Estuary is known for being one of the largest wetlands on the continent. You’ll get a chance to see more than 800 hippos and thousands of birds, as well as hundreds of Nile crocodiles. This area is also home to leopards, kudu, and rhinos. Because of its abundant wildlife, the St. Lucia Estuary has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’ve never been to South Africa, you’re really missing out on an incredible travel opportunity. Whether you want to come to see the country’s incredible scenery, its varied wildlife, or its numerous historical sites, it’s a trip not to be missed. Start planning your dream Cape Town vacation today !

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24 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Cape Town

Written by Becca Blond and Carri Wilbanks Updated Dec 28, 2023

Authors Becca Blond and Carri Wilbanks consider Cape Town their second home. They have visited dozen times and Becca has written guidebooks on South Africa.

Set between mountains and the sea, Cape Town flaunts its natural beauty with pride. Iconic Table Mountain is one of the city's most famous attractions, botanical gardens beckon from its slopes, and the city's long stretches of beautiful beaches are some of South Africa's best.

Travelers can enjoy a range of outdoor fun, from hiking, biking, surfing, and paragliding to whale-watching trips and cage dives with great white sharks. You'll find no shortage of things to do here but the type of activities may depend on the time of year.

As the oldest European settlement in Africa, Cape Town has a rich and, at times, turbulent past. At Robben Island , history buffs can see where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. In the hinterland, elegant Stellenbosch is a Nirvana for foodies.

Along the rugged coast, scenic drives offer a chance to see penguins waddle on pristine beaches, and Cape Point is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the richest floral kingdoms in the world.

Explore the best things to do in the "Mother City" of South Africa with our list of the top tourist attractions in Cape Town.

Climb Table Mountain

Wander kirstenbosch national botanical gardens, sunbathe at clifton and camps bay beaches, shop the victoria & alfred waterfront, ride the cape wheel, pay respect at robben island, cruise along chapman's peak drive, sunset at signal hill and the noon gun, indulge at the old biscuit mill, cage dive with great white sharks, see city hall & the castle of good hope, browse the canal walk shopping center, the heart of cape town museum, iziko museums of south africa, the district six museum, zeitz mocaa, explore bo-kaap, surf muizenberg, snap pics with penguins at boulders bay, take a day trip to cape point, go whale watching at hermanus, picnic at llandudno beach, explore stellenbosch: a foodie's dream, splash in the tidal pools at st. james, cape town, south africa - climate chart.

Highlight: Cape Town's most iconic landmark, you can either hike to the top or take a cable car for amazing views

Rising 1,087 meters south of the city center, flat-topped Table Mountain is the most photographed landmark in South Africa and a constant reminder that nature is queen in this stunning seaside city. The mountain forms the northern end of the Cape Peninsula and lies within Table Mountain National Park.

The park protects an astounding diversity of plants and more than 1,470 flower species, as well as animals such as cute snub-nosed dassies (rock hyraxes), caracals, and baboons. Within the park, Devil's Peak flanks the mountain on the east, and Lion's Head on the west, while the crags known as the Twelve Apostles loom over the beach resorts on the Atlantic coast.

A layer of clouds, called the "tablecloth" frequently cloaks the mountain's peak, but when the clouds clear, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Cape Town and the entire Cape Peninsula from the summit. Bring a sweater as it can be cold and windy at the top.

For those short on time, and energy, a revolving cableway climbs to the summit, covering the distance of 1,244 meters in seven minutes. The cableway runs daily — except in high winds, so it's a good idea to check the website or call for current conditions before heading out. Also to avoid long lines, try booking tickets online.

At the upper station of the cableway, a café features a small viewing terrace and serves as the starting point of three short walks, which highlight the gigantic scale of the landscape. Those wishing to summit the mountain on foot can choose between more than 350 different routes varying in difficulty.

Depending on the starting point, the climb takes between two to four hours. For superb views of Table Mountain and the best vantage point to photograph this iconic landmark, hike or drive up Signal Hill or Lion's Head — both offer stunning views from their summits.

Highlights: Home to more than 20,000 native South African plants, set on a sprawling reserve with walking trails

In a beautiful setting on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are part of the Cape Floristic Region UNESCO World Heritage site . The site was bequeathed to the state by Cecil Rhodes in 1902 and the gardens were established in 1913 to preserve the country's indigenous flora — one of the first botanical gardens in the world with this mission.

More than 20,000 native South African plant species are collected, grown, and studied in the hilly 528-hectare nature reserve of indigenous forest and fynbos.

Of particular historical interest are a hedge of wild almond trees planted by Jan van Riebeeck in 1660 and an avenue of camphor and fig trees planted by Cecil Rhodes in 1898. The flowers, shrubs, and trees are arranged so that a show of blossoms and color brightens the gardens throughout the year.

Don't miss the proteas; the scented garden; the impressive collection of cycads; the Sculpture Garden; and the Botanical Society Conservatory, a custom-built greenhouse with plants from arid regions. Well-marked trails thread through the wooded slopes, and the Tree Canopy Walkway provides panoramic views across the mountain-backed gardens. One of the trails leads through a ravine to the summit of Table Mountain. In summer, the gardens make an evocative venue for outdoor concerts.

Green thumbs and garden lovers should also visit Company's Garden, an oasis of exotic trees, flowers, aviaries, and ponds in the heart of the city. While here, visitors can also explore the Iziko South African Museum and Planetarium and the Iziko National Gallery.

Address: Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town

Highlights: Clifton's four beaches are Cape Town's most impressive; located in coves accessed via a long set of stairs, they are sheltered from the wind

About six kilometers from the city center, the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton lure the buff, the bronzed, and the beautiful — as well as the big bucks. At Clifton, Cape Town's St. Tropez, some of the city's priciest real estate overlooks four gleaming white-sand beaches flanked by smooth granite boulders and washed by sparkling, but crisp, blue seas.

First Beach is a favorite volleyball venue and offers decent surf when the conditions are right. Just south of Clifton, trendy Camp's Bay sports another stunning beach, backed by the magnificent Twelve Apostles and the distinctive peak of Lion's Head .

People-watching is an art along this pretty palm-lined stretch as well as at the chic cafes and boutiques fringing Victoria Street — especially during weekends and holidays when locals and tourists throng here to soak up the scene.

Camp's Bay and Clifton's Fourth Beach boast coveted Blue Flag status awarded for clean water, safety, and environmental management making them a great choice for families as well.

Highlights : One of Cape Town's top tourist attractions, it's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon shopping, dining, and wandering

Stretching around two harbor basins, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a buzzing entertainment quarter reminiscent of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.

Once a scruffy fishing harbor, this reimagined waterfront district is now one of the city's top tourist attractions, and many of the old buildings have been preserved and restored. Millions of visitors a year flock here to the shops, jazz venues, restaurants, hotels, theaters, drama school, cinemas, and museums.

Sports fans will love the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum , which traces the story of South African Rugby through interactive exhibits.

Two Oceans Aquarium features more than 300 species of fish from the Atlantic and Indian oceans, in particular from the area around the Cape of Good Hope. Highlights include a touch tank, penguin encounter, predator exhibit, and diving experiences, which allow visitors to view fascinating marine creatures up close.

Trips to Robben Island leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the waterfront, but anyone is welcome to explore the museum exhibits here.

West of the waterfront, the trendy Green Point precinct is also home to the lovely Green Point Urban Park with its biodiversity garden as well as the Cape Town Stadium , which hosted many FIFA World Cup matches in 2010.

Address: 19 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Highlight : Riding the giant Cape Wheel with 360-degree bird's eye city views

Walking around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, it is impossible to miss the Cape Wheel in the Market Square area. The giant wheel features 30 fully enclosed cabins with air-conditioning that take you on about a 15-minute ride in four loops with 360-degree bird's-eye views.

At the top of the wheel, you'll be about 120 feet above the ground, and the panoramic views of Cape Town's city center and harbor, Table Mountain, the Cape Town Stadium in nearby Green Point, and even the Paarl Mountains is stunning on a clear day.

The Cape Wheel is also wheelchair accessible, with two specially adapted cabins. The wheel operates daily from 9am to 7pm.

Highlight: It's a somber highlight, but important to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving the cell at the brutal prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years during the apartheid era

For nearly 400 years, Robben Island in Table Bay, was a brutal prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in a tiny cell during the apartheid era. Today, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction for anyone interested in South African history.

Tours to the island begin with multimedia exhibits in the museum at the Nelson Mandela Gateway on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront before travelers board vessels to the island. The boat trip takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on weather conditions and can be rough during big swells.

While on the island, visitors tour the maximum security prison, Mandela's former cell , and the lime quarry where prisoners were forced to endure back-breaking labor. The interesting part about the tour is that the guides are former prisoners of Robben Island who share their experiences and offer insight into the atrocities of apartheid and the power of forgiveness.

After leaving this hellish six-square-kilometer island, Mandela said, "As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison." These wise words are even more potent after a tour here.

Highlight: Drive it at sunset when the panoramic viewpoints are made even more stunning by the fire show in the sky

About 25 kilometers from the city center, Chapman's Peak Drive, affectionately called "Chappies" by the locals, is one of the most jaw-dropping driving routes in the world.

Cut into the sheer face of Chapman's Peak, which plunges to the sea, this spectacular toll road snakes its way for about nine kilometers between Noordhoek and Hout Bay passing panoramic Chapman's Peak point along the way. With 114 curves carved into the rock face, some perched more than 500 meters above the sea, this is not a route for those prone to motion sickness.

Around sunset, cars cram along the panoramic viewpoints as sightseers stake a spot to watch the sun sink while sipping a cool drink in the time-honored South African tradition known as "sundowners." Look for southern right whales and dolphins in the sparkling Atlantic Ocean below, and drive slowly and carefully. The road was closed on and off for several years due to rockfall dangers, but it has now been stabilized and is open every day — except during severe weather events.

As well as being used as a location for TV commercials, Chapman's Peak Drive is the setting for the popular Cape Argus Cycle Race and Two Oceans Marathon . After admiring the magnificent sea views, hungry travelers can feast on fresh fish at one of the excellent seafood restaurants in Hout Bay.

Highlights: Stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town, and Table Bay from the top; come for sunset

Five minutes drive west of the city center, Signal Hill offers stunning views over Cape Town, Table Bay, and the glittering Atlantic Ocean from its 350-meter summit. The hill forms the body of the adjacent Lion's Head peak and was named for its historical use when signal flags were flown from here to send messages to approaching ships.

Many locals and visitors drive up to watch the sunset and stay to see the shimmering lights of Cape Town ignite after dark. At noon every day (except Sundays and public holidays), a cannon activated by an electronic impulse from the Observatory fires a single shot.

In earlier days this " noon gun " served to give the exact time to ships anchored in the bay. Tourists are welcome to attend a free presentation on the history of the Noon Gun at the Lion Battery and then stay to watch the firing.

Those headed to the top of the hill for sunset views should take a jacket as it can be chilly after the sun dips. On busy weekends and holidays go early to score a parking spot.

Highlight: Visit on the weekend for the Neighbourgoods Market, where you can buy directly from local designers and artisans

Located in the heart of Cape Town's trendy college neighborhood, Woodstock, the Old Biscuit Mill is open all week but is especially lively on weekends when the Neighbourgoods Market happens.

Self-described as a community for talented people to collaborate and share their passions, from food and art to clothing and homemade goods, the Old Biscuit Mill is where you'll find some of South Africa's most creative artists and designers.

On the grounds, you'll find a range of one-of-a-kind restaurants, food stalls, workshop spaces, and designer stores. Every Saturday and Sunday from 9am, the Neighbourgoods Market takes over the parking lots.

It offers a full market vibe, with local artisans and designers selling their creations. There are also a host of food and drink vendors. Festivals also happen throughout the year at the Old Biscuit Mill.

Address: 375 Albert Road, Cape Town

Highlight: It's an adrenaline rush to come face-to-face with great white sharks, but the diving is a controversial subject

In the chilly waters off Cape Town's coast, thrill seekers can come face-to-face with one of the ocean's most feared predators: great white sharks. Protected by the thick bars of an iron cage, divers score a hefty dose of adrenaline as these magnificent creatures swim within inches of the bars.

Tour operators in Cape Town offer shark cage dives in areas such as Simon's Town , Dyer Island , Mossel Bay, Seal Island , and Gansbaai, the "Great White Shark Capital of the World." The best time to see these magnificent creatures is between April and October. No diving certification is needed, since divers are enclosed in the custom-built cages, and part of the funds go towards shark research and conservation.

Those who prefer to appreciate these awe-inspiring creatures from a distance can watch all the excitement from the boat. Seal, dolphin, penguin, and whale-watching tours are also available for less daring animal lovers.

Highlights: Shopping Greenmarket Square for African handicrafts like wooden giraffes, stone sculptures, and colorful batiks

History buffs can visit two notable historic buildings within five minutes' walk of each other in central Cape Town. Built in 1905, Cape Town City Hall is a striking mix of Italian Neo-Renaissance and British colonial style. The 60-meter-high bell tower, with a carillon installed in 1923, was modeled on Big Ben in London.

Highlights of the interior include the beautiful mosaic floors, marble staircase, and impressive stained glass. Notice the balcony overlooking Grand Parade where Nelson Mandela, the country's future president, addressed a jubilant crowd in 1990 after 27 years in prison. Music lovers should also try to attend a performance by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra based here.

Across the road from the Grand Parade, The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving stone building in South Africa. It was built in 1666-79 as the residence of the Governor and for the protection of the early settlers, but the castle, which is in the form of a five-pointed star, was never exposed to attack. A highlight here is the William Fehr Collection , which includes pictures, porcelain, fine glass, ceramics, and furniture of the 17th to 19th centuries from South Africa, Europe, and Asia.

A short walk from the fort up the shopping hub of Longmarket Street leads to Greenmarket Square, an atmospheric little cobbled plaza, with a number of Art Deco buildings as a backdrop. Shoppers can browse the small flea market held every day of the week here except Sunday.

Highlight: Head here on a rainy day to peruse some 400 shops selling everything from clothing to kids' toys

South Africa's third largest shopping center, Canal Walk is located just off the N1 in Cape Town's Century City suburb. With around 400 shops selling everything from clothing to jewelry, homewares to music, and kids' toys, there is no shortage of products on sale here.

Wandering around the mall is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, especially if the weather isn't great. The mall has an opulent vibe and is bustling inside. If you are in the mood for a film, there is a movie theater here. Dining options are also varied. Grab a quick bite at the Food Court or a sit-down meal at one of the many restaurants spread around the mall.

Address: 490 Century Blvd, Century City, Cape Town

Highlight: The world's first heart transplant took place in Cape Town; this museum honors the world-changing medical procedure

In the Groote Schuur Hospital, The Heart of Cape Town Museum opened in 2007 to honor the 40th anniversary of the first heart transplant performed here by Christiaan Barnard. Knowledgeable docents take visitors on a fascinating two-hour tour to see recreations of the operating facilities in the actual rooms where the surgery took place.

The tours also explore everything from the ethical implications of the time to the history of the recipient and the donor. Even visitors with no medical background appreciate learning about the history of this life-saving procedure.

Highlight: The Bo-Kaap Museum illustrates 19 th -century Muslim life in Cape Town

Iziko Museums of South Africa comprises 11 museums governed by a council appointed by the Minister of Arts and Culture.

A top museum in this group is the Bo-Kaap Museum in the Bo-Kaap District , an old Malay quarter with brightly-painted two-story houses that are still occupied by the descendants of slaves who were brought to the Cape from the East Indies in the second half of the 17th century. This excellent museum illustrates aspects of 19th-century Muslim life in a rare early Cape-Dutch house circa 1763. A room on the premises houses a collection of carts and carriages.

The Old Town House is another popular attraction in the museum group. It was originally built in 1755 in a Dutch-Rococo style and lies in Cape Town's hub on the west side of Green Market Square . Formerly Cape Town's City Hall, the Old Town House now displays a collection of pictures presented to the country by Sir Max Michaelis in 1914, consisting mainly of works by 17th-century Dutch and Flemish masters, including Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Jacob van Ruysdael, and Jan van Goyen.

Another highlight of the group is the Koopmans-de Wet House, built in 1701 on a U-shaped ground-plan, with a façade by Louis Thibault (1771). The original interior has been preserved and gives a vivid impression of the lifestyle of a successful 18th-century businessman. Also in the group, the South African Museum and Planetarium and the National Gallery, in Company's Garden , are worth a visit for natural history buffs and budding astronomers.

Highlight: Uses multi-media documentary style and sound to introduce guests to this vanished neighborhood's history

In 1966, 70,000 residents of multi-ethnic District Six were displaced when the South African government decided the community was to be a white one.

This poignant District Six Museum honors the people of this now-vanished district. On the museum's floor is a large-scale map where former residents are encouraged to label their old homes and features of their neighborhood.

The museum's permanent exhibit is known as Digging Deeper and is focused on documenting various parts of District Six life through a moving visual experience that incorporates multi-media documentary, digital, and sound elements. The exhibit introduces guests to the area's former residents, and tells their life histories through various themes.

Address: 25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town

Highlight: Home to the world's largest collection of African contemporary art

Opened in late 2017, the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) is the largest museum on the continent dedicated to African contemporary art in the world. Housed in a converted 9,500-square-meter grain silo with the backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain on the Victoria and Alfred waterfront, this visually stunning museum has nine floors with over 100 galleries.

This world-class museum, on par with New York's MoMA or London's Tate, features 21st-century art from all around Africa and its diaspora, including the private collection of Jochen Zeitz, German-born former CEO of Puma and conservationist.

Some of the most outstanding collections include a series of photographs featuring intriguing eyewear from Kenyan Cyrus Kabiru, colorful and playful imagery from South African Athi-Patra Ruga, and a fantastic woven wall installation made from discarded materials by Ghana-born El Anatsui.

The museum also houses centers for photography, performing arts, and the moving image; an art education institute; a curatorial training program; and a Costume Institute. Entrance is half-price from 4pm to 9pm every first Friday of the month.

Highlight : Strolling the hilly neighborhood looking at the brightly colored houses

Gently rolling streets lined with brightly colored houses greet visitors in the Cape Malay (commonly referred to as Bo-Kaap) neighborhood.

Located in the heart of the city at the foot of Signal Hill , this vibrant area is home to Cape Town's Muslim community, consisting of those who have descended from the "Cape Malays," slaves brought by Dutch settlers from Indonesia, Malaysia, and other African countries.

The residents are passionate about preserving their history and the buildings, and visitors often see signs stating, "This Heritage Site is Under Threat," in an attempt to discourage gentrification.

Learn about the neighborhood's origin at the Bo-Kaap Museum , housed in the neighborhood's oldest building. Enjoy authentic Malay curry at a local restaurant and cool off with ice cream before hitting some stores for a little shopping.

Don't miss taking Instagram-worthy shots in front of the colorful houses (as long as you aren't capturing the residents in your pictures). Bo-Kaap can be reached by foot from downtown Cape Town or the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or by cab from other areas.

Highlights : Surfing Muizenberg's consistent waves; the water here is slightly warmer than on the Atlantic side

Famous for its brightly colored beach huts and excellent surfing , Muizenberg is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Cape Town. It is located on the False Bay side of the peninsula, so the water here is marginally warmer than at Camps Bay Beach for instance.

The beach is Blue-Flag-rated and one of the best places to visit for beginner surfers to practice riding waves — the surf here is consistent, and the waves aren't huge.

You'll still likely want to wear a wet suit, however, as the water is still very cold, even in summer. These can be rented at a number of shops in the town set behind the long beachfront. You can also rent surfboards and book lessons from a number of companies around town.

The colorful beach huts that you've likely seen in photos on social media are actually known as bathing boxes. They were originally used in the Victorian era, when women would use them for privacy to change into chin-to-ankle bathing suits.

Highlights: Seeing thousands of penguins waddling down a white sand beach or swimming amidst boulders

Penguins are adorable in any setting, but seeing them waddle around in their natural environment is a particular thrill for wildlife lovers.

About an hour's drive from Cape Town, Boulder's Bay in Simon's Town shelters a breeding colony of more than 2,000 endangered African Penguins. This beautiful wind-sheltered, white-sand beach belongs to the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area , and the park charges an entrance fee to access these shores. But it's worth it.

Visitors can enjoy close-up encounters with these charismatic creatures, all in a stunning setting with giant granite boulders, rock pools, calm bays, and blissfully uncrowded patches of gleaming sand. A short walk from here, Foxy Beach is also great for viewing the penguins with a walkway that leads past the prime sites. This is a fantastic family-friendly excursion for animal lovers and beach lovers alike.

Highlight: Driving to Cape Point via Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the world's most stunning stretches of pavement

About 60 kilometers from Cape Town, Cape Point lies within the southernmost tip of Table Mountains National Park and is part of the Cape Floral Region , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest areas of flora in the world.

The scenic drive from Cape Town along the Cape Peninsula takes travelers past the surf breaks of Muizenberg , and the pretty seaside town of Kalk Bay , as well as the prime-penguin-viewing beaches at Simon's Town.

Wildlife is also diverse on this soaring seacliff. About 250 species of birds are found here as well as eland, Cape zebra, reptiles, and troops of brazen baboons. Visitors can enjoy the view from the Cape Point lighthouse by taking the Flying Dutchman funicular or hiking up the many stairs to the top. Other things to do include whale watching, shipwreck spotting from the beach, and nature walks.

For a twist on this eye-popping seaside scenery on the return trip, drive along the 114 bends of Chapman's Peak drive , and stop for a succulent seafood feast at Hout Bay or Noordhoek.

Cape Point is the most southwesterly tip of Africa, not to be confused with Cape Agulhas, about 150 kilometers away, which is the most southerly tip of the continent where the currents of the two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic, meet.

Highlight: Seeing large numbers of southern right whales migrating through the waters off Hermanus

About 120 kilometers east of Cape Town, Hermanus is one of the world's whale-watching hotspots. From July through November, large numbers of southern right whales migrate through these waters, and visitors can even spot them from shore — especially during the prime months of September, October, and November.

On foot, the best places to visit to see these magnificent creatures are the 12-kilometer-long Cliff Path , the Old Harbour viewing terraces, and Sievers Point . Alternatively, sightseers can join a guided sea kayak trip, hop aboard one of the popular whale-watching cruises, or enjoy a scenic flight for a bird's eye view.

Hermanus celebrates these magnificent creatures with an annual whale festival in September, and the town is also popular for its beautiful beaches and many water sports, including fishing, swimming, and shark cage diving.

Highlights : Less-crowded beach about 20 minutes' drive from downtown; a local favorite with great sunsets

Most tourists head to Camps Bay or Clifton Beaches when they visit Cape Town. But continue south of the city towards Hout Bay for about 20 kilometers to reach Llandudno Beach. This is the spot locals head to when they want to escape the crowds on summer days.

The ocean is definitely going to be cold here. The current comes up from Antarctica just like it does on Cape Town's beaches , but when it's really hot, the chilly water can feel refreshing. There can be good surfing here, as well as body boarding, but you might want to wear a wet suit to stay in long.

Pack a picnic, as there are no restaurants here. There are also no shops, so you'll want to bring everything you need for the day with you, including beach loungers and umbrellas if you want them. The beach is located down a narrow and winding road, and there is a small parking lot. Since the beach faces in a westerly direction, the sunsets are often stunning.

Highlight : Strolling through the pretty university town with its elegant Cape Dutch architecture

About 53 kilometers east of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is one of South Africa's prettiest towns. Elegant Cape Dutch estates rise amid a patchwork of vine-cloaked fields and ancient oaks backed by mountains.

This lively university town resides in a picturesque valley, and its fertile soils nurture some of the country's best produce, which the town showcases at its acclaimed restaurants, atmospheric alfresco cafes, and popular markets.

To soak up some of the region's history, visit the Village Museum , a group of four restored houses and gardens dating from 1709 to 1850.

Rupert Museum spotlights works by South African artists, and the Botanic Garden at the University of Stellenbosch is a lovely spot to stroll and relax with an organic tea at the cafe. Outdoor adventures await in the beautiful Jonkershoek Nature Reserve where nature lovers can hike and bike on the wilderness trails.

North of Stellenbosch, Paarl also boasts beautiful scenery and a rich agricultural heritage, while the charming town of Franschhoek, about 35 minutes from Stellenbosch, is known as South Africa's culinary capital. Closer to Cape Town, the Constantia Valley is another hotspot for foodies.

Highlights: A family-friendly beach with freshwater tidal pools and colorful beach huts

Located between the fishing village of Kalk Bay and the surfing town of Muizenberg, St. James Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. Here, you'll find one of the most famous freshwater tidal pools around The Mother City.

It is a great spot for kids to splash around, as the tidal pool is protected from the open ocean and crashing waves by rock or concrete barriers (it's like a natural swimming pool). The pools fill with the tides.

St. James Beach is also very family-friendly, as the surf and sand here are sheltered from the wind by a cove — although, there is also decent surfing on the reef if you want to ride some waves. During summer, the beach can get very busy, especially on weekends, so head out early to take a dip with fewer people.

Also like at Muizenberg, St. James Beach is home to the colorful bathing huts that have become such a popular social media backdrop. After you are done playing in the sea, you can grab lunch or check out the shops in Kalk Bay, which is about a 15-minute walk or a quick drive away.

The best time to visit Cape Town is during December, January, and February. The summer months bring the warmest air and sea temperatures, and the city has a fun vibe during this time.

Thanks to a current that comes directly from Antarctica, the water off Cape Town's beaches remains frigid year-round, especially on its Atlantic coast side. The summer months are also the driest months, and you'll find days are often sunny with clear blue skies.

June and July are the coldest and rainiest months of the year. You still get lots of sunny days, but there is a chill in the air and some days can feel downright cold when the rain falls. If you aren't concerned about beach weather, however, you can score some great hotel deals visiting in the winter.

The swing season months of March, April, and May and August and September are also great times to explore Cape Town. Attractions are less crowded and the weather is usually decent.

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Exploring Johannesburg: Top Must-See Attractions and Activities for an Unforgettable Experience

Welcome to Johannesburg, the vibrant heart of South Africa! Join us as we explore the top attractions and activities that this dynamic city has to offer.

The Historical and Cultural Hotspots

Apartheid museum.

Dive deep into South Africa’s turbulent past at the Apartheid Museum . This museum offers a poignant glimpse into the country’s history, providing powerful insights into the struggle for freedom and equality.

Nelisher Mandela Square

Located in the upscale district of Sandton, Nelson Mandela Square is a vibrant hub filled with restaurants, shops, and the iconic statue of Nelson Mandela. This is a must-visit for both history enthusiasts and shoppers alike.

Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill provides a compelling narrative of South Africa’s journey from oppression to democracy. Here, you can visit the Constitution Court and the Old Fort Prison Complex.

Cradle of Humankind

Just a short drive from Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its paleoanthropological significance. Explore ancient caves and marvel at early human fossils.

Thrills and Family Fun

Gold reef city.

For adrenaline junkies and families, Gold Reef City offers some of the best amusement rides in South Africa. Don’t miss the underground tour of an old gold mine!

Johannesburg Zoo

The Johannesburg Zoo is home to a variety of animals and is perfect for a family outing. Enjoy the green landscapes and learn about fascinating wildlife.

Lion & Safari Park

Experience the thrill of seeing lion cubs and other wildlife up-close at the Lion Park . This is a perfect spot for a safari-like experience without leaving the city.

Montecasino

Montecasino is not just a casino but a complete entertainment complex. Enjoy theaters, bird gardens, and various dining options, making it an excellent venue for both adults and kids.

Art, Culture, and Shopping

Maboneng precinct.

The Maboneng Precinct is Johannesburg’s go-to spot for art lovers. Wander through galleries, enjoy street art, and dine in trendy eateries. This area pulsates with creativity and urban charm.

Neighbourgoods Market

Located in Braamfontein, the Neighbourgoods Market is perfect for foodies. Savor international cuisines, fresh produce, and artisanal crafts every Saturday.

Wits Art Museum

Wits Art Museum houses an expansive collection of African art. The museum offers insightful exhibitions and is an essential visit for art enthusiasts.

Sandton City

If shopping is on your agenda, then Sandton City is the place to be. This massive mall offers everything from high-end fashion to local brands, making it a shopper’s paradise.

Day Trips and Outdoor Adventures

Soweto is more than just a neighborhood; it’s a symbol of the struggle against apartheid. Take a tour to visit the Hector Pieterson Museum and Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once lived.

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens . The park offers serene landscapes, ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls.

Adventure and Sports Activities

For the adventure seekers, Johannesburg has plenty to offer, from bungee jumping in Soweto to mountain biking in various parks. These activities are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

Culinary Experiences

Local cuisine.

Experience Johannesburg’s rich culinary landscape by indulging in local dishes like biltong, bunny chow, and pap. The city boasts a variety of restaurants serving both traditional South African and international cuisines.

Restaurants and Street Food

From high-end restaurants to street food vendors, Johannesburg offers a diverse dining experience. Areas like Maboneng and Braamfontein are particularly known for their culinary delights.

Enjoy your trip to Johannesburg! This city of contrasts and cultural richness is sure to offer a memorable travel experience.

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