South Africa is an exciting and unique destination, with its modern, cosmopolitan cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, its Atlantic and Indian Ocean beaches, and its deserts and mountains. South Africa could rightfully be called a world in one country, due to its many and varied attractions. Due to its multicultural nature, there are 11 official languages in South Africa including English, Afrikaans, and the many local languages. While the country has a notorious past due to Apartheid, South Africa is now known as the Rainbow Nation. Get a taste of what is on offer by checking out the best places to visit in South Africa listed below.
1. Mapungubwe Hill, Musina
Contributed by Tour Guide, Jakes
Walk through Big 5 territory with an armed guide to Mapungubwe Hill where Southern Africa’s first ancient African Kingdom was established between 1200 and 1290 AD. Mapungubwe was the home of a tribe that traded with China and India, witnessing the rise and fall of the civilisation over 700 years ago. Here, archaeologists found the well-known golden rhino and other artifacts that point to a rich African kingdom. It is said that the kingdom lasted about 80 years with a maximum population of 5,000.
The medieval state of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, a World Heritage Site, was nestled at the intersection of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers. Its name is derived from either TjiKalanga or Tshivenda and may mean “Hill of Jackals.”
2. Garden Route National Park, Garden Route
Contributed by Tour Guide, Jakes
When you visit Garden Route National Park, keep an eye out for the 800-year-old Outeniqua Yellowwood Big Tree, which is 33 m (108.2 ft) high. It’s based in Woodville Forest (part of Garden Route National Park) just after the town of Hoekwil. There are various animals in the forest as well.
Garden Route National Park
Address: South Africa
Website: Garden Route National Park
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
3. Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Pietermaritzburg is the capital of the KwaZulu-Natal province and was founded in 1838. The bustling city has many attractions, including Tatham Art Gallery with its varied exhibits from days gone by and modern art. Butterflies For Africa is an interesting place to visit with its thousands of colorful butterflies and a cafe for refreshment. KZN National Botanical Garden is a restful spot with its many plants, a pretty forest, and walking trails. Try out your luck at Golden Horse Casino with its tables, exciting shows and dining options.
Pietermaritzburg
Website: Pietermaritzburg
4. Durban
Durban is a popular city on the Indian Ocean coast with beautiful beaches. Head out from your hotel to enjoy a tour of this scenic city, to learn about its history and the diverse culture of its residents. See the vendors on Victoria Street in traditional Zulu attire, selling various Zulu medicines. Head to uShaka Marine World and stroll along Golden Mile beachfront. Visit the Moses Mabhida Stadium and learn about its history. Head up Sky Car elevator to a viewing platform with incredible views.
Tip from tour guide
The beautiful city of Durban definitely has more than we think including some hidden gems. As for the activities, you can hop on the Durban Ricksha Bus and tour the city, try horseback riding, ATV rides, or go on a safari ride. You can visit uShaka Marine World and also sample the city’s amazing cuisines.
Book Tours : Durban: City Sightseeing and Walking Tour
South Africa Tour Guide
Thabang Molefe
My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchangin... Read more
Tours by Thabang
5. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is the largest and most exciting of South Africa’s safari destinations. The park is home to many game reserves, as well as luxurious bush lodges and tented camps. Walking or driving safari trips can be made into the surrounding bush, where the iconic Big Five can be spotted. This consists of elephant, leopard, rhino, lion and Cape buffalo. Get to see many other species as well such as giraffe, zebra, and more. The park is easily accessed from Johannesburg and Kruger National Park is spread over Northern Province and Mpumalanga.
Book Tours : 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari
6. Oudtshoorn, Klein Karoo
Head out on the Route 62 wine route to the town of Oudtshoorn in Klein Karoo. The town is famous for its ostrich farms, where you can visit and ride on one of the huge birds or visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch to view its animal conservation park and pet some of the residents. Oudtshoorn is also renowned for the 20-million-year-old Cango Caves, where you can explore the beautiful limestone chambers of stalagmites and stalactites. Oudtshoorn is also conveniently placed for the beautiful Garden Route.
Oudtshoorn
Website: Oudtshoorn
7. Jeffrey's Bay, Eastern Cape
Jeffreys Bay is located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa and is accessible from the N2 Highway, around 75 km (47 mi) from Port Elizabeth. The town is popular for a range of water sports and fun activities, such as sand boarding. Visitors can enjoy Jeffreys Bay Main Beach or head to Wacky Waterpark with its fun slides and pools. The Dolphin Beach Entertainment JBay Water Park is another fun outdoor water park with a miniature golf course. For those who love shells, the Shell Museum is an interesting visit, with its large collections of shells found in the area.
Book Tours : Sandboarding in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
8. Cape Town, Western Cape
The city of Cape Town is often called “The Mother City” and is a sprawling city, with many excellent shops and restaurants. Head to one of the 12 major highlights in the city, including: Table Mountain Cableway station, with its cable car to the top of the mountain; the Two Oceans Aquarium in the V&A Waterfront; or Camps Bay for a beautiful day on the beach where you can enjoy glorious sunset views. Head to all the historic sites in Cape Town, including the museums and the place where Nelson Mandela gave his famous freedom speech. Head to the pretty Kirstenbosch Gardens or enjoy a walking tour of the Imizamo Yethu township. Visit the World of Birds or enjoy a boat trip to Seal Island in Hout Bay.
9. Bloemfontein, Free State
Bloemfontein is the seventh-largest city in South Africa and is the capital of the Free State province. The city is also the judicial capital of South Africa. Visitors can enjoy the National Museum of Bloemfontein with its exhibits relating to art, culture, and natural history, or head to the Anglo Boer War Museum, pictured here, to find out about the country’s past. Head to Oliewenhuis Art Museum exhibiting fine art in a mansion surrounded by pretty gardens and enjoy the fresh air. Alternatively, Free State National Botanical Gardens has many native plants to view as well as local wildlife.
Bloemfontein
Website: Bloemfontein
10. Hermanus, Western Cape
Enjoy a tour from Cape Town, heading over a mountain pass to the town of Hermanus. This pretty seaside town sits between the sea and the mountains and features some of the best shore-based and boat whale-watching experiences. Southern right whale-watching is especially likely during August to November each year. See the iconic Whale Crier announcing the presence of the marine animals with a horn. Occasionally dolphins are seen from the coastline while driving along. If time permits, a stop will be made at Stoney Point, close to Betty’s Bay, to visit the penguins that live there.
11. Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Explore one of South Africa’s oldest cities, starting at Port Elizabeth’s Campanile Memorial, which stands outside the railway station. Travel along Route 67, where it combines both the historical and modern elements of the Eastern Cape culture, including a tribute to Nelson Mandela’s many years of service to South Africans. Along the way, stop off at the Donkin Reserve at Belmont Terrace and visit the lighthouse that used to guide ships into Algoa Bay. See the refurbished terraced cottages and old Victorian churches. Other attractions in the city include Market Square, City Hall, Fort Frederick, and St. Georges Park, the oldest cricket ground in the country.
Book Tours : Port Elizabeth City Walking Tour
12. Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands
The historic town of Stellenbosch nestles in the exquisite Cape Winelands, close to Cape Town and surrounded by mountain ranges and lush valleys. Here you can learn about wine-making in the region. Take an enjoyable stroll through the small town where you will see the beautiful, original Cape Dutch architecture of the homes, quaint shops, and restaurants. Make sure to visit one of the historic wine estates to enjoy a wine-tasting experience of South Africa’s signature Pinotage wines.
Book Tours : Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town
13. Knysna, Garden Route
Knysna is a pretty town on South African’s Garden Route and is an ideal place to stay while exploring the surrounding areas. The town doesn’t have its own beach, but driving along the Garden Route will take visitors to many pleasant beach areas. In town, head to the waterfront to view the famous Knysna Heads, sandstone cliffs that stand guard on either side of the entrance to the Knysna Estuary. Boat trips can be taken out to view the diverse marine life in the area. Enjoy dining at the many restaurants in Knysna, serving the freshest catch-of-the-day.
14. Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Heading back to the Cape Winelands, we now visit the quaint scenic town of Franschhoek. Travel through the picturesque vineyards and visit historic wine estates, where you can enjoy a wine cellar tour and a wine-tasting. Enjoy dining at one of the estates along the way while learning more about South African wines and the fascinating history of the French Huguenots who settled here more than three centuries ago, establishing vineyards and wineries based on their extensive knowledge of wine-making in France. The town has many quaint and interesting shops to visit and a number of excellent restaurants.
15. George, Garden Route
Set in the heart of the Garden Route of the Western Cape, George is famous for its golf courses. The historic town features the George Museum, where you can learn about the local timber industry or the Outeniqua Transport Museum, with its exhibits of vintage cars and steam trains. For outdoor fun, head to Redberry Farm with its family-friendly activities, or the Garden Route Botanical Garden which features the local fynbos (native plants) and pretty trails. Explore the scenic Seven Passes Road to Knysna, passing through the Outeniqua Mountains. Kaaimans River offers adventure options, including abseiling and canyoning.
George, Garden Route
Website: George, Garden Route
16. Pretoria, Gauteng
Visit the capital of South Africa, a city often dubbed the “Jacaranda City” due to the incredible display of the purple-flowered trees lining its streets. Visit Church Square, where former President Nelson Mandela received his life sentence in 1964 and then head to the building where he was made the president of the country 30 years later. Also visit the 19th century home of Paul Kruger, the Boer leader, and the iconic Voortrekker Monument, dedicated to the trekkers who traveled from the Cape Colony to Pretoria between 1835 and 1854.
Book Tours : Pretoria Sightseeing Day Trip from Johannesburg
17. Mossel Bay, Garden Route
Visit the harbor town of Mossel Bay on the Garden Route in the Western Cape. The city is famous for the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse and the wide and beautiful Santos Beach. Learn about some of South Africa’s maritime history at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which contains the Shell Museum, Maritime Museum, and beautiful botanic gardens to explore. In the center see the famous Milkwood tree, known as the Post Office Tree, that was used as a mail collection post from the 1500s.
Mossel Bay
Website: Mossel Bay
18. Simon's Town, Western Cape
Visit the charming city of Simonstown outside of Cape Town, taking in the beautiful landscapes of the Cape Peninsula along the way. Head to Boulders Beach, home to the famous colony of African Penguins. Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve close by and spot wildlife and ostriches along the way. During July to November, watch out for whales off the coast before enjoying the scenic coastal drive back home to Cape Town via the Ou Kaapse Weg mountain pass.
19. Hout Bay, Cape Town
Hout Bay is a beautiful Cape Town suburb, nestled on the Atlantic seaboard, 20 km (12.4 mi) from the center of the city. The town has many excellent shops and souvenir markets and is famous for its waterfront, where restaurants serve the freshest catch-of-the-day and seafood caught in the area. Spend time on the beautiful sandy beaches, or enjoy kayaking, scuba diving, or other water sports. Along the way, spot the iconic Cape fur seal that lives in the area. The nearby Chapman’s Peak drive is a scenic drive along the coastline between Cape Town and Hout Bay.
Book Tours : Cape Town: Guided Kayaking in Hout Bay
20. Plettenberg Bay, Eastern Cape
Plettenberg Bay is a beautiful seaside resort town on the Eastern Cape end of the Garden Route. The area is popular for surfing, especially on Central Beach and Lookout Beach, both of which have surf breaks. The coast is also popular for whale watching during migration season. The town has many excellent shops and restaurants to explore and a range of lively nightlife. During the day, visit the Robberg Nature Reserve and explore the trails, where you can visit the Stone Age Nelson Bay Caves. Head to Birds of Eden, which is a bird sanctuary with a number of bird species, as well as an elephant sanctuary. The opportunity for adventure sports is available on the outskirts of the town.
Book Tours : Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise
21. Johannesburg, Gauteng
Johannesburg is a sprawling city and is the capital of Gauteng province. The city began as a gold mining settlement in the 19th century. The Soweto township in Johannesburg used to be home to Desmond Tutu and former President Nelson Mandela. The latter’s former home is now a museum. Other museums in Soweto include the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, which was formerly a prison complex. While the center of Johannesburg is not ideal for shopping, there are many shopping malls in the surrounding suburbs, including the Eastgate Shopping Center.
22. Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
Experience some of South Africa’s most beautiful mountainous scenery in the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains). Start off by climbing Engagement Hill and take in the glorious scenic views. Gaze at the flat plains around the mountain where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Mzimkulu River, the Lodge, and the Drakensberg Mountains. View the awe-inspiring Great Escarpment, while gazing at the nearby Garden Castle and Mvuleni Mountain. The mountain range runs from Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces through Lesotho and to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. There are a number of beautiful hotels set in the hills, each offering incredible views.
Book Tours : Drakensberg: Guided Horse Trails
23. St. Lucia Estuary, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Head out into nature to explore the St. Lucia Estuary in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. St. Lucia is a 2.5-hour drive from the city of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. See the hippos and crocodiles in the surrounding water as well as African broadbills, vultures, eagles, and other bird species. The best way to see St. Lucia Estuary is by boat, where your guide can give information about the area and its wildlife.
Book Tours : St Lucia Estuary Boat Cruise
See South Africa at its best
Whichever region of South Africa you choose, there is a range of exciting tours to be enjoyed, cities to explore, and outstanding scenery to gaze upon. From Gauteng, to the Free State, the Cape Winelands of the Western Cape, to exciting KwaZulu-Natal with its many sights to see, there is plenty to choose from as you experience some of the best places to visit in South Africa.
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