It’s no secret that South Africa, especially Cape Town, is one of the most stunning places on earth. Often called the mother city, there are endless things to do in Cape Town, from hiking Table Mountain and visiting Robben Island to learning about the Boer War and cultural exploration at the Iziko Museum and Bantu World Heritage Site. But with so many incredible sights to see, how do you narrow down your list of what to visit in South Africa? We’ve compiled our top ten list of places that you must visit at least once if you come to this beautiful country!
1) Table Mountain, Cape Town:
Cape Town’s Table Mountain is a towering, stunning part of the city. It is an iconic landmark and offers some of the best views you will ever see. Table Mountain has a plateau and it provides an excellent vantage point for viewing Cape Town, with its amazing architecture and coastline. The mountain attracts hikers of all levels, which means no matter what your fitness level there will be something for you to do here.
There are two main hiking routes: the lower trail that starts close to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the upper trail that begins higher up on Table Mountain near Rhodes Memorial or Kirstenbosch. These routes can be combined to create a longer hike or shortened if time is limited.
2) Kruger National Park:
Kruger National Park is a breathtaking safari destination. It’s home to nine different mammal species, including the iconic Big Five-elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. You’ll also find 200 bird species and some beautiful scenery that’s perfect for hiking or horseback riding. If you don’t have time to explore the park on your own, consider taking a guided tour with one of our partners. Tours are available for all experience levels and range from self-guided walking tours to luxury camping safaris.
3) Durban:
Durban is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Africa. The city has a rich history and culture. It is also home to some of the world’s most amazing beaches. If you’re looking for a laid-back coastal city, Durban should be your next vacation destination.
Durban is not only an absolutely gorgeous place but it’s got a ton to do as well. From paddle boarding on the beach to exploring neighborhoods with stunning architecture, there are endless possibilities for fun adventures here. The best part? You’ll always find someone willing to show you around and give recommendations if you ask them politely enough – which I recommend doing so that you can enjoy Durban even more than before!
4) The Garden Route:
The Garden Route is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. The coastline stretches for over 550 km and includes many different types of landscapes: forest, rivers, lakes and beaches. The Garden Route has a mild climate with plenty of sunshine all year round which attracts visitors from all over the world.
The Garden Route’s best-known towns are Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, George and Mossel Bay. These towns offer visitors plenty to do from adventure activities like shark cage diving to relaxing on beaches and enjoying gourmet food. Visitors can also hike through forests or explore the rugged coastline by boat.
5) The Drakensberg:
The Drakensberg mountain range is the oldest and most diverse mountain range in Southern Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the range is located mainly in KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The highest point is Amphitheatre Peak, which reaches 3 395 meters (11,811 feet) above sea level. The Drakensberg are rich with culture and heritage and with a long history of human occupation – including evidence of early hominids like Australopithecus africanus, Paranthropus robustus and Homo ergaster.
6) KwaZulu-Natal Midlands:
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is a region of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It borders Gauteng, Free State and Eastern Cape. The region was established on April 1, 1994. From 1994 to 2004 it was part of the former KwaZulu bantustan created by the apartheid government.
The lowlands around Richmond are its most prominent geographical feature. It has six districts: Richmond (including Amajuba), Hlabisa, Umkomaas (formerly Umzumbe), Uthukela, uMkhanyakude and Ndwedwe. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve (since 1997) falls within this region, as does the southern half of iSimangaliso Wetland Park (since 1998).
7) The Wild Coast:
The Wild Coast is a region of the Eastern Cape in South Africa that extends from King William’s Town to Port Edward. It is one of the most sparsely populated and undeveloped regions of the country, with only a few settlements along its length. It is well known for its beaches, lagoons and estuaries, which are popular both with locals and tourists. The coastal scenery offers some beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking scenery to explore by foot or bicycle.
Some notable highlights include.
8) The Eastern Cape:
The Eastern Cape is a province of South Africa. It borders the Indian Ocean to the east, Mozambique to the south and Lesotho to the north. The provincial capital is East London, which is located on the Indian Ocean’s shores. There are many natural attractions in this province like Hartebeeskop Nature Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park and Tsitsikamma National Park. If you love nature and animals, then these parks are for you!
9) Mpumalanga:
Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is a bustling metropolis where people of all ethnicities live side by side. It is known as the business hub of the country, and has a unique blend of modernity and tradition. It is also home to some of the most beautiful sights in the world. The city’s diverse climate means there are many things to see and do year round. In winter, visitors can go on game drives and explore safaris.
10) Johannesburg:
The largest city in Africa, Johannesburg is located on the Transvaal Highveld. It has a population of 4.4 million people and its metropolitan area has a population of over 6.8 million people.
Johannesburg is one of the most important commercial centers of southern Africa with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange being one of the region’s biggest stock exchanges. The city also has some great museums, like the Apartheid Museum, which can be found on Long Street.
It is also one of the most diverse cities in the world with many different languages spoken throughout it including Afrikaans, English and Zulu. This makes it a prime destination for anyone looking to experience African culture first hand!
