Top 7 Must-see Destinations in South Africa
Written by Daryll Williams
South Africa is a country of exceptional natural beauty that is home to uniquely diverse cultural variety and incredibly welcoming people. Of the vast range of amazing experiences on offer, here is our look at the country’s must-see destinations:
1. Cape Town
Consistently voted as one of the top vacation spots in the world for travellers, the Mother City boasts spectacular natural beauty, superb accommodation, and fantastic weather year-round – and some of the best beaches in the world! What’s more, Cape Town’s acclaimed food and wine experiences are as alluring as its iconic landmark: Table Mountain.
2. Cape Winelands
Who doesn’t like to swirl and sip delicious, 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 a gateway to incredible wines cultivated from century old vineyards across the province. From Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, drive along the wine route and enjoy wine tastings along with food pairings to tickle your palate.
3. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s crown jewel. The greatest game reserve the country has on offer carries an extraordinarily rich and diverse animal life, which together with its tremendous size makes for one of the world’s best wildlife experiences. Some 147 mammal species have been recorded, including the Big 5. Most of Kruger’s game is spread evenly throughout the park and several rest camps are scattered across its expanses. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September when temperatures are relatively moderate.
4. Eastern Cape
If you are looking for an authentic South African experience, the Eastern Cape is certainly worthy of your time. This is the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, whose home is now a museum. Aside from international cultural icons, however, there is a fair bit to see dotted around. The Wild Coast is awash with natural beauty, where unique rock formations menacingly jut out of the sea. And if things that are solid and sturdy appeal to you, visit Addo Elephant Park, where over 500 elephants mix with other wild species native to the region, or take a hike with a view and make your way along one of the many trails of Camdeboo National Park.
5. Garden Route
A firm favourite when it comes to South African holidays, the world-famous Garden Route is a beautiful length of coastline that stretches from a couple of hours outside Cape Town to just after the seaside town of Plettenberg Bay. The ideal way to explore all the Garden Route’s sandy beaches, rocky shores, quaint towns, and indigenous forests is to rent a car and drive yourself.
6. Johannesburg
Also known as Jo’burg or Egoli, the “City of Gold” is named for its rich deposit of the precious metal. Johannesburg is the 2nd largest city on the African continent and is a bustling metropolis full of fantastic hotels, lovely cafes, and vibrant nightlife. For a bit of history lesson, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is highly recommended. This entertainment hub of the country is also known for its boutiques, shopping malls, casinos, and monuments too. If you’re in town, look to escape to nearby Pilanesberg National Park for the best of city lights and bush delights.
7. Blyde River Canyon
A trip to Mpumalanga is not complete without 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 breathtaking valley below.
Ready to take a trip to South Africa?
South Africa is a year-round destination. The months of May to September are the best if you want to visit the national parks and watch the wild animals concentrated around watering holes. The months of July to November are the finest for whale watching. Cape Town is best visited during the summer months from November to March when the weather is hot, dry, and wonderful. But no matter when you choose to travel, South Africa has many memorable attractions and experiences on offer – this is a place brimming with opportunity. Ready to book your holiday? Get in touch.
