Archbishop Desmond Tutu famously described South Africa as the "Rainbow Nation"; a name that perfectly encapsulates what makes this country so magical and unique. While Tutu's nickname accurately captures the fusion of different cultures and people within the country, South Africa's diversity extends far beyond its inhabitants.
The country is home to an impressive array of natural landscapes that are perfect for exploring - from sleeping under the stars in the desert to trekking to snow-capped mountain peaks, South Africa boasts a plethora of activities to suit everyone’s tastes. The tranquil hills of the Wild Coast provide a peaceful escape from bustling cities, such as Johannesburg. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities from safari walks in remote areas to diving with great white sharks.
Here's our guide to the 10 best places to visit in South Africa.
No. 10 - Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon, situated on the sensational Panorama Route, is the largest green canyon and one of the deepest natural canyons in the world. The canyon, enveloped in subtropical vegetation, offers various hotspots, including waterfalls and unique geological formations, such as Bourke's Luck Potholes - giant potholes created by swirling water where the Blyde and Treue rivers intersect.
This magnificent natural wonder is a popular destination for exploration by car, foot, or horseback. It boasts lush valleys, mountain landscapes like the Three Rondavels, and breathtaking viewpoints such as God's Window. Along the way, you may encounter a diverse range of wildlife, such as hippos, crocodiles, and Samango monkeys, as well as numerous bird species, including the Cape vulture, African fish eagle, and Knysna lourie. The Blyde River Canyon is among the best bird-watching spots in Mpumalanga.
No. 9 - Mapungubwe National Park
The Mapungubwe National Park in Limpopo province is a remarkable national park and an essential part of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. It is a standout among South Africa's national parks, known for its significant cultural heritage that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Visitors can learn more about its cultural heritage at the interpretive centre.
The landscape of the park is fascinating; ancient, barren terrain that is warped and tangled, rocky cliffs that offer stunning views, and powerful rivers that intersect the park. Although the climate is harsh, the park is home to a wide range of animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, and smaller species such as caracals.
Exploring the park can be challenging, but the rewards are magnificent. The national park is divided into two sections, the eastern and western sections, separated by private lands. Visitors can witness the sublime beauty of this park, which is home to an array of wildlife and offers breathtaking vistas.
No. 8 - Addo Elephant National Park
What started as a small elephant sanctuary, established to protect just 11 Addo elephants in the 1930s, has grown into one of South Africa’s largest national parks. Addo Elephant National Park is a triumph of conservation, where over 600 African elephants roam across the low bushes, tall grass, and distant hills. The land was reclaimed after being devastated by farmers and the park is now home to a variety of wildlife. Hyenas and lions were introduced in 2003 to manage the kudu, ostrich, and warthog populations. Visitors can also spot rare Cape mountain zebras, buffaloes, and endemic dung beetles. However, the true stars of the show are the elephants, who awe spectators as they burst through the undergrowth, flap their ears, and tower over everything in their path.
The park has expanded over the years and now consists of five different sections, each offering its own unique experience. The primary game reserve in the park is the Colchester section, where visitors can embark on thrilling self-drives or opt for camp-run game drives to witness the park's sizable populations of elephants, zebras, and antelopes. The Darlington section is centred around a dam that draws in a diverse array of wildlife, while the Kabouga section is exclusively accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles. For those who prefer to explore on foot, the Zuurberg and Woody Cape sections offer some fantastic hiking trails.
No. 7 - Cape Winelands
The Winelands, a picturesque region of rolling hills and vineyards planted in neat rows, is dotted with whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture that makes for endless photo opportunities. World-class wines are the icing on the cake in this quintessential Cape region. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl form the area's holy trinity of wine-tasting towns, boasting some of the oldest, largest, and most beautiful wine estates in the southern hemisphere. However, there are other wine regions to explore: Tulbagh for sparkling wines, the Cederberg for crisp sauvignon blancs, and Hermanus' Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth in Afrikaans) valley for boutique wineries. Don't miss tasting pinotage, a full-bodied red wine made from a native grape first cultivated in Stellenbosch, which can be found at wine estates throughout the region.
No. 6 - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, meaning 'Great Thirst,' sprawls across South Africa and Botswana with a distinct desert landscape. It boasts a unique terrain with salt pans, bushveld, and striking rust-red dunes of the Kalahari. The region is home to various plains game, such as wildebeest, springbok, and gemsbok, and their predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
The park was formed in 1999, combining South Africa's Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana's Gemsbok National Park, but its vast expanse makes certain areas inaccessible without a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Visitors can opt for guided game drives or bush walks from one of the park's camps to spot the phenomenal wildlife. Alternatively, self-guided routes along the Nossob and Auob riverbeds on the South African side are also available.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park takes its name from the Kgalagadi tribes, some of whose descendants still live in the area, such as the Mier Community and the Khoe-speaking Khomani Community. While in the park, visitors can enjoy a glimpse into their history and culture.
No. 5 - Wild Coast
The Wild Coast lives up to its name, with untamed cliffs meeting the ocean, isolated sandy beaches, rural Xhosa villages, and a storied past of shipwrecks and stranded sailors. The best way to experience this rugged landscape is on foot, following the pathways that wind along the shore from the Great Kei River to Port St. Johns. These trails cut through dense vegetation, cross denuded hillsides and gorges, and offer stunning views of the turquoise seas, where southern right whales and dolphins are frequently spotted. Rustic accommodations provide a peaceful respite, or for a truly immersive experience, stay with local families in traditional rondavels - round huts with a conical roof.
No. 4 - Garden Route
The Garden Route, renowned for being one of the world's most scenic drives, winds its way through charming coastal towns, wildlife reserves, forests, lagoons and stunning white-sand beaches, all with the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean by your side. Running from Mossel Bay to St. Francis, this popular tourist route is a major draw for international visitors to South Africa.
There are so many attractions along the Garden Route that it's difficult to resist the urge to stop every few minutes. It's recommended to spend at least five days, if not more, to fully experience the area. Take a stroll through the serene town of Wilderness, known for its peaceful beach, experience the thrill of bungee jumping from the highest commercial bridge in Storms River, and encounter African elephants at the Knysna Elephant Park.
Plettenberg Bay offers more than just beaches, with a variety of wildlife-watching opportunities and hiking trails at the seaside Robberg Nature Reserve. A short drive away, Birds of Eden offers a chance to observe tropical birds in one of the world's largest free-flying aviaries, while Monkeyland invites you to walk through the forest and mingle with squirrel monkeys and capuchins.
No. 3 - Drakensberg
The mountains and foothills of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage site, are some of South Africa's most spectacular landscapes. The incredible peaks of the Drakensberg are called "Dragon Mountains" in Afrikaans and uKhahlamba, meaning "barrier of spears", in Zulu - both fitting given the range's mighty and majestic appearance. The region is rich in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years, as seen in the numerous San rock-art sites. With Zulu villages, wilderness areas, and a profusion of wildflowers, the Drakensberg is an ideal destination for adventurers, hikers, and photographers. Forming part of the Great Escarpment, the area is divided into 2 sections - the northern and southern regions.
The Northern Drakensberg, with its warm climate, is perfect for hikers and receives very little snowfall. A one or two-day hike to the Amphitheater provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and Royal Natal National Park, home to Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world.
On the other hand, the Southern Drakensberg is ideal for adventurous travellers. Take a nerve-wracking drive up the Sani Pass to landlocked Lesotho, which leads to the highest pub in Africa, or embark on challenging trekking and mountaineering tours.
No. 2 - Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is an awe-inspiring destination and one of Africa's most magnificent wilderness experiences. As the largest of South Africa's national parks, a visit here is an unforgettable experience. Kruger's extensive wildlife, accessibility, and wide range of activities make it an exceptional destination.
Although established as far back as 1898, Kruger only opened to the public in the 1920s. Since then, it has become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the renowned Big Five. You can spot hippos and crocs from the Crocodile River viewpoint, or visit the reconstructed Iron Age ruins of Masorini village.
While park-run game drives are available regularly, Kruger is also an ideal game reserve to explore on a self-drive. Follow the Sabie and Crocodile rivers, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards hiding in the undergrowth. With a diverse birdlife population, Kruger is also a haven for birdwatchers. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!
No. 1 - Cape Town
Nestled beneath the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is a city renowned for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture. From the adventurous hikes up Table Mountain to the tranquil beaches, there is something for everyone in this city. Visitors can explore the historic V&A Waterfront, take a ferry to Robben Island, or simply soak up the local vibe by mingling with the friendly Cape locals.
Cape Town's urban renewal is transforming once-industrial neighbourhoods like Woodstock and the Silo District into hip food markets, world-class restaurants, and trendy design arcades. The city's contemporary art scene is also flourishing with the opening of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, featuring the largest collection of contemporary African art in the world.
As the second-largest city in South Africa, Cape Town offers a diverse range of experiences. Discover the vibrant colours of Bo-Kaap, a historic Cape Malay area, or take a scenic drive to the Cape Point Nature Reserve to explore the wild and rocky Cape Peninsula. History buffs can visit the Houses of Parliament for a free tour of the National Assembly and the old assembly used during apartheid.
With its mild Mediterranean climate and stunning natural beauty, Cape Town is an unforgettable destination that should be on every traveller's bucket list.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best places to visit in South Africa. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit in South Africa.
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