The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in South Africa. So if you are in South Africa, I recommend visiting the following:
- Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Desolation Valley, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Hole in the Wall, Easter Cape, South Africa
- Sterkfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
- Tsitsikamma National Park, Pretoria, South Africa
- Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Graskop, South Africa
- Mac Mac Falls, Graskop, South Africa
- Three Rondavels, Graskop, South Africa
- Berlin Falls, Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Kadishi Tufa Waterfall, Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Lisbon Fall, Mpumalanga, South Africa
- The Pinnacle, Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Kruger National Park, Skukuza, South Africa
- Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape, South Africa
- Atlantis Dunes, Cape Town, South Africa
- Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa
- Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Town, South Africa
- Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
- Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cederberg Wilderness Area, Clanwilliam, South Africa
- Cango Caves, Western Cape, South Africa
- Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa
- Knysna Lagoon, Western Cape, South Africa
- The Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa
- Map Of Africa ViewPoint, Wilderness, South Africa
The Best Places in Eastern Cape Province
1. Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape
- Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa
The reserve is currently home to an elephant population three times denser than any other reserve in Africa, as well as kudu, eland and buffalo. In addition to safaris, visitors can also go horseback riding, trekking, whale watching, shark diving, bird watching and even visit important historical sites. Don’t forget to bring binoculars, cameras, walking shoes and wildlife reference books.
2. Desolation Valley, Eastern Cape
Graaff Reinet, founded in 1786, has been a traveller’s paradise in South Africa’s semi-arid Karoo Desert for over 200 years. Arrive in the Valley of Desolation and admire the vast expanse of the Great Karoo as it rises to the heights of Camdeboo National Park. Stay for a week if possible. East of Cradock are New Bethesda, Aberdeen and Mountain Zebra National Park, among many other attractions.
3. Hole in the Wall, Easter Cape
This geological oddity is a “hole in the wall”, a hole-marked cliff overlooking the sea near Coffee Bay. The views from the cliffs are beautiful. We also see dolphins swimming in the distance. On the way, you will pass through a typical Xhosa village where you can meet the locals. The trail looks easy, but there are many intersections where it is easy to get lost, so it is recommended to use the services of a guide.
The Best Places in Gauteng Province
4. Sterkfontein, Gauteng
The Sterkfontein Palaeontological Site, considered as “The Cradle of Humankind”, has been a fossil site where some of the most emblematic hominid remains for physical anthropology have been found. After paying the entrance fee, the visit will begin with a boat trip through a tunnel and at the exit you will enter a large room with a real and authentic exhibition of panels where the evolutionary process of the human species will be explained. You will find originals and copies of fossils, instruments and more.
5. Tsitsikamma National Park, Pretoria
Part of the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma National Park is a must-see in South Africa. It is the country’s largest marine reserve and is covered with extensive forests, commercial plantations and fynbos. Here you can get in close contact with nature with hiking, rafting, mountain biking, bungee jumping and horse riding. The entrance fee is R218 per person and is included with the Wild Card.
The Best Places in KwaZulu-Natal Province
6. Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa’s largest mountain range is truly a magical place. Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park is home to 35,000 specimens of Sun Rock Art and a variety of protected flora and fauna. In winter, the mountains are covered in powder snow, making them a winter playground for snowboarders and skiers. For those who prefer non-snow adventures, there’s canoeing, tubing, horseback riding, 4WD trails, hiking, hang-gliding, climbing, swimming, canyoning and fly-fishing.
7. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
It occupies a total area of more than 3000 km2 of which 280 km are coastline, a huge park where we can find up to five different ecosystems and an impressive variety of flora and fauna. It should be noted that this park cannot be visited in one day, nor in one week, so you should decide which section to visit before you go. There are many things to do in the park such as animal watching, bird watching, diving, boating, hiking, horseback riding, etc. When you arrive at this entrance you have to park your car to enter the office. There you have to fill in some forms to register the passengers and the car and pay the entrance fee.
The Best Places in Mpumalanga Province
8. Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Graskop
The meeting of the waters of the two rivers thousands of years ago must have created whirlpools of great force, for today there remain in the riverbed large cylindrical holes of varying depths. This is where Blyde Canyon begins, the rock formations leave incredible shapes. This place was named after prospector Tom Bourke who discovered placer gold in the area during the 1880s. This site tends to be quite crowded so it is advisable to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The entrance fee is 60 ZAR per person.
9. Mac Mac Falls, Graskop
Mac Mac has twin falls that plunge some 70m into a gorge below. There is also a viewing platform that allows you to climb the ridge and get a real view of the plunge. At the foot of the falls, there is a very deep pool. It is not possible to swim there, but about 2 km behind you will find the Mac-Mac pools. Here you can swim, cool off under the trees, have a picnic and relax.
10. Three Rondavels, Graskop
It is an almost magical place from which to understand the dimensions of the Blyde River canyon that we can see from its viewpoints and view point; from the viewpoint you can see three rock formations that bear a strong resemblance to them, hence the name. The entrance fee is R35, you can leave your car in a car park at the entrance and the viewpoints are just a few metres away. The area has a large number of craft stalls and the opening hours, like all the attractions in the area, are from 7am to 5pm.
11. Berlin Falls, Mpumalanga
Around the town of Graskop, there are a large number of waterfalls which, although not of spectacular height or flow, are located in a beautiful natural setting that makes a stop, albeit a short one, more than advisable. The Lisbon Falls, 92 metres high, which has three waterfalls over a pool in a beautiful wooded setting.
12. Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga
The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is located in the Mpumalanga region and is easily accessible by paved roads from the small town of Graskop. It’s the third largest in the world and not only offers great views but, if you have the time, you can go rafting, hiking, fishing or cycling, and there’s also accommodation in the reserve for those who want to lose themselves in the lowland forests for a few days.
13. Kadishi Tufa Waterfall, Mpumalanga
This is the second highest tufa waterfall in the world and home to ‘nature’s weeping face’, created by layers of water cascading over rock formations that resemble a human face. Boats go open-sided so you can see it, and if there’s one thing South Africans are known for, it’s their pride in nature. You can also go rafting on the rougher parts of the river and even take a dip in the water.
14. Lisbon Fall, Mpumalanga
They owe their name to the Scottish miners who sought their fortune here during the gold rush of the years. These waterfalls fall from a height of 90 metres into the gorge below. It is not only the waterfalls that are the attraction of the region. Pinochle, a famous 30-metre quartzite rock, stands tall in the densely vegetated Driekop Gorge.
15. The Pinnacle, Mpumalanga
It is a small promontory immediately south of Mossel Bay. The remains discovered there are of humans who inhabited the region between 164 and 35 thousand years ago. Pinnacle Point has been declared a provincial heritage site and this provides the site with the highest form of protection under South Africa’s heritage law.
16. Kruger National Park, Skukuza
Kruger National Park is the largest and most famous of South Africa’s more than 400 parks. It is the best place to experience Africa’s wildlife and go on safari in search of the continent’s five great land mammals. Within the park you can move freely if you have your own vehicle. Otherwise, you can hire official park vehicles for excursions. Campsites within the Kruger National Park are of various types: public, private or bushveld.
The Best Places in Northern Cape Province
17. Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape
The Augrabies Falls Park area is very arid and features a rocky landscape with evocative names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner. A dirt road leads to several scenic points along the Orange River Gorge and the magnificent surrounding landscape. The best time to visit the park and waterfalls is between March and October.
The Best Places in Western Cape Province
18. Atlantis Dunes, Cape Town
Also known as the Witzand Aquifer Nature Reserve, it is located just 45 km from the city of Cape Town. Experience the thrilling fun of sandboarding in the Atlantis Dunes. Anyone can do it, don’t worry if you have no previous experience with snowboarding or other board sports, your friendly guides will teach you everything you need to know to ensure you have an amazing day in the dunes.
19. Boulders Beach, Cape Town
It is one of the town’s major tourist attractions as it is home to a large colony of African penguins, a species slightly smaller than other penguins and now endangered. The penguins at Boulders Beach are so used to the presence of visitors that they move around naturally. In fact, we are the only place in the world where African penguins are allowed to be approached.
20. Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town
Its spectacular scenery and historical importance have endowed it with an atmosphere that makes it one of the most magical places in the world. Although it will take you approximately 45 minutes to get there, we assure you that it will be well worth the effort. In addition, you will be able to enjoy the unique endemic flora and fauna, including all kinds of seabirds.
21. Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Town
It is one of the ten most beautiful coastal roads in the world. So if you’re travelling to Cape Town, don’t miss the opportunity to drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive. One of the most beautiful scenic spots is the 155-metre-long open sea tunnel. It is the first tunnel of its kind to be built on South African soil. Along the entire length of this coastal route there are several rest stops along the way, allowing travellers to enjoy some of the most beautiful images of South Africa’s natural environment.
22. Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town
This South African beach, popular for water sports, is located in False Bay, just over half an hour’s drive from Cape Town. It’s a paradisiacal spot dotted with picturesque huts in a variety of bright colours. The beach stretches for 40 kilometres, making it one of the longest in Africa. In addition to surfing, its Atlantic waters are ideal for any other water sport. However, it is important to bear in mind that we are in one of the places in the world with the highest number of white sharks.
23. Table Mountain, Cape Town
Table Mountain completely dominates the landscape of Cape Town, there is no point in the city from which it is not visible. Since 2011 it has been considered one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World and is a must-see if you’re en route through South Africa. The best way to get there is by car. There is a car park at the foot of the cable car, but it tends to fill up easily, so arrive early. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can hire an excursion or take a taxi to the base.
24. Cederberg Wilderness Area, Clanwilliam
The Cederberg Mountains are characterised by their spectacular rock formations and rock art of the San, and of course by their curious vegetation. The Cederberg is a hiker’s paradise. There are many trekking trails to follow in this wilderness area. Among the best known natural attractions are the Maltese Cross, the Wolfberg Arch and the Wolfberg Cracks.
25. Cango Caves, Western Cape
With a majestic structure, stone vaults and beautiful stalactite formations, you will discover South Africa’s greatest gifts of underground nature. They are a true natural wonder with a huge system of chambers and tunnels found in the Swartberg Mountains. Together with expert guides, you will descend into a hidden and unknown world that, under the light of your torch, will make you feel like a true explorer on your trip to South Africa. Tours run all year round, except on 25 December.
26. Garden Route, Western Cape
The Garden Route in South Africa is one of the most famous road routes in the world. It is a perfect fly & drive route in South Africa, running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. With freshwater lakes, stunning mountains, indigenous forests, golden sandy beaches and brightly coloured wildflowers, the Garden Route is one of the most beautiful areas of South Africa and a popular holiday destination for local and international tourists alike. We recommend 7 days for the quick version and 10 days for the more leisurely version.
27. Knysna Lagoon, Western Cape
Knysna Lagoon is made up of fresh water from the Outeniqua Mountains and the waters of the Indian Ocean at high tide. It is a paradisiacal recreational and leisure area. On the edge of this lagoon, the village of the same name is located. The village also has a harbour, which allows boating and nautical activities, as well as being visited by cruise ships.
28. The Cape Winelands, Western Cape
The region is located just an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Although it is not one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa, over time it is receiving more and more tourists interested in most of the good wine and gastronomy. It should be noted that it is a fairly large region, consisting of Paarl, Stellenbosh, Durbanville, Constantia and Franschhoek. All these places are dedicated to wine production. The tours are done in groups of up to eight people and you can taste more than 30 different wines during the day.
29. Map Of Africa ViewPoint, Wilderness
It is one of the best viewpoints in Wilderness Heights. The map of Africa is a spectacular backdrop of mountains and forests. The Wilderness Area is known for its numerous rivers, ponds and natural lakes, from which you can clearly see the Cayman River Valley. Enjoying the fresh air and watching paragliders descend the green slopes for take-off is very relaxing.
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