The Best Places To Visit In South Africa

South Africa is the southernmost African state; a diverse country, boasting an interesting mix of African tradition and modern urban culture. The country features endless beaches on two oceans, numerous national parks, modern cities and a famous food scene, making it a premier-league travel destination!

The country is a multiethnic state with 11 official languages, presenting a kaleidoscope of interesting cultures and unique traditions. Its multicultural diversity is one of its biggest features, although it is still suffering from the aftermaths of apartheid, visible in persisting inequality and racial problems.

South Africa is home to beautiful scenery like the Kalahari Desert, rugged mountain ranges, endless coastline, and green winelands, and boasts numerous first-class attractions that are bound to fulfill all your wishes! Hike the famous Table Mountain or take the cableway to its summit for a stunning view over Cape Town and the ocean. Visit Johannesburg and enjoy its rich history, cultural heritage and creative scene. Go swimming and sunbathing on stunning beaches or enjoy windsurfing, rock climbing and bungee jumping – South Africa has something for everyone!

South Africa is one of the best safari destinations in the world: go on a safari adventure in one of the national parks like the famous Kruger National Park and go looking for the Big Five: lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhino (amongst other fascinating animals), while you’re driving through the majestic grasslands of the countryside.

Go on a wining tour and try the world-class wine, paired with some tasty cuisine amidst the beautiful vineyard scenery. South Africa’s cutting edge cuisine is world-renowned and well worth a try. There are numerous high-class restaurants as well as more economical options to indulge in the diverse cuisine – a product of its cultural mix that is bound to satisfy any taste.

Make sure to visit cosmopolitan Cape Town, a city set against the backdrop of a scenic mountain range and surrounded by beautiful beaches. Stroll through the streets and enjoy the beautiful architecture, its museums, the bustling harbor and vista of the beautiful blue Table Bay. After exploring the sights and sounds of the city, enjoy Cape Town’s gastronomic splendor and indulge in some superb dining in its classy restaurants.

While this country offers a true African adventure, it is the most developed country in Africa with English as a lingua franca, making travelling for Westerners very easy. Whether it’s golfing, trekking, going on a safari or fine wining and dining, this country offers it all!

HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH AFRICA…

Cape Town

Cape Town is a port city on the southwestern coast of South Africa, nestled beneath the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. It’s a melting pot of diverse cultures and is the jumping-off-point to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the country. There’s no other city quite like it!

The Garden Route

The Garden Route is the world-famous stretch of land from Mossel Bay in South Africa’s Western Cape to the Storms River of the Eastern Cape. Take the drive through some of the most scenic landscapes in the country; where magnificent forests and mountain ranges meet the picture-perfect coastline!

Stellenbosch

Located in South Africa’s Western Cape Provence, the University town of Stellenbosch is the perfect gateway to some of the regions’ most spectacular wineries and vineyards. Being the second oldest town in the country, Stellenbosch is bursting with natural beauty and a fascinating historic culture, and with an abundance of boutique shops, trendy restaurants and cafes, as well as several museums and galleries on offer, it certainly is a place you should come and experience for yourself!

Franschhoek

Just a short drive from the city of Cape Town, Franschhoek prides itself on being the gastronomic capital of South Africa! People from all over the country flock here to try the delicious food and the spectacular wines produced by the local vineyards and wineries. Come and explore the region for yourself, on one of the many scenic walking or cycling trails, and experience what a true delight it is to escape the mainstream tourist trail for a while.

Kruger National Park

One of South Africa’s premier attractions, Kruger National Park is famous the world over for the extent and diversity of its wildlife. The “Big Five” of game are all there: buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinoceroses. A world-class conservation program means you’ll also encounter wildebeests, giraffes, zebras as well as big cats of all stripes.

Port Elizabeth

One of the most underrated travel destinations in South Africa would have to be that of Port Elizabeth. A beautiful city with golden beaches and clean fresh air, a vibrant nightlife, an abundance of wildlife, and plenty of things to do and see in the surrounding areas. Escape the big-smoke, relax, and take a load off!

Johannesburg

Johannesburg, or Joburg as the locals like to call to it, is the largest city in South Africa and home to more than 3 million people. Once considered to be tainted with crime and decay; the city has undergone a huge transformation with a vibrant culture and cutting-edge contemporary arts scene.

KwaZulu-Natal

Nestled away on the eastern coast of South Africa, you will find the increasingly popular travel destination of KwaZulu-Natal. Home to some of the country’s best beaches and most spectacular coastlines, the province is surrounded by a beautiful mountainous countryside which is populated by an abundance of big game wildlife. Adventure tourism plays a large role here, drawing in tourists from all over the globe, and with so many amazing things to experience here, it truly is a place that shouldn’t be missed!

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a quaint little village located in the KwaZulu-Natal Provence of South Africa, around a two-hour drive from Durban. This increasingly popular tourist destination has proudly earned the title of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1999, which should really come as no surprise given the abundance of natural beauty and spectacular wildlife which can be found here. With a vast array of safari options available, and plenty of adventure activities to be experienced, Saint Lucia really is an amazing place to visit.

Durban

The bustling port city of Durban is located on the eastern coast of South Africa, in the glorious province of KwaZulu-Natal. Take time to stroll along the coastal promenade and experience the soothing waterfront atmosphere, or stay cool in the botanical gardens that showcase a wide variety of native plants and flowers. Soak up the culture and history with a visit to the museums, explore the marketplaces that reflect the fascinating Indian influence on the city, or relax for the afternoon on one of the beautiful beaches of the coastline – there really is so much to do in this amazing destination that you might just struggle to fit it all in!

Amakhala Game Reserve

Located on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the Amakhala Game Reserve is spread over a massive area of 8,500 hectares, and offers accommodation and adventures packages to suit every taste and budget. Once you arrive, a wide variety of experiences are available, with the big five being a favourite among visitors, and river cruises as an excellent alternative. This is a great place to spend a few days and soak up the natural beauty of the magnificent countryside!