South Africa is known as the rainbow nation. A country with remarkable wildlife, unique landscapes, savannah, semi-deserts, and subtropical forests. You will find yourself strolling the streets of the bohemian towns and enjoying the melting pot of African and European influence.
In contrast to the culturally-enriched areas, you will find cosmopolitan cities, laid-back towns, and apartheid museums that showcase South African history.
In this guide, we’ll focus on the must-visit places in South Africa that every tourist should be aware of. From great hiking trails to safari-like experiences, it’s an entire world in one country!
The Garden Route
The Garden Route coastline is a road that basts coastal cliffs with hiking paths. The paths narrow down and lead to beautiful beaches and white sands. The Robberg Peninsula can be finished in a four-hour walk, and it’s a great way to see dolphins, seals, and a variety of wildlife.
South Africa group tours can take you to unforgettable paddling and kayaking activities up the Storms River or a nice trip to the Tsitsikamma National Park.
While exploring the Garden Route, you can head off to the Otter trail, a 43-km hike with refreshing rock pools and breathtaking waterfalls to enjoy the best landscapes of South Africa.
Cape Town
Cape Town is probably the most famous place in South Africa and one of the oldest European establishments in the country. It is often referred to as the Mother City and represents the mixture of European and African cultures, a mixture of nature and city life, modernism and tradition.
You must visit Cape Town to see what we are talking about. Some of the highlights of your trip will be Table Mountain, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Robben Island, Signal Hill, and Lion’s Head, Bo-Kaap area, Two Oceans Aquarium, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, many museums, local markets, etc.
Alongside Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula is another one to add to your list. The Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point are the absolute highlights of the peninsula. Including the 12 Apostles coastline that stretches from Hout Bay to Camps Bay.
If you want to see wild penguins in South Africa, then you shouldn’t miss the Boulders Beach penguin colony. Visit Hout Bay, a popular tourist attraction, if you want to see the seal colony. And if you are more of a wine-taster, we’d recommend checking out the Groot Constantina wine region to taste the best of the best!
The Clifton area is known for the unwinding beauty of the white sandy beaches and Bloubergstrand, a place for kitesurfing activities. The most famous beach is Camps Bay, so you can enjoy a nice evening with trendy cocktails from the bars backing onto the beaches.
Hermanus
Hermanus is a beautiful coastal walking path, a popular area for dolphins and whales in South Africa. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can get close to the whales by taking a whale-watching boat tour or seeing them from ashore.
The best time to see the whales is between June and December, which means they are not always around. Gansbaai is another coastline area where you can see whales and explore this hidden gem in South Africa.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is the perfect place for a wildlife safari experience. It’s the biggest and oldest National Park in the country, with 20,000 square km of area. You will see the Big 5 in the park, the buffalo, rhino, leopard, lion, and elephant, and you should add this activity to your itinerary.
There are many ways to explore the park, and one of those is a private safari ride or an organized day tour. Or you can drive in your car and explore it at your own pace.
Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world and a remarkable natural landmark of South Africa. It’s close to the Kruger National Park, so a tour including the park and the canyon makes up a perfect day trip.
You can have breakfast in the famous pancake place, Harrie’s Pancakes in Graskop, then head out north and visit the Wonder View, the Pinnacle, and God’s Window. The panoramic trip can include the Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, Lowveld viewpoint, Three Rondavels viewpoint, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Book Your Trip!
South Africa is a country for all tastes, whether you want to explore the wine regions or have a laid-back experience on the serene beaches. It offers plenty to tourists, and it’s the ultimate safari destination. So, book your trip and enjoy the South African ride!
To learn more about the requirements, vaccinations, and tips on how to prepare for your trip to South Africa, visit our blog.
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