12 Best Tourist Attractions Destination in South Africa - South Africa Travel Guide
Indeed, South Africa is one of the finest tourist
destinations in the world. Although it is a ten or twelve-hour flight from
Europe, the country offers visitors from the northern hemisphere a welcome
climate change in the less pleasant seasons of their year-South Africa has
sunshine on about 250 days a year-magnificent scenery, fascinating wildlife and
a wide range of recreational activities.
South Africa is a land where contrasts are striking.
Tourists arriving in the country will be struck at once by the juxtaposition
between modernity and tradition and by the mixing of people of different
backgrounds and races-black, white, colored, Indian-who meet with openness,
ready interest and friendliness.
Tourists will come across evidence of the long
history of the country everywhere in South Africa-a history as old as humanity
itself. It is now believed that the origins of man are to be sought here. The
Bushmen's rock drawings bear witness to its oldest known inhabitants, but there
is also evidence of the lives of South Africa's black peoples and white people
who first settled on the Cape in 1652 and then controlled the country's
destinies for more than 300 years.
Although its after-effects can still be felt since
the abolition of apartheid relations between the races much more relaxed.
Poverty, lack of education, homelessness and high unemployment affect mostly
the black population, sometimes leading to violence and crime. But normally
these issues don't affect the ordinary tourist. As a rule, the person sees
almost exclusively the inviting aspects of the country: the lively cities–rich
in tradition such as Cape Town, South Africa's "mother city," or
ultra-modern cities such as Johannesburg, the country's economic capital–and
idyllic small towns such as Stellenbosch, Graaff-Reinet or Paarl. However, the
real wealth of South Africa lies in its magnificent scenery, still largely
untouched by mass tourism: rough rocky coasts, wide sandy beaches, mountains,
rolling plateaus, lakes, rivers, fertile arable land, arid desert-like regions
and luxurious subtropical forests. Visitors can observe the unique flora and
fauna of South Africa in seventeen national parks, including the famous Kruger
Park, and hundreds of private game reserves. The world's largest terrestrial
mammal (the elephant), the highest (the giraffe) and the smallest (the pygmy
shrew) can be seen here. The list of
superlatives could be continued: South Africa also has the second largest
mammal (the rhinoceros) as well as the fastest (the cheetah) and the world's
largest bird (the ostrich).
Once you have discovered South Africa - its variety,
its ready hospitality, its beauty - you will want to come again.
South Africa, officially known as the South African
Republic, offers a great introduction to the Dark Continent's many jewels.
Tourists will find classic African scenery here: golden savannah, large gaping
gorges, and hauntingly beautiful deserts, as well as their favorite African
creatures–and creature comforts as a bonus. South Africa is home to some of the
world's most luxurious private game reserves and lodges, apart from Kruger's
big-name game parks and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park. Wildlife
lovers in search of the "Big Five" come here from all corners of the
globe: lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and elephant, and they often find it, and
so much more.
Coral reefs, shark dives, mountain ranges backed by
dragons, white-water rafting, and golden beaches lapped by legendary surf
breaks are some of the many other attractions in South Africa. Traveling around
this vast land and touring the vibrant cities, visitors can learn about the
turbulent history of the nation: in Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities
in the world; in Durban, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines; in
Johannesburg's poignant museums and galleries; and in Soweto, Nelson Mandela's
birthplace, which helped to bring about democracy in this amazingly diverse
nation.
01. Kruger National
Park, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces
Kruger National Park is one of the most renowned
safari parks in the world. One of South Africa's oldest game reserves, the park
lies about a 3.5-4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg and offers visitors the
opportunity to see the "Big Five": lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant,
and rhino, as well as amazing wildlife diversity. It is also home to
archeological sites and rock paintings by bushman. Visitors can explore Kruger
in a wide network of sealed roads; organize a walking safari; or soar in a hot
air balloon across vast grasslands, gallery forests, and river systems.
02. Cape Town,
Western Cape
One of the most amazing cities on the planet, Cape
Town is the second largest settlement in South Africa by population. This
multicultural city is surrounded by nature, which nuzzles between a rough
mountain range and the sea. Hike to the top of the flat-topped Table Mountain
for a spectacular overview, or glide up on the cableway. Lion's Head's
hour-long hike also offers panoramic views of the city. The magnificent
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are located on the eastern slopes of Table
Mountain within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the boardwalk along
the waterfront, visitors may see whales spouting out of the harbor. Penguins
waddle along False Bay's golden beaches, while Cape Point is home to plenty of
wildlife and various botanical wonders in the south of the city. Victoria and
Alfred Waterfront is one of the top attractions in Cape Town. Reminiscent of
San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, visitors come here to shop, dine, and enjoy
the many entertainment venues, including Two Ocean's Aquarium. Camp's Bay
offers chic shops and cafes, rimmed by beautiful boulder-flanked beaches.
Nature lovers stake a spot at sunset along the spectacular Peak Drive of
Chapman in a dusk ritual known as "sundowners" to watch the sun sink
slowly into the sea.
03. Kgalagadi
(Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the
largest wildlife areas in the world, a merger of South Africa's Kalahari
Gemsbok National Park and Botswana's Gemsbok National Park. Established in
2000, it is the first officially declared transboundary park in Africa and is
located in a remote Northern Cape region of South Africa. Gnarled camel thorn
trees, red sands, golden grasslands and deep blue skies give photographs and
game viewing a bold backdrop. Among the vast diversity of wildlife, this vast
conservation area is home to the famous Kalahari black-manned lion, majestic
gemsbok with its V-shaped horns, sprawling nests of sociable weavers, meerkats,
and many prey birds. Other predators such as leopard, cheetah, and hyenas are
also found here. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for some of the
minor rugged roads or for those venturing into Botswana.
04. Stellenbosch,
Western Cape
Stellenbosch is one of the most picturesque towns in
South Africa. A mosaic of farms, old oak trees, and white-washed Cape Dutch
dwellings, Stellenbosch is one of the best preserved towns from the era of the
Dutch East India Company. Today, it's a vibrant and fantastic scenery university
town. Foodies here are going to love it. Stellenbosch is home to some of the
best restaurants and many sidewalk cafes in South Africa. History buffs at the
Village Museum, a group of four restored houses and gardens from 1709 to 1850,
can take a walk back in time. The Rupert Museum exhibits important works by
South African artists, and another top tourist attraction is the Botanic Garden
at Stellenbosch University. Nature buffs can go hiking and biking on the
wilderness trails in the amazing Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in the surrounding
area.
05. The
Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
The spectacular Drakensberg, meaning "Dragon
Mountains," is one of South Africa's most popular holiday destinations and
home to the highest peaks of the country. The region includes the
uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a region of jaw-dropping beauty with jagged basalt
buttresses and San rock art, listed as a World Heritage Site, and the Royal
Natal National Park, home to the amazing Amphitheater, a magnificent cliff face
and source of the main rivers of South Africa. The region's Giant's Castle Game
Reserve protects large eland herds. In the sheltered valleys, dense forests
flourish, and the area is home to more than 800 different flowering plant
species as well as a rich wildlife diversity. In summer, with gushing waterfalls
and crystal-clear streams, the mountain landscapes are lush and fertile. The
dramatic peaks are cloaked by snow in the winter. Visitors flock here to go
hiking and cycling on the picturesque mountain trails.
06. The Garden
Route
Along the country's southeast coast, the Garden
Route runs for about 200 kilometers through some of South Africa's most
breathtaking coastal scenery. The route runs from Mossel Bay, in the Western
Cape, along the Indian Ocean to the Storms River, in the Eastern Cape. This
popular driving route crosses rolling green hills, beautiful coastal towns,
lagoons, lakes, and cliffs along the coast. Highlights of the route include the
charming town of Knysna snuggled between dense forests and a sparkling lagoon;
the beautiful Garden Route National Park with its gorges, tidal pools and thick
forests; the ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn and Cango Caves; and the Robberg
Nature Reserve seal colony in Plettenberg Bay. Adventures run the gamut along
the way, from elephant back riding to whale watching trips to bungee jumping
and canopy tours of the tree.
07. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
iSimangaliso means "miracle and wonder" in
the Zulu language, and it's a fitting name for this World Heritage Area, home
to Africa's largest estuarine system. Formerly the Greater St. Lucia Wetland
Park, iSimangaliso is located on Kwazulu Natal's northeastern coast and connects
eight interwoven ecosystems, including coral reefs, croc-filled rivers, lakes,
towering coastal dunes, swamps and savanna. Not surprisingly, an incredible
variety of wildlife is supported by the area. More than 526 species of birds
live in the reserve as well as the highest concentration of hippos and
crocodiles in Africa, leatherback and loggerhead tortoises, leopards, rhinoes
and. This unique wilderness area offers visitors the opportunity to combine a
classic safari experience with marine reserve coastal adventures like kayaking,
fishing, diving, and snorkeling.
08. Blyde River
Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga
Beautiful Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (also
called Motlatse River Canyon) is a favorite stop on the drive between
Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. The park is home to the second largest
canyon in Africa, as well as a rich wildlife and plant diversity. Lush
subtropical leaves, waterfalls, gleaming rivers, and lichen-covered rock
formations create a striking color and texture canvas. With all the common
species of South African primates and many hippos and crocodiles, game viewing
can be especially rewarding. The best way to explore this spectacular park is
through the picturesque driving routes or the extensive trails. Three Rondavels
and the properly named God's Window are panoramic viewpoints. There are also
boat trips and whitewater rafting on the rivers.
09. Cage Dive with
Great White Sharks
Step into a thick cage of iron, plunge into the
ocean, and come face-to-face with a great white shark. Believe it or not, this
is one of the top attractions for thrill seekers in South Africa. The sport has
become so popular that every year new tour operators continue to grow. The best
time to try the dive is April through October, but thanks to healthy seals and
fish populations, great whites swim these waters throughout the year. Tour
operators in Cape Town organize shark cage dives to areas such as Simon's Town,
Seal Island, Dyer Island, Mossel Bay, and Gansbaai, the self-proclaimed
"Great White Shark Capital of the World." Trips from Durban and Rocky
Bay can also be arranged. Since divers are enclosed in the custom-designed
cages, no diving certification is required. For a little less excitement, it's
also possible to watch the action from the boat.
10. Robben Island,
Western Cape
In Table Bay, Robben Island, listed in the World Heritage,
is a haunting reminder of apartheid horrors. Nelson Mandela and other political
dissidents and social misfits spent 18 years in prison here in a tiny cell.
Perhaps the best part about this experience is that ex-prisoners are usually
the guides who share poignant accounts of the atrocities they have endured.
Tours to the island start at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Victoria and
Alfred Waterfront with multimedia exhibits in the museum. Sightseers then board
boats to Robben Island, on the 30-45-minute ride frequently braving rough
swells. Make sure you book early as the tours can quickly fill up.
11. Durban's Golden
Mile, KwaZulu-Natal
The sweeping waterfront promenade of Durban, the
Golden Mile, is a legendary tourist magnet and a great point of departure for a
city tour. Long blond beaches attract swimmers, surfers and anglers, while the
busy promenade feels like Miami Beach with its high-rise hotels, shops,
restaurants and flashy entertainment resorts. Visitors can rent a bike or
Segway along here. In addition to the beach scene, top attractions along this
stretch include uShaka Marine World, a wonderland of marine attractions; Moses
Mabhida Stadium; and Mini Town, a tiny Durban replica with a mini-rail network,
airport, and harbor scene.
12. Johannesburg
and Pretoria, Gauteng
Johannesburg, also referred to as Jo'burg, is by
population the largest city in South Africa and a gateway for many safari
travelers. Named the "City of Gold" because of its rich precious
metal deposits, it is also the country's economic engine and vibrant heart. Top
historical attractions include the Apartheid Museum, a poignant look at the
birth of democracy's oppression of apartheid; Constitution Hill; and Gold Reef
City, which traces the history of the region through mining-themed attractions.
If South Africa's heart is Johannesburg, Soweto's shanty towns are its soul.
Soweto was born as an abbreviation for "southwestern townships," the
freedom movement that created the new democratic constitution for South Africa.
Township guided tours often include a visit to the Mandela House, which is now
a national monument. Close in the distance, but in feeling a world away,
Pretoria is the country's administrative capital. It is a town of parks and
gardens, home to the Voortrekker Monument and Heritage Site, as well as the
highly acclaimed Freedom Park.
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