South Africa’s rich diversity in just about every sense you can imagine makes it difficult to narrow down to only ten tourist attractions. From the culture, landscape, natural history, and environment, South Africa has something for everyone. So, you are planning to take your next vacation in South Africa and wonder what to see or do? Do not panic – below are 10 top scenic spots worth visiting upon arriving in South Africa.
Explore the Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is among the world’s most famous safari park. At only 3 to 4-hour drive from Johannesburg, come and enjoy the chance to see the ‘Big Five’ of the jungle: lions, leopard, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos. You’ll also love the astounding diversity of wildlife, bushman rock paintings, and archeological sites. You can opt to explore the breathtaking glamor od Kruger’s gallery forests, vast grasslands, and the river systems in a hot air balloon. Accommodation at Kruger ranges from basic campsites to luxurious guesthouses!
Visit the glamorous Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and a major tourist destination for quite a while now. The city is also referred to as ‘the City of Gold' since there is a rich deposit of precious metals. Apart from being the most populated town in SA, Johannesburg is the economic engine of the country. Come and explore top historical attractions that include the Apartheid Museum, the Constitution Hill, and Gold Reef City. You’ll hardly miss on the guided tour to the Southwest Townships (Soweto) and get a chance to see Mandela House, now a national monument. Just a stone-throw away is the administrative capital of SA, Pretoria. Pretoria is a city of gardens and parks, and home to Heritage Site, Voortrekker Monument, and highly-lauded Freedom Park.
Glimpse the Full Allure of Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon is the second largest canyon in Africa, after the Fish River Canyon. However, it is much greener due to the lush subtropical foliage. The Canyon offers you an opportunity of walking treks through its rich diversity of flora and fauna. You’ll love the magnificent escarpments, ancient geological phenomenon, and even waterfalls. Get down to the canyon and encounter the five primates of South Africa, hippos, and crocodiles near Swadini Dam wetlands.
Enjoy Luscious Cuisines at Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Whether you are taking a business trip to SA or a family vacation, make sure to get down to one of the most picturesque towns in SA, Stellenbosch. With the old oak trees, a mosaic of farms, and white-washed Cape Dutch dwellings, you'll love what Stellenbosch town has to offer. Currently, the town serves as a university town with a vibrant feel and breathtaking scenery. Also, the town is home to some of South Africa’s best restaurant and sidewalk cafes. So, foodies will love it here! If history is your thing, you can walk to the Village Museum or even the Rupert Museum.
Hike at The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
Enjoy spectacular views at one of the most popular vacation destinations in SA, Drakensberg. The home to the country’s highest peaks, whose name means ‘Dragon Mountains’, encompasses the World Heritage-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. You’ll also love the mind-blowing beauty along with San rock art and basalt buttresses. A stone-throw away lies Royal Natal National Park, home to the glamorous cliff face and awe-inspiring Amphitheatre. Hiking on the scenic mountain trails and riding air balloons are an excellent way to appreciate this dramatic topography.
Explore the Awe-inspiring Garden Route
The Garden Route runs for about 200 kilometers along the Country’s Southeast coast through some of SA’s most fascinating coastal scenery. The Garden Route passes through rolling green hills, pretty coastal towns, lagoons, coastal cliffs, and lakes. You’ll love the Garden Route National Park along with its gorges, thick forests, and tidal pools. Enjoy thrilling adventures along the way such as elephant back ride, whale watching, tree canopy tours, and bungee jumping.
Cage Dive with Great White Sharks at Simon’s Town
Nothing sounds more adventurers than climbing into a thick iron cage, plunging into the ocean, and coming face-to-face with the great white sharks! Of course, divers are enclosed in the custom-designed cages. Thence, no diving certification is required. For a little less-thrilling excitement, you can opt to watch the whole action from the boat. The cage dive is also done in Seal Island, Mossel Bay, and Gansbaai.
Taste some fine Wine at Cape Winelands
Savor some quality wine as you enjoy the spectacular view of the fertile valleys of the Cape Winelands. The area is surrounded by majestic mountains, brilliant monuments, sleepy villages, fruitful orchards and some of the lushest scenic scenes in South Africa. You’ll love to visit the vineyard and taste the country’s finest sherries, ports, brandies, and intriguing reds and whites that are famous for their quality and palatability!
Bask on Durban’s Golden Mile
Durban’s sweeping waterfront promenade is a legendary vacation magnet and a great point to start your vacation in South Africa. The long Golden Mile beach is a magnet for surfers, swimmers, and anglers. Come and enjoy the bustling promenade that feels exactly like Miami beach. Besides the beach, you’re sure to enjoy some awe-inspiring scenic spots that include uShaka Marine World, Mini Town, and Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Enjoy the fascinating view of the Table Mountain
Table Mountain is situated within a National Park and reaching the pinnacle of the Mountain is a thrilling experience. Here, you can enjoy phenomenal birds-eye views alongside a panoramic view of Cape Town. You can opt to get to the peak using an ingenious cableway. Interestingly, each Rotor car features revolving floors which allow passengers to enjoy a 360-degree view on the trek to the top.
South Africa introduces you to the many jewels of the Dark Continent. The golden savannah, great gaping gorges, intriguing wildlife, stunning sceneries, remarkable beaches, and mouth-watering dishes make South Africa a great haven for your next vacation. You’ll create an unforgettable experience!
