Summary
This article aims to showcase the best destinations to explore in South Africa. After traversing this magnificent nation from quaint villages to bustling cities, I have curated a selection of unmissable locations that deserve your attention.
Proudly situated at the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is renowned for its breathtaking diversity, comprising varied landscapes and rich wildlife. One is often drawn to its remarkable fauna, with experiences such as spotting hippos along the Limpopo River, observing penguins at the Cape, and seeking out the Big Five in Kruger National Park.
However, South Africa offers much more than just wildlife encounters. The nation boasts over 1800 miles of captivating coastline, notable museums, remarkable cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, catering to diverse interests and preferences.
The nation’s journey from a past marred by apartheid to its current status is profoundly inspiring. While remnants of its history still linger, the warmth and hospitality evident during your visit will inspire confidence in the nation’s prospects. Plan for an extended stay, or strive to return repeatedly, as fully experiencing South Africa’s offerings may require a lifetime.
1. Cape Town
Known as South Africa’s ‘mother city,’ Cape Town encapsulates the essence of the country. The city showcases early European influence at sites like the Company’s Gardens and the Castle of Good Hope.
Moreover, venues like Zeitz MOCAA, the largest gallery dedicated to contemporary African art, demonstrate that Cape Town remains a vibrant cultural hub.
Diverse neighborhoods offer unique experiences, ranging from street art to impressive architectural designs.
Not to be overlooked, Table Mountain provides outdoor enthusiasts with endless trails, while the beaches, water sports, and fine dining options abound. The distinctive flora can be appreciated at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
For thrill-seekers, activities such as abseiling from Table Mountain or paragliding from Lion’s Head are available. Additionally, the wine estates in Constantia offer serene wine tasting opportunities, while game reserves allow for wildlife sightings.
2. Kruger National Park
For witnessing Africa’s renowned wildlife, Kruger National Park stands as a premier destination. Encompassing an area comparable to that of a small European nation, the park is celebrated for its immense density and variety of animal species.
Visitors can expect to encounter all the iconic safari species, including leopards, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, elephants, and zebras, alongside approximately 140 additional mammal species and 500 bird varieties. While some parts of the park may be busy, the expansive 8000 square miles ensure that solitude can be found, especially with extended visits.
Moreover, the landscape of Kruger extends beyond savanna grasslands, featuring granite hills in the south, Lebombo Mountains in the east, and sub-tropical forests in the north, which contribute to its rich biodiversity.
3. Knysna
A highlight of the renowned Garden Route, Knysna is celebrated for its oyster festival and breathtaking vistas extending from Leisure Isle to the tumultuous Knysna Heads, known for many shipwrecks.
The city encourages relaxation paired with adventure, characterized by top attractions such as Featherbed Nature Reserve and the Knysna Elephant Park, as well as Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary.
Dolphin sightings are frequent, with numerous boat excursions available for those eager to spot these majestic creatures. Many of these trips also include stops at Plettenberg Bay or the Robberg Peninsula, where noisy seal colonies can be observed.
4. Stellenbosch
During the Anglo-Boer War, courageous British soldiers were rewarded with posts in Stellenbosch, which today offers visitors a picturesque town filled with restaurants, street cafes, and some of South Africa’s oldest architecture. This town is largely influenced by its university, one of the country’s leading institutions, transforming the atmosphere between academic terms and holidays.
The area features outstanding wine estates, with Spier being one of the oldest, established in the 17th century. Visitors can enjoy Segway tours, picnics, and various entertainment options.
Additional noteworthy estates include Thelema, Tokai, and Blaauwklippen, while Stellenbosch is home to two of South Africa’s top ten restaurants. AmaZink offers a unique dining experience, featuring a dinner show that recounts the history of the neighboring Kayamandi Township through music and dance.
5. Soweto
Soweto, short for South West Townships, is undoubtedly South Africa’s most renowned township. Established in the 1930s, it emerged as a focal point for protests against apartheid. Notably, Nelson Mandela resided in the Orlando West neighborhood until his imprisonment in the 1960s, and his former residence remains a significant tourist attraction.
Notable sites include Walter Sisulu Square, where South Africa’s Freedom Charter was signed in 1955, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, commemorating the 1976 uprising. Furthermore, Vilakazi Street is unique as the only street globally to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
For a unique experience, visit Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest hospital in the world. For those seeking adventure, a bungee jump between the iconic painted cooling towers of the decommissioned Orlando power station is available.
6. Durban
Durban is a favored vacation spot for both locals and tourists. Just a short walk from the city center, one can find miles of pristine golden beaches. Coupled with excellent year-round weather, this destination is perfect for relaxation and recreation. If beach activities do not suffice, consider gondola rides, fishing excursions, or visits to uShaka Marine World theme park.
A stroll through downtown reveals stunning art deco architecture amid urban vibrancy. Highlights include the Durban Natural Science Museum, home to one of the world’s most complete dodo skeletons. The city’s markets, heavily influenced by the Indian community, present delightful culinary experiences like bunny chow, a flavorful vegetable stew.
7. Bloemfontein
The capital of Free State and one of South Africa’s three national capitals, Bloemfontein is brilliantly attractive. Known as the ‘city of roses,’ it is characterized by flower beds lining its broad streets, alongside a yearly rose festival. More notably, the city offers a wide array of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
Key attractions include the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, the National Museum, Free State National Botanical Garden, and Vodacom Parkland. For an additional experience, visitors can explore the digital planetarium, vibrant music scene at Die Mystic Boer, or fishing at Maselspoort. For a unique adventure, visit Naval Hill’s Franklin Game Reserve, home to zebras, giraffes, and a diverse mix of bird species, popular among joggers and cyclists.
8. Blyde River Canyon
Despite its small size, Mpumalanga is a treasure trove of outdoor activities. The stunning mountain landscapes, cooler climates, and lush valleys attract outdoor enthusiasts. Activities available include abseiling, river rafting, canoeing, trekking, mountain biking, and more.
The primary attraction is Blyde River Canyon, a magnificent natural wonder that has shaped the Drakensberg Escarpment for centuries, serving as a hallmark of South Africa’s natural beauty. Although short in length, the canyon offers exceptional opportunities for nature lovers and hikers, with a myriad of species inhabiting its rich green environment.
Additionally, the canyon’s proximity to Kruger National Park allows visitors to plan extended explorations in the area, with the best hiking routes typically lasting three to five days.
9. Johannesburg
Commonly referred to as the ‘city of gold,’ Johannesburg is a city that has undergone significant transformation. While its downtown may show signs of decline over the past two decades, revitalization efforts are underway, particularly in cultural districts such as Newtown and Braamfontein. These areas are burgeoning with restaurants, cafes, museums, and theatres, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
The inner city is becoming a burgeoning tourist attraction as well, particularly in Maboneng, a hipster neighborhood notable for its artistic offerings. A visit to the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park, featuring 15 galleries and a sculpture garden, is highly recommended. The collection showcases both classic European art and contemporary local works.
Although Johannesburg grapples with its complex history, it is devoid of pretense and full of offerings. A visit to the Apartheid Museum on the city’s outskirts provides a sobering insight into its tumultuous past.
10. Kimberley
Another historically significant city is Kimberley, often dubbed ‘the city that sparkles’ due to its ties to South Africa’s diamond industry. Positioned in the heart of the Diamond Fields region, it hosts the De Beers headquarters and boasts a rich mining heritage. Visitors can explore the original tiny tin shack that served as the company’s first office, located near the train station.
A prominent stop is the Big Hole and Mine Museum, surrounded by various historical buildings, including a functioning old-time saloon. Visitors are treated to an engaging documentary detailing Kimberley’s rise as a diamond mining hub, culminating in a view of the Big Hole, the largest hand-dug excavation globally.
Reaching depths of 240 meters and spanning 170,000 square meters, this giant pit yielded an astounding 3000 kg of raw diamonds before ceasing operations in 1914.
11. East London
For those seeking a relaxed beach experience without the crowds, East London is an ideal destination. Often overlooked, this city offers sandy beaches and warm Indian Ocean waves, coupled with abundant sunshine and a plethora of water sports and outdoor adventures.
The East London Museum is home to two specimens of the coelacanth, often regarded as a ‘living fossil.’ Once thought to be extinct for millions of years, this ancient fish was rediscovered in a fishing net in the 1930s nearby.
Furthermore, Potters Pass Nature Reserve safeguards rare coastal grasslands, which bloom vibrantly during spring. The historic Hood Point Lighthouse is also located within the reserve, adding to its charm.
12. Oudtshoorn
Renowned as the ostrich capital of the world, a visit to Oudtshoorn is incomplete without exploring an ostrich farm. Nestled between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, this town is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The journey through Klein Karoo to reach Oudtshoorn is rewarding, showcasing the beauty of this semi-desert region.
The mountain range has been designated as a Cape Floral World Heritage Site, offering stunning vistas during exploration. Nearby, visitors can discover the Cango Caves and the historic village of De Rust. For those who enjoy road trips, traversing the Swartberg Pass or the scenic 25km Meiringspoort is highly recommended.
If visiting during the Easter season, the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, the largest language arts festival in the country, is an unmissable experience.
13. Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg is a heritage city situated in verdant forests and the rolling landscapes of the Natal Midlands. As the provincial capital of KwaZulu-Natal, it is recognized as one of the best-preserved Victorian cities globally. A guided tour of the historic buildings, including the splendid City Hall, transports visitors back to a bygone era.
Among its treasures are the Msunduzi Museum and the Tatham Art Gallery. Once known as the Voortrekker Museum, the Msunduzi Museum boasts a collection of historic buildings, including the modest home of Andries Pretorius, a prominent Boer leader.
The Tatham Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century artworks in the Old Supreme Court building.
14. Pretoria
Known as ‘Jacaranda City,’ Pretoria is characterized by an abundance of purple Jacaranda trees. A quieter counterpart to Johannesburg, it offers a selection of museums, historical landmarks, and natural attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Once the center of apartheid South Africa, the city is experiencing rejuvenation as foreign embassies, businesses, and tourist endeavors increase their presence. If you seek a peaceful stopover while exploring the country, Pretoria warrants a visit.
Named in honor of Andries Pretorius, any exploration of the city should commence at Church Square, before proceeding to the Union Buildings atop Meintjieskop hill, the official seat of South Africa’s presidency. Additionally, Freedom Park on Salvokop hill commemorates the lives of South Africans lost during wars and the apartheid era.
15. Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth, affectionately dubbed the ‘friendly city,’ is situated at the eastern terminus of the Garden Route and the Sunshine Coast, along Algoa Bay.
This picturesque location boasts blue-flag beaches and an array of water sports. Summerstrand, in particular, attracts surfers eager to catch the waves. The city also has historical significance, now officially referred to as Gqeberha, having been established in 1820, it features many grand Victorian structures that reflect its past.
One of my favorite pastimes while in Port Elizabeth is to stroll through Donkin Reserve. This space blends history with modern art, showcasing a historic lighthouse and memorial pyramid alongside contemporary sculptures.
