The ideal destination for people who are into Adventure and Nature, South Africa has so many amazing experiences to offer from off-roading on a safari to diving with great white sharks. Not convinced yet, South Africa is a proud owner of a unique and wonderful array of wildlife, beautiful vineyards, and magnificent mountains. Often called “The World in One Country” South Africa has so much to offer, So to make your life easier we are jotting down the 10 Best Places To Visit In South Africa. Time to Explore!
Cape Town is the Legislative Capital of South Africa and it should definitely not be missed by anyone visiting South Africa. Also known as ‘Mother’s City’ it has a perfect mix of African and European Cultures. Some of the Important places to visit from Cape Town are Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Two Oceans Aquarium.
Without any doubt, Kruger National Park is one of the best places to explore in South Africa. All our wilderness thirst will be quenched here. It is one of the oldest and also the biggest National Park in South Africa. It is so huge that you need at least two to three days overnight stay in any of the Jungle Resorts to get an idea of its size and experience its fullest. Popular for game drives and the best place to see the Big 5. Big 5 basically refers to five most difficult African animals to hunt on foot: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Cape buffalo. Though Hunting is no more prevalent here you can see them in their natural habitat.
Cited along with the beautiful coastline Hermanus is a small town with panoramic views and a beautiful coastal walking path. This town has been reputed as ‘Best Place to See Whales and Dolphins in South Africa’ and it definitely lives to its reputation to date. You can take a whale-watching boat tour from Hermanus and get really close with these majestic animals. Please note the whale watching cannot be done all round the year. Whales are mostly visible between the months of June and December so plan accordingly.
The Largest City in South Africa, Johannesburg’s history goes back to the 19th Century. It is quite hard to believe that this bustling modern city actually started as a gold-mining settlement. While being in Johannesburg make sure to pay your visit to the former Prison Complex where Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and tens of thousands of others were imprisoned here at some point in South Africa’s long history. From being one of the modern cities in South Africa and at the same time showing its culture and history in a very beautiful way, Johannesburg is one city not to be missed adding to your Itinerary.
Home to over two thousand African penguins, this beach got its name because of its white sand and large scattered boulders. A perfect spot to enjoy with your family during the summers. If you are looking to view the penguins, Boulder’s Beach may not be the best place. Use the boardwalks from boulders beach to Foxy Beach from where you can get real close to the penguins. Please make sure you don’t get too close as the beaks are razor sharp.
The Blyde River Canyon is one of the Largest Canyons on earth where you can find a scenic river winding past the red sandstone cliffs. Make sure to take breathtaking photos from the ridge of the canyon, you can also head down to the river and take a boat tour where if you are lucky enough you might find a hippopotamus or two.
A small beautiful African town located on the Knysna Lagoon is a delightful place to visit in South Africa. Knysna is surrounded by patches of state forests that are perfect for a wide range of adventurous activities such as hiking and mountain biking. Across the lagoon is Featherbed National Reserve and it has an outdoor restaurant that is sheltered from the natural elements by giant milkwood trees. Their thick canopy of leaves protects it from sun and rain. Order a meal there and just soak in the natural beauty around you.
Often known for the stormy weather and rough seas encountered there, It is also a World Heritage Site accredited by UNESCO. The Cape Floral region is only 0.5% of Africa and yet it is home to more than 20% of the whole continent’s plant variety. Please note the air you breathe here is among the purest in the world.
Considered as one of the most scenic routes in the world, Garden Route is an approx 200 km stretch between Mossel Bay and Stromsriver. You could drive the whole route in just half a day but you cannot see much just by sitting inside a car so our suggestion would be to take a couple of days to explore this area. Some of the best places to visit include Storms River, Tsitsikamma National Park, Robberg Nature Reserve, and Knysna.
One of the most diverse game parks on earth, Addo Elephant National Park is home to the Big 7 i.e., elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino plus great white sharks and southern right whales. It had a very humble beginning with just 4000 hectares of land but now it protects over 1,86,000 hectares which comprise two islands. Many species that historically lived here have been successfully reintroduced to the park which includes lion, hyena, cheetah, and mountain zebras.
Excited to experience the adventure in South Africa? We are sure this country will amaze you every single day while you are here. Book your South African package with Pickyourtrail to tailor-make your itinerary to suit your requirements and experience the best of South Africa!