20+ Places to Visit in South Africa

Midrand is a vibrant city in South Africa's Gauteng region, located between Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is approximately 168.5 square kilometres in size and contains a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial districts. The Mall of Africa, the continent's most prominent retail mall with over 300 stores and an entertainment complex, is a key draw. Here is an Interesting fact for all prospective tourists: Midrand is South Africa's largest city! Additionally, it is known as the "City of Gold" due to its prominence in the mining industry. It is one of the key attractions in South Africa. 

Hermanus is a city in South Africa's Western Cape and is renowned for its gorgeous coastline with white sandy beaches, spectacular ocean vistas, and lofty mountains. Hermanus is recognised as South Africa's "whale-watching capital." People throng here from June to November, during the Hermanus Whale Festival, to see Southern Right whales that have travelled from Antarctica to mate and give birth. There is no question that this is one of the nicest destinations in South Africa to visit. 

Centurion is a fantastic place for daring travellers looking for adventure and excitement. It is a Gauteng provincial city noted for its numerous attractions, vibrant culture, and good outdoor activities. The major reason to go to Centurion is to learn about its rich culture and history. Several museums and heritage sites can be found in Centurion, including the Centurion Museum, which is dedicated to the city's history and culture. There are also a number of art galleries, theatres, and music venues in the region, making it an excellent location for experiencing local culture and art. When it comes to outdoor attractions and activities on offer, this place comes second to none. This makes it a good place to visit in South Africa.

Clarens is a small town in South Africa famed for its stunning sandstone mountains, wonderful temperature, and ranking as one of the top ten little towns to visit in the country. It is known as the "Gem of the Free State" for having some of the best trout fishing in South Africa. Clarens is a popular weekend destination for residents of neighbouring cities such as Bloemfontein and Durban. 

Paternoster is a charming fishing village on South Africa's coast. It is a popular vacation spot noted for its natural beauty, friendly residents, and great seafood. Located on the Cape West Coast, is only a two-hour drive from Cape Town and is ideal for getting away from the city's hustle and bustle. Paternoster's biggest draw is its beautiful beaches. The shoreline is distinguished by its pristine white sands and turquoise waters. The beaches are also popular for fishing, swimming, and kitesurfing. This is a great place to visit in South Africa for couples.

​​Dullstroom is a small town in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. It is well-known for its stunning scenery, trout fishing, outdoor sports, and tranquil atmosphere. It's location makes it ideal for a weekend retreat. Dullstroom is situated between Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park. This makes it a perfect stopover for those travelling between the two locations. The gorgeous natural surroundings and endless outdoor activities are the major reasons to visit Dullstroom. Visitors can go fishing or do other things including bird watching, horseback riding, and hiking

Sandton is an upscale suburb neighbourhood in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is renowned as the city's financial centre. Sandton is a prominent centre, home to Africa's largest stock market, important financial institutions, and South Africa's largest shopping mall, Sandton City Mall. The neighbourhood is one of Johannesburg's four wealthy districts, with expensive businesses, hotels, and excellent dining options, making it a popular destination for luxury experiences.

Franschhoek, in South Africa's Western Cape, is known as one of the world's most beautiful wine villages. The tram lines in Franschhoek provide a unique way to explore the region's beautiful splendour and renowned wineries. Its scenic scenery, architectural appeal, and culinary repute have given it the moniker "South Africa's food and wine capital." Franschhoek is the country's flagship wine and food region, with top-tier restaurants and a strong wine culture. Walking pathways allow visitors to explore the surrounding mountains and the Mont Rochelle Natural Reserve. With its world-class cuisine and the moniker of The Gourmet Capital of South Africa, the hamlet is also a perfect wedding destination. All these factors contribute greatly in making this an interesting place to visit in South Africa.

Hazyview, located south of Kruger National Park, is an ideal starting point for safaris and other excursions. It serves as an entry point to sights such as Blyde River Canyon and Pilgrim's Rest. The town combines culture, shopping, relaxation, and a variety of activities. Despite its small size, it offers a variety of food and housing alternatives. For adventure seekers, Hazyview provides a variety of activities such as quad biking, rafting, horseback riding, and aerial zip-lining. These include hiking paths with breathtaking views and difficulties like the large swing. Visitors can have fascinating experiences thanks to the unique elephant encounters. Hazyview caters to a wide range of interests with its blend of outdoor activities, culture, shopping, and relaxation.

Richards Bay is a South African seaport on the Indian Ocean's eastern coast. It is a popular domestic and international tourism destination, with beautiful beaches, lush natural settings, and a variety of activities. The uMfolozi-uMhlathuze Local Municipality, the Zululand Birding Trail, the uMfolozi Game Reserve, and the Richards Bay Boardwalk, one of the world's longest boardwalks, are among its primary attractions

Magaliesburg is a tiny town in Gauteng, South Africa, located beneath the Witwatersrand Mountain range. The name of the town is derived from the surrounding Magaliesberg mountains, which can be seen to the north. Magaliesburg is a popular weekend getaway around an hour's drive from Johannesburg. Magaliesburg has comfortable guest accommodations, country-style eateries, and a variety of activities. Hiking, bird viewing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hot-air ballooning are all popular activities in the Magaliesberg highlands. This location's natural splendour makes it one of the top locations to visit in South Africa.

Stellenbosch is a lovely town in South Africa's Western Cape, located only 50 kilometres from Cape Town. It is famous for its historical significance, gorgeous architecture, and abundance of oak trees, garnering it the moniker "City of Oaks." Stellenbosch, the country's second-oldest town, is well-known for its wine culture, with various wineries such as Spier, Boschendal, and Lanzerac. Stellenbosch is known as the South African version of Napa Valley for wine.

Oudtshoorn is the largest town in South Africa's Little Karoo, located between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. Because of its huge ostrich farms and strong ostrich feather industry, it is renowned as the "ostrich capital of the world". Also, the town is important in agricultural trade, specialising in dairy goods, lucerne (lucerne), fruit and vegetables and tobacco. Oudtshoorn, a popular destination in the Klein Karoo region, offers a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, luring visitors with attractions such as the Cango Caves, the Klein Karoo wine route, and various nature reserves and trails. The diverse engagements on offer make this attraction one of the interesting places to visit in South Africa.

Ballito is a picturesque beach town on South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province's Dolphin Coast. It's a luxury vacation spot with world-class beaches and upscale resorts and restaurants. This little village on the Dolphin Coast is ideal for relaxing, swimming, and surfing. One of Ballito's unique features is the presence of over 200 Bottlenose Dolphins, which can be observed in its seas throughout the year, as well as occasional whale sightings.

Rustenburg is a dynamic and bustling town in South Africa's North West Province. It is an excellent destination for adventure and historical sightseeing. Several of South Africa's most renowned natural beauties, including the Pilanesberg National Park, Sun City, and the Magaliesberg Mountains, are located in Rustenburg. The town is also home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the country, including the Thabaphaswa Heritage Site. All in all, Rustenberg is a good place to visit in South Africa for couples!

White River is a renowned tourist destination in South Africa for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. The region is noted for its beautiful green woods, rolling hills, and stunning fauna and is located in Mpumalanga. The area is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the world's largest game reserves, as well as a spectacular array of bird species, making it a bird watcher's paradise.

Umhlanga, a coastal town in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province, is an ideal beach vacation location. The major reasons to travel here are its beautiful beaches, pleasant temperature, and numerous attractions. This place has a range of activities to see, from the iconic lighthouse to the Ushaka Marine World.

Bloemfontein, South Africa's judicial capital, is a lovely city with a lot to offer. It is South Africa's sixth-largest city and is an excellent location for travellers searching for a unique and interesting experience. It is located in the Free State region. The major reason to visit Bloemfontein is to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking natural settings. Bloemfontein Zoo, National Women's Memorial, and Anglo Boer War Museum are among the city's most popular attractions. Hiking, bird viewing, and mountain riding are among the outdoor activities available in the city. In summary, Bloemfontein is a worthy place to visit in South Africa.

Port Alfred is a picturesque town in South Africa's Eastern Cape region, between Gqeberha and East London. Located near the mouth of the Kowie River, approximately 30 kilometres west of Cannon Rocks, this attraction is beautiful and engaging. It has beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and the chance to see famed South African animals. It has a moderate temperature and sandy white beaches and is surrounded by game parks, natural reserves, and hiking routes, giving it the moniker "Heart of the Sunshine Coast."

George is the second largest city in South Africa's Western Cape region, with a mix of city-like services and a small-town ambience. It's at the Garden Route's core, encircled by the stunning Outeniqua Mountain range. The city is well-known for its beautiful beaches and majestic forests, which provide good chances for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Paarl, in South Africa's Western Cape, is a historic town and the country's third oldest community. The town is famous for its iconic "Paarl Rock," a massive granite rock made by three circular outcrops that form Paarl Mountain and are part of the Natural Reserve. Paarl, in South Africa's Cape Winelands, is a notable supplier of deciduous fruit, olives, cheese, and chocolate. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve and the attractive Arboretum along the Berg River, as well as the Paarl Wine Trail, which offers wine-tasting experiences. The Spice Road is another popular attraction, where tourists may sample a variety of culinary delights, artisanal items, craft beer, and more.

Fourways is a thriving Johannesburg neighbourhood located northwest of the city centre. It is well-known for its shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a popular tourist destination. The range of activities and attractions in Fourways is the major incentive to visit. The Montecasino, one of South Africa's premier entertainment destinations, and the Fourways Mall, a big shopping mall with over 200 businesses, are both located in the vicinity. Visitors can engage with lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife in the nearby Fourways Natural Reserve, which has various hiking and cycling paths, as well as the nearby Lion Park, which has lions, cheetahs, and other species.

Pietermaritzburg is a thriving city in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal region, with a diverse range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. The city, which covers around 168.5 square kilometres, has residential, commercial, and industrial districts that draw both inhabitants and visitors. Being the home of a National Botanical Garden, it is known as the "City of Flowers," and its rich history, gorgeous architecture, and scenic surroundings make it an enchanting destination. The fascinating City Hall, which showcases the city's colonial past, and the Voortrekker Museum, which provides insights into pioneer legacy, are notable landmarks.

Langebaan is a seaside town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, located on the eastern edge of Langebaan Lagoon. It is well-known for being a popular destination for bird watchers and for having the world's largest deposit of oyster shells. The Langebaan, located between the West Coast National Park and the Langebaan Lagoon, attracts both tourists and inhabitants from Cape Town, which is about an hour away. In the lagoon's waters, visitors frequently engage in water-based activities like swimming, sailing, and fishing. Attractions such as the West Coast Fossil Park, the West Coast Ostrich Farm, and the Salt River Game Reserve are nearby and provide extra entertainment.

Parys is a tiny town in South Africa's Free State province. It is the ideal destination for anyone wishing to appreciate the beauty of nature, with its rolling hills, rich green landscapes, and winding rivers. The Vaal River, which runs through town, is a major draw and offers a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, and water sports. The town is also recognised for its cultural events and local festivals, such as the Parys Arts Festival, which takes place every year. It also houses the Parys Underground Mining Museum, which depicts the town's past as a major gold mining location in the nineteenth century.