10 Best Places to Visit in South Africa
One of the world's most beautiful and amazing countries, South Africa has many places to visit. From beach holidays on the coast of Cape Town, such as Coffee Bay, Bikini Beach, Dolphin Beach, and many others, to exciting game viewing in Kruger National Park and water activities off the Wild Coast, there are many fascinating attractions in South Africa - each more wonderful than the previous. So if you're planning a trip to this country, check out the Top 10 Places to Visit (South Africa) and make a selection as per your choice.
Here are some of the best places to visit in South Africa.
10. Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch and Franschhoek)
The Cape Winelands are located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The area is known for its mountainous terrain, which features vineyards planted on terraced hillsides. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives through these areas, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities such as horseback riding and golfing.
The Cape Winelands are home to some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world, including those of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The town of Stellenbosch is often called the "birthplace of South Africa" as it was one of the first areas settled by Europeans who arrived here in 1652. The town is also famous for its wineries and restaurants. The best way to explore this area is by bike or even on foot.
9. Pretoria
Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. It was named after the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius and is the country's administrative seat.
Pretoria's economy is largely centered on its public administration sector, which includes government departments, parastatals, and state-owned enterprises. Other major industries include transportation, retailing, financial services, and information technology. The city is home to many universities and other institutions of higher learning.
The city has many historical sites, including Union Buildings and Voortrekker Monument, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This makes Pretoria one of the best places to visit in South Africa. You can also take a guided tour through Parliament Buildings and learn about the country's political history. If Pretoria sounds worth visiting, like and subscribe to our channel as we explore more about this administrative capital of South Africa.
8. Drakensberg
Nestled in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province lies the majestic Drakensberg range, referred to affectionately as 'The Berg' by those who are lucky enough to call it home. Its name was inspired by its breathtaking beauty; translating into 'Mountains of the Dragon,' no other phrase could be more fitting! Here you can find a stunning array of cascading waterfalls and picturesque hiking trails.
Are you in search of an unforgettable experience? Then why not explore the Northern and Southern Drakensberg? From hiking through UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park or Royal Natal National Park to take in views of The Amphitheater, this amazing region has something for everyone.
Moreover, if you're feeling particularly daring, Sani Pass offers some thrilling experiences –– including a visit to Africa's highest pub! So don't wait any longer; come and be mesmerized by the captivating beauty that awaits at the South African gem today!
7. Soweto
Soweto is a Johannesburg township founded in the early 1950s as an independent township for black people. Soweto derives from so-wetu, the Zulu term for "our houses." Soweto has become synonymous with the struggle against apartheid. It is also known as "the heartbeat of Africa" and remains the center of South Africa's black community.
Soweto contains some of South Africa's most famous landmarks, such as Nelson Mandela Square and Hector Pieterson Square, named after two prominent political activists of the anti-apartheid movement. Other popular attractions include the Apartheid Museum, Hector Pieterson Memorial, and Freedom Park.
Soweto has recently become a major tourist attraction because of its rich history and culture. It's also an important historical site because it was where Nelson Mandela stayed when he first went underground during his struggle against apartheid laws in South Africa.
6. Hermanus
Hermanus is a town in South Africa's Western Cape province. It is known as the whale-watching capital of the world. Hermanus is a popular tourist destination with many hotels, restaurants, and shops. It also has some lovely beaches to enjoy if you decide not to go on whale-watching tours!
If you have never seen it before, then Hermanus is worth visiting!
Hermanus is located on the southern coast of South Africa, approximately 150km from Cape Town. Hermanus's friendly atmosphere has also made it a popular honeymoon destination for many couples. Hermanus is also famous for its sharks; you can swim with them at Gansbaai or cage dive at Dyer Island Marine Reserve (DIMR), where you'll also see dolphins, seals, and whales.
5. Johannesburg
The largest city in South Africa and the second largest city in Africa after Cairo, Johannesburg is home to many of South Africa's biggest companies. It is also considered to be the economic hub of South Africa.
The city is also well known for its gold mines, which have attracted many people to Johannesburg. The city is named after the Dutch explorer Jan van Riebeek founded it in 1652.
Johannesburg has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs in the city. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in South Africa. The city is also known for its shopping malls, which offer an eclectic mix of retail stores, restaurants, and also bars.
4. Garden Route
The Garden Route is a series of coastal roads from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape northward to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. The area, known as the Garden of Eden, is home to some of South Africa's most beautiful landscapes and beaches.
The Garden Route has been a popular holiday destination since the early 20th century when European holidaymakers first discovered it. It was once an important transport route for goods traveling between Europe and Asia. Still, today it has become a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning scenery, pristine beaches, and adventure activities.
The Garden Route offers various activities, including whale watching, surfing, and scuba diving. The region is also home to many national parks, such as Mossel Bay's Aquarium Beach Nature Reserve and Knysna's Tsitsikamma National Park.
3. Durban
Durban is the largest city in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. It's known for its beaches, which draw surfers from all over the world. The city has many attractions, including the Durban Botanic Gardens and uShaka Marine World as well.
The city's name derives from Port Natal, the original name given to Durban by Portuguese seafarers who landed here and founded a settlement in 1510. The origin of this is unclear, but it may derive from "dubh" (black), a common prefix meaning "dark" or "hidden," possibly referring to the dark color of the water where they landed.
Durban's main attractions include its beaches, which are popular with locals and tourists. The city also has a vibrant nightlife that features restaurants, clubs, and music festivals such as Splashy Fen. Durban is also home to many museums, including the Durban Country Club Museum and the National Maritime Museum.
2. Kruger National Park
One of the top places to visit in South Africa, Kruger National Park was established as a game reserve in 1898. It covers an area of 7,523 square miles and is located between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The park is named after Paul Kruger, the former president of the Transvaal Republic and president during the Boer War, who created it by donating his land for conservation purposes. Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa and is home to the Big Five - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.
The park is located in the northeast corner of South Africa and stretches from Mozambique on its eastern border to Zimbabwe and Botswana on its western edge. The park is also home to over 500 birds, including several endangered species such as the wattled crane and white-backed vulture.
1. Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the world and also one of our favorite places to visit! Cape Town is the second most visited city in South Africa and the oldest city in South Africa.
The city has a population of 3.7 million people and is home to a wide range of attractions, including the V&A Waterfront, which is one of the top shopping destinations in South Africa. Cape Town is also known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Cape Town is home to some of the finest wineries in the country, as well as some of its best restaurants and bars. Cape Town is also a cultural hub with some of the best museums and theatres in South Africa.