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South Africa is a beautiful country with multiple places which are a must see for any traveller. We've highlighted some which we feel are a must visit when you travel to South Africa.
The Kruger National Park is one of the most-recommended places to visit in South Africa because it is the world’s greatest national park. Besides the extraordinary sightings of elephants, lions, cheetahs, rhinos and leopards, this park nurtures and showcases about 150 mammal species and around 500 species of birds.
Roughly spread over 20,000 sq. km, this park has hills in Bushveld to the south, the Lebombo Mountains in the east and the north is dense with tropical forests. There are paths here that let you explore the park on foot or Jeep Safaris. Accommodation varieties are packed – from luxe to budget. The wildlife here will leave you humbled with its sheer majesty and the way it holds thrall over you so effortlessly. This is one of those places to visit in South Africa that will give you memories to be cherished for a lifetime.
Three Rondavels Viewpoint is named such because the shape resembles the round or oval African homes built with local material called rondavels. This is one of the most scenic spots, making it one of the beautiful places to visit in South Africa. The locals also refer to them as ‘The Three Sisters’ or ‘The Chief and His Three Wives’. This spectacular view allows you to look over the canyon on one side and the Drankensberg Mountains on the other. Spend some time here at the third-largest canyon in the world.
The Table Mountain is around 600 million years old. It showcases the floral diversity of Cape Town to an advantage that is truly breath-taking, making it one of the highly recommended places to visit in South Africa. The Table Mountain National Park was formed to protect the natural environment of this magnificient mountain. It is a part of the UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Sights. This park is home to two landmarks – The Cape of Good Hope and the Table Mountain. But still the biggest thrill is standing atop the Table Mountain.
Encapsulating the world’s third-largest canyon, The Blyde River Canyon Reserve stretches over 29,000 hectares. It is a natural wonder and one of the most popular places to visit in South Africa. It is located right near the Drakensberg Escarpment and is famous for The Three Rondavels, the Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window and Burke’s Luck Potholes. The views here are a textbook definition of the word ‘Panoramic’.
The Cape of Good Hope is another superb landscape and one of the top South Africa tourist places. A big part of the Table Mountain National Park, this spot, or should we say vast piece of land, has beautiful views, great trekking trails and a few absolutely deserted beaches. The park is home to as many as 250 species of birds which include ostriches. The best way to observe them is on foot or astride a bicycle. The other way to see this is from the Flying Dutchman Funicular, which begins at the restaurant and takes you directly to the lighthouse.
Tip: If you’re walking or cycling, remember the shade is minimal and the weather is unpredictable. Be prepared.
The Kirstenbosch Botanical garden is one of the world’s finest. So, put it on your list of must-visit South Africa tourist places. Unique in both, location and flora, this garden has a souvenir shop, an information centre and the conservatory. Take the ‘Boomslang’ bridge, as the locals call it, and leave the trees below you to get some fantastic aerial views. More than 7000 plant species grow here and there is an elevated Fragrance Garden full of heady scents. There is also a thoughtfully provided Braille Trail, a sculpture garden, an area dedicated to medicinal herbs, two hiking trails up to the Table Mountain and much more. Spend a day here and refuel at any of its three cafes. The Kirstenbosch Tea Room is recommended.
The Apartheid Museum is one of the must visit places in South Africa because it holds an important position in this land’s history. It uses a clever combination of media to bring to life a chilling account of South Africa’s rise and fall over the period of segregation and repression.
This museum is a monument like Aushwitz and Dachau. While depressing to visit, it provides unique insights into the harm that mankind has inflicted on one another and teaches us many lessons for posterity. Do make it a point to go to the 131-noose chamber and pay respects to the 131 men who were executed here by these very nooses, under antiterrorism laws. Make sure that you’ve included this in your list of places to visit in South Africa for its historical significance.
The Constitutional Hill is one of South Africa’s most inspirational and historical sites, making it one of the important places to go in South Africa. It has four sections. Take one of the guided tours here as it will talk you through the history. The guided tours are conducted on an hourly basis.
Take the route going inland and upwards into a territory known as ‘Boland’ (which means ‘upland’) from Cape Town. You will enter the wine-producing area nestled in the mountains of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. The wines here are inarguably some of the best in the world, so eat and drink your way through this stunning land.
The Carnivore at Jo’burg encapsulates the spirit of its original Nairobi chain. As a franchise, it recreates the experience of eating game meat with a flourish.
SOTC has some great South Africa tour packages. Select one and plan a trip to create memories that will be ever-fresh with the experiences you will have in this wonderful land.
