Top 10 Tourist Attractions in South Africa
South Africa is a big beautiful country twice the size of Texas. It is one of the most intriguing countries to visit for a first-time traveller. You can enjoy classic South African scenery from savanna to horrifying yet exciting deserts.
Its beaches, classic wildlife, and deserts of golden sand make it a heaven for travellers. There are many things to do when in South Africa, but if you’ve limited time and want to get the best out of your trip, we have shortlisted ten tourist attractions in South Africa. If you’ve never been to South Africa, you must read this guide.
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Kruger National Park
Kruger national park is one of the largest wildlife-seeing spots globally and the oldest in South Africa. It hosts many species, such as zebras, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and other animals. This amazing region is home to over 500 different bird species and 137 different animal species. The park also has bushman rock art and archaeological sites.
It is a must place to visit if you’re a wildlife lover. You can check the whole park through a trip on sealed roads. You can even organize a safari walk or take a hot air balloon ride over the wide grasslands, gallery forests, and river systems.
Cape Town
Any visit to South Africa is simply impossible without visiting Cape town. It is the most popular multiethnic city globally and is one of the three capitals of South Africa.
If you visit cape town, don’t forget to visit false bay. Cape town is a multiethnic city where culture and modernization reside side by side. It offers many things, from lush green mountains and botanical wonders to blue sea waters. While in Cape Town, you should see Table Peak, a flat-topped mountain. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should also be included.
The Garden Route
The garden route extends on the southeast coast of South Africa. It is one of the most beautiful routes in terms of scenery and one day isn’t enough to enjoy its beauty. It takes 2 to 3 days minimum to enjoy it fully.
It is a 200km route that extends between Mossel Bay and Storms River. Visit Knysna and its surrounds and the ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, Congo Caves, Plettenberg Bay, and the Great Route National Park.
Knysna park is a great place where you can have a chance to interact with the elephants and if you want to do some local shopping, then visit the garden route mall.
Robben Island
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a good cause. The island serves as a reminder of apartheid’s injustices and atrocities. This is where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned in a small cell for merely advocating for human rights. One of the most intriguing aspects of Robben Island is that the guides are ex-prisoners who can recount all of the heinous incidents. The journey kicks off with a multimedia installation at the Nelson Mandela Getaway on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Following that, travellers board a boat to the island to finish their tour of tour.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is a preserved town from the times of the Dutch East India company. Farms, magnificent old oak trees, and white-washed Cape Dutch dwellings await visitors here.
If you want to get some real entertainment, then Stellenbosch is an excellent and must town to visit as they’re a great entertainment option. Some of South Africa’s best restaurants with the best food are also found here.
Durban Beaches
Durban is a South African metropolis with a diverse cultural mix. This city is a mash-up of indigenous and European traditions. You may stroll through the Golden Gate Park or visit the uShaka Marine World or the Durban Botanical Garden.
The beaches of Durban are often compared with those of Miami and exude vibrant energy. Apart from being lively, they are very clean. They are several entertainment options available. Along with Durban’s South and North Coast beaches, there are extensive miles of smooth, golden sand and subtropical sunlight.
Boulders Beach
Boulders beach is located near Simons’s Town in False Bay. It is famous for its town things, Penguins and white sand. It is the home of 3000 penguins, and you can interact and get personal with them.
V&A Waterfront
V&A Waterfront is named after Queen Victoria of Great Britain and her youngest son Alfred. It is one popular tourist attraction and is visited by both locals and tourists alike. You can get some real entertainment such as dining in the fine restaurants, exploring the museums and getting a lot of shopping choices in outlets.
The V&A offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as fun harbour tours, helicopter flips, and boat excursions.
Paarl
Paarl, located 45 minutes from Cape Town, is a tiny town with a rich historical and cultural legacy. The city is perched on the ridge of the Paarl Mountains. The Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and Cape Dutch architecture may be seen all across town. Along the city’s main avenue, you’ll also discover cafés and eateries. The Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is located on the outskirts of town.
Other must-see attractions in Paarl include the Fairview Cheese & Wine Farm’s Goat Tower, the Afrikaans Language Monument, and the wine estates.
Table Mountain
At 3,560 feet in height, Table Mountain is one of the world’s most recognizable natural symbols. Its characteristic flat top (which gives its name) is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. It is popular with both visitors and residents, and it provides a five-minute cable car trip or a day’s climb up to the summit. Thanks to the cableway’s spinning floors and massive windows, you can take in the breathtaking views by riding up. Enjoy the amazing view from the top, where there is also a self-service restaurant.
Final Thoughts
So that is it! According to our recommendations, the top tourist attractions in South Africa you must visit are mentioned above.
South Africa is no doubt one of the best places to visit.