South Africa is the ideal destination for all those adventurous travelers looking to experience a little bit of everything without having to skip from country to country. That is because it has tons of amazing experiences to offer. These go from off-roading on a safari, going on a road trip, diving with great white sharks to experiencing incredible surf spots. That why I decided to write about the best places to go in South Africa.
Other fun activities in South Africa include wildlife viewing, beautiful beaches, vineyards, and rich cultures.
South Africa is a place filled to the brim with attractions. Whatever your interests, the country has so much to offer. From adventure holidays, historical sites, and amazing sports, you’re bound to never run out of fun things to do in South Africa.
Also, the country is known as the adventure capital of the world; there are over 120 different extreme exploits available, including shark cage-diving, abseiling, whitewater-rafting, hiking in Big Five territory, and the highest commercial bridge bungee jump in the world.
If you need a dose of arts and culture; explore the Franschhoek Motor Museum, Khwa ttu San Education and Culture Center, Cango caves and many more!!
Places to Visit in South Africa
Blyde River Canyon
Blyde river canyon is the largest green canyon on the planet and one of the deepest ones on earth. It is beautifully covered in tangled in subtropical foliage and you can visit it while enjoying your road trip along the Panorama Route.
Cool things to experience in the canyon include gorgeous waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, lush valleys, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The best way to explore it is on horseback.
Cape Winelands
Any wine connoisseur will feel at home in South Africa. Its extraordinary Cape Winelands are located only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town. Aside from being ap lace to learn about wine and going to wine tastings, you get to enjoy the views on one of the most picturesque wine-producing regions in the world.
so take your time to walk around and take in the scenery.
Durban
The port city of Durban is perfect for those looking for gorgeous beaches, historic sites and a place to escape from winter. You can spend your days in ti surfing, diving, or enjoying the nearby forests that host canopy tours, camping sites, and horseback tours.
Durban is also known for its particular mix of local and Indian cultures. Foodies will also enjoy how good their curry is.
Garden Route
This is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. This is the perfect chance for using first car rental in South Africa.
You just need to hop in your car and enjoy the many seaside villages, game reserves, forests, lagoons, and white sandy beaches that you will find along the way.
The route goes from Mossel Bay to St. Francis and won’t have you bored, ever! You will find it hard not to stop every few minutes to enjoy the view or explore some local attractions. But whatever you do, don’t you dare to miss the bungee jump off the highest commercial bridge bungee in Storms River, even if you are only there to watch.
Kruger National Park
You can’t be in Africa and not visit a game reserve, and it would be a sin to miss a visit to the most accessible one while in South Africa. Kruger National Park covers an enormous stretch of ecosystems that support all kinds of wildlife.
Gold Reef City Theme Park
When you visit the Gold Reef City Theme Park you’ll think you’ve stepped into another World. The park is built around an authentic 19th century gold mine and it successfully combines a vintage museum atmosphere with some of the wildest rides south of the equator.
This amazing mix of attractions makes the Gold City theme park a huge hit with families. While the older generation explores the historic city of gold, the younger (or less mature!) can cure their excitement with more than 30 thrilling adventure rides.
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Cape point is situated at the tip of Peninsula, a nature reserve near the Table Mountain National Park. Originally called the Cape of Storms, it features an 1859 lighthouse. Take the 5-minute Flying Dutchman rise to it and let yourself be elated to 87 meters above sea level. It is truly nature lover’s paradise, with its wealth of flora and fauna, including 250+ species of birds, bucks and baboons. There is also a curio shop and a world-class restaurant.
Table Mountain, standing at 3,560 feet high, is one of the world’s most noticeable natural icons, with its distinctive flat table top (which gives it its name). It is popular with both locals and tourists, and visitors can choose from a day’s hike up to the top or a five-minute cable car ride. Riding up, you can enjoy the great views as the cable way has enormous windows and rotating floors. Enjoy the wonderful view from the top, where you will also find a classy restaurant.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
A site of significance in the history of South Africa; the Mandela Capture site located near Natal Midlands is marked by a striking sculpture. This commemoration spot was once marked by a simple plaque, but on the 50th anniversary of Mandela’s capture, an enormous metal sculpture was erected.
Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park is home to more than 550 elephants, along with black rhinos, lions, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, antelope and zebra. It is the third largest park in South Africa and also concentrates on preserving a massive variety of flora.
The park also has a camp for tourists featuring a restaurant, swimming pool and different types of accommodation.
Cango Cave
A visit to the Cango Caves in the Swartberg Mountains makes for an exciting adventure. The 20-million-year-old caves contain a progression of concealed chambers, cut into the solid limestone rock layer. Exploring the caves will be an unforgettable experience and one you should definitely add to your list.
The park opened to the public in 1920s and has since then become one of the main attractions in the continent. This is also one of the few places in the world where you get high chances of seeing the Big Five. Birdwatchers are also drawn to the park due to the large number of bird species living in it.
Conclusion
No matter what interests you, you’re bound to find something to do in South Africa. If you want a once in a lifetime adventure in a country full of history, South Africa is the place for you.
Bonus: If you are looking to find as much wildlife as possible you can also consider visiting Tarangire National Park. There are tours that leave frequently from nearby towns.
