South Africa is a beautiful country, with lush coastal landscapes, an arid interior, and numerous colourful towns dotted throughout. Tourists, who visit us on vacation, tend to stick to “Top” lists of recommendations, so without further ado, here are the top 5 spots to see in South Africa.
- Cape Town – Table Mountain
It was a tough call to choose between Table Mountain and Robben Island, but as much as Robben Island is a large draw for many, Table Mountain holds a bigger thrill – especially for those who forgo the 2 – 4 hour hike to reach its summit, and instead hop on the 360° rotating cable car. Once at the top, visitors marvel at the views afforded, and most take a fairly long walk around the summit to drink in the sight of the world’s most beautiful city. There’s an on-site restaurant so if the heights have made you feel a bit faint, you can regain your strength from buffet-styled cuisines, and the variety of drinks available.
- Mpumalanga – Kruger National Park
There are very few things that can match the thrill of staring into the eyes of wildlife in their natural habitat, and you’ll have ample opportunity to spot all kinds of creatures – large and small – in the largest National Park in South Africa. You may not come across all of the Big 5 in the Kruger on the same day, but the game drives are an incredible chance to learn about the surroundings, and you’ll have more than a few wildlife sightings while out and about. Taking a drive along the Panorama Route while here is also highly recommended, and sights to see include Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and God’s Window.
- Garden Route – Knysna
One of the most tranquil areas of South Africa is Knysna, located along the Garden Route just before the Eastern Cape. Here, not only can you go along varied hiking trails (permits are mandatory), swim in forest rock pools, or spot numerous birds, but you can dive, boat or kayak at the incredible lagoon. The turquoise waters on a clear day take on a magical quality, and below the depths the waters are home to the only estuarine seahorses in the world, and are teaming with fish – though permits for fishing are required. On Leisure Isle you’ll find Bollard Beach, a much-loved area where families with small children spend the day.
- Johannesburg – Soweto
Soweto is one of the most well-known townships around the world, and it served as a beacon of hope and freedom during the apartheid era. Visitors after an authentic experience travel here in droves and many feel a distinct tug on their heart-strings when wandering through the shacks. It lends them a better appreciation of the far more luxurious lives they lead. Tours into Soweto are offered by numerous providers, so shop around for the experience you’re after, or choose to stay in one of the cosy B&B or guesthouses in the township. A visit to the Orlando cooling towers is also recommended, as they offer adrenaline-inducing activities such as bungee jumping, SCAD freefall, rap and base jumping, and even paintball.
- Durban – uShaka Marine World
Even tourists who live in coastal regions will marvel at the incredible variety of marine life at uShaka Marine World – an all-in-one entertainment venue which is the largest marine theme park in Africa. It has more to offer visitors than just thousands of pretty fish and marine shows; for many, dining with predators while in the Cargo Hold restaurant is a once in a life time experience, as this area looks into the uShaka Shark Tank, and you can expect to see an attentive eye, or four, watching as you sup. uShaka also boasts an attached waterpark which is perfect for families with kids of all ages, and there are gondola rides offered from the harbour.
Where in South Africa have you been?
Main image credited to Haphazard Traveler (Flickr)
