7 Must Visit Tourist Attractions In South Africa

What comes first in your mind when I say a trip to South Africa? If it’s exotic safari or picturesque deserts or beautiful cities or sunny beaches, then you are already in love with the southernmost country on the African continent, South Africa. It is one of those places which have a lot to offer you. It is especially true if you are looking for a thrilling holiday. It is often called “The World in One Country” because of its geographical and cultural diversity. From rich wildlife to breathtaking deserts to poignant museums, you name it, and you will find it. This place has it all!

The cities of South Africa like Cape Town and Durban are melting pots of cultures and cuisines. Moreover, this country alone can give you a roller coaster ride of history and culture.

The climate of South Africa is predominantly dry and sunny. However, you can expect the dropping down of the temperature below zero degrees in some places during June and July. The country is also favourable in terms of cost-effectiveness. South Africa is more or less inexpensive, depending on the exchange rate at the time of your visit. Having said all these basic things, let’s find out about the top 7 tourist places in South Africa you should visit while on holiday-

# Cape Town

Any visit to South Africa cannot be complete without Cape Town being on the list. It is one of South Africa’s three capitals. The tourists love cape Town and look at the richness of experience this city can offer, and it is not surprising. This multiethnic city is the second most popular city where tradition and modernity reside side by side.

Your trip to Cape Town is incomplete without visiting False Bay. This beautiful city is surrounded by nature. It has botanical wonders, high peak mountains and turquoise coloured sea. It would help if you visited Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain, while in Cape Town. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, a UNESCO heritage site, should also be on the list.

If you want to spot endangered African penguins, you must go to Boulder’s Beach Penguin colony. You can walk for 10 minutes from the city centre to Bo Kaap, a suburb with a colourfully painted neighbourhood. The urban malls like Canal Walk and Victoria Wharf Shopping centre and exquisite restaurants will not let you forget the exciting nightlife in this big city. Other Places to visit in Cape Town are Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium and Lion’s Head.

# Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the best places to visit in South Africa. It is one of the oldest in South Africa and one of the biggest, covering over 2,000,000 hectares of area. It offers a wildlife safari experience at Kruger National Park is one of its kinds which you will not forget anytime soon.

Kruger is home to hundreds of species of animals. The main attraction among them is the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and rhino. The park provides both day and night safaris. You can also arrange for personalised safaris or day tours. You should stay here for at least 3-4 days to experience all the game drives available here.

# The Garden Route

The Golden Route runs along the southeast coast of South Africa. This can somewhat defeat any other driving routes in the world in terms of scenic beauty. This beautiful route is almost 200 km long and stretches between Mossel Bay and Storms River.

Driving through the Golden Route is not enough if you want to enjoy every bit of its grace. You should explore this route for a day or two. Do visit the beautiful town of Knysna and its surroundings, the ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, Congo Caves, Plettenberg Bay, and the Great Route National Park. The Knysna Reserve Park is the ideal place to interact with elephants. Give a visit to the Garden Route Mall to have a fantastic shopping experience.

# Stellenbosch

If you want to spend some days in a peaceful and picture-perfect town, you cannot afford to miss the city of Stellenbosch. The only university town in South Africa, Stellenbosch is also the second oldest. The history of this town dates back to 1679, and you can taste that history by visiting the Village Museum and Stellenyrk Museum.

The charming village with the oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch houses will win your mind any day. It is famous for its vast array of wine estate where you can try wine-tasting. You can also enjoy the restaurants, nightclubs, cafes and art galleries.

# Drakensberg

The Drakensberg or the Dragon Mountains is the highest mountain peak in South Africa. Ranging between the Kingdom of Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal province, this region is about 200 km long and full of waterfalls, caves, and mountain streams. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is famous for rock arts. In the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve, you can find almost 800 species of flowering plants.

The mountain trails are famous for hiking, biking, rock climbing, parasailing, and river rafting during the summer.

# ISimangaliso Wetland Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is situated on the northern coast of KwaZulu natal province. In Zulu, “iSimangaliso” means “miracle and wonder.” It is the best place to witness nature’s wonders with over 526 species of birds and other animals. This wetland park is a paradise for water-loving animals like hippos, crocodiles and turtles. You can also find rhinos, zebras, baboons and buffalos.

# Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg National Park is an easily accessible national park from a significant city like Johannesburg. It is just 2.5 hours of drive away from Johannesburg. If you want a quick safari, you can try this place.

The expansive grasslands and the artificial lake Mankwe Dam have made this region perfect for wildlife inhabitation. Apart from the big five, this national park has zebras, African wild dogs, antelopes, giraffes and hundreds of species of birds.