Top 15 Tourist Destinations in South Africa: History, Culture, Wildlife and More

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 15 tourist places in South Africa you should visit while on holiday:

Top 15 Holiday Destinations in South Africa

1. Cape Town

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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.

2. Kruger National Park

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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.

3. The Garden Route

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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.

4. Stellenbosch

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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.

5. Drakensberg

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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.

6. ISimangaliso Wetland Park

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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.

7. Pilanesberg National Park

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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.

8. Hermanus

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Hermanus is a small yet touristy town in the Western Cape. It is rightly called the Whale Capital of South Africa. Tourists flock here only to see the whales and the dolphins. The whale watching boat tours are phenomenal, but you can also see them from the cliffs. The best time for whale watching in Hermanus is from June to December. Hermanus also arranges a Whale Festival for the visitors every year in September. Apart from whale and dolphin watching, walking along the cliff-side walking path on a lousy evening can make your South Africa tour memorable.

9. Kgalagadi Transnational Park

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Kgalagadi Transnational Park is situated in the northern part of South Africa between South Africa and Botswana. This park came into being in 2000 by merging Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana Gemsbok National Park. This national park treasures South Africa’s national animal springbok and gemsbok, famous for its V-shaped horns. Predators like Kalahari lions, cheetahs and hyenas can also be found here. The barren wilderness, red dunes and phenomenal wildlife make this national park stand unique among the others.

10.  Johannesburg

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Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa in terms of population. It is called the “City of Gold” as it started as a gold-mining settlement. Some of the top attractions of this city are the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Gold Reef City.

The Collector’s Treasury in Johannesburg is an eight-story building full of rare books. It is the largest rare and second-hand bookseller in entire Africa. You should go to the Neighbourgoods Market if you love shopping and a vibrant environment.

If you are in Johannesburg, you must visit the township of Soweto, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Soweto is home to two Orlando Towers, which have been used for bungee jumping since 2009. Satyagraha House is the house where Mahatma Gandhi had spent his days in Soth Africa. It is now used as a guest house.

11. Mossel Bay

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Mossel Bay is famous for some of the best South African beaches. Santo beach is the most prominent among them. You should try water sports, skydiving and shark cage dives while at Mossel Bay. Also, do not forget to visit Bartholomeu Dias Museum and the Post Office Tree. Located at the museum complex, the Post Office Tree is an almost 600-year-old milkwood tree, and it is believed that this tree is the first mailbox of South Africa. Cape St Blaize Lighthouse Complex, Garden Route Casino and Point of Human Origin are other favourite spots of tourists.

12. Paarl

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Just 45 minutes of driving away from Cape Town, Paarl is a small town with immense historical and cultural heritage. The city stands on the crest of the Paarl Mountains. The Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Cape Dutch buildings are spread out throughout the town. You will also find cafes and restaurants along the main road of the city. The Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela spent his days captive days, is situated in the outskirts of the town.

Other must-see places at Paarl are the Goat Tower of Fairview Cheese & Wine Farm, the Afrikaans Language Monument and the wine estates.

13. Durban

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Durban is a South African city with a rich cultural amalgamation. This city is the melting pot of both Indigenous and European cultures. You can stroll around the Golden or go to the uShaka Marine World or the Durban Botanical Garden. Durban Botanical Garden is the home to the world’s loneliest plant: Wood’s Cycad.

Your visit to Durban is incomplete without tasting the local delicacies like Bunny Chow, Shisa Nyama, Bombay Crush, and other traditional African and Zulu dishes

14. Port Elizabeth

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Port Elizabeth is a port city in the Eastern Cape Province. It is situated on the banks of the Baakens River. The beaches here are among the tidiest and best of South Africa. You can go for a swim at the Wells Estate Bridge, Humewood Beach or Kings Beach. If you love wildlife, you can give a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park, the Cape Recife Nature Reserve and the Kragga Kamma Game Reserve.

Port Elizabeth is also famous for its parks. St. George’s Park is the most notable among them. The Donkin Reserve, Route 67, Storms River Bridge and the Boardwalk are also other noteworthy places to visit.      

15. Franschhoek

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Similar to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek is also another beautiful village situated in 1688. The name “Franschhoek”, or the French Corner, came from its French settlers. With beautiful streets, lovely street cafes, Motor Museum and Franschhoek Wine Tram, it could be your best destination to relax for some days. The wine tram will take you through several wine estates. There are also many In-village restaurants where you can try delicious foods

Bottom Lines

Even the smallest towns in South Africa have a branch office of their tourism department to find the local map and other necessary details. Therefore, South Africa is all set to welcome you. All you need to do is pack your bags and say goodbye to your monotonous life for a few days. Now, you are aware of best and unique places to visit in South Africa, so look for the best South Africa holiday package at EaseMyTrip and get the best deal on vacation. You can book your vacation in advance and travel whenever things will be normal for COVID-19. Don’t forget to follow all the safety measures and get vaccinated before your travel date.