100 Reasons to Love South Africa

With golden rays painting the scenery and bathing forests, deserts, wildlife, and those early morning farmers in light, South Africa is a land of multi-coloured beauty, from the oceans to escarpments, and cities to the veld. So as you can imagine, it really wasn’t hard to round up 100 reasons to love South Africa!

Sunny summers and limited snow in winter makes us a Goldilocks country. South Africa’s temperatures remain ideal almost year-round, making us one of the most sought-after holiday destinations.
Our fabulous wine route. It’s legen-dairy, and pun included, some of the best wine estates also have dairy options like Fairview in Paarl and the estates in Stellenbosch that have wine and cheese pairings.
Blue Flag Beaches. South Africa has an extraordinary number of Blue Flag Beaches spread out amongst the provinces. What better way to enjoy sunny days than by swimming, sunning, picnicking, surfing, scuba diving, or just strolling along clean, sandy shores?
Unique biomes. With provinces offering varied biomes, including veld, desert, rain forest, and grassland. When you holiday between provinces you truly don’t need to leave the country to experience a whole new world.
The Cradle of Human Kind. South Africa is home to where the rest of the world believes life and human kind started, which explains why we’re one of the most fossil-rich countries in the world too.
Our beloved Big 5 – which is ironically a term originally coined in the early 1900’s for the 5 hardest animals to hunt. Nowadays there are plenty of safari options to suit all travel types and budgets, be it safaris from Cape Town to Addo or heading to Sabi Sands.
The Boomslang aerial walkway in Kirstenbosch. I know, I know, for those who haven’t walked it, it sounds like a load of hype. And it is … right up until you round that corner and see the view before you. Walking it is short, sweet, and oh-so-sensational.
Rolling fields and farmlands. Where else can you drive half an hour out of a bustling metropolitan city to find active farmlands where sustainable, fair trade produce is being cultivated on a daily basis?
Chapman’s Peak. Considered to be one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, Chappies 9km stretch hugs the mountain and offers an unrivaled view of the ocean between Noordhoek and Hout Bay.
South Africa has no natural disasters. In fact, we should stop the list right now as this is one of the all-time draws as to why foreigner visitors love to come here.
Nelson Mandela. A name synonymous with greatness, sacrifice, equality, justice and freedom. Our Tata Madiba is an icon around the world.
The Garden Route. While the term ‘gem’ is definitely overused in conjunction with South Africa, once you’ve been to this part of the country you kinda-have-to admit that the lush greenery and beautiful scenery does bring the word ‘jewel’ and ‘gem’ to mind.
Most of us live according to South African time – especially the phrase ‘now now’ which can mean any time between right now up to two hours from now.
The humble Hippo. While not a Big 5 member, the hippo is considered to be one of the most dangerous animals in Africa – but when they’re little, like all creatures, they’re just so darn cute and lovable.
Fynbos and our floral kingdoms. South Africa is home to the world’s smallest floral kingdom which also happens to be the richest floral kingdom.
The Golden Mile strip of Camps Bay – a place where the rich and famous hang out, and locals go to see and be seen.
The annual sardine run is an experience that has been dubbed ‘the greatest shoal on earth’. Set along South Africa’s Eastern Coast is a spectacular sight to behold: picture thousands upon thousands of sleek, silvery bodies being pursued by hungry marine predators, birds and humans, as they race along an icy jet stream to reach warmer waters.
Soweto – a cultural experience you won’t soon forget. Don’t miss out on taking a dive between the Soweto Towers.
The Bloukrans Bungee is the highest commercial bridge jump in the world – making it a must-try experience for adrenaline junkies.
Shark Cage diving is much beloved by the fearless among us. For the rest of us though, there are more sedate marine safari’s to try.
Shipwrecks. South Africa’s waters are known for being treacherous, which explains the large number of incredible shipwrecks along our coast. If you don’t want to scuba dive out to see them, try the shipwreck trail at Cape Point for a fun-filled day-hike.
The colourful Bo-Kaap houses are a treat to see and going on a cooking safari is a highlight for many.
The winelands are popular not only for the wines, but also for the incredible boundry-pushing pairings available, such as chocolate pairings, canape pairings, cheese pairings, ice-cream pairings, and even pancake pairing options.
Beer Routes and microbreweries. Whether you head to the Cape to follow the beer route, or stop in at a microbrewery in Jozi, there’s craft beers a plenty to whet your whistle with.
Whale Watching in Hermanus. This coastal town is a haven for whale watching, though there’s definitely plenty to do for all travellers – including romantic options for couples and families.
Karoo Lamb. Not only can you watch the lambs and ewes roaming happily year-round in the Karoo, but throughout the world they’re considered to be some of the tenderest and juiciest around. They’re also one of the reasons you shouldn’t speed along the Karoo highways as they often like to roam across the tarmac. Meat-wise, it’s not just our lambs that are beloved – we also serve up healthy helpings of kudu, ostrich, springbok, warthog, and other exotic game at most supermarkets around SA. Lean, free-range, happy meats that are great for your heart.
The Brandy Route. ’nuff said.
Our Big 5 is renowned, but our Small 5 and Slow 5 also deserve a mention on this list – purely because they’re equally enchanting (though just as tricky to spot).
Sun City Resort. It’s an all-in-one entertainment paradise for those seeking an all-inclusive holiday close to the fabled Pilanesburg.
Learning to do proper Karoo cooking, such as koeksisters, lamb and potjiekos at African Relish.
Hipster-patrolled coffee shops and cafes. Though you may not be a fan of the hipsters, you’ll usually find them out and about along trendy areas in town, or a long beachfront. If there are hipsters hanging out there, you know the food and coffee will be good.
Club Mykonos – our little slice of Greece in South Africa.
Franschhoek – our French corner is a delight to visit due to the annual Bastille Festival, award-winning wine farms and gastronomical delights at the various restaurants. Did we mention that it’s also just plain pretty?
Joburg City Skyline – an iconic view of this city of gold is its towering high-rise buildings. If you catch sight of them at sunset, you really get the glittering impression of this world-class business gem and realise it was called Egoli not only for the gold in the ground, but for the glamourous appearance it bears above ground too.
The amount of family-friendly options including outdoor fun like putt-putt and safaris through to indoor fun such as visiting Galleria mall. Despite the new visa regulations South Africa is still a top holiday destination for families with children.
Lions Head. Because hiking for a few kilometres leaves you with the most beautiful views of the city, mountains, and makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city while still being within it.
The stories of South Africans. From simple shepherds to wine makers, chefs, guesthouse owners, and beyond, those who live in South Africa remain her beating heart. Audio tours that take you on a walking tour of cities and routes narrated by locals are a fascinating way to spend a day too.
Picking fruit straight from the trees in summer and plucking berries from bushes year-round.
Bunny Chow. A staple street food of Durban and all-round heart-warmer.
Visiting open flower gardens in Elgin or Joburg in summer. Or botanical gardens year-round.
Zipline adventure being available in Tsitsikamma, Worcester and even Sun City, which has the longest zipline in the world!
Feeding elephants in Knysna, walking cheetahs at Tenikwa, visiting animal sanctuaries and SANParks are all ways you can support conservation, enjoy an educational experience and interact with fascinating wildlife!
Camping with the family over Christmas – because we don’t get December snow. Camping options include the seashore, the forest, the citrus orchards, the veld, the farmlands, the forests, and did we forget inner city camping and glamping?
Rickshaw rides in Durban are definitely a unique experience in SA – closely followed by horse rides in the Company Gardens of Cape Town.
Jazz Festivals – in Cape Town, Durban & Jozi.
Agreed upon yet unspoken national preserve and staples, such as Mrs Balls Chutney, Ouma rusks, Amanzi milk, Amarula, biltong, walkie-talkies (they’re surprisingly high in collagen), melktert, bobotie, and butternut soup in winter.
The beautiful lalis (found along rural areas of the Eastern Cape). You can’t miss these striking thatched-roof blue houses.
Our pragmatism as a nation, especially during the rolling blackouts. No lights? No problem – we book an off the grid stay or stay home and have a braai.
Durban winters. Though we don’t consider Durban to have an official winter, the fact you can walk around in shorts and t-shirts year-round is pretty shweet.
Having fuel attendants who are always cheerful. Seriously, other countries have to pump their own petrol in the boiling heat of summer, or in the pouring rain. Plus, having your bug-smeared window washed mid road trip is an indulgent joy – especially when you don’t have to do it.
Natural mineral wealth – yet another reason for every other country to enviously gaze at our shores (South Africa has the best caches of gold, platinum and diamonds when compared to anywhere else in the world.
Eight World Heritage Sites. Yup, you read that right, we’ve got eight sites around South Africa that are considered internationally to be worthy of preservation.
The Cape of Camisa. Translated, camisa means ‘sweet water’ and this is one of the biggest reasons Cape Town was chosen as a refill station back in the day. In fact, that clear, sweet spring water is still usable and flowing today. Next time you’re at Newlands Brewery, ask about it and enjoy the crisp, clear taste..
National Heritage Day also known as Braai Day. Held annually on 24 September this transcendental event unites all South Africans and has Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu as its official patron. Find yourself a braai spot with a view in Gauteng or the Western Cape.
Kimberley’s Big Hole is still the largest man-made hole in the world, and let’s not forget about all those diamonds.
Speaking of diamonds, the jewel of South Africa still has to be the Cullinan diamond – which was dissected into 9 large, sparkling pieces and is displayed around the world.
The Owl House in Nieu Bethesda– creepy to some, incredible to others.
Clarens in the Free State is a paradise for artists and close to the Golden Gate National Park.
The starry skies of the Karoo – coupled with viewing shooting stars and meteor showers. We’re blessed to have one of the most pollution-free countries in the world with outstanding stargazing opportunities in Sutherland and along Route 62. Speaking of which, check out SALT (Southern African Large Telescope) in Sutherland which has made astronomical advancements in astronomy.
Highveld Thunderstorms. Terrifying, beautiful and mesmerising.
Drakensberg – the Dragon Mountains and Giants Castle area of South Africa are renowned. There are also some pretty fantastic restaurants to visit while you’re here.
Panorama Route – an area dotted with places such as God’s window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Augrabies Falls in the Northern Cape – it’s not known as the place of the thundering water for nothing.
The Howick Capture Site and Robben Island. Two monumental sites of importance in our Madiba’s history.
We’ve mentioned natural beauty, so it’s not hard to imagine that picnic spots around South Africa abound!
It’s hard to beat the blooming beautiful spring flowers in the Namaqualand.
The Kreepy Krawly, the CAT (Computed Axial Tomography) Scan machine, cat-eye reflectors on the roads, open heart surgery, Pratley’s putty, barbed wire, and the Vuvuzela are all South African inventions. And on that note, we’re sorry about the Vuvuzela world. Truly.
The beautiful accommodations found all around South Africa – especially when compared to top-rated places around the world.
Tugela Falls – which are the second highest waterfalls in the world!
The gees and pride of all South African’s – especially during international sporting events.
Penguins. We have them. And yes, some are as sassy (if not as vocal) as those ones from Madagascar.
And while we’re on the subject of cute wildlife, you can watch hatching turtles in St Lucia during season.
The Gariep Dam is the largest dam in South Africa and is one of our favourite braai spots year-round. Its name comes from the ancient San word for Great Waters.
Road Trips around SA are legendary and are something South African’s love to do when the holidays descend. Be it the Cape to Namibia Route, Joburg to Cape Town, a trip up the West Coast, Route 62, or the Midlands Meander.
Our 12 official languages and South African slang words, such as ‘jol’ (for those who don’t know, South African Sign Language is counted in this round up).
Friendly seals – you’ll find them hanging out in Kalk Bay awaiting the fishermen as well as in Cape Town harbour.
Most southern tip of Africa – Cape Agulhas.
Cape Point which is the meeting point of the two oceans.
We mentioned wine estates and pairings up above, but did you know South Africa offers wine estates tailored for non-wine lovers?
The quaint lighthouses around South Africa are a marvel to behold, and many of them are still operational.
The red dunes of the Kalahari are beautifully offset by their lush counterpart – the green Kalahari.
The little town of Graaff-Reinet for it’s giant flag project, as well as the eerie but fascinating Valley of Desolation.
Dinosaur bones. (Do we really need to explain how awesome this is?)
The Vredefort Dome. The oldest meteor scar on the face of the world is pretty impressive to see in person.
France may have Paris, the city of love, and America has New York, the Big Apple, but South Africa has Bloemfontein, the city of roses and starlight, as well as the glitz and glamour of Egoli. Not to mention the beauty of our Mother City. And have we mentioned our bucket list worthy spots yet?
The Ficksburg Cherry Festival. A celebration of all things cherry-related, this is a family favourite experience.
Ghosts and legends and myths are plentiful – and are distinctly South African too, including, if you can believe it, tales of a mermaid in the Karoo!
The colourful, cultural mishmash that is the annual Grahamstown Arts Festival.
South African artists such as the Parlotones, Connell Cruise, Freshly Ground, Jack Parow, Prime Circle, and Dumuzela are starting to move into mainstream music. Couple that with music styles such as Kwaito, African Reggae, and even House, and you’ll notice musically we’re starting to dominating the world.
We have many of the best “est’s” around – the largest, smallest, tallest, longest, widest, everything. As jy Afrikaans kan lees, gaan kyk na Ons s’n is die grootSTE op LekkeSlaap. Translation coming soon.
We love our markets and have a choice of them year-round. Christmas markets, fresh produce markets, night markets, art fairs, and more.
We’re one of only 12 countries in the world that still has safe tap water. Which is a pretty crazy statistic, considering water is life.
Windmills. Karoo Windmills. There’s nothing quite like them.
Trevor Noah – he’s so good we exported him to America to teach them what humour really is.
We’re the only country in the world to have willingly given up its nuclear capabilities – which is a lesson that every other nuclear-armed country should take note of.
The Rovos rail and Blue Train are two of the most luxurious railway lines in the world. Though if you’ve looked at their ticket prices, they’re quite out of budget for most of us. Luckily, if you’re after adventure, the Shongololo Express is a more rustic but realistic railway option and includes a variety of unique stops. There’s always the Gautrain for those after an experience, along with the Atlantic Rail steam train rides in Cape Town, offered on Sundays only.
Our ingenious inventors – most recently Elon Musk and Mark Shuttleworth.
Our constitution – which is one of the fairest and best examples of legislation in existence.
The sound of Haededas and pigeons instead of your alarm clock in summer. Because as they say, it’s the early bird who gets the worm.
South Africans have great senses of humour, so it’s no surprise we’ve got a range of wacky and unique attractions to see alongside our famous ones. And let’s not forget about our unusual facts, or these 35 strange facts about Mzansi.