Travellers come from far and wide to take in some of South Africa’s most amazing views. We are very spoiled with spectacular natural wonders in our country and they make for great photo opportunities. LekkeSlaap gathered 20 of the most breathtaking views in South Africa with accommodation nearby. So, once we have the go-ahead to travel again, grab your camera equipment, fill your tank and go and enjoy these wonderful views!
The Blyde River Canyon is a magnificent natural wonder and offers even more impressive views around every corner in the Blyde River Canyon Reserve. The Blyderivierpoort Dam will offer breathtaking views and it’s an iconic photo spot in South Africa.
Location: Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
Driving on Chapman’s Peak or Victoria Road, you’ll be spoiled with some of the most stunning views in Cape Town. The 12 Apostles are a series of mountains on this coastal road between Bakoven and Oudekraal and interestingly enough, this mountain range consists of 17 or 18 buttresses and not just 12. It’s the perfect backdrop to the gorgeous Camps Bay.
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
The Oribi Gorge is a canyon just west of Port Shepstone. It consists of lush forests, high sandstone cliffs, rivers, scenic hiking trails and picnic spots.
Location: Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal
This World Heritage Site and national monument boasts prehistoric rocks, a rocky shoreline, fynbos and beautiful vistas.
Location: Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
A photo from Wally’s Cave is one of Cape Town’s most prolific photographs and it’s definitely worth hiking up Lions Head to explore the cave. The view of Table Mountain and Camps Bay is simply breathtaking from there!
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
The Berlin Falls is a beautiful waterfall, tumbling down in a single drop and crashing into a round basin, 80 metres below. This unforgettable view is best enjoyed from the observation platform above.
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Location: Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
The Three Rondavels refers to the three huge pinnacles rising above the Blyde River Canyon. They are shaped like traditional African beehive huts and offer gorgeous views along the Panorama Route.
Location: Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
The scenery of the Wild Coast is a wonderful experience on its own, but Hole in the Wall in Coffee Bay is a geographic marvel that you simply have to see!
Location: Wild Coast, Eastern Cape
This World Heritage Site is a nature enthusiast’s paradise with 7 750 hectares of flora and fauna, buck, baboons and various bird species. The rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering above the sea and stretching into the ocean, makes for beautiful views and phenomenal photo opportunities.
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
The Valley of Desolation is the product of the volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years. The views consist of sheer cliffs and dolerite columns against the backdrop of the vast plains of the Camdeboo.
Location: Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape
The Augrabies Falls are named after the Khoi word ‘Aukoerebis’, meaning place of great noise. This spectacular waterfall is a result of the water from the Orange River thundering its way downwards for 60 metres.
Location: Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape
This winding tree canopy walkway in the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens offers splendid views of Table Mountain and the lush gardens below.
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
The Sani Pass is often referred to as one of the most magnificent mountain passes in South Africa and the tight zig-zagging curves link KwaZulu-Natal to Lesotho. The sheer cliffs of the Drakensberg will make for great photo opportunities and the highest pub in the world lies at the top of the pass, 2874 metres above sea level.
Location: Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
This national monument has twin falls that plunge into a gorge 70 metres below. There’s a viewing platform that’s restricted by wire mesh from where you can take amazing photos of this spectacular waterfall. The falls also have a series of pools nearby and a braai and picnic area.
Location: Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
The other-worldly village of Hogsback is overlooked by mountains and surrounded by indigenous Afro-montane forests that are said to have inspired J.R.R Tolkien to write the Lord of the Rings trilogy. These views promise to leave you in awe.
Location: Hogsback, Eastern Cape
This Amphitheatre is a massive rock wall that’s one of the most dramatic features of the Drakensberg range in the Royal Natal National Park. It includes the Tugela Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world. You’ll have the perfect view of the Amphitheatre when you do the Amphitheatre Heritage Trail.
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Location: Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
The Stellenbosch winelands boast South Africa’s oldest wine route and more than 60 wine estates, each offering superb views of this beautiful valley. The Jonkershoek and Simonsberg mountain ranges create a picturesque backdrop to the vineyards and old farmsteads.
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
The Brandwag Buttress is synonym with the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and this sandstone cliff has a golden glow at sunrise and sunset, creating perfect photo opportunities. You can hike to the top of this cliff and enjoy more out-of-this-world views of the Maluti Mountains.
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Location: Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State
The Lisbon Falls are situated in the heart of the waterfall area of Mpumalanga and is 94 metres high, making it the highest and one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the province.
Location: Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
You can enjoy uninterrupted views of the popular Hartbeespoort Dam and beyond from the Aerial Cableway as you soar high above the ancient Magaliesberg Mountains.
Location: Hartbeespoort Dam, North West
If you’re tired of only seeing these breathtaking views on someone else’s Instagram feed, book your own trip today and you’ll soon be able to experience them for yourself!
Feature image: Big Stock
