South Africa is known for having a world within its borders, encompassing seafood, safaris, adventure, leisure, marine experiences, foodie tours, luxury railways, and much, much more. So it’s hardly surprising that visiting South Africa makes it onto many a bucket list, with the 15 spots below, being the most noteworthy:
1. Garden Route
With a scenic drive along the coastal route coupled with ancient forests, fresh seafood, and plenty of outdoor fun like bungee jumping, nature walks, and animal encounters, the Garden Route is rightly considered one of the brightest gems of South Africa; and the world.
2. Kruger National Park
Undoubtedly one of the best places in South Africa to spot game, the Kruger National Park is perfect for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Come in winter when the grass is short and stand the best chance of spotting wildlife or come in summer to see young animals and migrating birds.
3. Drakensberg
The seemingly endless Drakensberg mountain range is home to quaint towns with their own unique history. Activities to enjoy include bird watching, wildlife spotting, hiking, abseiling, climbing, and heritage trails.
4. Valley of Desolation
If stark beauty is your thing, the Valley of Desolation, located outside of the town of Graaff-Reinet, will be the highlight of your trip. Here, you can admire the jutting rock spires known as the “Cathedral of the Mountains”, go hiking, and explore the rest of the Camdeboo National Park.
5. Sutherland
Head to Sutherland, home of the largest telescope in Southern Africa, and discover why it’s rated as the best star gazing town in South Africa. As the temperatures rise in summer, sighting mirages is quite common, while a snowy blanket covers the landscape in winter.
6. Panorama Route
The Panorama Route encompasses well-known and highly photographed areas like the winding Blyde River Canyon, the gorgeous Mac Mac Falls, the fairy pools of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, as well as endless scenic vistas like God’s Window.
7. Soweto
Soweto is known for many things, but Vilakazi Street is its most famous attractions as it has housed two Nobel Peace prize winners – namely, Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Go on a township or cultural tour, bridge swing from the Orlando Towers, or visit Freedom Square.
8. Sun City
Sun City offers enough entertainment to keep the whole family satisfied, giving rise to its nickname: the Kingdom of Pleasure. From theatres, restaurants and spa treatments, to golf, a water park and direct access to Pilanesberg Game Reserve, you can choose to have an active or leisurely experience.
9. West Coast
The West Coast is well suited to those after authentic coastal living. There are plenty of sea-orientated activities and sights to enjoy, from the white washed cottages and fishing village atmosphere in Paternoster to lazy days eating seafood around Langebaan lagoon.
10. Table Mountain
As one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Table Mountain is a striking landmark, and it’s the best place to get a bird’s eye view of Cape Town. See local wildlife, birds, and protected flora. Hike to the top, or enjoy the scenery provided by the 360° rotating cable car.
11. Robben Island
Robben Island is known for being the holding place of political prisoners such as Nelson Mandela. Today, this prison-turned-museum is a Heritage Site which is open to the public. Guides will take visitors around this living museum, and the informative talks have brought many a tourist to tears.
12. Cape Winelands
Encompassing areas such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Tulbagh, and Ceres, the Cape Winelands are gaining international recognition for their beauty and the variety of outstanding wines produced. Tour wine estates, enjoy picnics, and visit some of the historic buildings and museums.
13. Wild Coast
The Wild Coast of Eastern South Africa has vast stretches of untamed wilderness for visitors to explore. Experience the majestic beauty of open grasslands, rolling hills, riparian forests, tidal estuaries, and deep ravines, while you still can.
14. Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast receives more hours of daylight than anywhere else in South Africa, and though its popularity as a tourist destination is rising, it still retains a quaint seaside charm. Explore areas such as Coffee Bay, splash about in tidal pools, or horse ride along the eco-trails available.
15. Eastern Free State Highlands
With Lesotho being a hop, skip and a jump away, the Eastern Free State is the perfect base to discover San paintings, go on unique horse riding adventures, and visit sangomas. Wildlife spotting, museums, lush reserves, the Vredefort Dome, and more await you within the highlands.
There are plenty of exciting South African tours to experience, as well as seasonal beauty in the Namaqualand, the Botanical Gardens, and the numerous bucket list worthy SAN Parks, historical attractions, shark cage diving, marine walks, penguin spotting, and more!
Let us know which of the above bucket list activities you’ve done!
Feature Image: Tsitsikamma by Vincent van Oosten /Bigstock.com. Image credits to: Darren J Glanville (Flickr), Michael Clarke Stuff (Flickr), Matt Biddulph (Flickr), Rudivs (Flickr), Nagarjun (Flickr), Chantalsmith96 (Creative Commons), Juan Alberto Garcia Rivera (Flickr), Carolune (Flickr), Forecastle (Flickr).
