South Africa is an absolute must-visit destination for travelers seeking an abundance of natural deposits, wildlife, and cultural diversity. With its stunning coastlines, forests, waterfalls, and spectacular canyons, it stands as one of the most captivating travel destinations in both Africa and the world. We have carefully selected the top 10 most beautiful places in South Africa which you simply cannot miss.
1. Blyde River Canyon
Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
Unique Features: One of the deepest Canyon (3280 feet and 16 miles long), the Greenest of all the Canyons in the world.
For staunch lovers of nature, the Blyde River Canyon is likely the first location they will consider when visiting South Africa. The river which passes a rock formation known as the ‘Three Rondavels’ is dominated by subtropical vegetation and supports a large diversity of life that includes numerous fish, antelope species, hippos, crocodiles, and lots more.
The Kadishi water is also a ‘must see’ in the Blyde River Canyon. The formation of the waterfall strikingly resembles a face that is crying profusely, and is thus sometimes known as ‘the weeping face of nature’.
2. Kruger National Park
Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa
Unique Features: It spans 19,633 square kilometers, home to over 12,000 elephants, 27,000 African Buffalo, 1,000 leopards, and lots of other wonderful wildlife, it has 21 rest camps, 2 private lodge concessions, and 15 private safari lodges.
The Iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa is known for its amazing vast landscapes and exceptional wildlife. Several people from all over the world embark on private or group safari tours to find Africa’s Big Five animals which include Leopard, Elephant, Lion, Rhino, and Leopard.
The park contains twelve main rest camps, as well as several smaller camps. It also has lodgings and luxury safari accommodations that will give you an amazing night experience.
3. Garden Route
Location: Western Cape Province of South Africa
Unique Features: Home to many large mammals (such as; bushpig, bushbuck, and so many others), presence of green forests, flowering fynbos, and abundant streams, rivers, and waterfalls, and is one of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The Garden Route remains one of South Africa’s most interesting and famous stretches of the coastline. Year in and year out, several families troop in and out of this location owing to its temperate landscape of sandy beaches, forest formation, and rocky shores.
4. Cape Winelands
Location: Boland region of the Western Cape province of South Africa
Unique features: Know for its exceptional award-winning wines, fascinating history, picturesque settings, and exquisite foods.
Also known as the culinary capital of South Africa, The Cape Winelands consists of the most popular wine-producing districts found within the Western Cape geographical unit of South Africa. The location also offers a range of adventure activities and conventional sports facilities including hiking, walking, rock climbing, golf, squash, tennis, indoor heated pools, horse riding, and swimming.
5. Isimangaliso Wetland Park
Location: East coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Unique features: Coral reefs, long sandy beaches, coastal dunes, lake systems, swamps, and extensive reed and papyrus wetlands.
The Isimangaliso Wetland Park which is situated in Kwazulu Natal offers a magical landscape composed of beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and several highly enjoyable activities. It is also one of South Africa’s top bird-watching locations with over 482 species of birds. It also holds a large body of freshwater that holds several aquatic creatures.
SEE ALSO: Is Cape Town Safe? 5 Safest and 5 Most Dangerous Places In South Africa
6. Addo Elephant National Park
Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa
Unique features: Has over 600 Elephant, Unique Vegetation and Longest Dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, Massive Reintroduction of Historical Species, Most Diverse Game Park
Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest game reserve in South Africa. The game reserve is famous among tourists for its large elephant herds that graze on the vegetation. Due to its proximity to the coast, travelers can visit the park for an opportunity to see Southern Right Whales and White Sharks. Furthermore, the area has a range of Safari Game Lodges for travelers.
7. Durban
Location: Eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province
Unique features: Home to The Ushaka Marine World, Its harbor entrance can take the world’s largest “super ships”.
Several tourists are drawn to Durban because of its great wildlife, unspoiled beaches, lagoons, fresh air, and culinary delight. It stands as one of South Africa’s finest locations.
8. Hermanus
Location: Southern coast of the Western Cape province of South Africa
Unique features: Home to 2 Blue Flag Beaches(Hawston Beach and Grotto Beach)
Hermanus has become a popular holiday hub because of its unspoiled beaches, lagoons, secluded forests, and crashing surf. Many people are also attracted by its marine wildlife, fresh air, and culinary delights.
9. Drakensberg
Location: eastern part of South Africa
Unique features: Presence of famous peaks that are favorites to photograph and summit, and home to several smaller foothills, stunning waterfalls, inviting rock pools, fresh mountain streams, and mysterious caves.
The Drakensberg offers an enormous diversity of attractions and activities such as mountain biking, trout fishing, and horse riding. It is also known for clean air, clear skies, and comfortable lodges and hotels for visitors and tourists.
10. Mossel Bay
Location: Western Cape province, South Africa
Unique features: Mildest all-year climate in the world, long stretch of beaches, warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and a championship golf course
Mossel Bay has been a beach holiday destination for South Africans for more than a century. The location is known for its warm and stable weather. The Indian Ocean and its beaches have also added to the aesthetics of Mossel Bay. Moreover, the cultural attractions of the locations are its important feature.
