The best time to visit South Africa in a year is from May to September for those who enjoy the cool breeze and weather. For lovers of the rainy period, November to February is your best bet. However, no matter the time of year you choose to visit, there are numerous places that would give you great experiences.
Admittedly, one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa also doubles as one of the 3 capital cities of the country and that is Cape Town.
In Just the first quarter of 2022, Cape Town witnessed an inflow of over 1 million visitors. This is to tell that the town is one of the most loved and visited places in South Africa.
Although the most amazing tourist sites are too many to mention, we have 10 awesome places to visit when you find yourself in the Rainbow Nation.
1. Cape Town
What is a visit to South Africa without visiting Cape Town? The town is one of the safest cities in the country and its tourist attraction sites are not just beautiful and serene but also very safe for visitors.
This town is the oldest and most beautiful city in South Africa. It is famous for having white sandy beaches which lie in between the sea and Table Mountain. This city is also known for its architecture, amazing scenery, and astounding vineyards.
In Cape Town, there is an array of lovely places to make your visit complete. For example, there is the False Bay, the Bo Kaap suburb, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the Lion’s Head.
The town also has what is known as its ‘backbone’ spectacular attraction sites. They are 6 and comprise Robben Island Meseum, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Groot Constantia, and the Flying Dutchman Funicular.
However, apart from these, there are many more places. Check out the rest of the list.
2. Kruger National Park, Limpopo/Mpumalanga
Another old location that has a lot of beautiful attractions is the Kruger National Park. Covering about 2 million hectares of land, this park is home to a hundred species of animals and boasts of being one of the most beautiful safaris.
No matter what time of day you visit this park, you can be enthralled by the safari and can even arrange for a personalized trip. The game drives in this National Park are second to no other in South Africa.
3. The Drakensberg
This is also known as the Dragon Mountain and is the highest mountain peak in South Africa. The Drakensberg covers about 200km through the Kingdom of Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal province.
This mountain houses about 800 different species of plants and is widely known for its rock art. On the trails, one can hike, cycle, river raft as well as a parasail.
4. Cradle of Humankind
This paleoanthropological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where a lot of fossils from millions of years ago were found.
This location is totally child-friendly and easy to navigate as it offers a self-tour guide that starts at the Maropeng Visitors Center.
READ ALSO: Is Cape Town Safe? 5 Safest and 5 Most Dangerous Places In South Africa
5. Knysna, Western Cape
This is a town located on the Knysna Lagoon with beautiful sites to behold. There is a Featherbed Nature Reserve just across the lagoon and an outdoor restaurant.
This location is just perfect for visitors who want a nature-filled place to lounge and take in the beauty of living in nature. There are low-lying mountains, green land, and clear turquoise waters that make the scenery perfect for relaxation.
6. God’s Window, Mpumalanga
This place located in Mpumalanga has a vantage point over the lowlands in South Africa. It is part of the Panorama Route and when standing and looking across South Africa from here, you would be able to see the Kruger National Park.
God’s window, as the name suggests, gives an amazing view of South Africa. More like a view from where God was and created the area.
7. Boulders Beach, Western Cape
On this beach, you will find about 2,000 African penguins. It has white sands and large boulders in the ocean and even on shore. The boulders were found to serve as shelter for visitors and tourists in case of windy days.
During summertime, it is usually a lot of fun to sunbathe or swim on this beach.
8. Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga
This Canyon is one of the biggest on earth and houses a beautiful river that passes through red sandstones while crossing to the Lowveld.
On the Blyde River Canyon, you are guaranteed two awesome experiences. The first can be gotten from the top which offers a beautiful image of the river and the second is an amazing boat ride and you just might be lucky to see a hippo.
SEE ALSO: 20 Top Beaches In South Africa And Why Each Of Them Is Special
9. The V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
For lovers of water and sea watchers, this waterfront offers a beautiful place to sit and have your desires come true. There is a café located at The V&A Waterfront where visitors can watch ships come into the harbor.
One can also scuba dive in the Kelp Forest or walk around the art market located here. If the numerous artworks in the market are not satisfying enough, you can easily take in the amazing view of Table Mountain which is quite visible from here.
10. Garden Route
This Garden route can be found along the southeast coast of the country. A little short of 200 km, this route passes through what is known as Mossel Bay and the Storms River.
It offers a magnificent view for commuters who may just decide to stop and take in all that this route has to offer.
For one, there is the Garden Route Mall offers great shopping experiences. There are also the Ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, the Congo Caves, Plettenberg Bay, and the Great Route National Park amongst many others.
