TRAVEL

Top 10 Exciting Places to Visit in South Africa

Published

6 years ago

11:15 am

Delvin

Found in the southernmost tip of Africa, South Africa has a lot to offer when it comes to ‘Places to Visit in South Africa’. From its fascinating wildlife found in the different national parks, stunning beaches, magnificent mountains, remarkable vineyards, and historical museums, the country is truly a place to visit.

Moreover, the rich cultural diversity makes the country to be on top of the list. This is because their unique culture is showcased colorfully and fantastically. Therefore, since the country has so many places to choose from, here’s a look at our list of the best places to visit in South Africa.

10. Hermanus

Being a seaside town located in the southeast of the capital city of South Africa, Hermanus has a lot to offer its visitors. It is mostly known to attract whales which can be seen using the built-in- telescopes found in a long cliff sidewalk. In addition, boat tours are available for a closer look of the whales.

Apart from the whales, the town has amazing beaches such as the Grotto beach and Voelklip beach. Moreover, if you are into historic adventures, the Old Harbour Museum and the Whale House museum are open on weekdays.

9. Robben Island

Located 14 km from Cape Town, this island was only used as a prison. It hosted a lot of political leaders such as Nelson Mandela who stayed there for 18 years in his 27 years of imprisonment. Furthermore, other social outcasts and political leaders regarded as troublemakers were also exiled on the Island.

However, in 1997, the Island was converted to a museum. This attracted many tourists who visit it to learn more about the apartheid period. To make it more interesting, ex-prisoners are the tour guides who share first-hand information on what went on in the prison.

8. Graaff-Reinet

If you are a fun of picture taking, this is the town to be. Being the fourth oldest town in South Africa, Graaff-Reinet has a lot of heritage buildings to be admired. You can start your tour with the Dutch Reformed Church which was built in the 19th century, to the whitewashed residential buildings.

In addition, there is a Graaff-Reinet bird club open to tourists who are bird lovers. The members meet once in a month and if you are lucky to be in the area at that time. They will give you a chance to tour with them to one of the local firms for an amazing bird watching experience.

Thinking about Travelling to Africa? We will show you the best places

7. Sun City Resort

Being recognized internationally as one of the best inland resorts in the world, Sun City Resort does not disappoint. It is largely known as the Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure since it has plenty to offer its visitors.

Situated a few hours’ drives from Johannesburg, the resort is a complex building that contains hotels such as the Palace of the lost city hotel, Sun City Cabanas, Sun City Cascades, and Sun City Hotel and Casino among others. These hotels provide a unique and relaxing atmosphere for all their guests.

In addition, there are two golf courses, state of the art casinos and Valley of Waves Water Park. Moreover, if you want to enjoy an amazing game tour, the Pilanesberg National Park is minutes away from the resort.

6. Santos Beach

Located in Mossel Bay, Santos Beach was labeled a Blue Flag beach in 2013. It is a terrific beach that has gradual sloping sand and small waves. This makes it ideal for everyone to visit especially for families with young children.

Over the holiday season, the beach is packed with families enjoying picnics and barbecues. There are also local vendors selling snacks, ice-cream, and cold drinks.

However, because of the many people descending to the beach, to be able to prevent any accidents or incidents, lifeguards are available every day to keep a watchful eye.

5. Great White Shark Cage Diving

About two hours’ drive from Cape Town, Gansbaai offers shark cage diving all year round. This activity is thrilling and will leave you tongue-tied as you watch the white sharks coming at you in the protected cage.

The experience will definitely leave unforgettable memories as you see the striking sharks up close and personal. To keep things interesting, a marine biologist is available on every trip to educate you on the predator’s life and history.

In addition, the tour will give you a chance to watch whales while in the boat as you enjoy seeing the majestic mammals at their best.

4. Augrabies Falls

Found in the eastern part of the Augrabies National Park, this waterfall is also known as the Orange River. It usually starts changing from a wide, slow-flowing river to a fast-flowing river in minutes.

Moreover, when the river gets full in the rainy season, the view is spectacular and it makes a lot of noise which can be deafening. This is the reason it is called ‘Aukoerebis’ which means Place of Great Noise by the Khoi people.

Apart from the Waterfall, the National Park has a number of wild animals and bird species that are a joy to watch.

3. St. Lucia

If you want to see Hippos up close, St. Lucia is the place to visit. Surrounded by water on either side, this small town is known to host almost 800 hippos in the area. Therefore, you will surely get the chance to see them when you take a Hippo boat cruise.

In addition, they are found roaming in the Estuary, inside the town and sometimes wondering the residential areas. Although locals have become accustomed to seeing the Hippos day and night, caution is still practiced.

This is because the animals are dangerous in nature and if provoked they can attack. However, up to date, there has not been a single incident reported of the Hippos disturbing anyone during the day.

2. Table Mountain

Overlooking the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain is a remarkable place to visit. Voted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2011, the Mountain has attracted more tourists since then.

There are two ways to get on top of the Mountain. This involves using the cableway which takes 5 minutes to get there or the more traditional way, hiking.

Moreover, when you reach the top using the cableway, you can enjoy a snack or a meal in the available restaurant. In addition, if you a fan of picnics there are also several spots for that. However, it is only available to hikers as the spots are situated along the hiking path.

1. Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is not only known to be one of the world’s most famous safari parks but it is also one of the largest in Africa. This is why it makes number one on the places to visit in South Africa in 2020. With that in mind, it is home to the ‘Big five’ among other wildlife. Visitors are also able to see the bushman rock paintings as well as visit the archaeological sites.

The park also offers game drive, organize bush walks, walking safaris and an exciting hot air balloon that will give the chance to see the magnificent scenery of the park.