There are plenty of exciting places to visit in South Africa. Whether you're after South Africa's wild natural spots or drawn to the Cape's world-renowned vineyards – there's something for everyone!
Here's some of the most popular landmarks, nature spots, and activities for you to enjoy:
Top Places to Visit in South Africa
Kruger National Park
No trip to South Africa would be complete without visiting Kruger National Park. As one of the country's oldest conservation areas and the biggest of safari parks, Kruger National Park is the spot for nature lovers and wildlife afficionados. You'll be able to spot Africa's Big 5, with close-up sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos all year round.
Cape Town
Another unmissable place to visit in South Africa is Cape Town. This scenic coastal city boasts views over the two oceans, seeing the cold waters from the Atlantic meet the warm currents of the Indian Ocean.
To get sweeping views over the city, take a panoramic cableway up to the imposing Table Mountain, or if you're up for a hike, follow the Platteklip Gorge trail and you'll reach the summit in about 3 hours.
Other things to do in Cape Town include visiting Boulders Beach about a 40-minute drive from the city centre, where you can spot the famous colony of African penguins.
Garden Route
For the ultimate road trip in South Africa, take the scenic Garden Route from Mossel Bay to Storms River. This 190 mile (300 km) coastal road offers breath-taking views over the ocean, crossing the lush Wilderness National Park and the stunning beaches by Plettenberg Way.
Along the route you'll find plenty of idyllic picnic stops, viewpoints for those all-important photo opportunities, and tranquil towns where you can wind down and eat delicious seafood.
Top Things to Do in South Africa
South Africa's Nature & Wildlife
For the best mix of nature adventures and relaxation head to the KwaZulu Natal province. Wildlife enthusiasts will find the iSimangaliso Wetland Park just under a 3-hour drive north from Durban.
This South African national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. Learn about the many exotic species thriving in the area and then relax in one of the many beach lodges along the pristine Indian Ocean coast.
South Africa's History
Learn about South Africa's history by visiting some of the country's oldest landmarks. Completed in 1666, the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is one of the best-preserved Dutch East India Company forts. The castle boasts two museums: the Military Museum and the William Fehr Collection of fine art.
No trip to Cape Town would be complete without visiting one of the most important historical sites in South Africa's recent history, Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
South Africa's Vineyards
South African wines are world-famous and include the chenin blanc, pinotage, and shiraz varieties. Learn the history of wine making and explore the beautiful vineyards by visiting some of the country's top wineries.
In just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town you'll find Stellenbosch, home to over 30,000 acres of vines, and one of the oldest winemaking regions dating back to the 17th century. Alternatively, head west up the coast from Cape Town to the Swartland region, one of the most up-and-coming and fashionable wine areas.
South African Food and Drinks
Indulge in some of South Africa's tastiest dishes such as bobotie, a hearty stew; bunny chow, a fusion dish prepared by the Indian African community in Durban; or the much-loved biltong, South Africa's take on beef jerky.
But don't forget to savour one of the most quintessential South African dishes: the braai, which means barbeque in Afrikaans. At a typical braai you'll taste delicious boerewors sausages, springbok, and braaibroodjies, a grilled sandwich loaded with cheese and chutney.
Fish lovers won't be disappointed either, with plenty of shellfish dishes available and traditional recipes such as fish and chips, smoked snoek, and pan fried kingklip fish.
When it comes to drinks, try umqombothi, a traditional South African beer made from corn. If you want to stick to hoppy beers, go for a national favourite: Castle lager.
Non-alcoholic drinks include the world-famous rooibos tea with its distinct red colour and full-bodied herbal flavour. Alternatively, try amasi, a non-alcoholic fermented milk product akin to yogurt.
Best Time to Visit South Africa
Whilst South Africa can be explored at any time of the year, it's recommended to visit during the cooler months, from April to September.
For example, the best time to visit South Africa for safaris is from May to October, that's because it's easier to spot wildlife during the dry cool season, thanks to the sparser vegetation.
If you're planning to visit South Africa, it's worth knowing when the best festivals and cultural events take place. One of the top foodie festivals in South Africa takes place in Knysna in June, where the annual Knysna Oyster Festival takes place.
In September, the Hermanus Whale Festivals celebrates these ocean giants with whale watching tours. September is the best time of year for spotting whales, so you won't want to miss this opportunity.
The prestigious Cape Town Jazz Festival, the world's fourth largest jazz festival, also draws in a crowd of music fans, and takes place in March.
