South Africa is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world which attracts thousands of international tourists every year.
When you think of South Africa you automatically think of wildlife and this really is one of the main attractions. But there are so many other things to do here other than safaris. By visiting South Africa you will get to learn more about the culture and the history of the country and embrace the welcoming hospitality from local people.
There are so many amazing destinations to add to your itinerary, from spectacular cities, national parks, to some of the most stunning nature and landscapes on the African continent.
If you would like to plan a trip to South Africa for the first time and discover the highlights of the country our ultimate guide will help you to narrow down your list of the places to go. We have included ideas for the most popular towns and cities, top rated safari destinations, beautiful nature spots, road trip suggestions and also some lesser known destinations which you really need to consider checking out.
Check out list of top rated destinations for tourists in South Africa below.
Towns & Cities
1. Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most spectacular countries cities in the world, we can’t think of many places which have scenery as dramatic as this. The huge and magnificent Table Mountain looms hype of the city and no matter where are you are you can usually see the beautiful ocean in the distance.
There are lots of places to visit in Cape Town, you could jump onboard a hop on hop off bus tour which are very popular with tourists and stop at all the main locations. You could explore the city by yourself using taxis to get around.
Cape Town has some of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa and there are Instagram photo opportunities around every corner. Top things to do in Cape Town include partying on Long Street, visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was jailed and climbing or catching the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. The views are stunning.
You could also explore the surrounding areas like Cape Peninsula which is spectacular.
2. Hermanus
Hermanus is a seaside town located in the Western Cape down the coast from Cape Town. Hermanus was once a little off the beaten track destination but it has been gaining popularity in recent years with visitor numbers increasing.
The main attraction is whale watching as these beautiful creatures give birth to their young in this area. There are lots of daily boat trips but you can also see whales from the cliffs which is an amazing experience.
We recommend visiting during the Hermanus Whale Festival in September. You can also find lots of pretty beaches, the Hemel en Aarde Wine Valley and there are lots of outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, horseback riding and local waterfalls to see.
3. Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a huge sprawling city and although in the past tourists might have been better to give this city a miss due to safety concerns, but it is now one of the most exciting places to visit in South Africa.
There is a real buzz around Johannesburg at the moment with more and more cool hotels and accommodation opening up. There are also lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs. You could stay in the Sandton area of the city, with its huge shopping centres, boutiques and luxury resorts.
Johannesburg is a great place to learn more about the country especially when you visit the township of Soweto. You can book a tour of Soweto to see places like the home of former President Nelson Mandela, the Hector Petersen Memorial site, and Kliptown (where the Freedom Charter was written).
For more of an insight into South Africa’s history, be sure to visit the Apartheid Museum.
4. Durban
Durban is one of the most popular cities to visit in South Africa and is located in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. Durban is popular due to its beach, take a stroll here to take in the ocean scenery.
Other things to do include visiting the Durban Botanical Gardens which are really scenic. Another appeal of Durban is the weather, there are average temperatures in the 20’s in winter and around 30 in. summer!
5. Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is a real favourite with international travellers due to the beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Located in Algoa Bay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, Port Elizabeth is a great destination for tourism as it is located to so many wildlife locations like the Addo Elephant National Park, Kragga Kamma Game Park and the Cape Recife Nature Reserve.
There are also lots of boat tours where you can see whales and rare seabirds.
6. Pretoria
Pretoria is one of South Africa’s three capital cities, and although lesser known and visited than Johannesburg and Cape Town, this city is a great place to visit for a few days.
Pretoria has a warm climate year round and there are lots of things to do including visiting the Voortrekker Monument, a 131 foot tall monument which was built to commemorate the history of the settlers who moved to the area, watching the local rugby team, the Blue Bulls,
Pretoria is also a popular city to stay in for going to visit some of the best national parks in the country. The Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg Game Reserve are within a few hours drive away whilst nearby is the Groenkloof Nature Reserve and the Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
7. Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is the capital of Free State and one of South Africa’s three national capitals. Bloemfontein is a beautiful city with lots of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
Popular places to visit include the the National Museum, the Free State National Botanical Garden, Oliewenhuis Art Museum, the Anglo Boer War Museum and the Toyota Stadium to see a live rugby game.
Every year there is a rose festival held here which is a popular local attraction.
8. East London
East London is a very laid back city on the Indian Ocean, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. It’s known for its beaches, such as Nahoon and Cove Rock.
East London’s main appeal is surfing, this is a real hotspot due to the stunning Nahoon Reef. There are also gorgeous beaches, sand dunes and lots of amazing outdoor destinations to visit.
Although East London is quite isolated, if you are doing a road trip along the southern coast between Cape Town and Durban, it is a great stop off point.
National Parks & Safari Destinations
9. Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is one of the most famous wildlife spots in Africa and is one of the highlights of any trip to South Africa. A visit to the country really would not be complete without going here.
There are so many safari lodges and resorts you can stay in, this really is a dream experience especially when yo see wildlife like elephants lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and rhinos in their natural habitat.
The Kruger definitely is one of the best national parks in the world and also one of the most popular Africa honeymoon destinations.
10. Addo Elephant National Park
The Addo Elephant National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa and it is located a few hours from Cape Town.
The Addo Elephant National Park has hundreds of elephants and other animals and you can book sightseeing tours with local travel operators who will take you up close to see these magnificent animals.
There are lots of other animals you can see here too.
11. Pilanesberg National Park
The Pilanesberg National Park is one of the lesser known locations on our list and it is also one of the best. It is also arguably better than the Kruger National Park which is quite a statement.
Reasons to visit The Pilanesberg National Park include seeing exotic African wildlife, the area is malaria-free, accommodation is generally more affordable than the Kruger and also it is closer to Johannesburg and Pretoria.
If you do plan on visiting the Pilanesberg National Park you could stay or plan a stop off at Sun City, one of the most popular holiday destinations int he country. Here you can find casinos, water parks, a beach, theme parks, nightclubs, shops, restaurants and championship golf courses.
If you do plan on visiting the Pilanesberg National Park you could stay or plan a stop off at Sun City, one of the most popular holiday destinations int he country. Here you can find casinos, water parks, a beach, theme parks, nightclubs, shops, restaurants and championship golf courses.
12. Shamwari Game Reserve
Located in the Eastern Cape, Shamwari Game Reserve is a malaria-free destination to see the famous African animals up close.
This private reserve is located along the Bushmans River and creates an extension to the popular Garden Route.
This reserve is home to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and the Ian Player Rhino Centre and if you are keen to play a role in helping wildlife conservation efforts there are volunteering programs available to join here.
Wildlife you can see in this reserve include lions, cheetah and leopards, just to name a few.
13. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park isn’t as famous as the Kruger or the Pilanesberg National Parks but it is the oldest nature reserve in Africa consisting of 960 km² of hilly terrain.
This National Park is can be visted from Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg and is well known locally for its wildlife conservation efforts.
On a safari you can come into contact with the “Big 5” (Black and White Rhinoceros, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard), as well as species such as African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Hyena, Jackal, Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, Zebra, Nile Crocodile, Hippopotamus, Bushpig, Warthog, Mongoose, Chacma and more.
14. iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park somewhere you might not have come across before, but this huge protected area along the coast of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province is well worth visiting if you are keen to experience the South African nature and wildlife.
This park is home to Lake St. Lucia, where you can see animals like hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos.
On a safari here you can see exotic wildlife like elephants, giraffes and leopards Western Shores and Charters Creek regions. Sodwana Bay is an amazing destination to visit for scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing.
15. Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve is located on the border with Botswana and is around a 4 hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.
This is the fifth largest game reserve in South Africa and although it is one of the lesser-known parks, it is a great place to visit for wildlife.
There are lots of great value for money safari lodges here and so many day/night safaris to see wildlife.
16. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an award winning 5 star luxury lodge close to Hermanus. There are lots of luxury accommodation with an authentic African feel.
This reserve is home to more than 740 different species of plants as well as so many animals. There are lots of coastal walks, caves, rock pools and whale watching trips.
For the more adventurous, you can book the trip of a lifetime to go see great white sharks in the notorious Shark Alley.
Natural Areas of Beauty
17. Cape Peninsula
The Cape Peninsula is somewhere you really need to see, this rocky peninsula is located south of Cape Town on the Atlantic Ocean.
Amazing places to see in this region include the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, 12 Apostles coastline and Cape Agulhas, Africa’s southernmost point.
Other places to check out include Hout Bay, Boulder’s beach where you can see penguins, the ocean walkway from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay, St James beach and Groot Constantania which is a popular wine destination.
Cape Peninsula can be done on a day trip from Cape Town, but to maximise your experience we recommend at least 2-3 days.
18. Drakensberg
Most people don’t realise that South Africa has huge mountain ranges to rival countries like New Zealand.
The terrain of South Africa changes every few hours you travel and one of the best road trips to take is through the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains.
Popular places to check out in Drakensberg include the Xumeni Forest, Kenmo Lake, Sani Pass, Tugela Falls, Drakensberg Amphitheatre, Chain Ladders, Cathedral Peak, Rainbow Gorge and Tugela Gorge.
19. Garden Route
The Garden Route is a stunning 300-kilometer coastal drive along the south coast of South Africa, starting in Storms River in the Eastern Cape province and ending in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape province.
Top places to see along the route include Storms River Mouth, Bloukrans Bridge, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna Heads, Kaaimans River Bridge, Mossel Bay and the Addo Elephant Park.
This route is very touristy and is very safe to drive independently. Lots of local and international travel operators offer overland tours here.
20. Tiffindell Ski Resort
Did you know you can go skiing in South Africa? Well you can, at the Tiffindell Ski Resort, a year-round alpine resort and the only ski resort in South Africa.
This is South Africa’s only ski resort located in southern Drakensberg. It is rated number 19 on CNN’s “Top 100 Ski Runs of the World” and there are several slopes for beginners and advanced levels.
21. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Do you have a passion for wine? Then Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are two destinations you need to add to your South African travel itinerary.
Stellenbosch is the oldest wine route in South Africa whilst Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa with stunning vistas.
There are lots of vineyards here, and some of the best restaurants in the country. Popular wines from the valley to sample include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir.
22. Namaqualand
Namaqualand is a lesser known destination on our list and somewhere to consider visiting if you like nature and flowers.
Namaqua National Park is a 1300 km² national park and is part of Namaqualand, located within the semi-desert Succulent Karoo biome. Namaqua National Park is located in Northern Cape Province, near South Africa’s border with Namibia.
The scenery with miles of flowers is quite a spectacle and Namaqualand’s biggest attraction.
Getting Around
There is the option to explore South Africa independently or you could book a structure organised trip with a local or international travel operator.
Crime can be an issue, you might like to view our tips how to stay safe in South Africa, for example travelling on public transport like local buses isn’t really recommended.
Renting a car is a popular way to travel the country whilst booking a tour is a great way to get guided to the best places in the country. Internal flights also offer a quick way to see as many places as possible.
How many places you visit really depends on how much time you have. If you are short on time like less than two weeks for example, you could stay in one of the main cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg. These cities are great places to visit with lots of attractions and there are also lots of popular tourist locations and safari destinations nearby.
One month is a really great time to put together a recommend South Africa itinerary, you could travel the southern coast and take in the Garden Route, or go inland seeing the Drakensberg or even pass into Lesotho.
Explore South Africa
We hope our list of amazing places to see in South Africa has given you inspiration and ideas of where to add to your South Africa travel itinerary.
South Africa is such a special country where you can see many unique and different places. We really think you will fall in love with the country, a lot of people do, and even retire in South Africa!
If you have a more flexible schedule you might also want to check out the West Coast National Park, this is another highly rated destinations which didn’t quite make our top list.
