South Africa isn’t just one travel destination, it’s made up of 9 different regions, each offering its own unique mix of experiences, breathtaking landscapes, culture, delicious cuisines and welcoming people. Every region has its own personality and flavour so no matter your taste, you’ll find something that exceeds your expectations.
Whether you’re chasing adventure, tranquility, culture or a little bit of everything, a South African vacation promises to satisfy your wanderlust. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the best places to visit in South Africa!”
This post will cover
The best places to visit in South Africa
Find the big 5 at Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the largest and oldest game reserves in Africa. Originally established in 1898 to protect South African wildlife, it is now home to the greatest diversity of wildlife in South Africa.
It is the top choice for your safari tour, and your best bet to see the famous Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos.
Consider a guided game drive or a bush walk led with the experienced rangers as opposed to a self-drive tour. But whatever your choice is, Kruger offers a very immersive experience.
The Garden Route for scenic drives.
The Garden Route is one of the most popular coastal drives in South Africa, extending along the coastline for over 300 kilometers (180 miles) from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape,
This journey is best enjoyed as a self-drive trip, and from experience, it’s almost impossible to see and do everything in one go. Even after three separate trips spanning over 18 days on the Garden Route, we still have a list of places and activities to explore. This route is simply stunning and has an abundance of nature, marine reserves, and beautiful beaches. To really enjoy it, slow down and take your time.
Activities to enjoy on the Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of the best places to visit in South Africa because of it’s natural beauty and adventures. Here are some really unique adventures you will find along the Garden Route;
- Experience the world longest over-the ocean zipline in Mossel Bay.
- Hike the 13.5km St.Blaize trail and find the curious dassies.
- Enjoy a tour of the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse with coffee, dinner and the stunning views.
- Paraglide from the Map of Africa in Wilderness.
- Bungee jump from Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bridge in Africa.
- Explore the Storms River Mouth Trail and its suspension bridge.
- Visit Birds of Eden, a protected forest sanctuary for 220 beautiful and indigenous bird species.
- Enjoy the Tractor ostrich tour in Oudtshoorn.
- Discover the Ancient Cango caves in Oudtshoorn.
- Sunbathe in the pristine beaches in Plettenberg Bay.
- Explore the charming town of Knysna.
Cape Town and the Table Mountain National Park.
The Table Mountain National Park is a nature reserve that spans Signal Hill in the City of Cape Town to Cape Point. It has everything from valleys to bays and beaches, the magnificent table mountain, the Cape of Good Hope and close to 170 hiking trails for hiking enthusiasts. And you can tell it’s one of the best South Africa tourist attraction as it receives 2.8 million visitors annually.
Animals present in the Table Mountain National park have adapted so well to the park that it’s almost difficult to spot them in the vegetation while hiking. These animals include different species of Antelopes, Cape Mountain Zebra. (i)
Older Capetonians would tell you, they used to see Cape Mountain zebras and bucks on the mountain whenever you drove past it. But illegal hunting and drought forced their numbers to drop until conservation measures were put in place to protect them. This led to the authorities moving the animals to a more protected and controlled environment.
To make the most of your experience when visiting Cape town, make sure to plan ahead. It’s almost impossible to see all the interesting sights and experiences in one trip, so find a list of adventures that you want to prioritise and plan your trip & route properly.
Cultural and historical landmarks in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the second largest city in Africa after Lagos. Named the City of Gold, it was established following the discovery of extremely large quantities of gold on a farm. A discovery that quickly attracted miners and investors and led to a explosion in its population over the next decades.
Even till this moment, Johannesburg continues to attract people from other provinces and countries looking for better opportunities and a higher quality of life. This mix of people from different creed and colours has created a very diverse population and culture in Johannesburg. (i)
If you’re a visitor flying into South Africa, chances are, you’ll be arriving in Johannesburg. If you do, here’s a list of the best places to visit.
- Explore the dolomite limestone caves and the home of the first humans in the Cradle of Humankind.
- Learn about South Africa’s turbulent past at the Apartheid Museum.
- Visit the former prison where Mandela, Ghandi and Winnie history in Constitution Hill.
- Bungee jump from the Orlando Towers in Soweto.
- Visit the Sun city resort, 2 and a half hours outside Johannesburg.
The Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg mountains are the highest peak in South Africa reaching over 3400 meters, making it a paradise for hikers, rock climbers and adventure enthusiasts.
It’s home to the largest and most unique collections of rock art in the world. These arts were created by the San people (Bushmen) thousands of years ago and over 40,000 of these rock paintings have been discovered across more than 500 caves and shelters today. These rock arts tell a very layered story of the San people and gives you a look into their lives, beliefs, cultures and spiritual practice of the San people.
If art is not really your thing and you’re more of an adventurer, you’ll be interested in hearing about Mafadi, the highest peak in South Africa at a whooping 3464m above sea level.
It is a challenging hike that takes 4-5days to complete, but if you’re bold enough to do it, your rewards will be some of Drakensberg famous caves, landmarks and views and perhaps the totality of the experience shared with your hiking comrades: if that’s your thing :-).
Along with that you get to see some gorgeous waterfall and get refreshing swims in the pools.
Durban Golden miles beach
The Golden Mile is a major beach along the Indian Ocean in the city of Durban and also one of the best places to visit in South Africa. It has a beautiful atmosphere, stretches over 6 kms and offers lots of fun activities with something to entertain everyone.
The Indian Ocean’s waters are warmer than the Atlantic and attracts surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, families, runners, joggers, and those who simply enjoy strolling while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
One of the top attractions on the beach is the uShaka Marine World which has an aquariums, water park and dolphinarium. Another interesting adventure is the SkyCar ride to the top of the Moses Mabhida Stadium which gives you a birdseye view of the city of Durban.
The best time to visit South Africa
The time you choose to visit South Africa depends on what you want to do when you visit and where you want to go. There’s no single best month to visit South Africa, as we are a year-round destination with varying regional climate and adventure opportunities.
The best time for Safari
The ideal time for Safaris in South Africa is the dry season when the vegetation is low and the animals gather around waterholes, making them easy to spot. Safari lodges book out very quickly, so it’s best to book your safari tour 6-9 months in advance.
The best time for beaches
The best months for beach lovers are the summer months between November and march. During this time, the weather is warm, sunny and ideal for relaxing by the ocean. Keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so expect popular beaches, especially in Cape Town to get crowded.
The best time for Whale-watching
Every year, between June and November Southern Whales and humpback whales migrate to breed and have their babies in the warmer waters off the Cape Coast. This makes it the prime season for whale-watching.
Hermanus is famous for being one of the best spots in the world for shore-based sightings. Large whales often approach the coast there, making it possible to spot them without a boat.
A unique spectacle occurs in May, known as the Sardine Run or “The Greatest Shoal on Earth” where hundreds of millions of sardines migrate from the warm Cape waters to the east coast. This mass migration attracts predators of all sizes including dolphins, sharks, whales, and seabirds. These predators often go into a feeding frenzy. This so called “feeding frenzy” is a very rare phenomenon that you would definitely love to see if you’re planning to visit Durban.
The best time to visit the Cape Winelands
The winelands are pretty much open year round, but your tour experience will vary based on the season. You can join an organized tour, but to truly savor the winelands, it’s best to take your time and explore at your own pace. Renting a car and driving yourself allows you to have a more relaxed and more personal experience.
February to April is the grape harvest season and a great time to experience the winelands, wine tasting and the energy of harvest time. The weather is mild and clear and there’s very little wind at this time of the year.
June to August are winter months in South Africa and also a good time for wine tasting. The cold winter days are perfect spent by the fire making a nice braai and sipping local wine. There’s also a lot of festivals to attend at this time of the year.
November to January are the busiest months and considered the best time for wine tasting. Wine Estates get flooded with tourists and locals flocking to see the Winelands which looks even more stunning with the sunshine and clear skies.
The best time to visit Johannesburg
The summer season draws the festive holiday crowds to Joburg making everything very pricey, so we don’t advise visiting at this time.
The best month to visit Johannesburg is anytime from March to November. During these low season months, the crowd lessens and prices drops. In the winter month, it gets dry and cold but there’s a lot of events and festivals you can plan your trip around.
Practical Travel Tips when visiting South Africa
Booking Your Trip
- Plan your adventures and routes ahead but leave some wiggle room for spontaneity, relaxation or handling unexpected situations. You don’t want to have too much wiggle room that you miss out on experiences, but you also don’t want an overpacked schedule that’ll have you running around like your hair’s on fire. Remember, it’s a vacation, so pace yourself and enjoy your trip.
- You cannot rely on the bus services when visiting South Africa, renting a car is your best bet. Fortunately, renting cars in South Africa is affordable and accessible. Just make sure you book ahead especially if you’re travelling in peak season.
Driving in South Africa
What Side of the Road?
In South Africa, you must drive on the left side of the road. This might be different from what you’re used to, so stay alert, especially at intersections and roundabouts.
Speed Limits
Speed limits in South Africa are displayed in kilometers per hour (km/h). Adhere to the following limits unless signs indicate otherwise:
- Urban Areas: 60 km/h (35 mph)
- Motorways: 120 km/h (75 mph)
- Rural Areas: 100 km/h (60 mph)
Dealing with Traffic fine
If you got a traffic fine in South Africa, the car rental company might deduct a handling fee for it and would nominate you as the driver transferring the fine to your name. Most times the traffic department would squash the traffic fine if they deem it pointless to try to collect a small traffic fine from a foreigner who probably won’t be returning.
But if you plan to return to enjoy more of the goodness South Africa has to offer, it’s best to pay your traffic fine.
You don’t want to get stopped for it in a traffic blockade the next time you visit South Africa.
General Driving Laws
Mobile Phones: Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal. Only use hands-free devices.
Toll Roads: Many national roads are toll roads. Payment can be made with credit cards or cash.
Driver’s License: Carry your driving license with you at all times while driving. It’s mandatory.
Vehicle Security: Keep your doors locked and windows up, particularly at traffic lights.
Speed Cameras: Speed limits are enforced with cameras, so adhere strictly to posted limits.
Child Safety and Seatbelt Laws
Seatbelts: Compulsory for all occupants.
Child seat: Children under 7 must be in an appropriate child seat. Those between 7 and 16 must use a seatbelt or childseat suitable for their size.
Front Seat Restrictions: Children under 7 should not travel in the front seat if the vehicle has multiple rows of seats.
Unique Driving Tips
- Wildlife and Livestock: In rural areas, animals such as goats, cows, and wildlife like antelopes may wander onto roads. Drive slowly and be extra cautious at dawn and dusk.
- Roadside Behavior: South Africans often pull over to the shoulder to let faster cars pass. If someone does this for you, it’s courteous to flash your hazard lights as a thank-you.
- Parking: Whenever possible, park in well-lit, busy areas or parking garages. Volunteer parking attendants may watch over your car for tips.
- Breakdowns: If your car breaks down, stay inside with the doors locked while waiting for help.
- Fuel Stations: Fuel stations are not self-service. Attendants will fill your tank and it’s customary to tip them around R5-R10.
- Drunk Driving: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. This typically means no more than one drink for women and two for men.
- Maps and Navigation: Have a reliable map or navigation device, but also ask locals for advice on scenic routes .
- Night Driving: Use high beams on dark roads, but switch to low beams when there’s oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle.
- Emergency Number: In case of emergencies, dial 10111.
- Cooler for Road Trips: Carry a cooler with snacks and drinks for long journeys.
- Valuables: Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle; store them in the boot.
All in all, whether you’re chasing the thrill of a safari walk/drive, want to soak up the sun on the beach, enjoy world-class wine, if you want to see some of beautiful landmark and exciting natural phenomena, South Africa has something to meet your wanderlust. So don’t waste another minute, start planning your South African visit today.
