South Africa lies at the southernmost point of the African continent. Its borders are surrounded mostly by oceans, with the Atlantic on its geographical left and the Indian Ocean on its geographical right, meeting at Cape Point. Whether seeking the most pristine beaches, or a stickler for adventure, South Africa has something to offer all.
A paragon of magnificence, South Africa’s best landmarks are nestled in an array of vineyards and forests. The country celebrates art and culture like no other, and its people are a diverse melting pot of heritage. Although every inch of its landscape is worthy of attention, the following locations are not to be missed on any South Africa itinerary. Let find out The Best places to visit in South Africa below.
Contents
The Best places to visit in South Africa
Cape Town
Coined the Mother City for her rich colonial history and for being the oldest European settlement in South Africa by Dutch navigator, Jan Van Riebeeck, Cape Town is a vibrant melting pot with something to offer for all. A paragon of natural beauty with mountains and plateaus which offer exquisite panoramic views over the city, Cape Town is home to many natural must sees.Table Mountain, deriving its name from its naturally flat peak, cloaked with white clouds, has many times had summit routes conquered by hikers and mountain climbers alike.
Alternatively, cable cars and guided tours to the mountain top and back again are available to those who would rather preserve their energy for everything else this amazing city has to offer. Table Mountain is situated in a National Park which protects the indigenous fauna and flora and can also be viewed in the backdrop of the Zeitz MOCAA, the largest museum in Africa dedicated to African art.
Robben Island
Robben Island derives its name from the Dutch word for seals robbe because of the flocks of seals initially found on its shores when Dutch navigators passed the island by ship. Situated a short ferry ride west of southern Africa, departing from Cape Town’s shores, Robben Island is best known for its role as a prison operating during the height of Apartheid. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africa’s first black president at the end of the Apartheid era, was imprisoned on Robben Island for 27 years along with other inmates.
His jail cell number, 46664, has become an iconic symbol reflecting the reason for the island’s fame. Ferries depart from the waterfront area to the island and continues by bus throughout the dusty roads of the island. The guided bus tour references important landmarks including the former prison cells which today forms part of a museum depicting the history of segregation. View the small quarry that inmates mined as part of their sanction.
Addo Elephant National Park
An Eastern Cape wonder, the Addo Elephant Park is home to herds comprising more than 600 elephants. It is common for tourists to come by car and do a self drive door, however, the Park offers horseback tours of the undisturbed splendor that is the homeland of various species of wildlife found in the Park. Addo is home to a small community, including the only black female owner of farmland in an eight kilometer and 176,000 hectare stretch of rural land in the vicinity. Addo also boasts hordes of orange and lemon trees with most citrus exported to Europe.
Remember to pack your binoculars and join Southern Cross Tours on a canoeing tour through the passing river enjoying amazing views of the local bird species found in the Park. Addo is also home to the largest species of Egyptian geese in the area, and species of lion, zebra, and buck can be spotted out in the open. Dusty roads wind along valleys, guaranteeing tourists the best views all round.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a blanket reference to a number of small towns that link from one another along the southernmost coast of South Africa. Known for its lush greenery and homely atmosphere, The Garden Route starts at Storm’s River from the east, passing through Tsitsikamma, and ends at Mossel Bay in the west, and crosses two provinces. Noteworthy stops along the way include Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Wilderness, George, and Mossel Bay. The magnificence about visiting the Garden Route is that it is a driving route and travelers prefer to self drive, making it easy to go at one’s personal pace.
