tourist attractions in south africa

14 Top Tourist Attractions of South Africa

14 Top Tourist Attractions of South Africa

South Africa is a wonderful place to look if you are on a safari for the first time. It is home to some of the most popular opulent lodges and private game reserves around the world, lonesome from the prominent game parks of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Kruger. Moreover, Dragon-backed peaks, coral reefs, golden beaches lapped by legendary foam breaks, and white water rafting are among the famous tourist attractions in South Africa.

Moreover, wildlife lovers from all corners of the world come over here to explore the ‘Big Five’ such as rhinos, elephants, leopards, buffalo, lions, and much more. You will get to learn about some of the best things to do in South Africa like the turbulent history of the nation while strolling around the vibrant cities and the broad land of South Africa.

The climate of South Africa is sunny and dry. So, if you want to chill during your vacations, South Africa is the place you should visit. On account of its cultural and geographical diversity, it is often regarded as The World in One Country. This country has it all, from poignant museums to breathtaking deserts. That is why you name it.

So Here, we have listed the top tourist attractions of South Africa, that draw guests from across the globe.

Table of Content


1. Cape Town
2. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
3. Blyde River Canyon
4. Table Mountain
5. Kruger National Park
6. Johannesburg
7. Golden Mile Beach, Durban
8. Cape Winelands
9. Stellenbosch
10. Garden Route
11. ISimangaliso Wetland Park South Africa
12. The Drakensberg
13. Pilansberg National Park
14. Port Elizabeth

1. Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa is among the most jaw-dropping cities on earth. So, for a phenomenal overview, roll up on the cableway or hike to the apex. The long-hour hike up Lion’s Head offers fabulous views of the city landscape.

Plus the awe-aspiring Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the eastern gradients of Table Mountain.

Undoubtedly, the shore of Cape Town is filled with natural wonders. You can also see whales spurting from the harbor while walking beside the waterfront boardwalk. Cape Town also boasts graceful boulders beaches. Camp Bay is a favorite spot of tourists, with lots of nearby cafes and chic shops.

Moreover, Cape Town is a perfect mix of different cultures and nature surrounds it, nestled between the sea and a rugged mountain range. Therefore, it is deemed to be among the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa. Also, Cape Point houses massive wildlife.

Cape Town

2. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is among the largest wilderness regions around the world. It is a consolidation of Gemsbok National Park of Botswana and Kalahari Gemsbok National Park of South Africa. This vast conservation region homes stately gemsbok, meerkats, the most popular black-maned Kalahari lion, and various birds.

Other predators like cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards also exist here. The recommendation would be to use four-wheel-drive vehicles for those who want to venture into Botswana or for some of the minor hardened roads.

Moreover, red sands, deep blue skies, golden grasslands, and gnarled camel thorn trees present a backdrop for pictures. So, the park is among the top tourist attractions in South Africa.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

3. Blyde River Canyon

Beautiful Blyde River Canyon is a favorite attraction on the drive between Kruger National Park and Johannesburg. After the Fish River Canyon, it is the second-largest in Africa, however, on account of its lush subtropical vegetation, it is pretty greener. So, lichen-covered rock settings, glittering rivers, and waterfalls give rise to a magnificent canvas of texture and color.

Thanks to the white water rafting and boat trips on the rivers. Moreover, the park possesses rich wildlife and plants. You will be rewarded with the game viewing, incorporating several crocodiles and crocodiles, as well as all common mammal species of South Africa.

Plus, the rock set that the Blyde River passes is well-known as the ‘Three Rondavels’. The best way to venture into this phenomenal park is through hiking the vast routes or using the sightseer driving routes.

4. Table Mountain

Table Mountain is the most iconic beacon of South Africa. Lying inside a national park, Table Mountain is an action-packed experience that presents stunning, aerial views ignoring the city of Cape Town. Therefore, South African tourist attraction attracts plenty of guests hiking to the top or using the cableway.

Furthermore, there are almost 1470 floral species and 2200 plant species on Table Mountain. The revolving floors of each Rotair car offer passengers 360-degree views while they go trekking to the top. Table Mountain is also home to lots of endemic flora and fauna.

5. Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is among the oldest parks in South Africa and among the best game reserves in Africa. One of its best experiences is a wildlife safari which is absolutely unforgettable. The park is situated around a 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg and the guests have the chance to look at the ‘Big Five’ including buffalo, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and lion.

Moreover, it comes with archeological sites and rock paintings. On the large network of closed roads, discover the Kruger National Park, or ascend over the extensive grasslands, choose a hot air balloon, and gallery forests. Accommodation for all sorts of the budget is available here, so, you can either book a roofed bungalow, relax in an opulent lodge, or stay at a campsite.

6. Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a gateway for plenty of travelers on safari and the heart of South Africa. Its simply constructed towns of Soweto are the soul of South Africa. So, you arrange a tour to Soweto, Nelson Mandela’s birthplace. Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City, and Constitution Hall are the top tourist attractions in South Africa.

Also named as “City of Gold” on account of its rich reserves of precious metal. So, Johannesburg is a major contributor to the economy of the country. Moreover, it is a city of gardens parks, and homes highly-lauded Freedom Park, and Voortrekker Monument and Heritage Site.

7. Golden Mile Beach, Durban

Start your journey to the sweeping waterfront arcade known as the Golden Mile which is a legendary tourist attraction in Durban, South Africa. So, the bustling arcade is more like Miami Beach with its restaurants, shops, flashy entertainment complexes, and soaring hotels. Rent a Segway or bike, or walk along the arcade.

Moreover, the broad stretch of blonde sands, separated by docks, absolutely lures anglers, surfers, and swimmers. Therefore, a vibrant atmosphere on the beach pluses positive energy. Guests enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and sub-tropical sunshine.

A miniature rail network, harbor view, and airport in a small replica of Durban: sea-themed attractions including Mini Town and Moses Mabhida Stadium of Ushaka Marine World are top tourist attractions along with the beach views.

8. Cape Winelands

Drowsy villages, brilliant monuments, breathtaking mountains, lush scenery, and fruitful orchards surround the fertile valleys of the Cape Wineland. The area has a Mediterranean climate including damp winters with snow during August and September on the peak and dry and hot summers.

Moreover, the municipality of the Cape Winelands is situated in the Boland area of the Western Cape state of South Africa. Its diverse geography encompasses rivers, pools, waterfalls, canyons, screes, forests, caves, springs, caves, escarpments, and other natural characteristics. So, travelers can explore much more of nature here.

9. Stellenbosch

You can not overlook the city of Stellenbosch if you are planning to spend some vacations in the picturesque and quaint town of South Africa. A patchwork of old oak trees, white-washed Cape Dutch accommodations, and farms, it is among the best-preserved towns from the times of the Dutch East India Company.

History lovers can taste history here if they visit the Stellenyrk Museum and Village Museum. Moreover, Stellenbosch homes some of the best cafes and restaurants in South Africa. Now, it is a university town that offers stunning views.

Nature lovers can go biking and hike on the wilderness trails in the magnificent Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. A walk across the botanic gardens and a visit to the Rupert Museum are among the top tourist attractions in Africa.

10. Garden Route

The Garden Route extends for miles on the southeast shore of South Africa. It is among the most surprising coastal views in the whole of the country. Indigenous people and travelers will find lagoons, coastal cliffs, hills, and lakes, whilst passing through it.

Knysna set between a lagoon and deep jungles, is a must-visit if you are driving through this enchanting boulevard. So, this alluring route is deemed to be among the most beautiful areas in the country and obtained its name from the Garden Route National Park that it envelops.

Moreover, this beautiful boulevard stretches between Storms River and Mossel Bay and is about 200 km long. To have an amazing shopping experience show up at the Garden Route Mall. Adventurers will also experience elephant and whale watching tours as well as tree canopy and bungee jumping.

11. ISimangaliso Wetland Park South Africa

ISimangaliso Wetland Park is located on the northern shore of Kwazululu Natal province. Isimangaliso means ‘miracle and wonder’ in the Zulu language. It is the largest estuarine system in Africa. This exotic wilderness region presents an opportunity to combine a coastal adventure with a classic safari experience.

So, in the marine reserve, you can go diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing. It is no wonder that this region supports an implausible variety of wildlife. Over 526 bird species inhabit the reserve, and turtles, rhinos, and leopards. Moreover, the park encompasses Africa’s highest concentration of crocodiles and hippos.

The park links eight interwoven ecosystems, including croc-filled rivers, lakes, towering coastal dunes, coral reefs, swamplands, and savanna. You will also find buffalos, baboons, and zebras over here.

12. The Drakensberg

The gigantic Drakensberg means ‘Dragon Mountains’, is a popular holiday destination for South Africans. It has the highest peaks in South Africa, elevating at 3,482 meters. In summer, the mountain trails are popular for rock climbing, parasailing, biking, hiking, and river rafting.

Hot air balloons are also an impressive way to admire this dramatic topography. The area contains Royal Natal National Park, and Ukhahlamba-Drakenberg Park, with irregular basalt buttresses and San rock art. Moreover, it has an amazing cliff face and a source of the main rivers of South Africa.

Also, dense jungles thrive in the protected valleys and the region is home to over 800 flowering plant species and enriched wildlife. So, Drakensberg is absolutely a top place to explore in KwaZulu-Natal. In winter, snow curtains the mountain range while in summer the mountain landscape is fertile, with crystal-clear streams and gushing waterfalls.

13. Pilansberg National Park

If you have a scarcity of time and want to visit significant places in Africa. Give a visit to Pilansberg National Park which is home to an amazing variety of bird species, and prolific wildlife. Lying almost 2.5 hours distance from Pretoria and Johanessburg. So, it is easily approachable from these cities, either make your one-day fantastic trip or choose a multi-day stay.

On top of that, this park is malaria-free, so best suitable for family safaris. You can also choose the accommodation that caters to your budget, from luxury lodges and bed and breakfasts to self-catering units and permanent safari tents.

The Park contains antelopes, giraffes, and wild dogs, apart from the big five such as lions, buffalo, leopards, rhinos, and elephants. Moreover, the artificial Lake Mankwe Dam and the vast grasslands have made this park a perfect spot for wildlife inhabitation.

14. Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is also popular because of its parks. The beaches here are among the best and tidiest beaches in South Africa. So, you can go swimming at Humewood Beach Kings Beach, and Wells Estate Bridge. Moreover, the Boardwalk, Route 67, Donkin Reserves, and Storms River Bridge are also the top tourist attractions of South Africa.

Port Elizabeth is located alongside the southeastern shore of South Africa. Nicknamed, The Friendly City. Wildlife lovers can pay a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park, the Kragga Game Reserve, and the Cafe Recife Nature Reserve. Throughout the year, the city has pleasant weather that ranks it among the top around the globe.

Where to stay: Best hotels in South Africa

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8 Comments

  1. Wow, this article is amazing! I really had no idea there were so many wonderful places in South Africa. I am definitely saving this post for when I will plan my south Africa travel.

  2. A safari is high up on my bucket list of adventures. From reading this post, it appears that Krueger National Park is the one I would be interest in. Thanks for this post!

  3. As a wildlife lover, South Africa has always been on my list. The parks, canyon, mountains, and unique landmarks all sound like they are must sees. I will definitely be referring back to this guide as I plan my trip!

  4. I studied abroad in South Africa in undergrad and was able to visit a couple of these locations. I definitely agree when you say South Africa is a beautiful country to visit!

  5. Thanks for compiling so many great things to see and do in South Africa. It really is a top spot to view incredible wildlife. I’d love to go hot air ballooning over Kruger National Park.

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