The Republic of South Africa is the perfect place for a safari, especially if you are a first-timer. The safari is the best way to experience the golden savannahs, stroll down the beautiful deserts, see the gaping gorges and enjoy the wildlife.
But a safari is not all South Africa has to offer. Here, we will see the places worth exploring and adding to your itinerary.
Of course, you can’t visit everything, either due to time limitations, budget, or travel restrictions. We encourage you to travel around the vast land of vibrant cities and learn more about its nation.
Let’s see these places!
Cape Town
Cape Town is at the top of the list because it is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. It’s a multicultural city with beautiful panoramic city vistas and a coastline full of wonders.
Table Mountain is a must-visit destination. This is a flat-topped mountain, with the peak looking over the city of Cape Town. Backpackers and hikers take the long hike on the Lion’s Head trail and conquer the mountain’s slopes.
Strolling on the coastline of Cape Town, you will see the golden beaches in False Bay, with its chic shops and cute cafes. Then, take a drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive and enjoy the sunset in a ritual known as “sundowners.”
You can check some South Africa tours if you want to book a guided tour and visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or Cape Point. Some of the places in Cape Town are only accessible via a guided tour, so make sure you’ve done your research and planned the itinerary according to your fit.
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Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is a game reserve in South Africa and one of the oldest national parks in the country. If you want the ultimate adventure-like trip to South Africa, this is the right choice for you!
The park is around a 3-4 hour drive from Johannesburg and the home to the big 5 – the buffalo, lion, elephant, leopard, and rhino. If you are a wildlife fanatic, this park has everything you need. With its astounding diversity of wildlife, it’s the area where many safari tours take place.
You can explore the park via the large network of roads, go on a walking safari or roam the grasslands. Regarding the accommodation, you can stay in basic campsites or a luxury lodge – it’s suitable for all budgets.
Drakensberg
The Drakensberg is also known as the “Dragon Mountains,” a popular destination for locals. The region fosters some of the highest peaks in the country and the World Heritage site – uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. This region is an embodiment of the jagged basalt buttresses and the breathtaking cliffs.
In the scattered valleys, you will see dense forests that are home to more than 800 species of plants and a wide range of wildlife. The forests are located in the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve, a protected region with scenic mountain trails.
Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon is a famous tourist stop between Kruger National Park and Johannesburg. It’s a national reserve park and the home to the second largest canyon in South Africa.
The park is the personification of waterfalls, rock formations, glistening rivers, and subtropical foliage. It’s also the home of many crocodiles and hippos, so the best way to explore it is either hiking the trails or driving on the main viewpoints.
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The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a 200-km coastal scenery route that stretches from Mossel Bay to the Storms River. It’s the ultimate conjunction of the Western Cape with the Eastern Cape. The Garden Route passes through coastal towns, rolling green hills, coastal cliffs, lagoons, and lakes.
In the middle of the dense forests, you will see the charming city of Knysna, the Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms, and the Cango Caves. The route also passes through the Robberg Nature Reserve and the gorgeous tidal pools.
The adventure lies ahead in the Garden Route, so make sure to include it in your itinerary!
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is in the Western Cape area and is one of the most beautiful and cutest towns in South Africa. It’s a mosaic of old oak trees, farms, and dwellings preserved from the era of Indian influence.
The Stellenbosch Village Museum is the main attraction in the city, dating back to 1709. It is a group of gardens and restored houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Nowadays, Stellenbosch is known as a vibrant city where most students come to study at some of the best universities in South Africa. Plus, it’s the home to the best restaurants in the country, so foodies, prepare your bellies and enjoy the traditional foods!
Do You Want To Add More?
If you want to add more places to your itinerary, check out our blog and see which other recommendations we have for you! And start planning your trip!