South Africa Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions
Formally called the Republic of South Africa, the country makes a favorite tourist destination, especially for safari-seeking adventurers. You'll discover raw and unspoiled African scenery ranging from creepily beautiful deserts, golden savannah, magnificent gaping gorges to a stunning type of African animals.
Aside from the well-known game parks of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Kruger, South Africa houses a few of the most lavish private game reserves in the world. In fact, wildlife seekers arrive here from all over to look for elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and frequently they end up finding much more, the least expected.
White water canoeing on raging rivers, gleaming coral reefs, dragon-supported mountain ranges, and gorgeous beaches washed by celebrated surf breaks are only a few of the several other tourist attractions in South Africa.
Touring through this massive land and visiting spirited cities with friendly folks everywhere willing to assist you in any way, you could learn about South Africa's sometimes conflicting, sometimes confusing, stormy history, particularly in Cape Town, which is one of the prettiest cities in the world; in Durban, a dissolving pot of amazing cuisines and cultures; at the heartrending galleries and museums in Johannesburg; and finally, in Soweto, place of birth of former president Nelson Mandela, who resisted oppression, fought against the cruelty for a brighter tomorrow, and replaced tyranny with democracy.
Find the top tourist attractions in South Africa's huge diversity with the help of my South Africa travel guide.
1) The Drakensberg. The magnificent Drakensberg, translating to "Dragon Mountains," happens to be one of Kwazulu-Natal's best spots to visit as well as a South Africa's popular vacation destination. Also, it has the tallest peaks in the nation.
The region covers the World Heritage-enrolled uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, which is an area filled with unbelievable beauty, San rock art, jagged basalt buttresses, and even the Royal Natal National Park, which hosts the incredible Amphitheatre, an impressive cliff face and South Africa's source for chief rivers.
Giant's Castle Game Reserve which lies in the region, plays the vital role of protecting big herds of eland. Nearly impenetrable forests prosper in the rolling sheltered valleys, and which is home to over 800 various species of blossoming plants and a broad variety of wildlife.
In the summer season, the mountain terrains are verdant and fruitful, with perfectly clear streams and waterfalls pouring and splashing. But in the winter months, you'll see snow covering sensational peaks.
Tourists throng here to cycle and hike the picturesque mountain trails, rock climb, fish for trout, parasail, abseil, and paddle through the rushing waters. Hot air balloon trips are another option for admiring the spectacular topography.
2) Robben Island. Situated in Table Bay, Robben Island, now a World Heritage site, is a symbol reminding one of massive discrimination and its awfulness that once haunted the South African people. Former President Nelson Mandela was forced to live 18 years in a compact small prison cell here together with other political protestors and social nonconformists.
Probably the most important enduring part regarding such experience is that former prisoners can behave like guides and narrate touching personal details of the horrors they overcame.
Trips here start always with multimedia displays hosted at Nelson Mandela Gateway museum, located in Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Visitors can next hop on a boat to Robben Island, usually coping with rough swells during the ride that varies from 30 to 45 minutes to complete, depending on weather and sea conditions and other unforeseen factors. You are advised to book early, for these tours are snatched rapidly.
3) Durban's Golden Mile. The expansive waterfront promenade known as the Golden Mile, is undeniably illustrious Durban attraction as well as an excellent beginning place for touring the city. While Long blond beaches draw anglers, surfers, and swimmers in abundance, the vibrant promenade truly feels more like Miami Beach because of its towering hotels, restaurants, shops, and dazzling entertainment centers.
You have the choice to either walk through the promenade or just rent a Segway or a bicycle. In addition to the beach scene, best-rated attractions lined around this length include Moses Mabhida Stadium; uShaka Marine World, consisting of sea-related highlights; and Mini Town, a little reproduction of Durban sporting a tiny airport, harbor, and rail network.
4) Kruger National Park. It's the continent's largest game reserve and home to species of amazing mammals, much more than elsewhere, including the Big Five, giraffes, cheetahs, and more. Kruger is really unlike other safari parks, for it's a self-drive destination boasting superb infrastructure and several places to spend the night while in the park.
The accommodations range from extremely simple tented camps all the way to luxury hotel-like rooms. Consider staying 3 to 4 days to fully experience and appreciate the park's natural majestic scenery and wonderful, diverse wildlife.
5) Franschhoek. Franschhoek is a beautiful village founded back in 1688. It's name means "French Corner" that its French settlers gave it. The village makes a great tourist destination with its old-fashioned but history-loaded streets, centuries-old vineyards, charming local cafes, Franschhoek Wine Tram, Cape Dutch architecture, Motor Museum, and several in-villa restaurants.
You can take short walks along trails that wind pleasantly through rows of flowers and varying kinds of wildlife at Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and enjoy lovely views overlooking Franschhoek Valley.
Be sure to visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum and a nearby monument that commemorates the region's French settlers, arriving somewhere between 17th and 18th centuries. Then, stop by Motor Museum, home to vintage automobiles amid mountain farmland.
