Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in South Africa

 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.

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Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Philippines

 Philippines Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions

The Philippines is no other than a glittering tropical paradise comprising over 7,000 islands which offer a vast playing field for your inner adventurer. Altogether, its landscapes feature a wide variety of natural marvels, from rice terraces and grumbling volcanoes to limestone caves and underwater rivers, along with stunning beaches that rank as the Philippines' top-rated tourist attractions.

Separately, each island offers something different and unique, whether you're searching for top places to snorkel and dive or prefer visiting historical sites in cities such as Vigan or Manila, each having deep colonial ties.

Because the country is uncommonly spread in many directions, a visit to the Philippines for sure requires painstaking planning in order to connect with the right tour guides and locate the best accommodations as a starting base for most activities. Some places such as Bohol's Chocolate Hills or Sagada's Hanging Coffins, are distant, but arriving there is really worth all the effort.

Plan your trip with my Philippines travel guide to find the top tourist attractions in the Philippines.

1) White Beach.  There exists no scarcity of immaculate beaches in this country, but if you're searching for a bit busier beach scene, Boracay's White Beach is the perfect place for you. As the island's most populous beach, you'll find numerous opportunities for all sorts of water sports. Also, it's one of Asia's most beautiful beaches.

With many hammocks and easy chairs below the palm trees, you could both relax and delight in the snow-white sand as the tides keep receding rhythmically. Moreover, you could schedule a beachside massage. Snorkeling has become quite popular at White Beach. However, if you don't feel like laboring at all, consider taking an easy boat ride or just book a tour on the unique glass-bottom boat for a different type of experience.

2) Shipwreck Diving.  Coron offers a few of the world's best-rated diving sites to explore sunken ships. The wrecks which are at varying depths, are appropriate for shallow water snorkeling and deep water scuba diving.

The shipwrecks, several from WW2, have transformed into habitats for a wide range of fish species. The crystal-clear water helps make viewing underwater wildlife and shipwrecks very easy. Several of the shipwrecks originate from the Imperial Japanese Navy getting attacked in 1944. Deep divers will be eager to see the old Akitsushima Maru warship, the Kyokuzan Maru, and Trako Maru.

With dozens of shipwrecks to explore, you might wish to prolong your stay around here.

3) Mayon Volcano.  Situated on Luzon Island, in the Albay province, you definitely must see the Mayon Volcano. In fact, it's a lively stratovolcano rising over 2,400 meters in elevation. Plus, it boasts a perfectly-shaped cone peak.

The majority of tourists will choose to admire the volcano from the ground only. From nature trails provided by the national park grounds, surrounding the volcano, you could observe wildlife such as parakeets perching on random branches.

Hardcore hikers may apply for a permit in order to begin climbing the volcano. However, it's a challenging hike through forest, and life-threatening gases are released near the top, so caution is recommended. The best time to come is between March and May. Also, you could use an organized tour from Manila to arrive here.

4) Chocolate Hills.  What occurred on the Bohol island, called Chocolate Hills, is truly a geological marvel. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and protected area, features over 1,200 miniature mountains which emerged over the ground throughout many centuries.

Once under the water, these novel hills can be seen extending in every direction. Though they are green a lot of the year, during dry seasons they actually change to a very different color: chocolate-brown, and how they got their name, Chocolate Hills.

A convenient and easy route leads to a higher elevation, essentially a lookout spot, which offers the best view. Be certain to catch the several fine flowers dotting along the path which are unique here.

5) Underground River.  Imagine going on a river tour in Puerto Princesa's Underground River? It's one of the Philippines' most rewarding experiences any visitor can enjoy while here. The underground river runs on Palawan Island, more specifically, hidden in the Subterranean River National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Boat tours stand ready to transport visitors to experience the enchanting 5-mile river journey. The entire trip takes you along an elaborate cave system which vertical limestone cliffs surround. You could see the oldest stalactite and stalagmite formations while the cave's coolness naturally balances the outer tropical heat.

As you continue floating smoothly through the dim caves on beautifully emerald-colored water, your tour guide will identify fascinating points such as tropical wildlife which reside in the underground river that the South China Sea eventually swallows.

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