There are many tourist attractions in South Africa. If you talk to anyone, they will tell you that South Africa has incredible tourist destinations that are worth visiting more than once.
But where does it even begin? Here is a list of the top 20 tourist attractions in South Africa that you should mark off your to-do list.
There are so many a must see tourist attractions in South Africa. South Africa is at the bottom tip of the African continent has so much to offer everyone. You are really spoiled! So where do you start when it comes to tourist attractions in South Africa?
Do you know that South Africa is considers as the adventure capital of the world? For all brave people reading this, it will be interesting to know that there are at least 130 different extreme techniques, including rafting, rappelling and shark cage diving.
South Africa has almost 3,000 kilometers of beautiful coastline for all sun worshipers. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for golfing, hiking, climbing (imagine the view of the sunrise from the top of Lauamäe) in all kinds of terrain, from forest to desert.
There is also plenty of shopping and fine and casual dining for everyone. Here you can experience local and international cuisine, including South Africa’s own famous wines.
Discover fascinating wildlife including the Big Five, zebras, giraffes and many other species, including incredible marine life (preferably majestic whales) and a rich variety of birds.
You will also learn about South Africa’s contribution to its many conservation projects. You will also learn about South Africa’s freedom struggle and how the influence of Mandela and many others helped to transform it.
South African cities like Cape Town and Durban are a fusion of cultures and cuisines. Moreover, this country alone can give you a roller coaster ride in history and culture.
The climate in South Africa is mostly dry and sunny. However, in June and July, you can expect the temperature to drop below zero at times. The country is also favorable in terms of cost-effectiveness.
South Africa is more or less affordable, depending on the exchange rate of the visit. Having said all these basics, let’s take a look at the top 15 tourist spots in South Africa that you should visit on your vacation:
20 Best A Must See Tourist Attractions in South Africa
1. Cape Town
No visit to South Africa can be complete without a must-see tourist attractions in South Africa bucket list. It is one of the three capitals of South Africa.
Tourists love Cape Town and see how many experiences the city has to offer, and it’s no surprise. This multi-ethnic city is the second most popular city where tradition and modernity coexist.
Your trip to Cape Town is incomplete without a visit to False Bay. This beautiful city is surrounded by nature. There are botanical wonders, high mountains and a turquoise sea.
It would help if you visited Cape Town while you are at Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should also be on the list.
In your a must see tourist attractions in South Africa, you want to spot the endangered African penguins, you have to go to the Boulder Beach Penguin Colony.
From the city center, you can take a 10-minute walk to the suburb of Bo Kaap, which has a colorfully painted area.
City centers such as Canal Walk and Victoria Wharf shopping center and good restaurants will not let you forget the exciting nightlife of this great city. Other places to visit in Cape Town are Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium and Lion’s Head.
2. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the best places in South Africa and a must see tourist attractions in South Africa.
It is one of the oldest and one of the largest in South Africa, covering an area of over 2,000,000 hectares. It offers a wildlife safari experience in the Kruger National Park that you won’t soon forget.
Kruger is home to hundreds of animal species. The main attraction among them are the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape buffalo and Rhinoceros.
The park offers both day and night safaris. You can also organize South African safaris or day trips. You should stay here for at least 3- days to experience all the game stations available here.
3. Garden Route
One of the must see tourist attractions in South Africa is the Garden Route. Golden Route stretches along the southeast coast of South Africa.
It may somewhat surpass all other driving roads in the world in terms of scenic beauty. This beautiful route is almost 200 km long and runs between Mossel Bay and Storms River.
Going through the golden path is not enough if you want to enjoy everything. You should spend a day or two exploring this trail.
4. Stellenbosch
A must see tourist attractions in South Africa include having a peaceful and picturesque town, you cannot afford to miss the town of Stellenbosch. South Africa’s only university town, Stellenbosch is also the second oldest.
The history of this town dates back to 1679 and you can experience it by visiting the village museum and the Stellenyrk Museum.
The charming village with its oak-lined streets and hip Dutch houses will conquer you every day. It is famous for its extensive winery where you can try wine tasting. You can also enjoy restaurants, nightclubs, cafes and art galleries.
5. Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park is an easily accessible national park from a large city like Johannesburg which is only a 2.5 hour drive from the city centre.
If you are looking for a quick safari in South Africa, you can take the 3 day Pilanesberg National Park safari.
The large grasslands and the man-made lake Mankwe Dam made this area an ideal wildlife habitat and a must see tourist attractions in South Africa.
In addition to the five main national parks, this national park is home to zebras, African wild dogs, antelopes, giraffes and hundreds of bird species.
6. Hermanus
Hermanus is a small but touristic town in the Western Cape. It is rightly called the whaling capital of South Africa. Tourists flock here just to see whales and dolphins.
The whale-watching boat trips are phenomenal and a must see tourist attractions in South Africa. Here they can also be seen from the cliffs. If you are looking at whale watching, then the best time to go to South Africa in Hermanus is from June to December.
Hermanus also organizes a whale festival for visitors every September. Besides whale and dolphin watching, a gloomy evening on a cliff-side road can make a South African tour memorable.
7. Kgalagadi International Park
Another a must see tourist attractions in South Africa is Kgalagadi International Park. This park is located in northern South Africa between the Republic of South Africa and Botswana.
This park was created in 2000 by the merger of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the Botswana Gemsbok National Park.
This national park appreciates the springboard and jewels of South Africa’s national animal, famous for its V-shaped horns.
Predators such as Kalahari lions, cheetahs and hyenas are also found here. The harsh desert, red dunes and phenomenal nature make this national park unique among others.
8. Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa by population and a must see tourist attractions in South Africa. It is called the “Golden City” because it started as a gold mining settlement.
Some of the popular must see tourist attractions in South Africa in this city are Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Gold Reef City.
The Johannesburg Collector’s Vault is an eight-storey building filled with rare books. It is the largest seller of rare and used books in all of Africa. If you like shopping and a lively environment, you should go to Neighborgoods Market.
If you are in Johannesburg, you must visit Soweto Village, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. There are two Orlando towers in Soweto that have been used for bungee jumping since 2009.
Satyagraha House is the house where Mahatma Gandhi spent his days in South Africa. It is currently used as a guest house.
9. Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is famous for having some of the best beaches in South Africa. Santo beach is the most visible of them. Water sports, sky diving and shark cage diving are worth trying in Mossel Bay.
Don’t forget s visit the Bartholomeu Dias Museum and the Post Office is a must see tourist attractions in South Africa. The Post Office Tree in the museum complex is an almost 600-year-old milk tree and is believed to be the first post office in South Africa.
Popular tourist spots include Cape St Blaize Lighthouse Complex, Garden Route Casino and Point of Human Origin.
10. Parl
Just 5 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, Paarl is a small town with a huge historical and cultural heritage. The city is located on the crest of the Paarl Mountains.
Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Cape Dutch buildings are scattered throughout the city. There are also cafes and restaurants along the main road of the town.
Drakenstein Prison is a must see tourist attractions in South Africa. This is where Nelson Mandela spent his days in captivity, is located on the outskirts of the city.
Other a must see tourist attractions in South Africa in Paarl include Goat Tower, Fairview Cheese and Winery, Afrikaans Language Monument and Winery.
11. Durban
Durban is a South African city with a rich cultural mix. This city is a melting pot of both indigenous and European cultures. You can walk around Golden or go to uShaka Marine World or Durban Botanic Gardens.
The loneliest plant in the world grows in the Durban Botanic Gardens: the Wood’s Cycad a must see tourist attractions in South Africa.
A visit to Durban is incomplete without trying local delicacies such as Bunny Chow, Shisa Nyama, Bombay Crush and other traditional African and Zulu dishes.
12. Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is a port city in the Eastern Cape Province. It is located on the banks of the Baakens River. The beaches here are some of the cleanest and best in South Africa.
You can swim at Wells Estate Bridge, Humewood Beach or Kings Beach. If you like wild animals, you can visit Addo Elephant National Park, Cape Recife Wildlife Sanctuary and Kragga Kamma Game Reserve.
Port Elizabeth is very popular for its superb parks. St. Jüri Park is the most significant of them and a must see tourist attractions in South Africa.
Donkin Preserve, Route 67, Storms River Bridge and Boardwalk are also worth visiting.
13. Franschhoek
Like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek is another beautiful village that dates back to 1688. The name “Franschhoek” or French Corner comes from its French settlers.
With beautiful streets, delightful street cafes, a motor museum and the Franschhoek Winter Tram, this could be the ultimate holiday destination for a few days of relaxation and a must see tourist attractions in South Africa here.
The winter tram takes you through several wineries. There are also many restaurants in the village where you can taste delicious food.
14. Table top
Sitting at 1,085 meters above sea level, you are sure to enjoy spectacular sunset views of Cape Town and the New Seven Wonders of the World – the magnificent Table Mountain.
Full of native plants such as Protea and wildlife including the adorable dasses (rock badgers), Table Mountain is the perfect place to see nature at its best and a must see tourist attractions in South Africa.
You can get a bird’s eye view of the city from the bottom of the Table Mountain Cable Car.
15. The cradle of mankind
Imagine what life was like in South Africa millions of years ago. Now you can when you visit the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, northwest of Johannesburg.
This a must see tourist attractions in South Africa World Heritage Site is the fossilized remains of history and our hominid ancestors.
Go back in time and explore the ancient world at the Maropeng Visitor Center and Sterkfontein Caves with dinosaur fossils, hominid carcasses and evidence of their existence.
16. Robben Island
Of course, no visit to Cape Town (the Mother City) is complete without a boat trip to Robben Island a must see tourist attractions in South Africa.
On this island, where he spent 27 years in prison, you can almost feel the spirit of the legendary Tata Madiba – Nelson Mandela. Explore his former prison cell and learn more about his years on the island with other fighters.
17. Drakensberg Mountains
Did you know? Golden Gate Highlands National Park is located at 2200 meters above sea level? The Drakensberg Mountains reach a whopping 3,282 meters above sea level and are over 1,000 kilometers long.
Thabana Ntlenyana is its highest peak and is located in the border region of Lesotho and should be included in your a must see tourist attractions in South Africa
18. Soweto
From the former home of the legendary Nelson and Winnie Mandela to other famous apartheid-era equality fighters, a visit Soweto to get a true picture of South Africa’s past and take a close look at the lives of the people who once lived there is a must see tourist attractions in South Africa.
Tour Soweto, including visiting nearby pubs to enjoy local beer, braai (barbecue) and experience the village atmosphere.
19. Sun City Resort
In 1979, Sun City Resort was built with a valley of waves. It is located on the border of the Pilanesberg National Park and is known for its casino entertainment, water theme park and safari adventures.
20. Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Located in the enchanting Golden Gate National Park in the heart of the Free State and at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains, it is the perfect place to explore South Africa and a must see tourist attractions in South Africa for yourself.
Drive from Stellenbosch to Franschoek and drive along the wine route and enjoy tasting wines and tickling your taste buds.
21. Visit Knysna Reserve Park
Last but not least in the list of a Knysna Reserve Park is a visit the beautiful city of Knysna and its surroundings, Oudtshoorn Ostrich Farms, Congo Caves, Plettenberg Bay and the Great Route National Park.
Knysna Reserve Park is the perfect place to interact with elephants. Visit Garden Route Mall for a wonderful shopping experience.