South Africa Sights: the 13 most beautiful places

My Top 5 Sights in South Africa

• Garden Route and Panorama Route

• Cape Town

• Kruger National Park

• Drakensberg

• Golden Gate Highland National Park

1st Garden Route

The Garden Route is a round trip of about 1,000 kilometres. It allows you to explore as much as possible in one trip. For most holidaymakers, the route follows the N2 from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, but the official Garden Route starts in Mossel Bay and leads to Plettenberg Bay.

The feeling of endless freedom along the Garden Route is something you will remember long after your road trip is over.

To start the Garden Route with its fantastic sights, it is best to rent a car. Public transport in South Africa is few and far between and unfortunately not recommended for visitors. The road network is very well developed and absolutely safe for two people. However, I would not recommend a road trip alone, especially as a woman.

On this route from Cape Town, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world awaits you with Chapman's Peak Drive. There are many other highlights and stops along the Garden Route, such as Boulders Beach in Simons Town and its funny penguins on the beach, the Addo Elephant Park or Jeffreys Bay, which is a popular hot spot for surfers.

However, due to the large number of sights, it is best to plan your route in advance and decide which things you definitely don't want to miss. Accommodation can be booked easily through various internet providers. A beautiful privately run eco-nature reserve is the Big Five Game Reserve Sibuya in Kenton-on-Sea, which is close to Port Elizabeth. Here you can stay in luxury tents in the middle of the bush. The roar of lions at night is included.

⭐ Recommended travel guides for South Africa

A trip to South Africa is exciting. I advise you to read up well and browse through one or two travel guides. Before any trip to a new country, I study the culture and rules in that country.

2 Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, second only to Johannesburg. Nestled under the majestic features of Table Mountain, Cape Town not only has top-notch restaurants and hotels, but also an incredible dynamic between culture and modernity. The Bo-Kaap tells the story of the immigrants from Malaysia and Indonesia who were brought to Cape Town as slaves.

With its colourful houses, the Bo-Kaap district is one of the most photographed sights in Cape Town.

Today, this district with its colourful houses is one of the top sights in Cape Town. If you want to take it easy and relax in nature, you can not only go on great walks along Table Mountain, Signal Hill or Lions Head, but also visit the incredibly beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. And for the wine lovers among you, there are a variety of small towns in the north of Cape Town, such as Stellenbosch, Paarl or Franschhoek , where excellent wines are grown. You can plan a few days there alone.

Cape Town has a magic all of its own. My tip: Be sure to spend Sunday afternoon on the beach in Camps Bay. Don't forget your drinks and blanket!

Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is located about 44 kilometres from Cape Town. In fact, the Cape of Good Hope is often confused with the southernmost point of the African continent. However, it is located at Cape Agulhas, which is about three hours away from Cape Town.

The Cape of Good Hope is a bit off the beaten track, but definitely worth a visit.

The Cape of Good Hope describes the most south-westerly point of South Africa and is one of the top sights. Once there, you first have to pay an entrance fee (about €17 per adult), as the Cape of Good Hope is part of Table Mountain National Park. There are other interesting things to explore there, such as the unique fynbos vegetation, where orchids, proteas (the national flower of South Africa) or the ericaceae, among others, can be found and make every botanist's heart beat faster.

However, many visitors come to the Cape of Good Hope to be able to take that famous photo in front of the wooden board. My secret tip is to have a sundowner drink on the rocks, because when the sun disappears into the sea, you experience a magical moment. The Cape of Good Hope is a bit out of the way of Cape Town, but definitely worth a visit.

4 Kruger National Park

You won't be disappointed here. If you want to experience South Africa's wildlife, Kruger National Park is a sight not to be missed. Kruger (not Kruger, as most people mistakenly think) lies in the north-east and is South Africa's largest game reserve, covering 2 million hectares. Its size roughly corresponds to the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

The famous national park, which we consider to be one of the most beautiful places in the world, is home to about 150 different mammal species, over 500 bird species and more than 30 different amphibian species. The entrance fee for adults is about 25 euros per person. You can drive through the Kruger with your own (rental) car or book a tour with a ranger in a safari car.

In the Kruger National Park, the probability of taking great animal pictures is high.

The roads in the Kruger are mainly tarred and some routes are only designed for cars with four-wheel drive. The Kruger also offers accommodation. As in most South African national parks (sanparks), there are different categories of accommodation to book. It is advisable to book them in advance.

In the low season (April to August), however, you may be more fortunate to be able to book accommodation on arrival.

The Big 5 are lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant.

Important: Kruger National Park is a malaria risk area. You can protect yourself against mosquito bites (and thus against malaria) with good anti-mosquito sprays and long clothing. Prophylaxis may also be advisable. Before your trip, you should consult a doctor who specialises in travel medicine.

5 Addo Elephant Park

The Addo Elephant Park is located about 1.5 hours from Port Elizabeth. Due to its proximity to Port Elizabeth, the visit can be easily combined as a sight along the Garden Route. As the name suggests, the main attraction here are the approximately 600 elephants. The park is also the third largest national park in South Africa. Addo Park is the only park that is home to not only the Big 5 but also the Big 7 (whale and shark), as it is connected to the ocean.

If you don't want to stay directly in the park (accommodation starts at 60 euros, entrance costs about 13 euros per person), you can also find good accommodation around the park and use Addo as a day trip.

There are several ways to visit the park. Either hire a guide to get into your car and drive yourself, or book a guided safari tour in one of the safari cars. As a third option, you can also go on a game drive on your own.

Each guest is given a map at the entrance and can decide on his or her own route. A camera with a good telephoto lens, binoculars and drinks should not be missing. Because there is only a small shopping possibility at the main entrance. There you will also find a petrol station to fill up your car. Depending on the season, opening hours may vary, so it's a good idea to find out about them when you enter the park.

The highlight of the Addo Elephant Park is definitely the herds of elephants, which have become accustomed to the crowds of visitors.

6 Durban

Durban is situated on the east coast in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, on the Indian Ocean and is the third largest city in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town. The sunny weather makes Durban a popular holiday destination, which is now still a bit of an insider tip for South Africa travellers.

Durban has a vibrant cultural mix to offer. The mixture of Indian, Zulu and colonial influences is reflected especially in the food, but also in the architecture. The city with its beautiful white beaches is very popular with surfers , but also for all other outdoor fans who like cycling, inline skating or just jogging along the promenade.

Durban hosts numerous top-class sporting events and concerts. Durban has everything to offer for a varied holiday. Whether mountain biking, quad biking, hiking, canoeing and other water sports such as diving and fishing: Theactive holidaymaker will not be disappointed here.

Away from the bustling city lies the Valley of a Thousand Hills, with its beautiful scenery. Another top sight worth seeing. There you can experience culture, landscape and people up close. Here you are close to the city, but still far away from the hustle and bustle. Besides the good weather, Durban also offers a wide range of accommodation, so you'll find something in every price range. Whether it's a five-star hotel or a cosy bed and breakfast.

7 St Lucia

In St Lucia, hippos are on the agenda. If you ever want to get up close and personal with these fat, uncomfortable vegetarians, you must travel to St Lucia. St Lucia is on the east coast, just below Mozambique, about 240 kilometres north of Durban and is actually a small, tranquil place.

It is also home to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It contains the world's highest sand dunes covered with vegetation. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. St Lucia has a humid subtropical climate and on some days you can actually feel like you are in the tropics. Here, as elsewhere in South Africa, you'll find a nice selection of places to stay for as little as 25 euros.

Hippos - an attraction, but also dangerous

Don't miss the boat trips on the St. Lucia Lagoon. You can get up close to the hippos and learn a lot about their habitat and behaviour. You are also guaranteed to see alligators of all sizes and colours.

In fact, there have been several incidents in the past where you could encounter hippos in the city and on the open road. But beware! As cute as these animals look, they are also dangerous. They are responsible for a considerable death toll every year. Some signs indicate that you may encounter a hippo even at night. Therefore, in St Lucia, it is recommended that you only drive at night.

In general, it is recommended not to drive at night in South Africa. Either, as in St. Lucia, because a hippo could cross the road and your car. But also because driving at night is not safe. In Africa, traffic tends to be chaotic. It can be dangerous at night, for example, if you are overlooked by another car. Drunk driving is also a danger at night.

Of course, there are also opportunities to go hiking or walking in signposted areas in St Lucia. A special experience is the Mfabeni Wilderness Reserve, where you walk through the swamp and coastal land under the guidance of an armed ranger.

8 Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg Mountains are certainly one of my personal highlights. They are the highest mountains in South Africa, up to 3,482 metres high and are the main components of the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Here, too, part of the mountain range has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and rightly so.

This unique mountain world, with its flora and fauna, numerous waterfalls and exotic birdlife, is a very special world. You can also admire San rock paintings there. According to some researchers, there are more than 600 of these rock paintings. Bergville is particularly beautiful. The town lies on the banks of the Tugela River and offers a breathtaking view of the Drakensberg peaks.

The Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was not designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for nothing. The view of the Drakensberg is particularly beautiful on a clear day.

The town of Winterton lies in the hills at the foot of Cathedral Peak and marks the entrance to the Champagne Valley. This is also where the three best hotels are situated. Champagne Valley is blessed with a very special and rare beauty. So beautiful, in fact, that the first climber wanted to celebrate the sight with a bottle of champagne, from where the valley got its name.

You should plan at least 5 to 7 days for the Drakensberg to really experience the beauty and unspoiltness of this nature to the fullest. As the Drakensberg borders Lesotho , a visit to the neighbouring country would certainly be advisable. The border is open and you don't need a visa.

My tip: A hot air balloon ride costs around 500 euros for two people. A balloon ride in South Africa is a highlight in your life that you will never forget.

9 Panorama Route

Next to the well-known Garden Route, the Panorama Route is the rather unknown sister, but should not be underestimated. This route is also one of the most beautiful and popular travel routes in South Africa. The route includes parts of the R 532, R 533 and R 36 and starts in the Drakensberg Mountains in the north-eastern part.

Here, where the inland plateau (highveld) drops steeply and abruptly, you are treated to fantastic views of the lower plains (the lowveld). One of the most spectacular stretches is the R532 from Graskop, as you pass through the Blyde River Canyon area. (More on this in the next section).

The Greater Panorama Route is between Lydenburg, Ohrigstad and Hazyview. These are the towns where you will find most accommodation. All towns are also suitable as a starting point for visiting the Kruger National Park.

My tip for the best time to travel: South Africa's winter season, as these months are the driest and the views the best. For us, this means the months of June, July and August. Of course, it can be quite cold at these altitudes in winter, but you will still be rewarded with breathtaking views. And it's all the nicer when you can stop off at a warm accommodation with a burning fireplace in the evening.

10 Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon is a part and also the core of the Panorama Route and also one of my very special highlights. The canyon is one of South Africa's greatest natural wonders. The Blyde Rive Canyon consists of red sandstone, is mostly overgrown, 26 kilometres long and up to 800 metres deep. The canyon begins just 3 kilometres north of Graskop, where a detour to God's Window is worthwhile.

As the name suggests, this view from God's Window provides a breathtaking view of the area 700 metres below (the Lowveld). Other attractions in the canyon are Bourke's Luck Potholes. Here there is a visitor centre with adjacent car park. A circular trail gives different views of the striking 'potholes', the cauldrons and swirl holes cut into the rock.

A different kind of natural spectacle: Bourke's Luck Potholes as part of the Blyde River Canyon.

A few kilometres north is the Lowveld Viewpoint with the famous Three Rondavels (Three Sisters). These three huge spirals of dolomite rock rise from the back wall of the Blyde River Canyon. The curved, green-covered peaks and brown-orange sides, are a very special feature of the Blyde River panorama. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world. The view of the rondavels is one of the most spectacular views.

Doesn't it look awesome? The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world. The view of the Rondavels is one of the most spectacular views.

11 Lisbon Falls

A few kilometres north of Graskop on the R532, also part of the Panorama Route, are Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls. At 92 metres, Lisbon Falls is the highest waterfall on the Panorama Route and, for me, also the most beautiful. European gold miners from Europe named the two waterfalls after their home towns of Lisbon and Berlin.

The Lisbon River flows over a plateau and has formed small pools there. If you like, you can even swim in the ice-cold water above the falls. If you continue to follow the road north, you will reach the Berlin Falls after about 2 kilometres. This is another sight not to be missed.

The sight is spectacular. The water first has to force its way through a very narrow crevice in the rock through the plateau, damming up a small, narrow pool. Only then does it drop like a curtain, 45 metres down into the large pool. The best time to visit is around when the waterfalls are full after a good rainy season. This can be particularly impressive between October and March.

In the evening light, the falls are a breathtaking photo motif, as the setting sun cloaks everything in a golden glow. If you plan to photograph the falls in the setting sun, then accommodation nearby is the best option.

The Lisbon Falls are the highest waterfalls on the Panorama Route.

By the way, South Africa also has the Waterfalls Route. It is also called the Road of the Falls and is about 100 kilometres long. It goes along the Randstufe in the Eastern Transvaal. The road is called R 532, and you pass Bridal Veil Falls, Lone Creek Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Sabie Falls and the spectacular Mac-Mac Falls. The latter is a two-part waterfall. This probably happened due to a blast caused by a gold miner. Then you pass Forest Falls, Maria Shieres Falls and finally Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls.

12 Golden Gate Highland National Park

The Golden Gate Highland National Park is part of the South African National Parks Association and is situated on the south-eastern border with Lesotho. The entrance to the park is at Clarens, a small artists' village where you should definitely stop. Allow plenty of time for this. There are not many animals to be seen in the Golden Gate Park, as there are in Kruger Park. However, the park's beauty is absolutely stunning.

A green-brown, golden mountain landscape awaits you here, with picturesque, whimsical rocky landscapes jutting out of it. Some of the panoramas you find there look as if they were painted, almost unreal, and leave the viewer in awe. Dinosaur skeletons and eggs have even been found here.

I recommend you stay overnight in the park. There is a small town-like facility here, including a petrol station, restaurant and hotel. But camping is also possible. Especially nice are the log cabins you can book high up in the plateau. They are comfortably furnished and you can spend hours on the terrace enjoying the view over a braai (the South African term for a barbecue).

The Golden Gate Highland National Park offers kilometre after kilometre of endless views.

13 Karoo

The Karoo describes a special vegetation of semi-desert landscape in the highlands. With an area of approximately 500,000 square kilometres, the Karoo covers 30 percent of South Africa's total land area. Simply put, the Karoo is a kind of wondrous desert.

When you turn off the N2 onto the N10 towards Cradock, the road takes you directly into a very special environment. Very different from the landscape along the Garden Route. Here, everything looks much drier and you can see kilometres into the interior.

Only the typical windmills accompany you on the long stretch into nowhere. Outdtshoorn is a town in the Klein Karoo that has become particularly famous for its caves . The Cango Caves are a cave system consisting of three sections, with a total length of over four kilometres. It is considered one of the most beautiful dripstone caves in the world.

There are two different tours that you should book in advance. They cost between 8 and 12 euros. If you choose the Adventure Tour, wear sports clothes and prepare for a claustrophobic and scary adventure.

The Karoo is known for its rugged vegetation. Visitors to the Karoo are transported to another world

South Africa - the land of superlatives

Fantastic beaches, untouched nature, colourful vibrant cities that invite every explorer on a very special journey. The guaranteed sunshine and the warm-hearted inhabitants make it easy to quickly fall in love with the country and its people. Both culture lovers and safari adventurers get their money's worth here.

Whether it's a road trip along the Garden Route with its beautiful coastal stretches, the experience of the imposing mountains of the Drakensberg or the diversity of wildlife in the Kruger National Park. It's clear: South Africa leaves its mark on the heart.

South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Sights are so widespread that it may be difficult to decide. Cape Town , as a world metropolis, not only has Table Mountain to offer, but not far away are the Cape Winelands with their award-winning wines.

South Africa and its wildlife will enchant you

Penguins bathing in the sun on the beach are certainly only one of many highlights you should not miss. If you want to experience the magic of the bush, there is a wide choice of national parks, such as the Addo Elephant Park or privately managed nature reserves.

South Africa has almost everything to offer in terms of sightseeing, and at surprisingly reasonable prices. With the South African Rand as currency, adventure holidays become affordable even for a small purse. 1 South African Rand is worth as much as 0.055 Euro.

The best time to travel is between September and April. This is the perfect way to escape the German autumn and winter weather. What is worthwhile and what you should not miss, I will now show you on this little tour through one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

In Kruger National Park you can discover beautiful roads on safari.

I hope you enjoyed my road trip through South Africa. You can stop at every corner and admire the incredibly beautiful landscape, vegetation and wildlife. South Africa offers some amazing sights that will enchant you.

Debby

Hi, my name is Debby and my wanderlust has taken me to some very special places, like the Amazon in South America or Mount Everest in Tibet. Today, I live in my adopted country of South Africa, where I explore the best spots away from mass tourism.