10 most charming tourist attractions in South Africa

If it is a single word to widely depict South Africa at a glance that is diversity. Stretching from the hippos in the Limpopo River to the penguins waddling on the Cape (which thrives thanks to the cold Antarctic currents on the west coast near the Cape), South Africa is surely outranking many countries on diversity. It is a place of endless exploration, vibrant, filled with culture and zest.

Famous for its natural, raw beauty, wildlife and sunshine, South Africa shelters a rich variety of animals, birds and plant-life, a wide cultural and human diversity, game reserves and highly regarded local wines, making the country an exquisite travel destination.

There’s the deserted Kalahari, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers, iconic Table Mountain and Cape Point, Kruger National Park’s wildlife-stalked savannah (scene of the famous lion-buffalo-crocodile battle watched more than 75 million times on YouTube) and, running through the east of the country and into Lesotho, the Drakensberg. KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park alone has five distinct ecosystems, attracting both zebras and dolphins.

The world is divided into six floral kingdoms. All these kingdoms encompass several countries, and in some cases, several continents. South Africa, which has a floral kingdom wholly contained within the country, is the one exception. The Cape Floral Kingdom has 9,600 plant species, 70% of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
Approximately 900 bird species are found in South Africa alone, which represents 10% of the worlds total bird species.

We present some of the most inspiring and fascinating South Africa tourist destinations.

Cape Town

Surrounded by majestic Table Mountain, Cape Town ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. The harmonious mix of architectural styles unveils the past memories subtly blended with nowadays’ modernism. Edwardian and Victorian buildings, so well preserved, are peeping amid high-rise buildings. Narrow, cobble stone streets and the strongly Islamic ambiance of the Bo-Kaap enhance the cosmopolitan style of the city.

Garden Route

Also known as South Africa’s Eden, the famous Garden Route crosses a unique harming area, mostly represented by natural beauty, luring adventure-seekers and outdoor enthousiasts. The Garden Route is corridor on the western coast of the country, where ancient forests, rivers, wetlands, dunes, stretches of beach, lakes, mountain scenery and indigenous fynbos merge to build a landscape of restorative beauty. Garden Route is one if the most impressive South African tourist atrractions.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the economic powerhouse of Africa. The “City of Gold” attracts visitors with its shopping endless opportunities, entertainment, freedom tours and dining out. The focus in Johannesburg is on making money, that’s why it’s not wonder it has developed as the country’s ‘financial capital’. Whether in business or in the street, making money concept has been the motto here since the city’s beginnings when the world’s richest gold fields were discovered during the 1880s.

Robben Island

The island’s most famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela, has turned this institute of brutality into a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over enormous hardship. Robben Island Museum goes way beyond telling the prison’s story, it is a true symbol not only for South African society, but for the entire world. Beyond its emotional story stretching back to the mid-1600s, the island is a symbol of justice, human rights and self-sacrifice.

Kruger National Park

Here you can enjoy the real savannah and the hardness of the natural life of South Africa, the African lion, cheetah, deer, antelope, hyena included. As a matter of fact, Kruger National Park supports the greatest variety of wildlife species on the African continent.
Soweto

Although only a few dozen kilometers from Johannesburg city center, Soweto locals are living a simple life, away from the glamour and luxury. In one sentence, here you can experience the life of South African natives.

Credit photo: https://bigcatfacts.net/cheetah/.

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Most famous for the stunning view of the Blyde River, the Canyon makes it ideal for scenic drives and hiking trails. The 29,000-hectare Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve, with nearly 2,500 meters of red sandstone, is one of South Africa’s most remarkable geological features, being the third largest canyon on Earth. It is located below the confluence of the Blyde (joy) and Treur (sorrow) rivers. This famous Mpumalanga nature reserve stretches for 60 km from north of the little town of Graskop up to the Abel Erasmus pass.

The Wild Coast

The Wild Coast in South Africa stretches along the Eastern Cape province’s coastline. As its name suggests, this strip of coastline reaching from the Mtamvuna River in the North to the Great Kei River in the South, is an untamed wilderness. It offers incredible views of the dramatic coastline, jagged cliffs, sheltered bays, wild beaches and rolling hills and valleys.

The Winelands

You can discover the joys of South Africa’s award-winning wines and cuisine along any of the beautiful Cape wine routes, taking you through green valleys and historic towns. Thanks to its dry, mountainous climate, the area is home to more than 300 vineyards and is one of the World’s largest wine producers. South African Winelands travel attracts oenophiles with vintages that range from Sauvignon blanc to its famed red Pinotage. Unsurprisingly, the region is a hotbed of first-class restaurants as well. As a matter of fact, South Africa has the oldest wine industry outside of Europe and the Mediterranean, featuring Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cinsault, Riesling, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage varietals.

Durban beachfront

Durban is South Africa’s most popular domestic tourist attractions for holidays. The calm waves and the clear water make the beaches in Durban a favorite tourist spot in the country. The Indian and colonial influences in this South African beach city can’t be missed, and the blend of cultures and architecture makes Durban unique in South Africa. Durban’s Golden Mile is a destination for surfers, families and fisherman, due to its blend of natural beauty and modern resort.