South Africa is one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is so special and unique that it’s often called The World in One Country.
Its varied cultures, intriguing wildlife, stunning scenery, and remarkable beaches make it a choice destination for travellers from around the world.
From city life to adventure, wildlife to culture, breathtaking scenery to sun-soaked coasts, discover South Africa with this list of the very best things to do and places to see.
The Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is one of Africa’s most visited destinations with more than 24 million visitors annually. Situated in South Africa’s oldest working harbour, the 123 hectares (300 acres) area has been developed for mixed-use, with both residential and commercial real estate.
The complex houses over 450 retail outlets, including fashion, homeware and knick-knacks, to jewellery, leather goods and audio-visual equipment. The V&A Waterfront is also still working on harbour fishing boats to bring in fresh fish, and larger container ships are towed in by tugboats.
Along with 22 heritage sites and tourism landmarks, the V&A Waterfront is also home to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) – the historic Grain Silo which is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.
Kids are not left out– from beautiful play areas and themed boat rides to fun-filled holiday programmes, this is one place kids will always have fun and adventure.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is a South African National Park and one of the largest game reserves in Africa where nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms fuse with historical and archaeological sites.
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks among the best in Africa. It covers an area of 19,623 km² in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa and extends 360 km from north to south and 65 km from east to west.
The park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. The park has nine main gates allowing entrance to the different camps.
The Apartheid Museum
There is no better way to explain South Africa’s history than a visit to the Apartheid Museum. It is the missing link to much of the Johannesburg experience.
The Apartheid Museum is a museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, illustrating apartheid and the 20th-century history of South Africa. The museum, part of the Gold Reef City complex, was opened in November 2001. At least five times a year, events are held at the museum to celebrate the end of apartheid and the start of multiracial democracy for the people of South Africa.
The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. This museum is architecturally interesting and packed with thoughtful, often brutal, reminders of South Africa’s history.
Maclear’s Beacon
Maclear’s Beacon is a triangulation station used in Maclear’s arc measurement for Earth’s circumference determination. The beacon is on top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. It is situated on the Eastern end of the plateau of the mountain.
It is 1,086 metres (3,563 ft) above sea level. The structure consists of man-made rock packed in a triangle form. The beacon is still used by cartographers today. It has become a tourist attraction and hiking trails over the mountain pass next to the beacon. It is also a National Monument.
Durban’s Beaches
Sand, Sun and Sea; they don’t call Durban “South Africa’s Playground” for nothing. It is South Africa’s very own seaside paradise, famous for its beaches and the warm Indian Ocean.
Durban’s beaches lie along a stretch of golden sand, known locally as the Golden Mile. From Blue Lagoon’s fishing spot to the sunken Vetch’s Pier, a host of flat, sandy beaches invite you to set down an umbrella and towel, and while away hours in the sun.
Durban’s beaches provide a vibrant atmosphere that pulses with energy. Warm and sunny most of the year, the beaches offer public amenities, protective shark nets, beacons to indicate safe bathing and lifeguards on duty for most of the day. Many of the beaches offer a variety of entertainment throughout the day.
Cape Winelands
The fertile valleys of Cape Winelands are a beautiful region, known for its exceptional award-winning wines, fascinating history, picturesque settings and exquisite foods.
Rolling vineyards and sleepy villages surrounded by majestic mountains are some of the lushest scenery in South Africa. Visitors can follow the Wine Routes of the Cape to visit the vineyards of the country’s finest winemakers, who’s Sherries, ports, brandies and intriguing whites and reds are world-famous for their delicate flavours and savoury palatability.
The Cape Winelands offers a range of adventure activities and conventional sports facilities including hiking, walking, rock climbing, golf, squash, tennis, indoor heated pools, horse riding and swimming.
