Where To Go In South Africa – Must-See Places in South Africa

The Urban Wonders of Cape Town

Nestled between Table Mountain and the crashing Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is a surreal, magical city on South Africa’s southwest coast. Here, you’ll find a global mix of people, food, and experiences that will be hard to find in any other city.
Grab a cable car up the world-famous Table Mountain – or hike one of the many trails to its summit – for panoramic views. Take a stroll through the colorful old streets of Bo-Kaap, known for its brightly painted houses and Cape Malay heritage. Hit one of the many beautiful beaches, or wander the V&A Waterfront harbor for a mix of shopping, good food, museums, and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Famous for its long struggle against apartheid, South Africa’s history is not to be ignored in Cape Town, and there’s tons of it on Robben Island. You can take a ferry to this former prison island and current World Heritage Site, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. But it’s not just history you can go seeking on Robben – here there be penguins! Check out our full guide on Cape Town for more you can do in the city.

Neverending Beaches and Marine Life

South Africa has all the bragging rights when it comes to its beautifully dramatic coastline with pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and a mind-blowing amount of marine life. While most folks think “safari” when they think of South African wildlife, the country’s marine life is as outstanding as its land animals. You can go whale watching in spots like Hermanus’ Walker Bay (whale season is July to November); drive the Cape Peninsula and count penguins on Boulders Beach; surf in the legendary waters of Jeffrey’s Bay; and kayak with dolphins in the Indian Ocean’s Plettenberg Bay.

Take the Scenic Route

Get yourself a pair of wheels and head out on the open road. Choose from any of South Africa’s famous “routes” for scenes of diverse landscapes and charming little towns. The Garden Route is perhaps the most popular, winding along the coast and showing off South Africa’s lush forests and idyllic-seeming towns like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Oudtshoorn. On the Panorama Route, canyons and waterfalls will take your breath away – the Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest green canyons in the world. Adventure seekers can trade their sedans for a 4×4 and head into Lesotho via the Sani Pass. It’s the “holy grail” of 4-wheel drives. Just be sure to book a guide!

Vineyard Wines and City Dines

With its position on the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is one big port, influenced by the many people and cultures of its history. This has given it a unique culinary scene, with a wide range of offerings, from high-end to down-home. You can sip award-winning wines in the historic Cape Winelands towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which are resplendent in lush vineyards perfect for a good roam.
Cape Malay cuisine is full of fragrant curries and local dishes like bobotie (a spiced minced meat dish) and koesisters (sweet dumplings). Join a traditional South African braai (barbecue) of boerewors (sausage), sosaties (kebabs), and more – if you can’t manage an invite from a local, hit up a township restaurant hosting braai experiences, or book a stay at a guesthouse or lodge that hosts them. Then there’s the city of Durban, where the food is heavily influenced by its Indian community.
With all the glorious beaches in South Africa, of course the fresh seafood is where it’s at. Get yourself a catch of the day from any of the seafood restaurants that hug the coast. And finally, make sure to visit local markets to sample the best street food and local crafts.

South Africa’s Safari Spots

Of course, even with all that coastline, we can’t not mention the ultimate of travel destinations: the South Africam safari. Some of the best places to track down African wildlife are here in South Africa. Kruger National Park is probably the most famous, and home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo). Madikwe Game Reserve is another top contender, and one big selling point is that it’s malaria-free. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is a historic reserve and a good place for spotting endangered black and white rhinos. Addo Elephant National Park is all about its elephants, though of course it is as diverse as any other. For luxury experiences, you can also book bespoke packages at private game reserves – but above all, it’s best to do your research and tour responsibly through ethical safari operators. We’ve written a whole guide on just how to safari in South Africa.