South Africa is a land of striking contrasts—from rugged mountain peaks and pristine beaches to vast deserts and sweeping plains. This diverse country is home to some of the continent’s most renowned safari parks, a vibrant mix of cultures, and awe-inspiring natural scenery.
With so many unique places to explore, you can watch wildlife roam freely one day and unwind at a world-class vineyard the next. These seven destinations highlight the extraordinary variety that makes South Africa such a captivating travel experience.
Kruger National Park
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of South Africa, Kruger National Park is the largest and best-known game reserve in the country. The park is considered one of the best on the continent, offering a truly magnificent safari experience. Kruger has an incredible range of African wildlife. You’ll have a chance to see all members of the big 5, as well as countless other native animals, living in harmony with their natural surroundings.
Cape Winelands
Strung along a belt of strikingly scenic mountains just east of Cape Town, the Cape Winelands are where much of South Africa’s famous wine starts its life. Here is where you’ll find some of the oldest settlements in the country, with historic towns set to the backdrop of the Cape Fold mountains. The area is home to a tangle of lush valleys, brushed with rolling vineyards and striking natural scenery.
Cape Town
Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most popular attractions in South Africa. This sprawling coastal city dazzles visitors with its spectacular natural beauty, vibrant blend of cultures, great food, and modern-city-delights. It’s undeniably gorgeous. Set on a jagged peninsula, the city is practically surrounded by a stunning coastline, where the ocean meets the mountains. in.
The Drakensberg
Forming a rugged, natural border between KwaZulu Natal Province and the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Drakensberg mountain range flaunts some of South Africa’s most dramatic natural beauty. The enormous range is home to otherworldly vistas. Amongst the epic peaks, vast plateaus, and sweeping slopes you’ll find a myriad of undisturbed natural treasures. Popular hiking routes take visitors past fresh mountain streams, natural rock pools, dense forests, and monumental waterfalls.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is less of a destination and more of a journey. But a trip to South Africa wouldn’t be complete without experiencing it. This stunning stretch of coastal road spans 190 miles along the southern coast, passing through some of the most amazing places in South Africa. The route meanders through a gradually morphing landscape of mountains, forests, river valleys, epic coastal cliffs, and stunning beaches.
Addo Elephant Park
If you want to see Elephants, Addo is the place to go. Dirt roads wind their way through a vast, rolling landscape, amid sparse shrub-like vegetation and a plethora of free-roaming African wildlife – Addo Elephant Park is magnificent. Witness some of the continent’s most beloved wild animals, including rhinoceros, lion, leopard, buffalo, and of course, the lumbering African elephant.
The Transkei
For those seeking a laidback nirvana, far removed from the bustle of civilization, look no further than the Transkei. The coastal portion of the area, often referred to as the Wild Coast, is one of the most beautiful places in South Africa. It’s a popular route amongst backpackers, for its mellow atmosphere, cultural immersion, and undisturbed natural landscapes. There are endless rolling hills, lazy rivers, and desolate sandy beaches stretching into the distance.
The Karoo
With borders that are somewhat undefined, the Karoo is an expansive semi-desert region that occupies much of South Africa’s core. Wide-open vistas extend as far as the eye can see, with flat-topped mountains scattered under a star-filled sky. Development here is minimal, making for a delightfully immersive experience of nature. But the quirky towns and villages sprinkled throughout make for fascinating cultural and historical stops during your travels.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park (KwaZulu-Natal)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of South Africa’s most underrated natural treasures. Stretching along the northeast coast, iSimangaliso packs in an astonishing range of landscapes—from coral reefs and coastal dunes to freshwater lakes and savannas. You can go snorkeling with tropical fish in Sodwana Bay, then take a boat cruise through St. Lucia to spot hippos and crocs in their natural habitat. It’s also home to rare species like the samango monkey and leatherback turtle.
Blyde River Canyon (Mpumalanga)
Often overshadowed by Kruger just to the east, Blyde River Canyon is an absolute stunner in its own right. It’s one of the largest green canyons in the world, carved over millennia by the Blyde River through lush subtropical vegetation. You’ll find jaw-dropping viewpoints like God’s Window, Three Rondavels, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes—all perfect for photos that actually do the place justice.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.