Few places can offer the dramatic range of landscapes and terrain as that of South Africa
. This vast country has monumental mountain ranges, beautifully deserted sandy beaches, vibrant metropolises and is swiftly becoming one of the leading global travel destinations.
But with such a range of locations to explore, it can be hard to know where to begin. So here are a few must-see South African destinations.
Johannesburg
Jo’burg is South Africa’s largest city and often considered the heart of the nation. It was here that saw many of the most traumatic experiences of the apartheid era as can be witnessed in the excellent and thought-provoking Apartheid Museum
.
Interestingly, the museum complex is owned by the nearby Gold Reef Casino and Theme Park which showcases the flipside of South Africa’s success story with opulent gaming lounges and top-class accommodation. Be sure to visit Yebo Yes Casino for a quick table game practice before heading to the real casino!
Cape Town
And what Johannesburg offers in atmosphere and size, Cape Town
delivers in natural beauty. Dwarfed by the surrounding iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers a glorious example of cosmopolitan cultures and laid-back living.
The city is perfectly located to explore the surrounding beaches, but there are also some fantastic shopping opportunities on the V&A Waterfront
, as well as first-class seafood cuisine to sample.
Wildlife
The safari parks of South Africa are an institution in their own right. In particular, Kruger National Park
provides the opportunity to witness several of the big game animals including lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants.
And Hermanus
just south east of Cape Town has been recognised by the WWF
as being one of the top whale watching destinations in the world with southern right whales being frequently spotted between the months of June to November.
Beach activities
With over 2,000 km of beautiful coastline to explore, South Africa
is a beach bum’s paradise. From witnessing the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the iconic Cape Point, to experiencing the very best in surfing conditions at the chic beach town Muizenberg
, there’s no limit to the fun that can be had on South Africa’s beautiful beaches.
And special mention must be made to Boulder’s Beach near Cape Town that consists of a beautiful sandy beach, bizarre rock formations and its very own colony of African penguins to keep you entertained!