Top 8 tourist locations in South Africa

South Africa is a lovely and exciting country. It’s home to a wonderful combination of beaches, mountains, wildlife, and 2,500km of incredible coastlines. Famous for its gold and diamonds, and also for its love of sport, particularly rugby. If you have a chance to see the Springboks in motion, it will give you a true understanding of passion.

Like any nation with the size of South Africa, it can be tricky to fly to South Africa. Make sure you prepare your trip well to prevent any future problems. Here are the top 8 places to visit in South Africa tour packages.

1. Table Mountain

This flat-top mountain overlooking Cape Town is a huge tourist attraction for all tourists to South Africa, and when you’re here you’ll definitely want to get to the top. There are a few choices, you can take a cable car, or if you’re more of an adventurous sort, you can get to the top.

The climb is definitely worth it, as soon as you reach the summit, the views are amazing. Table Mountain is also home to rock hyrax (which looks like a combination of squirrel and mouse), porcupines, mongooses, snakes and tortoises, and some playful monkeys who are always searching for food.

2. Robben Island

Only one of the Top 10 places to visit in South Africa, Robben Island is 7km off the coast of South Africa, 3.3km long and 1.9km wide. The infamous prison in which Nelson Mandela was imprisoned as a political prisoner for 18 years (1964-1982) is situated on Robben Island.

The prison is a poignant and moving tourist attraction, and a tour of this place will allow you to see how the inmates were living. You’ll find a replica chair, pad, bowl, and blanket when you get to Nelson Mandela’s 7ft by 7ft cell.

3. Garden Route

The Garden Route is a very scenic stretch on the south-eastern coast of South Africa, beginning at Mossel Bay and ending at Storms River.

There are several great stops along the way, including two cities on this list – Knysna, and Oudtshoorn. The Garden Route has 10 different nature parks, home to dolphins, seals, and endangered Southern Right Whale.

Besides marine life, there are almost 300 species of beautiful multicolored birds living here. Seeing the area is possibly better to hire a car or the Baz Bus is a good budget choice.

4. Knysna

Knsyna is a quaint town in the center of the Garden Path that deserves special mention. It’s definitely worth stopping here because it’s the perfect place to have fun, relax and have some great food.

Knysna draws a lot of artists because of its lovely views and soothing atmosphere, giving the whole town a bohemian feel. Knysna Heads is an area that appeals to artists and water sports enthusiasts alike. Here you will find a lagoon suitable for a fun wave jumping pastime and also known for its beautiful sunsets.

5. Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa to be founded in 1679. The highlight of the town is the amazing wine route with 44 wineries.

A wide range of wines are produced in the region and although it is known as ‘Cabernet land,’ my personal favorite is Pinotage (but each of them is it is own!) As you drive from the cellar to the cellar, you will find the area very visitor-friendly.

Each cellar entrance is clearly marked and many cellars offer tours as well as great lunches in beautiful gardens or restaurants. You will, of course, have the opportunity to enjoy one or two bottles of locally made wine!

6. Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn might be an odd option, but I still think it’s worth stopping to fly to South Africa. If you ever dreamed of riding an ostrich, then Oudtshoorn is the place to visit.

It’s known as South Africa’s Ostrich Capital, and here you can actually ride one or only sample their eggs. Many hotels sell ostrich eggs for breakfast, and the eggs are naturally very large and rich in flavor. Meat-eaters may want to try the ostrich sausages and steaks that are also readily available.

7. Durban

Durban is the third-largest city in South Africa, but it is also the friendliest. Durban is renowned for its “Golden Mile,” a string of beaches full of surfers.

It’s a free shark zone, too, which is always a bonus. After a relaxing time at the beach, travel to Durban’s promenade, where you can find a range of hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops. Durban is a large Indian community, and the Victoria Indian Street Market is very popular.

Here you can see mosques, temples, exotic shops, and restaurants where you can sample some delicious Indian cuisine.

8. Kruger National Park

No travel to South Africa will be complete without a visit to Kruger National Park. And this position will be an addition to some of the top ten places in South Africa.

The Park is the oldest national park in Africa and was originally established in 1898. Kruger is located five hours north of Johannesburg, home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the famous “Big Five” (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino). You can hire a 4×4 to explore the park and choose to stay in a bungalow, a caravan, a chalet, a cottage, or a campsite. Personally, I have decided to go on a walk.