Three trips to South Africa and I still can’t get enough of this country. There’s something surreal about watching elephants walk past your morning coffee, spotting penguins on the beach, or sipping wine with Table Mountain looming above you.
Let me share the most beautiful places to visit in South Africa that keep drawing me back. From the wild expanses of Kruger where lions roam, to the stunning Garden Route where ocean cliffs stretch forever, these 12 spots show why South Africa is my favorite place in Africa. Every time I leave, I’m already planning my next trip.
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👉 My Favorite Tour in South Africa
#1 tip to save money on your trip to South Africa
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your South African adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Cape Town for just $350 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by eating at local takeaways and small restaurants where a filling meal costs 60-100 rand ($3-5). Visit markets like Neighbourgoods in Joburg for local food at good prices. Shop at supermarkets like Shoprite or Pick n Pay rather than tourist spots.
- Transport: Use the MyCiTi bus in Cape Town or Gautrain in Joburg – a trip costs 20-40 rand ($1-2). For intercity travel, companies like Intercape run comfortable buses between major cities. Using local transport saves hundreds of rand per trip.
South Africa can be quite affordable compared to Europe or the US, but tourist areas can be pricey. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore this diverse country for much less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in South Africa:
1. Cape Town
- 📍 Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
- 🏆 Best For: City explorers 🏙️, nature lovers 🏞️, culture seekers 🎨
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking the cable car up Table Mountain, exploring Bo-Kaap, visiting Robben Island
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for sunny beach days and outdoor activities ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Kloof Street Hotel – Chic boutique hotel with rooftop pool and Table Mountain views
Cape Town is one of those places that seems to have everything. You get a stunning natural backdrop with Table Mountain, a coastline that looks straight out of a travel magazine, and a city vibe that’s creative, diverse, and full of energy. It’s the kind of place where you can hike in the morning, hit a market by lunch, and chill on the beach by sunset.
One of the best spots to start your trip is the V&A Waterfront. It’s a mix of shopping, dining, and live music, all with ocean views. From there, you can head to Bo-Kaap, a neighborhood known for its colorful houses and Cape Malay heritage.
If you’re into outdoor adventures, Cape Town delivers big time. Whether it’s paragliding, surfing, or hiking Lion’s Head at sunrise, the city keeps you moving. It’s vibrant, scenic, and unforgettable from every angle.
- Read next: Top Cities for Digital Nomads
2. Kruger National Park
- 📍 Location: Northeastern South Africa, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces
- 🏆 Best For: Safari lovers 🐘, wildlife photographers 📷, adventurers 🚙
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting the Big Five, sunrise game drives, staying in bush lodges
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry season and better animal sightings 🐾
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mvuradona Safari Lodge – Riverside stay with guided safaris and bush views
Kruger National Park is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Spanning nearly 7,600 square miles, it offers a front-row seat to Africa’s wild side. The Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—roam freely here, and you can often spot them on a single day’s drive if you’re lucky.
What makes Kruger so special is its variety. You’ll see everything from open grasslands to dense bush and dry riverbeds. The landscapes are just as exciting as the animals. Whether you’re driving yourself or joining a guided tour, the park’s network of roads makes it accessible even for first-timers.
There’s a wide range of places to stay, from budget-friendly campsites to luxury lodges with plunge pools and stargazing decks. Kruger feels like the kind of place where every hour brings something new, whether it’s a lion sighting or just the quiet hum of nature around you.
3. Stellenbosch
- 📍 Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
- 🏆 Best For: Wine drinkers 🍷, architecture lovers 🏛️, slow travelers ☀️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Wine tasting at local estates, walking the oak-lined streets, exploring art galleries
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April for vineyard views and wine events 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: River Manor Boutique Hotel – Elegant guesthouse near Stellenbosch’s town center
Stellenbosch is where wine country charm meets South African heritage. Just an hour from Cape Town, it’s known for its world-class vineyards, Cape Dutch architecture, and mountain views that stretch for miles. The pace here is slower, but that’s what makes it so enjoyable.
The town center is filled with quaint cafés, art galleries, and historic buildings framed by oak trees. You can easily spend the afternoon strolling, sipping wine, and people-watching from a sunny terrace. Many of the local wineries also double as restaurants, so lunch often turns into a full-on wine-and-cheese experience.
If you’re into wine, Stellenbosch is paradise. But even if you’re not, the town’s beauty, laid-back vibe, and friendly atmosphere make it worth a visit. Whether you’re relaxing at a vineyard or browsing crafts at the local market, it’s one of those places that feels good to slow down in.
4. Knysna
- 📍 Location: Knysna, Western Cape (Garden Route)
- 🏆 Best For: Coastal explorers 🌊, nature lovers 🌿, relaxed travelers ☕
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cruising Knysna Lagoon, hiking in Featherbed Reserve, visiting Knysna Heads
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April for warm weather and calm waters 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Turbine Boutique Hotel – Stylish stay on Thesen Island with lagoon views
Knysna is one of the gems of South Africa’s Garden Route. With its calm lagoon, dramatic cliffs, and nearby forests, it’s perfect for travelers looking for nature, peace, and a little adventure. The Knysna Heads are a must-see, two towering rock formations guarding the entrance between the ocean and the lagoon.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
Take a boat cruise on the water to get a fresh view of the coast or explore Featherbed Nature Reserve for hiking trails and viewpoints that show off Knysna’s wild side. If you like to kayak, paddleboarding is a popular choice here too.
In town, you’ll find cozy cafés, seafood restaurants, and local shops lining the waterfront. Knysna’s vibe is calm and inviting, which makes it great for longer stays. Whether you’re exploring the forest or sipping a flat white by the lagoon, this town always delivers a great mix of chill and charm.
5. Namaqualand
- 📍 Location: Northern Cape Province
- 🏆 Best For: Flower chasers 🌼, road trippers 🚗, nature photographers 📷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing spring wildflowers, hiking among quiver trees, scenic driving through the region
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: August to September for peak wildflower bloom 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Namaqua Flower Camps – Seasonal tented camp with front-row flower views
Namaqualand is proof that even a desert can surprise you. For most of the year, this area in the Northern Cape looks dry and rugged. But come late winter and early spring, it explodes into color. Wildflowers stretch across the landscape, turning hills and valleys into a living rainbow.
The bloom is short-lived, so timing your trip is key. On sunny days between August and September, the flowers open wide, creating picture-perfect scenes everywhere you look. It’s a dream for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys being outdoors.
Aside from flowers, Namaqualand offers fascinating rock formations and unique plant life like the tall, spiky quiver tree. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as springboks and other small animals often appear among the blooms. Driving through this region feels like a treasure hunt where every bend in the road reveals something new and colorful.
6. Johannesburg
- 📍 Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng Province
- 🏆 Best For: Culture seekers 🎭, history lovers 📚, city explorers 🏙️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Apartheid Museum, exploring Maboneng Precinct, shopping in Sandton
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for mild temps and fewer crowds 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Catalyst Hotel – Stylish hotel near Rosebank with easy access to museums
Johannesburg is South Africa’s biggest city and a cultural powerhouse in every sense. It’s fast-paced and complex, with a deep history and creative edge that makes it feel real and alive. You’ll find museums, street art, live music, and markets all packed into this buzzing urban sprawl.
One of the city’s most important sites is the Apartheid Museum, where exhibits guide you through South Africa’s past in a way that’s both emotional and educational. For a different vibe, head to the Maboneng Precinct, a redeveloped neighborhood filled with galleries, pop-up shops, and rooftop cafés.
Even if you’re not into big cities, Joburg might surprise you. The locals are warm, the energy is contagious, and the food scene is top-notch. From fine dining in Sandton to street food in Soweto, there’s something for every taste. It’s a city that doesn’t sugarcoat its story, and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
7. Hermanus
- 📍 Location: Hermanus, Western Cape
- 🏆 Best For: Whale watchers 🐋, ocean lovers 🌊, wine enthusiasts 🍷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the Cliff Path, spotting whales from shore, wine tasting in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to November for whale migration season 🐳
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Marine Hermanus – Elegant seafront stay with panoramic ocean views
Hermanus is a small coastal town with a big reputation for whale watching. Between June and November, southern right whales swim incredibly close to shore, making it one of the best places in the world to see them without needing a boat. The Cliff Path is the go-to spot for this—just bring binoculars and some patience.
But Hermanus offers more than just marine life. The nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is home to some of South Africa’s top vineyards. You can sip Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while looking out at rolling hills and endless sky. It’s relaxed, scenic, and full of great wine and food.
Back in town, local restaurants serve fresh seafood and bakeries tempt you with handmade pastries. Whether you’re whale watching or just unwinding by the sea, Hermanus offers a peaceful and beautiful escape from the usual tourist circuit.
8. Blyde River Canyon
- 📍 Location: Mpumalanga Province, Eastern South Africa
- 🏆 Best For: Scenic drives 🚗, nature photographers 📷, hikers 🥾
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the Three Rondavels, exploring Bourke’s Luck Potholes, hiking the Panorama Route
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to September for clear skies and cooler weather 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Blyde Canyon, A Forever Resort – Family-friendly lodge with epic canyon views
Blyde River Canyon is one of the most underrated natural wonders in South Africa. It’s the third-largest canyon in the world and easily one of the greenest, with thick forests, waterfalls, and sheer cliffs that drop dramatically into the valley below. The Panorama Route runs along the rim, offering epic stops with names like God’s Window and the Three Rondavels.
This place is a dream for photographers and road trippers. Bourke’s Luck Potholes is a favorite stop, where swirling waters have carved out circular rock formations over centuries. It’s weird, beautiful, and very fun to explore. You can also find hiking trails nearby that lead to peaceful spots overlooking the canyon.
Here, whether you’re taking photos, hiking, or just standing still, it feels like you’re part of something ancient and wild. Blyde River Canyon is perfect if you want nature without crowds and drama without needing a drone.
9. Drakensberg
- 📍 Location: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces
- 🏆 Best For: Mountain hikers 🥾, nature lovers 🌄, peace seekers 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Amphitheatre trail, spotting San rock art, relaxing at mountain lodges
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May for cool temps and clear trails 🍃
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Montusi Mountain Lodge – Serene mountain retreat with hiking access and big views
The Drakensberg Mountains stretch across eastern South Africa and deliver some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the country. These towering peaks are dramatic, peaceful, and perfect for getting off-grid. Whether you’re here for hiking, wildlife, or simply unplugging, this region makes it easy to breathe and reset.
One of the most popular hikes is to the Amphitheatre, a massive rock wall that looks like a fortress rising from the earth. You’ll also find ancient San rock art hidden in caves along the trails, telling stories from thousands of years ago. That mix of nature and human history makes every step feel meaningful.
The Drakensberg is also home to waterfalls, clear streams, and grassy meadows that bloom with wildflowers in the right season. After a long day outside, cozying up in a mountain lodge with a view of the peaks is the kind of calm that sticks with you.
- Read next: Best Luxury Hotels in the World
10. Robben Island
- 📍 Location: Off the coast of Cape Town, Western Cape
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 📚, cultural travelers 🕊️, reflective explorers 🧠
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the prison with a guide, visiting Nelson Mandela’s cell, seeing penguins on the island
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to April for calm seas and clear views 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Queen Victoria Hotel – Elegant waterfront stay near the Robben Island ferry terminal
Robben Island is more than a historic site, it’s a place that tells the story of resilience and the human spirit. Just a short ferry ride from Cape Town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a prison for political figures, including Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 years confined here. Walking the grounds, especially with a guide who was once an inmate, gives you a firsthand perspective on South Africa’s past.
The tour takes you through the cell blocks and into Mandela’s actual cell. It’s simple and small, but standing in it carries a weight that’s hard to put into words. The ferry ride over also gives you views of Table Mountain and the city skyline, offering a quiet moment to take it all in.
However, Robben Island is not just about history. It’s also a sanctuary for seabirds and penguins, and the surrounding waters are full of marine life.
11. Durban
- 📍 Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, foodies 🍛, culture enthusiasts 🎶
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the Golden Mile, eating Bunny Chow, shopping at Victoria Street Market
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm, dry weather perfect for the beach 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Oyster Box – Iconic beachfront hotel with colonial style and Indian Ocean views
Durban feels like summer all year round. It sits right on the Indian Ocean, with warm water and golden beaches that make it a top destination for surfers, swimmers, and anyone chasing sun. The Golden Mile is the city’s crown jewel, a wide beachfront stretch perfect for morning jogs, bike rides, or just soaking in the vibe.
Beyond the beach, Durban’s culture is a mix of Zulu, Indian, and colonial influences. That fusion shows up in the food, especially in dishes like Bunny Chow, which is a loaf of bread filled with spicy curry. Markets like Victoria Street are packed with spices, fabrics, and street snacks.
Durban is also home to one of the largest Indian populations outside India, which gives it a unique feel compared to other cities. From beach days to temple visits, this city has its own rhythm.
12. The Garden Route
- 📍 Location: Stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River, Southern Coast
- 🏆 Best For: Road trippers 🚗, outdoor adventurers 🥾, scenic seekers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Tsitsikamma, relaxing in Knysna, bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April for sunny weather and full access to hiking trails 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Emily Moon River Lodge – Luxe riverside stay in Plettenberg Bay with nature views
The Garden Route is South Africa’s ultimate road trip. This coastal drive takes you through forests, beaches, and mountains, all within a few hours of each other. It’s packed with charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, plus tons of outdoor spots where you can hike, swim, or just admire the view.
Start in Mossel Bay for some history and a laid-back beach day, then make your way through Knysna to explore its lagoon and waterfront restaurants. Farther down the road, you’ll hit Tsitsikamma National Park, where hanging bridges, sea cliffs, and rainforest trails create a full-on nature playground.
The route has something for everyone. You can go bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge, explore caves in Oudtshoorn, or sip wine in coastal vineyards. The Garden Route is all about variety. It’s one of those rare places where the journey is just as memorable as the destinations along the way.
