South Africa Travel Guide

Traveling truly is something worth everyone’s while. And as we travel, it’s important that we see every best part of the place. Otherwise, it won’t be worth all the time and pennies spent. South Africa is one of the best places to be if you want a vacation. Not only is it a famous place but the views are definitely worth the long travel. The classic African scenery is definitely one to remember. The safaris, the beautiful creatures, and just simply everything about South Africa is wondrous. Not only that, but it’s home to one of the most luxurious private game reserves and lodges. So if you’re in South Africa, you better make sure to see only the best and most amazing places so you get the full-on African experience. See everything from the beautiful views, the amazing wildlife, and the coolest lodges. To make sure you make the most of your South Africa visit, here are the places you should never miss. 

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is known to be one of the best game reserves in Africa. It is also known to be one of the oldest. From Johannesburg, you can reach the park by a 3.5- to 4.5-hour drive. The Kruer National Park allows you to see the most sought-after animals which are lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos. Aside from the wildlife here, Kruger National Park also lets you see the San (bushman) rock paintings and different archaeological sites. If you’re on a tight budget or you have plenty in your pocket, the park caters to all. They have simple and basic campsites which are budget-friendly and on the other hand, they also have a luxurious cabin, perfect for those with a lot to spend. 

Cape Town 

You’ve probably heard about Cape Town once or twice because it’s definitely a famous place to come by. It is known to be one of the most breathtaking cities in South Africa. The unique bit about this is that while it is a city, it is surrounded by mostly nature. Definitely not something you see every day. In Cape Town, there are many things to do but the most famous one is to visit Table Mountain. Table Mountain is the peak presiding over the city giving you an overview of the city’s classic beauty. You can either hike to the summit or glide on the cableway. You can also like another mountain called Lion’s head which also gives a spectacular panoramic view of the city.  

The Garden Route 

The Garden Route, which stretches for around 200 kilometers along South Africa's southeast coast, passes through some of the country's most beautiful coastline landscapes. From Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape, the route follows the Indian Ocean.

This well-traveled road runs through rolling green hills, charming seaside towns, lagoons, lakes, and cliffs. The charming town of Knysna, nestled between dense forests and a sparkling lagoon; the beautiful Garden Route National Park, with its gorges, tidal pools, and thick forests; Oudtshoorn's ostrich farms and Cango Caves; and the Robberg Nature Reserve's seal colony in Plettenberg Bay are all highlights of the Garden Route.

Cape Winelands

If you're a wine connoisseur, the Cape Winelands in South Africa will be just up your alley. It's one of the most scenic wine-producing regions in the world, with rolling vineyards and spectacular mountain vistas from almost any place. A good thing about it It's that it’s only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town. Right after your visit to Cape Town, getting straight there won’t be a hassle. 

The particular region you choose is entirely up to you, although two of the most popular are Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Hundreds of wine estates provide everything from wine and cheese to biltong platters (South Africa's famed dried meat), as well as outdoor picnics with a bottle of estate wine surrounded by rows upon rows of vineyards. After a fantastic day drinking wine, travel further afield to villages like Montagu to relax in the hot springs.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park began as a modest elephant refuge in the 1930s to protect just 11 reddish-colored Addo elephants. It has since grown to become one of South Africa's largest national parks – and probably the greatest place to see these gentle giants. As the park has grown and developed over the years, it now contains five distinct areas, each with its own distinct features.

The main game reserve is in the Colchester portion. Exhilarating self-drives or camp-run game drives are available to see the park's large populations of elephants, zebras, and antelopes. The Darlington part features a dam that attracts a variety of species, whilst the Kabouga section is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles. If you'd rather go exploring,

The Drakensberg

The beautiful Drakensberg, which translates to "Dragon Mountains," is a favorite vacation destination for South Africans and one of the best places to visit in KwaZulu-Natal. With having the highest peaks in the country, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a place of jaw-dropping grandeur with jagged basalt buttresses and San rock art, and Royal Natal National Park, home to the awe-inspiring Amphitheatre, a stunning cliff face, and source of South Africa's main rivers, are also part of the region. Large herds of eland are protected in the region's Giant's Castle Game Reserve. In the sheltered valleys, dense forests thrive, and the area is home to over 800 different varieties of flowering plants, as well as a diverse range of fauna.

These are some of the places that make South Africa a top destination to visit. If you’re in South Africa, don’t forget to list these places and head over them to know what really is South Africa all about. Make your stay worthwhile and make sure that when you get home you know your visit was one for the books in South Africa. Finally, let your friends know if ever they plan to go to South Africa too.