List of the Best Places to Visit in South Africa
So now you want to visit South Africa, or perhaps you are a native looking for one the most beautiful places to visit in South Africa. Then this article is for you.
- Consider your budget – Consider what your budget can afford and plan accordingly. Look for deals and discounts and consider alternate ways to save money such as using public transport, cooking meals at home, and staying in hostels or Airbnb’s.
- Consider your preferences – Think about what type of holiday you want. Do you want to relax on a beach or explore a new city? Do you want to spend time outdoors or indoors? Do you want an adventure holiday or a laid-back cultural experience?
- Think about the activities – Look for activities in the area you plan to visit. Are there cultural experiences or attractions that you would like to experience? Are there outdoor activities that you are interested in?
- Research your destination – Research your destination thoroughly. Check the weather conditions and what type of clothing you should pack.
- Choose the perfect accommodation – Look for the perfect accommodation for your stay. Consider the amenities, safety features, and proximity to attractions.
What Is the Most Beautiful Part of South Africa?
Now you’ve asked a question! We choose the majestic Table Mountain in the Western Cape and the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains in the Eastern Cape as one of South Africa’s most stunning landscapes. Notwithstanding, SA is home to some of the oldest national parks in Africa and protected wildlife reserves, making it a paradise for nature-lovers.
Second on the list is The Garden Route along the southern coast of South Africa , featuring unspoiled beaches, forests, lagoons and some of the most spectacular mountain views.
List of the Best Places to Visit in South Africa
- Cape Town: Known for its natural beauty, including Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.
- Kruger National Park: One of the largest game reserves in Africa and home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo).
- The Garden Route: A scenic coastal drive that takes you through picturesque towns, forests, and beaches.
- Johannesburg: The largest city in South Africa, known for its history and cultural heritage, including the Apartheid Museum and the Cradle of Humankind.
- Durban: A coastal city known for its beaches, cultural heritage, and Indian cuisine.
- The Winelands: The Western Cape region is home to many world-renowned wineries, and the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are popular tourist destinations.
- The Drakensberg Mountains: This mountain range in the eastern part of the country offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing and fly-fishing.
- The Wild Coast: Located in the Eastern Cape, it’s an unspoiled coastline with beautiful beaches and traditional Xhosa villages.
- Soweto: A historic neighborhood located in Johannesburg, known for its role in the struggle against apartheid and for its vibrant culture and lively street life.
- The Blyde River Canyon: The third largest canyon in the world is located in Mpumalanga, known for its spectacular views and hiking trails.
What Part of South Africa Should I Visit?
The answer to this question will depend on your interests and reasons for visiting South Africa. Below is a guide;
For a safari experience, Kruger National Park is a must-see with its Big 5 capital.
For a city experience, Cape Town is the most awarded city in Africa with its iconic landmark, Table Mountain.
For food and wine experiences, then the Cape Winelands is the place to be, with its culinary heart.
For outdoor activities, The Garden Route is great for outdoor activities, like whale watching and exploring the picturesque towns.
For an adventurous family vacation, the Eastern Cape is the perfect spot, with malaria-free reserves and plenty of family-friendly activities.
What Is the Most Visited Place in South Africa?
The Kruger National Park is the most visited place in South Africa. It is located in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and is one of the country’s largest game reserves. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, rhinoceros, elephant, cape buffalo, and leopard). It also boasts the highest population of giraffes in South Africa, as well as a wide variety of antelope, birds, and reptiles. In addition to being home to a diverse range of wildlife, Kruger is also a popular destination for photography and sightseeing. The park is open year-round, and boasts a number of different accommodation options for visitors, including safari lodges, camping sites, and chalets.
Is It Better to Fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town?
Whether to fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town depends on a few things. If you are looking for a city to stay in while in South Africa, Johannesburg is the option. This is because Jburg offers more when it comes to game reserves and inner city entertainment. However, Cape Town is a better choice if you’re looking to explore more of the country, as it offers a great mix of culture, nature, and outdoor activities. But for flight convenience and all, Johannesburg is the option to choose.
What Is the Best Month to Go to Cape Town?
The best month to visit Cape Town is between March and May and from September to November as these shoulder seasons offer enviable weather, fewer crowds, and great prices. Visiting Cape Town in June, July, and August can be a bit risky due to the coldest and rainiest months of the year, but depending on the year, you could be in for a great experience. The busiest time to visit Cape Town is the festive period from mid-December to mid-January, which coincides with the long, hot summer and peak tourist season, but be prepared to face crowds and higher prices.
What Month Is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September, when the weather is dry and wildlife is easier to spot due to the reduced vegetation [1]. This also coincides with the shoulder seasons of fall and spring, when mild weather is present and the prices are lower. However, the high season months (November to March) can also be a great time to visit, as there are many festivals and wildlife watching opportunities. Additionally, the low season (June to August) is generally not recommended, as the weather is dry and cold.
How Many Days Are Enough for South Africa?
So the question is how long should a vacation last? The three primary determining factors are your individual needs, goals, and budget. Generally, it is recommended to take at least a few days or even a week or two. A longer vacation could mean a two-week trip to an exotic destination, a month-long road trip, or a year-long sabbatical.
Is South Africa Cheap for Tourists?
South Africa is a beautiful and affordable destination. Here is a breakdown
Accommodation costs in Cape Town average ZAR 3000 (£146/$166/€170) per night.
Food, Transport, and activities add up to a total of £951/$1079/€1103 per person.
Travelers often assume South Africa is expensive, but once you arrive, it tends to be very affordable. It doesn’t cost a lot of money to travel around South Africa. Except for adventure sports and tours, everything is relatively cheap.
For example, Table Mountain is a steep climb that takes around two hours to reach the summit. Once you’re at the summit, you can take the cable car back down. A one-way ticket is 210 ZAR for adults or 320-390 ZAR for round-trip tickets.
The Cango Caves are located in the Swartberg Mountains in the Western Cape Province and are 20 million years old. You can see the exquisite stalagmite formations during the subterranean tours and the standard tour costs 150 ZAR, while a more adventurous (and longer) tour is 220 ZAR. All in all, South Africa is a great place to visit, with a lot of activities to do and sights to see, without costing a fortune.
What Is the Cheapest Time of Year to Go to South Africa?
The absolute cheapest time to visit South Africa is usually late January, as it falls within the winter months and is considered to be the low season. Prices for flights from the United States to South Africa are cheapest in February
Is South Africa Cheaper than UK?
Yes, South Africa is cheaper than the United Kingdom in terms of cost of living. Basic meals with drinks in an inexpensive restaurant are 81.7% cheaper in South Africa than in the UK, while groceries are 30.3% cheaper. Additionally, transportation costs are 71.7% cheaper in South Africa. In general, the average cost of living in South Africa is 53% less expensive than in the United Kingdom. However, health care in South Africa is underfunded when compared to the UK.
How Much Do You Need for 2 Weeks in South Africa?
Based on a 10-night trip to Cape Town, the Kruger and Johannesburg for a single person costs 5730 ZAR (£280/$317/€324), which works out at £28.00/$31.70/€32.40 per night. On average, a person should budget R1,320 per day when travelling to South Africa. This means that if two people are travelling together, they should budget R2,640 per day for one week. Transportation costs in South Africa are R230 per person, per day, while food costs R305 per day and entertainment costs R252 per person, per day. Tips and Handouts in South Africa cost R39 per day, and the average person spends about R151 on alcoholic beverages in South Africa per day. A reasonable budget for two for a week in South Africa is around ZAR 17,510.
What Is the Coldest Month in South Africa?
The coldest month in South Africa is July.
What Is the Hottest Month in SA?
The hottest month in South Africa is January.
What Is The Rainy Season in South Africa?
In the eastern coastal regions and the northeastern parts of the country, the rainy season typically falls between October and April. In the Western Cape and the southern parts of the country, the rainy season typically falls between May and September.
Why Is It So Cold in Cape Town?
Cape Town is located in the Western Cape province of South Africa, which is known for its Mediterranean climate. Cape Town is also located in the winter rainfall area of South Africa, which means that it experiences the majority of its rainfall during the winter months, when temperatures are generally lower.
