The 7 most breathtakingly gorgeous locations in South Africa: Rich in culture, wildlife, and unparalleled natural beauty in South Africa. It's easy to get to South Africa with daily flights operated by South African Airways from New York-JFK and Delta Airlines from Atlanta. The difficult part is figuring out what to do with your time there. Are you planning a safari? Follow in Nelson Mandela's footsteps during his centennial year? Enjoy some sunbathing on a Durban beach? Then there are the countless options to sip wine, discover canyons, or enjoy a sunset with penguins on the beach. Although South Africa is amazing all year round, this is the best time of year to go there.
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| The 7 most breathtakingly gorgeous locations in South Africa |
1. Climb Table Mountain to the summit of the globe
Table Mountain is regarded as a must-see for any visitor to Cape Town for a good reason. To put it simply, nowhere else on Earth is like it. The Table Mountain cableway is the most convenient way to access the mountain's recognizable flat summit, which dominates Cape Town. Climb to the top and take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the Cape Peninsula, which include the craggy gorges and crags and the sparkling blue ocean. Depending on the weather, you might be encircled by an equally stunning sheet of clouds cascading off the mountainside or by a crisp, clear sky. Once you reach the summit, select from one of three paths and enjoy the breathtaking views and vibrant array of flowers in bloom.
2. Visit Boulders Beach and socialize with the well-dressed locals of South Africa.
The stunning Boulders Beach is home to the endangered African penguins, who are always immaculately dressed thanks to conservation efforts that have kept the colony healthy and expanding. Foxy Beach offers a cozier view, and wheelchair-accessible boardwalks are a great place to watch the birds. Take a swim in the bay's crystal-clear waters, which are suitable for swimmers of all ages and skill levels and are naturally shielded from wind and waves. Climb on rocks and investigate rock pools. By private or public transportation, the journey is simple and reasonably priced if you begin in Cape Town.
3. Draw inspiration from Nelson Mandela both on and off Robben Island.
Even though South Africa is full of wonders, you will find that learning about Nelson Mandela, or Madiba as South Africans call him, will transform your life. Madiba was imprisoned for 27 years before the end of apartheid, 18 of which were spent on Robben Island. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is only a short ferry ride from Cape Town. The 100 historical locations and landmarks that impacted Nelson Mandela's life are included in the Madiba's Journey app. Users of the app can locate locations inspired by Nelson Mandela all over South Africa, from the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg to Cape Town and beyond.
4. Take a sip of the Cape Winelands
Add the two designated brandy trails to the 18 official wine routes in the Cape Winelands, and you have an additional 20 routes of luscious liquid beauty. With views and history to match the internationally recognized wines, South Africa has beautiful wine trails. Raise a glass (or two) of The Jem, the Waterford Estate's blend that combines up to 11 different varietals into one cohesive wine, when you visit. Visit Vergenoegd Wine Estate for their daily Wine in the Vine Tasting and Runner Duck Parade, which features over a thousand ducks, for a genuinely unforgettable wine experience. Wineries can be found in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Free State, so wine enthusiasts aren't just restricted to the Cape.
5. Take in the Blyde River Canyon Reserve's twenty miles of untamed beauty.
"The place of the rising sun" is the Zulu name for the province of Mpumalanga in South Africa. Mpulmalanga is well known for its diverse range of geological formations and pure natural beauty, which includes the world's third largest canyon, the Blyde River, which is a marvel of subtropical vegetation and a plethora of wildlife. Gorgeous views can be seen from the canyon's path as it drops half a mile to the riverbed. See the Bourke's Luck Potholes, where millions of years of flowing water have sculpted drama into stone, hike to God's Window, and join a group to go kloofing, or descending a ravine wall, while you're there. Adventure seekers can also partake in horseback riding, white-water rafting, or even hot-air balloon excursions, which provide breathtaking views of one of the world's greatest natural wonders.
6. In Durban, enjoy the beach, sun, and rabbit chow.
The third-largest city in South Africa is well-known for its beaches and the warm Indian Ocean. Admire the scenery from the Moses Mabhida Skycar, take in the artwork at the Phansi Museum, learn about the history at the Mahatma Gandhi Settlement, and don't forget to sample the bunny chow before you depart. Bunny Chow was created during apartheid, with its bread-as-bowl service, to feed people who were not allowed to eat in restaurants. Order by filling (mutton, prawn, chip, or cheese) and size (quarter or half), then get messy because bunny chow is eaten with the hands. When you're done, it's a short trip back to nature. Take a safari at the neighboring Phinda Private Game Reserve, zip line across the gorge at the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, or go birdwatching.
7. Take a historical tour of Soweto
Even though Soweto is only a short drive from Johannesburg, the township comes to life with its rich history, delicious cuisine, vibrant culture, and friendly South African people. Commence your stroll at Walter Sisulu Square, the site of the 1955 signing of South Africa's Freedom Charter, which influenced the nation's constitution. See the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, the site of the 1976 Soweto uprising. Stop for a bite on Vilakazi Street, the neighborhood where Nobel Peace Prize winners Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela once lived. See Seven Colours at the Soweto Theatre on the final Sunday of each month, when traditional food is prepared by local vendors and jazz music is played by DJs.