20 Incredible Experiences of the Sights and Sounds of South Africa

South Africa ranks among the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Settled at the tip of the African continent, there is so much on offer for everyone. The attractions of South Africa include 3000km of beautiful coastline, rugged mountains, parched desert, bountiful forests with thriving wildlife, daredevil adventure sports, rich culture, inspiring history, delightful dining, shopping, and, so much more. Vacations in South Africa are worth cherishing for a lifetime, be it with family, your loved one, or friends, you are in for the best time of your life.

From the myriad of excitements, here are the 20 incredible experiences of the sights and sounds of South Africa.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

The magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens has the reputation of being one of the great botanic gardens of the world. It is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in South Africa. Unmatched in its beauty, the lush garden is settled against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.

The 36-acre gardens lie within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are home to a fragrance garden, a medicinal garden, with over 7000 species of plants along with a variety of animals and birds.

Cape of Good Hope

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape of Good Hope is a famous landmark in South Africa. Previously it was believed to be the southern-most tip of the country. It is known as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.

Overlooking dramatic scenery, it is known for the perfect relaxing getaway from the hustle-bustle of city life. Flowers, rare plants, species of the animal kingdom, and ethereal beauty are the reasons why you must put Cape of Good Hope on the bucket list for a memorable holiday in South Africa.

Apartheid Museum

The most important site to learn all about the history of South Africa, the Apartheid Museum illustrates life under South Africa’s Apartheid regime from 1948 until 1990. Pay a visit to the era of struggle displayed in photographs, film footage, text panels, etc.

Witness life during the Apartheid era in the townships, including the forced removal of residents from their very own homes. Children under the age of 11 are not allowed to enter as the exhibitions reveal gruesome details. This is one of the best places to visit in South Africa to learn everything about the history of the challenging time and the struggle to overcome it.

Table Mountain

Looming over Cape Town, Table Mountain (1089 m) is a flat-topped mountain peak, an icon of South Africa. Titled as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take the five-minute cable car trip or hike to the top of Table Mountain.

The summit reveals views that are truly enthralling. Appreciate the rich biodiversity on the mountain, it is home to many rare species of the flora and animal kingdom. Enjoy a spectacular sunset, go wild with adventure, or enjoy a picnic, etc. for a memorable time at the scenic tourist attraction of South Africa.

Big Hole

South Africa’s intriguing delight, Big Hole is an entirely man-made structure, the largest hand-dug excavation in the world. Luring visitors on holiday in South Africa, the Big Hole is a beauty with an interesting history. 150 years ago, the site of the Big Hole was a flat-topped hill with a treasure of diamonds that later amounted to 2722 kilograms.

When diamonds were discovered here in the 1800s, it led to a surge of explorers. Armed with picks, shovels, and hope, they created the largest hand-dug excavation in the world. Experience the underground mine experiences, marvel at the exhibits, and imagine the exciting time of discovery.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is located along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal Province. The largest protected reserve is home to around 800 hippopotami, 1200 Nile crocodiles, whales, elephants, birds, turtles, and many other species of the animal kingdom.

The natural reserve of iSimangaliso comprises of nature’s abundance; sandy beaches, coastal dunes, coral reefs, lake systems, swamps, and wetlands all come under the nature park. The excitements for visitors here include wildlife safari, kayaking on the estuary, guided game drive, horse riding, bird watching, etc. Spending time at iSimangaliso is one of the top things to do in South Africa.

Babylonstoren

Coming on to the next amazing tourist attraction of South Africa, we have Babylonstoren, a Cape Dutch farm dating back to 1692. Known for being one of the best-preserved farmyards, now converted into a pleasant hotel, it is one of the best places to visit South Africa.

Enjoy views of lush plantations, breathe in fresh air, and delight in the taste of fruits, vegetables, berries, and livestock of the farm. The property also has magnificent gardens of fragrant flowers, spaces for bees pollinating, indigenous plants, ducks and chickens, and more. Escape the cities and have a relaxing stay.

Robben Island

An icon of the struggle against Apartheid, Robben Island is one of the places to not miss on a holiday in South Africa. The World-Heritage-listed site makes visitors emotional with its gruesome history but is also quite fascinating because of its scenery, and the thrilling ride to get to the island from the mainland. From a leper colony, military outpost, prison, and even a shrine of an Imam, the island is intriguing.

Tourists here can witness Nelson Mandela’s 18 years of imprisonment along with other revolutionaries. Do take a look at multimedia exhibits in the museum at the Nelson Mandela Gateway.

Boulders Penguin Colony

South Africa is fascinating in every way and the delight of planning a holiday to South Africa is its own penguin. Boulders Beach, near False Bay, is famed for its resident penguin colony, which is home to at least 3000 African penguins. The jackass penguins residing here are a unique lot, they have a different kind of bray, which sounds hilarious.

The fluffy birds are fun to visit and especially kids love their funny antics. Take a day trip to the penguin colony, you can also spend time at the pristine shores nearby. It is ideal for swimming, picnics, and simply relaxing.

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Silvermine Nature Reserve

One of South Africa’s tourist attractions blessed by natural bliss, next on our list, is the Silvermine Nature Reserve. The protected reserve is a part of the Table Mountain National Park. Bordered by mountains on one side and the azure ocean on the other, it is a heavenly getaway from cities. Home to indigenous flowers, animals, and natural bliss, it is known for bike trails, bird watching, hiking, rock-climbing, camping, swimming, picnics, and day trips.

District Six Museum

Another memorial to the Apartheid regime, the District Six Museum is one of the most important places to visit in South Africa to understand its history. Established in 1994, it displays exhibits that recall the days of injustice to the natives.

Walk through the display and you can feel the pain of the displaced people. The museum educates and imparts lessons that you never forget.

Kruger National Park

Known among the world’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries, Kruger National Park is one of the places to not miss in South Africa. A few hours’ drive from Johannesburg, Kruger is one of the oldest game reserves in South Africa. Here you get the opportunity to spot the “Big Five”: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. In addition to the beasts, the national park is blessed with an amazing diversity of other wildlife.

Go on a wildlife safari, soar over the grasslands on a hot air balloon, and check out bushman rock paintings and archaeological sites. For your adventure holiday in South Africa, the national park has basic campsites as well as comfortable lodges.

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Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park

If you want to view the true might of nature, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is listed among the top places to visit in South Africa. The largest wilderness area in the world was officially declared a transfrontier park in the 2000s. Embark on sunrise or sunset drives in the national park and marvel at the spectacular scenery.

The clear blue skies, red sands, sparse vegetation, and golden grasslands combine to create a fascinating backdrop. Spot the famous black-maned Kalahari lion. The huge diversity of wildlife includes predators and many birds of prey. Stay at one of the accommodation options in the park to delight in the natural beauty.

The Drakensberg

Translating to “Dragon Mountains”, the Drakensberg is one of the most popular vacation destinations in South Africa. Home to the country’s highest peaks, the region is blessed with beauty beyond words.

Located in Kwa-Zulu Natal province, the Drakensberg is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Extending over 200 kilometers, it comprises beautiful cliffs, forests, and waterfalls, as well as many thrilling hiking routes. Take up the opportunity to view 290 bird and 48 mammal species and interesting and rare plant life varieties. Rock climbing, abseiling, and river rafting provide interesting experiences for adventure enthusiasts. A popular activity to embark on with your entire family includes a helicopter ride to view the entire area.

The Garden Route

Along the country’s southeast coast, the Garden Route runs for about 200 kilometers through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. Extending from the Indian Ocean from Mossel Bay to the Storms River, it is one of the best experiences in South Africa. It is a popular driving route that tempts families, honeymoon couples, and even solo backpackers.

Drive through beautiful beach towns, lush hills covered in greenery, lakes, lagoons, coastal cliffs, and the beauty of pristine nature. Adventure activities on the Garden Route include whale watching, elephant back rides, bungee jumping, camping, and so much more.

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Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

An amazing experience awaits visitors at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. The nature reserve features the third-largest canyon in the world. One can witness the natural wonders of the Mpumalanga like the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Pinnacle Rock, and the God’s and Devil’s Window.

Out of the many attractions, the one that steals the limelight is one of the last remaining montane savannah regions consisting of endangered or rare flora species. Extending up to 60 km, the nature park is surely among the best places to visit in South Africa.

Durban’s Golden Mile

The city of Durban is bejeweled with a stunning beachfront known as the Golden Mile. One of the remarkable tourist attractions of South Africa is thronged by visitors during sunset. Bask in the sub-tropical sunshine while strolling on the wide stretch of the golden sand.

Alternatively known as the Surfer’s paradise, the Golden Mile offers excellent surfing opportunities to the novice as well as to the professional surfers. Paying a visit to the nearby attractions like the Surfing Museum, uShaka Marine World, and Mini Town, increases the fun quotient. June-July and December-January are the best months of the year to visit the Mile.

V&A Waterfront

Nestled on the Atlantic shore in Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront or the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront receives maximum footfall throughout the year. Dotted with restaurants, huge entertainment venues, craft markets, specialty shops and theaters, etc., the waterfront has so much to offer.

Visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium and Seal-watching are the best things to do at V&A Waterfront. Boat trips along the coast and around the harbor make holiday in South Africa a memorable experience. Divided into five shopping districts, the waterfront can cater to the needs of any shopaholic. And, for the foodies, there is a V&A Food Market.

Cango Caves

The Cango Caves are positioned on the foothills of the Swartberg range Oudtshoorn. Shrouded with a historical aura, the caves offer its visitors a choice of Heritage Tour or Adventure Tour in South Africa. All the tours are guided and let you go through chambers and tunnels of about 4 km. It seems as if nature has cultivated these underground wonders for ages.

These caverns are also considered the biggest and only show cave in Africa. The beautiful hidden treasures leave spectators spellbound. The Standard tours show only the front parts of the caverns whereas the Adventure tour helps you to scale the depths of the caves.

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Augrabies Falls

The Augrabies Falls National Park houses the Augrabies Falls. The 60-m high waterfalls look splendid when the Orange River is in flood. Initially, the waterfall got its name Ankoerebis meaning ‘place of big noises’, from the original Khoikhoi people. Later, Trekboers named it as Augrabies.

Enjoying a Hot Air Balloon ride, visiting the Orange River Wine Cellars and Kalahari fishing are some of the top things to do near the Augrabies Falls. Soak in the beauty of the waterfall and let the reverbing sound enthrall you to the core.

Debashree Chakraborty

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com