South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture offer the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. South Africa is a heady mix of third and first world cultures -- along with the best and least crowded beaches in the world. Throw in wildlife parks such as the Kruger National Park, 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful natural scenery, a great infrastructure and a stable post-apartheid environment and you have a great destination waiting to happen.
South African Tourist Attractions - Categories:
Below is a summary of the most popular attractions for tourists travelling in South Africa:
Cape Town -- considered to be one of the worlds most beautiful cities and is firmly entrenched as South Africa's top international travel destination, Cape Town's tourist attractions are so plentiful that you will need to plan your time carefully if you want to see them all.
Nature Reserves -- South African National Parks and Private Game Reserves and Safari Lodges are world renowned -- the Kruger National Park is South Africa's second most popular tourist attraction.
Beaches -- the South African coastline is stunning. Twenty of South Africa's beaches have won international recognition at the 2005 Blue Flag Awards. Blue Flag beaches...
World Heritage Sites -- 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites -- The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is one of South Africa's most renowned archaeological attractions -- home to some of our earliest ancestors. South African World Heritage Sites...
Rock Art Sites -- South African rock art sites are among the best in the world. The rock art found in South Africa's uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site is considered to be of international importance. Any eco traveller to South Africa should consider paying this important tourist atrraction a visit.
Modern History -- although South Africa has a relatively young (modern) history, historical buildings abound. The Union Buildings, the Pietermaritzburg City Hall...
Mines -- mining has always been the lifeblood of the South Africa economy. Some of the older mines have become museums with a well developed tourism infrastructure -- on-site accommodation, resturants and guides.
Waterfalls -- although not as volumous or as renowned as the the Victoria Falls, South Africa's waterfalls are still popular tourist attractions -- at 947m, the Thukela Falls in KwaZulu Natal is the second highest waterfall in the world. South African Waterfalls...
Museums -- There are so many interesting museums in South Africa that it would take weeks, if not months, to see them all.
Battlefields are numerous and well preserved -- the Anglo Zulu War battlefields are worth a visit.
Cultural Attractions -- include Maropeng - a popular tourist attraction situated in the Cradle of Humankind. Maropeng, takes visitors on a fun and informative journey through the evolution of life and the origins of humankind.
Whether you wish to drive slowly through the Savanna where the big game stalks .... visit a Zulu Kraal where the old people speak proudly of great warriors of the past….. or smell the rain coming across the veld amongst the flowers …. bend down to look at the tiny endangered Erica ... you can experience it in South Africa.
South Africa's Mountain Ranges are popular tourist attractions; Cape Town's Table Mountain and the uKhahlamba Draknsberg Mountain Range are the most well known and warrant a visit by any eco traveller.
, Hiking Trail and Botanical Gardens
Capture the essence of nature in any of the multitude of provincial and private nature reserves and botanical gardens. Hiking trails range from less an hour's leisure walks to 5 days hiking in the wild.
Popular hiking destinations:
De Hoop Nature Reserve - Caledon, Western Cape
Blyde River Canyon - Graskop, Mpumalanga
Royal Natal Park - Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal
Otter Hiking Trail - Storms River, Western Cape
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - Cape Town Karoo National Botanical Garden - Worcester
Kloofendal Nature Reserve - Johannesburg
Settlers Garden - Grahamstown
Free State National Botanical Garden - Bloemfontein
Other Attractions:
A range of other attractions like the famous Sun City resort can be found spread through the country
Sun City Resort - world-renowned Kingdom of Pleasure, with attractions, activities and game reserve
The Cape Whale Route - from Yzerfontein on the West Coast to Hermanus
Sea World in Durban - providing a glimpse into a world beyond imagination
St Lucia Crocodile Center - offers an informative outing to one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating animals
Butterfly World near Paarl - largest butterfly park in South Africa
Hoedspruit Research & Breeding Center for Endangered Species
Cango Caves - close to Oudtshoorn is one of the world's great natural wonders
1. Kruger National Park: This world renowned game park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in the world ...
2. Table Mountain: To get to the top of this famous landmark you can hike or take the five-minute cable car ride ...
3. Garden Route: Coastal villages and seaside resorts abound, appealing to nature lovers and those looking ...
4. V&A Waterfront: Busy commercial harbour set in the midst of a huge entertainment venue with shops ...
5. Robben Island: A short cruise from the V&A Waterfront by ferry, this World Heritage site was home to ...
6. Beaches: South Africa enjoys more than 3000 kilometres of coastline. Pristine beaches, fishing villages ...
7. Sun City Resort: The extravagant resort is known the world over as a tourism hotspot. The Lost City is the ...
8. Cultural Villages: Feel the rhythm of mysterious and magical Africa, share the secrets of sangomas ...
9. Soweto: Just south of Jo'burg lies the largest of township in South Africa, a vibrant city which is home ...
10. The Cradle of Humankind: Declared a World Heritage Site, The Cradle of Humankind includes the Sterkfontein Caves, where the ... |
