Top 10 reasons to visit South Africa
Sprawling across the bottom of the continent, South Africa is a fascinating nation and a top choice for many first-time safari visitors. But what is it that makes this spectacular country such a great place to visit, and why should it be at the top of your list?
Read on to discover 10 reasons why you should visit South Africa, no matter what type of traveler you are. Not only are you guaranteed spellbinding landscapes and exceptional wildlife viewing but cultural experiences that are like nowhere else on Earth.
While South Africa does encompass classic safari landscapes such as savannahs and woodlands, it offers so much more! It’s home to subtropical forests and wild beaches, as well as dramatic mountain ranges such as the Drakensberg. Traditional Xhosa dwellings dot the windswept grasslands of the Eastern Cape while the Cape Peninsula features soaring cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.
In the Karoo, you’ll find semi-desert landscapes that feel a world away from the vineyard-blanketed hills of the Cape Winelands. At the other end of the country is the enchanting Blyde River Canyon whose river-sculpted terrain is best appreciated from the aptly named Panorama Route.
From the colourful streets of Cape Town to the storied townships of Johannesburg, South Africa’s cities are energized, to say the least. While some African destinations are all about exploring beyond the city limits, South Africa’s urban landscapes are not to be missed.
If you’re flying into Cape Town, spend a few days hopping between its world-class museums and enjoying the entertainment of the V&A Waterfront before riding the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. With its large Indian population, Durban offers a completely different take on South Africa, with incredible restaurants and a bevy of beaches just a stone’s throw away. Johannesburg is the largest city in the country and is renowned for its Apartheid Museum and sprawling township, which nurtured both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
If you have your heart set on a “Big Five” safari, then South Africa gives you the opportunity to tick all of them off your list. It’s one of the few places in the world that’s home to elephants, buffalos, rhinos, lions and leopards, and it’s even possible to see all of the “Big Five” in a single day. Aside from well-known parks such as Kruger and neighbouring Sabi Sands, you can spot the “Big Five” in Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesburg National Park and Addo Elephant National Park.
Not only that, but South Africa offers plenty of other incredible wildlife experiences, including the opportunity to get up close to meerkats in Oudtshoorn. Along the coastline, you can embark on whale, dolphin and seal-spotting cruises or say “hello” to African penguins at Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula.
It’s no secret that South Africa is a foodie destination, both in the cities and beyond. In the Cape Winelands, you can indulge in mouthwatering culinary experiences at estates where world-class wines are grown, together with organic produce. From the university town of Stellenbosch to charming Franschhoek, the region well and truly has its feet planted in the soil.
In Durban, you can feast on freshly shucked oysters and unique Indian cuisine while Cape Town boasts restaurants serving Cape Malay and Afrikaans dishes. Johannesburg is also making its mark on the country’s gastronomy scene, with craft breweries popping up alongside artisan coffee roasters and bustling food markets.
Even at South Africa’s remotest safari lodges and camps, you can expect to dine extremely well, with some of the country’s top chefs in the kitchens.
A South Africa holiday offers activities that will appeal to all tastes and interests, as well as adrenalin levels. You can ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to peer down at Cape Town below or go whale watching off the coast of Hermanus. Thrillseekers can embark on a thrilling cage dive with great white sharks while those looking for gentler activities can cycle through the sun-drenched landscapes of the Cape Winelands. South Africa’s safari experiences are not only about action-packed game drives but also guided walks to get up close to lesser-known wildlife species.
South Africa is a melting pot of different cultures, with Desmond Tutu dubbing it the “Rainbow Nation”. Its inhabitants include Indigenous tribes that have lived there for centuries and those who have made the country home in more recent years. Delving into this diversity is all part of the experience, whether that’s during village tours or guided walks through the city.
You can experience Zulu culture during a beading workshop or attend a traditional drumming performance, then learn about medicinal plants and hunting techniques from the Xhosa people. Enjoy the intoxicating fragrance of spices during a Cape Malay cooking class or mingle with Afrikaners during a braai barbecue. Guided bike tours are offered through the famous township of Soweto and there are plenty of Capetonians ready to show you different sides of their city.
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South Africa is blessed with a temperate climate, which means warm, sunny summers and relatively mild winters. Some parts of the country experience more than 300 days of sunshine a year, including Durban and the gorgeous beaches of KwaZulu-Natal.
Even the “rainy season” in Kruger experiences plenty of sunny days, meaning it’s unlikely that your vacation will get rained out. Compared to many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, the weather in South Africa is simply divine and just another reason why it’s such a great place to visit.
South Africa is one of the top places on the continent for a family-friendly holiday for several reasons. Not only does it boast malaria-free reserves for wildlife viewing (no malarial medications required!) but English is widely spoken, making it easy for parents and kids alike to converse with the locals.
Many of South Africa’s safari lodges and camps are designed with kids in mind and offer not only family suites but also activities geared towards younger visitors. Some also offer junior ranger programs that enable kids to get hands-on while learning what goes on behind the scenes in wildlife conservation.
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram looking at safari lodges and camps, you’ll know that many are what dreams are made of. South Africa boasts some of the best on the continent, even in the remotest corners of the country.
Imagine sleeping in a four-poster bed with direct views of a watering hole frequented by wildlife or sinking into a claw-foot bath overlooking the savannah. In South Africa, all of your wildest safari dreams will come true while staying in accommodation that is more than worthy of your Instagram feed.
In the cities, you’ll find everything from convivial backpacker digs to five-star resorts and charming guesthouses with a local flavour. You can also indulge in a lavish sleeper suite on the Rovos Rail, which offers vintage-inspired train journeys across the country.
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Compared to many European and North American destinations, South Africa is a relatively affordable country to visit if you’re travelling on a budget. Not only is there accommodation to suit all hip pockets but you can enjoy delicious meals out at restaurants without breaking the bank.
Many South African safaris are all-inclusive, meaning you can relax and really enjoy your holiday, without having to continually open your wallet. South Africa Safari packages offer great value for money when visiting remote parks and reserves, with all transport, accommodation, food and guide services included.
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