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S outh Africa  is a country like no other. It is the ideal destination for those seeking a unique sensory/spiritual reawakening, a place that leaves its visitors feeling inspired, enriched and rejuvenated. 

South Africa gives travellers the opportunity to reconnect with real life 

South Africa offers a diversity of options to suit every traveller that will excite and revive you, that will suit your pocket, that will answer your every need and desire. 

South Africa is a welcoming, friendly and fun destination, with people known for warmth, hospitality and authenticity.

So... Come to South Africa

Take in everything we have to offer

Escape the mundane and truly Live Again!

to tell new stories

Wildlife safari.

When you've seen a pride of lions resting in the shade in summer or a herd of elephant crossing the road on their way to the watering hole, it’s an incredible reminder of why the untouched wild has always been so inspiring. Explore it!

Vibrant culture

With Ndebele, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Swazi, Venda, Afrikaans, Cape Malay, Cape Coloured, Khoisan and European cultures all calling this land home, South Africa is certainly a melting pot of diverse cultural depth worth exploring!

Active adventure

Fancy taking a dip with a great white shark? Or hiking up a mountain? What about plunging off the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee? Whatever gets your heart racing, South Africa’s got it! 

Breathtaking scenery

Endless horizons, deep valleys, soaring mountains, cliff sides overlooking endless oceans – a journey through South Africa will take your breath away and leave you with memories that will last forever. 

Sun-soaked coasts

Teeming with marine life and some of the best surfing the world has to offer and an abundance of blue-flag beaches, South Africa’s sun-soaked coast lies ready all-year round to share its secrets, adventures and lazy days with you. 

Bustling city life

From the calm serenity of sundowners at the beach in Cape Town to the boundless energy of a nightclub in Johannesburg, South Africa’s cities buzz with the soul of a nation. Feel the rhythm of South Africa in an urban safari and let the beat of the concrete jungle flow through you.

World-class infrastructure

Whether you’re hitching a ride via plane, train, bus or car, with world-class infrastructure, it’s easy to get to your next South African adventure. 

World heritage sites

South Africa has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, areas that have been given special international status for their unique qualities. If you are interested in culture and South African history, then you may well want to consider visiting one of these sites.

Exceptional value

You won’t need to put yourself out of pocket for your South African adventure. With options available for every budget, South Africa offers exceptional value for your hard earned money. 

Something for everyone, everywhere

Whether you’re in it for wildlife, adventure, lifestyle, culture or scenery – there are always multiple experiences for every type of traveller around the corner no matter which part of the country you’re in. That’s the beauty of it! 

What would you like to experience?

A journey through South Africa will take your breath away and leave you with memories that will last forever.

Feel the rhythm of South Africa in an urban safari and let the beat of the concrete jungle flow through you.

With numerous cultures calling this land home, South Africa is certainly a vibrant melting pot worth exploring!

Whatever gets your heart racing, South Africa’s got it!

An incredible reminder of why the untouched wild has always been so inspiring.

South Africa’s sun-soaked coast lies ready all-year round to share its secrets, adventures and lazy days with you.

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15 of the best things to do in South Africa

Aug 23, 2023 • 14 min read

Experience the best that South Africa has to offer with these top things to do © RudiHulshof / Getty Images

It’s no secret that South Africa is one of the world’s top Big 5 safari destinations.

You could come here only to go on safari and think South Africa was the best country ever. But wait – there’s so much more to this fascinating realm perched at Africa’s southernmost tip.

South Africa’s ethnic and cultural diversity influences its cuisine and art in exciting, unexpected ways. Its scenery is stunning, from wave-crashed shorelines and wildflower-carpeted deserts to wildlife-filled bushveld and tropical forests. The country has cosmopolitan cities, charming wine towns and important cultural traditions. Apartheid’s struggles are faced head-on at several important sights. 

You can hike, surf, kayak, fish, whale watch, horseback ride, dive with sharks and crocodiles and stargaze under some of the planet’s darkest skies. The only problem is how to even begin planning a visit to this immensely blessed, multifaceted land. Start planning your trip with this list of the top things to do in South Africa.

1. Walk among the wildflowers of Namaqua

Most of the year, the remote region known as Little Namaqualand is parched, a seemingly sunbaked wasteland in South Africa’s Northern Cape. But for a short period in July, as winter rains begin to fall, the area bursts to life with billions of blooms. Endless carpets of flowers in every hue cover its diverse topography, from deserty plains to fertile valleys to towering mountains. 

But what truly sets this spectacle apart is the sheer variety of flowers; more than 3500 species grow here, more than half rare or endemic, meaning they live nowhere else on Earth. The most iconic is the Arctotis, commonly called the African daisy. Gazania glows with hot yellow and orange petals, and Carpobrotus, commonly known as pigface, creeps along the ground.

The best places to take in the ephemeral flowery show are Richtersveld , with a backdrop of yawning canyons and jagged mountains; Skilpad Wildflower Preserve west of Kamieskroon, part of the bigger Namaqua National Park , a fabulous spot to gaze at the famed Nama daisies; and the 14,973-hectare (37,000-acre) Goegap Nature Reserve outside Springbok, with some 600 indigenous plant species. 

Planning tip: Accommodations in the park (primarily campsites and chalets) are in high demand during this short blooming season. Either book reservations as soon as they open (usually 11 months in advance), or find places to stay in the nearby towns of Kamieskroon and Garies.

2. Spot the Big 5 and other wildlife in South Africa’s parks

As the early morning sun rises over the bushveld, a herd of elephants thunders past, a leopard enjoys a snack up in a tree, and a lion stalks its prey. These are the joys of going on safari in South Africa, where you have an excellent chance of spotting the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) in national parks and wildlife preserves across the country. 

Kruger National Park is the prime game park, with 19,485 sq km (7523 sq mi) of bushveld, tropical forests, savannah and mountains teeming with more than 140 mammal species. Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape is the world’s first “Big 7” Conservation Area, home to the traditional Big 5, plus the unique marine additions of the great white shark and southern right whale.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s oldest game reserve. It was founded to conserve and repopulate Africa’s rhinos , so this park is hands down the best place in South Africa to see these one-horned, short-legged megafauna. 

In all, South Africa has 19 national parks and countless private game reserves, each offering an unforgettable wildlife experience where no two days are ever the same.

Planning tip:  Plan your trip from June to September for optimal wildlife viewing. Animals tend to gather at watering holes during these drier, cooler months.

3. Hike or ride up Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain

The flat-topped Table Mountain stands watch over Cape Town , a 1085m (3560ft) natural landmark of sandstone and granite adored for its breathtaking views from the top: glittering Table Bay, historic Robben Island and all of Cape Town’s City Bowl sprawl at your feet. 

Dozens of trails wind up Table Mountain’s flanks, opening up valleys of fynbos (the local floral kingdom), shady forests and waterfalls. The most popular (and heavily trafficked) is Platteklip Gorge Trail, a 2.8km (1.8 miles) uphill push that is nature’s answer to the StairMaster, offering view after breathtaking view the higher you go. 

Avoid the crowds with 1.5km (0.9-mile) Kloof Corner, a dramatic and somewhat hair-raising trek that rewards with fabulous views of Lion’s Head, the 12 Apostles and the Cape Town City Bowl. The difficult 2.5km (1.5 miles) India Venster Trail follows the route beneath the aerial cable car, up the mountain’s frontal face. Of course, you can just take the cable car, a quick five-minute ride to the top.

Planning tip:  Many trails in South Africa limit how many hikers can be on them simultaneously, so book your spot ahead of time and hike with a group for safety (some longer trails actually require that you're not alone).

4. Learn from South Africa’s apartheid past in Johannesburg

South Africa has made steps in atoning for its apartheid past through education at various sites. Johannesburg ’s Apartheid Museum is a sobering but enlightening place to start. Exhibits take you through the history of apartheid using videos, documents and photographs. 

At the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Soweto, spoken testimonies, videos and photographs detail the tragic story of a 13-year-old student who became the first victim of police fire in 1976 when students protested their Bantu (black) education system. Nearby, Nelson Mandela lived in a humble, four-room house, which today is the Mandela House Museum , showcasing family photos and personal belongings and providing insight into the beloved anti-apartheid leader who, after 27 years in prison, became South Africa’s first democratically elected president.

5. Taste Pinotage in the Cape Winelands

When the Dutch East India Company came to South Africa some 350 years ago, it established a provisioning station for ships, which of course needed wine! The company partnered with the French, and soon vineyards draped the valleys in the fertile region now known as the Cape Winelands . Over the years, the art of wine-making has been fine-tuned, including the perfection of Pinotage, South Africa’s signature red wine that’s a rustic cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.

The Cape Winelands reigns as one of the world’s finest wine regions, with its patchwork of vineyards and hundreds of wine estates, farm markets, little museums, gastronomic restaurants and three main wine towns dating from the 17th century: Franschhoek , settled by French Huguenots; Stellenbosch , filled with Cape Dutch architecture; and Paarl, colonized by 23 families from Stellenbosch. Excellent places to sample Pinotage include Delheim, on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain outside Stellenbosch, and Lanzerac , established in 1692 near Stellenbosch with stunning views of mountains, vineyards and oak-shaded gardens. 

Detour:  If you need a break from all the wine tastings, take a drive (or bike ride) outside Paarl on Bainskloof Pass. This scenic mountain pass features almost 30km (19 miles) of unforgettable vistas and a caravan park at its halfway point.

6. Get lost on the Wild Coast

Sea breezes, crashing waterfalls, emerald valleys and footprint-free, cliff-fringed beaches define the untrammeled realm of the Wild Coast , a fittingly named 250km-long (155-mile) sweep of coastline fronting the Indian Ocean in the Eastern Cape . This is the place to get away from it all, soaking in the solitude of pristine nature, where you’ll see more cows than people. Be warned: the roads are full of potholes, and gas stations are far and few between, but that’s what keeps the less intrepid away.

You can hike, swim, ride horseback, canoe, surf or just catch the rays on your own private beach. The hike to Hole in the Wall along the coast is a three-hour foray across undulating hills and through local villages, ending at the fabled rock arch with its swimming lagoon. The Xhosa River is a canoeing paradise with sparkling clear waters and bright Xhosa huts along its banks. Mirror-smooth Jbay Lagoon draws SUPers, kayakers and canoers. The Xhosa people have lived in this enchanted land for centuries, and you’ll see their turquoise rondavels dotting the lush green hills. 

This is also the birthplace of anti-apartheid revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela, and several small museums in Mthatha and Quno are open to visitors.

Detour: Take a hike on one of Dwesa Nature Reserve 's walking trails through pristine forests, grasslands and coastline. It's a paradise for a wide variety of wildlife – including around 290 bird species.

7. Go whale watching by land or sea

Some 37 species of whales and dolphins frequent South Africa’s shores, so it’s no wonder whale-watching is a popular activity. You can hop on a boat from plenty of places along the country’s three coastlines to view these behemoths in their watery haunts. 

But here’s a twist: in some places, you don’t even have to step on a boat to see a whale – you can see them up close from the shore. Watch whales from the shore in Lambert’s Bay, Yzerfontein and Plettenberg Bay , but the most celebrated land-based viewing spot is Hermanus , about 100km (62 miles) east of Cape Town. Between June and November, southern right whales stop by on their annual migration from Antarctica, and right off the coast, they splash, breach and lobtail (slap their flippers and tail against the water). The town even has a whale crier who blows a kelp horn when whales approach the shore. 

8. Immerse yourself in Zulu culture

The Zulus reigned between 1816 and 1897 in much of present-day KwaZulu-Natal as one of Africa’s most brutal empires. Despite their fierce fighting abilities, the British defeated them in the 1870s, and their kingdom was integrated into the Union of South Africa. But their culture remains strong – they are South Africa’s largest ethnic group – and the Zulu royal family is still active, reigning (but not ruling) in KwaZulu-Natal.

You can experience the Zulu culture at Shakaland , a reconstructed Zulu homestead. Some people consider Shakaland a Zulu Disneyland, but its traditional activities offer a fairly authentic chance to experience – and even partake in – the culture, including dancing, consulting with a witch doctor, sampling homemade beer, and watching spears and shields being made by hand. Visitors can stay overnight in luxury beehive huts. 

You can also visit the Battlefields Region in the province’s northwest, where the Zulus fought 63 battles against a succession of invading forces. Monuments and museums such as Blood River and Isandlwana commemorate these clashes.

9. Bask in the sun on Durban's Golden Mile

With more than 320 sunny days a year, Durban is a much-loved playground of golden-sand beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean’s azure waters. An expanse of sun-soaked paradise dubbed the Golden Mile (although it’s more like four miles) runs from uShaka Beach in the south to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in the north and offers beaches and beachy activities for everyone.

Beginners can surf from South and Addington beaches, and fishers can drop a line at Bay of Plenty Beach . Other stretches of sand, such as Umhlanga Rocks just slightly north of the Golden Mile, have a lively vacation vibe. If you want to picnic or just hang out with your travel companions, Blue Lagoon is a fabulous choice. A promenade runs along much of the Golden Mile, with Zulu artisans selling their wares and runners, walkers, cyclists and skateboarders catching the rays.  

10. Explore the evolution of humanity 

Deep beneath Gauteng ’s highveld (high plateau), 20th-century researchers discovered two distant relatives of all humankind in the region’s labyrinthine limestone caves: Mrs Ples, the 2.1-million-year-old skull of an Australopithecus Africanus (a precursor to the genus Homo) and Little Foot, a nearly complete, three-million-year-old Australopithecus skeleton. Then, in 2015, a new species of human relative was uncovered, Homo naledi, whose placement in the evolutionary chain is still unknown.

You can explore this significant archaeology at the Cradle of Humankind, about an hour northwest of Pretoria. Entertaining, world-class exhibitions provide context at the Maropeng visitor center, and you can go beneath the earth to the excavation site at Sterkfontein Caves .

11. Ride the Blue Train

Sit back and soak in the golden age of travel aboard the Blue Train , a five-star hotel-on-wheels ranked as one of the world’s great – and most luxurious – rail journeys. Warm birch paneling, plush leather seating and full silver service at gourmet five-course meals befit the 19th-century British diamond and gold magnates who demanded traveling in the finest luxury, and this train journey remains one of the classiest. 

The Blue Train travels between Pretoria and Cape Town, with two nights onboard. While you’ll enjoy the best of service and decor, it’s the scenery outside the windows that will dazzle the most: cactus-dotted desert, rocky mountains, vineyard-dotted hills, lush valleys and a front-row seat for Africa’s famous sunsets. Meals, drinks, Monte Cristo cigars and even a personal butler come with the hefty price.

Planning tip: Book your Blue Train ride during the low season (Nov–Aug) for significantly lower fares.

12. Follow the enchanting Garden Route

Take a scenic road trip through seaside villages, glittering beaches and misty mountains along the Garden Route , which some call the Garden of Eden. You can drive the 200km (125 miles) straight through, from Mossel Bay to Storms River, but this is one to take your time dipping into. Scuba dive to see Knysna seahorses, surf crashing waves, hike shadowy forests, see elephants in the wild, bungee jump into a plunging gorge, or simply plunk down on an empty beach. Good bases are Plettenberg Bay and Knysna . A minimum of four days is recommended, though you could seriously spend weeks here.

Detour:  Make a Saturday morning pit stop at Wild Oats Community Farmers Market  for fresh produce, baked goods, breakfast and more, just 1.5km (1 mile) east of Sedgefield. The market is a beloved Garden Route stop.

13. Drive from Cape Town to Africa’s southwesternmost point

The Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge at historic Cape Point – aka the Cape of Good Hope – about 65km (40 miles) south of Cape Town. It’s thrilling to stand on this wind-blown, jagged landmass jutting into the sea, the southwesternmost point in Africa, observing the roiling waves and indigo waters as far as the eye can see. These treacherous waves have been the bane of seafarers for centuries, causing hundreds of shipwrecks. For spectacular views, jump on the Flying Dutchman Funicular or walk the steps to the 86m (285ft) lighthouse-topped summit. 

Planning tip: Don’t rush your journey here. A drive from Cape Town reveals along the way dazzling beaches, cliffside vistas, fishing villages, and miles and miles of remote bushveld inhabited by zebras, ostriches and baboons. The African penguin colony at Boulders Beach is one of only two land-based penguin colonies in the world.

14. Sample Cape Town’s culinary heritage

Throughout Cape Town’s long history of colonization and immigration, a parade of cultures has taken root, each contributing its unique traditions and customs. The most obvious – and cherished – result is the city’s diverse, innovative cuisine. Many call Cape Town the foodie capital of South Africa. You’ll find dishes influenced by the British, French, Indians, Dutch, Asians, Africans and more.

The Cape Malay, for example, is a community influenced by African, Asian and Dutch cultures; they’re known for their variety of spice-infused bredies (stews), curries, savory snacks and porrings (a warm pudding). Braai – derived from the Dutch word braden , meaning "to roast" – has become ubiquitous throughout the country. But braai is much more than barbecuing meat: it’s a social event where friends and family gather. Many township tours offer a traditional braai experience. Local chefs are taking note of this rich cultural heritage. Chef Luke Dale-Roberts’ three award-winning Cape Town restaurants – Test Kitchen , Pot Luck Club and Shortmarket Club – are prime examples, with their innovative twists on traditional fare.

Planning tip: Making restaurant and hotel reservations will be much easier   if you avoid traveling during the peak Christmas and Easter seasons.

15. Go on a sky safari in the Karoo

The Karoo’s sparsely populated landscapes are immense by day, and its skies are just as vast by night. In this magical semi-desert realm – encompassing nearly 500,000 sq km (1.9 million sq miles) within Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and the Free State – the stars pierce some of the Earth’s darkest, cleanest skies, seemingly so close you can reach out and touch them.

It’s no wonder that the South African Astronomical Observatory , the southern hemisphere’s largest, is found here. You can take a guided tour by day, but the nighttime stargazing safaris are the major draw.

Planning tip:  The charming, historic town of Prince Albert is a good stargazing base.

This article was first published January 2022 and updated August 2023

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16 Top-Rated Places to Visit in South Africa

Written by Meagan Drillinger Mar 7, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Meagan Drillinger traveled extensively throughout South Africa in November 2022.

South Africa is a dream destination. There's a reason why this country at the very tip of the African continent is on so many bucket lists . Not only is it stunningly beautiful, but it is packed with culture, history, great restaurants, fascinating people, and an abundance of wildlife.

From the rich energy of Cape Town to the history of Johannesburg , the national parks, beaches, mountain regions, and beyond — you can spend a decade visiting South Africa and still not tick off every noteworthy place to visit.

Still, every great journey begins with a single step. So if you're looking to get your feet wet, here are the best places to visit in South Africa.

1. Cape Town

2. kruger national park, 3. drakensberg region, 4. stellenbosch and franschhoek, 5. wild coast, 6. blyde river canyon, 7. mapungubwe national park, 8. plettenberg bay, 10. hermanus, 11. mossel bay, 12. johannesburg, 13. cradle of humankind, 14. table mountain national park, 15. boulders beach, 16. apartheid museum.

At the very bottom of the continent of Africa is one of the most exciting places on the planet. Cape Town is South Africa's most beloved city, and one of the most naturally beautiful and culturally diverse places in the world. Perched at the very tip of the continent, almost where the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean meet, this city of converging cultures is an absolute must for a visit to South Africa .

Cape Town is, in a word, gorgeous. Nestled at the foot of the spectacular Table Mountain, the historic city has been vitally important in the country's storyline. Today it is the seat of Parliament of South Africa, but over the centuries, it has also been known for its Dutch and English occupation, which subsequently contributed to the historic racial divide and extreme hardships for people of color in the country.

Today, while racial tension is still very much a part of South Africa's story, Cape Town is a bit more integrated than other parts of the country. It's a cosmopolitan, trendy spot with fabulous attractions and restaurants; exciting nightlife; beautiful outdoor adventure opportunities — thanks to Table Mountain National Park and a plethora of beaches — and a sparkling marina that is a center for art, shopping, and entertainment.

Cape Town is, without a doubt, the crown jewel of South Africa and a must for anyone making their way through the country.

What is a visit to South Africa without a safari adventure? South Africa has nearly 113,000 square kilometers of protected area, and within that area comes some remarkable opportunities for wildlife viewing. Perhaps the best-known place for animal spotting in South Africa is Kruger National Park.

Tucked up in the northeastern corner of the country touching the border of Mozambique, Kruger National Park is almost 20,000 square kilometers of wide-open protected land, home to thousands upon thousands of stunning wild animals.

Among the wildlife you can spot in Kruger National Park are Africa's Big Five: elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, and buffalo. But you'll also be able to see zebras, hyena, giraffe, hippopotamus, warthog, impala, and hundreds of other species.

The most popular way to explore Kruger National Park is on a guided safari tour, of which there are many within the region. Other ways to explore the park include self-drive or staying in a safari lodge within the park.

Kruger National Park has a way to visit that will fit every budget type, too, which makes it one of the most accessible safari experiences in Africa .

Nothing can quite prepare you for the ridge-backed spine of the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains. Covering more than 700 miles across five of South Africa's provinces, the Drakensberg region is one of the most stunningly beautiful places to visit in all of South Africa.

Hikers and outdoor adventurers will flock to Drakensberg for its miles upon miles of hiking trails, as well as its spectacular scenery. The entire region is packed with wonderful things to see and do, from the Royal Natal Majestic Amphitheatre in the Royal Natal National Park to the plunging waterfalls of Tugela Falls .

The Drakensberg region is also a top spot in the world to take a look back in time. Within the Kamberg Nature Reserve is the famous San rock art, which dates back to more than 4,000 years and helps to tell the story of the earliest people on the African continent.

Tip: Take the two-mile hike to Game Pass Shelter , where you'll see some of the best rock art in the region.

Lovers of natural beauty must flock to the small, boutique communities of Stellenbosch or Franschhoek for some of the best views in South Africa . Both towns are surrounded by the towering mountain ranges that loom just outside of Cape Town.

Known for their alpine-like vistas, shimmering lakes, and abundance of flowers and wildlife, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are two of the most beautiful towns in all of South Africa.

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are foodie destinations, boasting some of the best restaurants in the country . They also are home to lovely gardens, particularly Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, home to acres upon acres of meandering gardens with epic mountain views.

The hotels in this part of South Africa are a cut above the rest, too. La Residence , for example, is an absolute treasure, with sumptuously decorated public areas, glittering chandeliers, roaring fireplaces, and a roaming peacock or two on property.

South Africa has many hundreds of kilometers of spectacular coastline, but the Wild Coast region is one of the most special stretches. The Wild Coast runs along the Eastern Cape , bordering the Indian Ocean, stretching from East London in the south to the KwaZulu-Natal border in the north.

Tourists can explore the Wild Coast by driving the N2 motorway, one of the main national roadways in the country. Along the way, the Wild Coast delights with gorgeous views of open beaches, broad rivers, rolling hills, forests, and rocky cliffs.

Sightseers come to explore the Wild Coast predominantly for its untamed wilderness, whether they are wildlife viewing below the waves, fishing , riding horses, or cutting through the forests and beaches on 4x4s.

The Wild Coast has a tremendous amount of history, as well. It is the ancestral home of the Mpondo people, and includes the birthplace of Nelson Mandela.

Blyde River Canyon will take the wind out of your lungs. It is one of the most outstanding natural sights to see in all of South Africa , and one of the largest canyons in the world . Towering cliffs of red rock are practically carpeted in lush, green forest, while the Blyde River slithers along at the base of the escarpment.

The rock formations of Blyde River Canyon are among the most beautifully formed in the country. While driving Route 532, you'll be able to trace the outline of many of these gigantic structures, with plenty of opportunity for waterfall spotting from dramatic lookout points.

You can find Blyde River Canyon in the northeastern corner of South Africa's Mpumalanga province. It's one of the top spots in the country for bird-watching, as well as spotting other wildlife species like waterbuck, wildebeest, kudu, hippos , and crocodiles.

The northern province of Limpopo is where adventurists will find the ruggedly beautiful Mapungubwe National Park . The park sits where the Limpopo and Shashe rivers converge, sharing a border with both Botswana and Zimbabwe. The park is shrouded in mysteries of the past, being a meeting point for people and wildlife across the span of time.

Speaking of wildlife, Mapungubwe National Park is one of the best places in South Africa for game viewing , especially if you're looking to spot elephants, leopards, rhino, lions, and hyena. It's also a paradise for bird-watching.

And speaking of people, this region is home to one of Southern Africa's first kingdoms, which was established at Mapungubwe Hill sometime between 1200 and 1290 CE. The civilization spanned seven centuries and has left behind a wealth of evidence of its existence.

Visitors can stay in the park, too, at many tented camps. Guided tours are among the best ways to experience the park's natural beauty.

Known simply as "Plett" to locals, Plettenberg Bay is a quiet, tranquil seaside town along South Africa's scenic Garden Route drive .

Plett is one of the major stops along this Indian Ocean road trip, particularly if you're interested in great restaurants , beautiful views, and outdoor thrills. Plan to stay at least two nights in Plett, because one simply will not be enough.

The reason everyone flocks to Plett is because of its gorgeous beaches . The three most popular beaches are Lookout Beach, Central Beach, and Robberg Beach. Each is spectacular and offers something a little different.

Another reason to visit Plett is to hike the Robberg Nature Reserve , known for its epic scenery and rock formations that date back millions (yes, millions) of years. It also happens to be a World Heritage Site .

One thing cannot be denied — the views in Plettenberg Bay are simply stunning. With such a chill vibe, it's no wonder this is one of the best places to visit in South Africa.

The Garden Route is not short on scenic towns and a breathtaking coastline, but you get a heavy dose of both when you visit Knysna. The village wraps itself around a stunning lagoon, with rocky outcrops known as the Knysna Heads that protect it from the churning ocean.

Knysna is one of the most famous towns along the Garden Route , particularly among those who like to get out on the water. The marina in Knysna is always packed with vessels — and their captains — who have come to sail along the calm lagoon waters.

Knysna's downtown is charming, with plenty of restaurants and things to do. You'll also find the Featherbed Nature Reserve , which is a protected area that you can only access by boat.

South Africa is not short on charming seaside towns, but Hermanus is in a whole league of its own. Just 120 kilometers from Cape Town, Hermanus makes for a perfect day trip, though you'll probably want at least a couple of days to really enjoy this lovely town in the Western Cape .

What makes Hermanus so special is that it is one of the top whale-watching spots in the entire country. The town overlooks Walker Bay, which is a prime destination for whales from Antarctica to breed and calve. As such, Hermaus is completely devoted to whale tourism. The Hermanus Whale Festival is an annual event held in September with food trucks, arts and crafts, and exhibits on conservation.

Tip: The best time for viewing whales is between June and November.

Hermanus is also surrounded by the Fernkloof Nature Reserve , which has 60 kilometers of trails and a plethora of wildlife.

If you're driving the Garden Route , then your journey will either begin or end in Mossel Bay. This historic harbor town is known for its spectacular beaches , 19th-century lighthouse , and maritime history. It's a wonderful spot to learn a bit about South Africa while taking in its lovely natural beauty.

Mossel Bay also happens to be the adventure capital of the Garden Route , with roughly 50 different types of adrenaline-pumping experiences, including one of the largest over-water ziplines in the world.

History buffs will want to visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum , which features a maritime museum and botanical gardens. You can also climb to the top of the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse complex for beautiful views over Mossel Bay.

If Cape Town is South Africa's chilled-out seaside city, then Johannesburg will be a bit of a shock to the system. This is South Africa's larger, more chaotic, and infinitely more expansive city — and a must-see on a visit to the country .

Johannesburg sprawls out in every direction from the city center and is divided into very distinct suburbs and neighborhoods, each of which has its own personality. Tap into its arts and culture scene in the once-industrial-now-cultural Maboneng Precinct , or hit up the luxury shopping malls and elegant restaurants of Sandton or Rosebank .

Johannesburg is also home to the Apartheid Museum , which is one of the most important and powerful museums dedicated to the rise and fall of the oppressive White Nationalist party in South Africa that dominated it for decades.

"Joburg" is fast-paced, exciting, electric, and can be sensory overload. But it is also one of the most important cities on the African continent and one that will help give a deeper perspective into the history and culture of South Africa.

Want to know where it all began? Africa is, without a doubt, the birthplace of humankind. And South Africa, in particular, has some of the earliest evidence of life on this planet.

Life first emerged roughly 3.8 billion years ago, and it's in South Africa that fossils have been found that date back 200 million years — the earliest to ever be found on Earth.

About an hour from Johannesburg is the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site , where important fossils that have helped guide our search to understand evolution have been found.

Famous fossils "Mrs Ples" and "Little Foot" have been found in the Cradle of Humankind. Other fossils include antelope, baboon, saber-toothed cats, and rodents, which are between five and four-million years old. The site also has 92 hominid specimens, and early homo sapiens fossils.

Table Mountain may be one of the icons of Cape Town , but it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the greater Table Mountain National Park . The park covers most of the Cape Peninsula, running from north of Cape Town down to the Cape of Good Hope.

In between the two are many scenic areas within the 22,000 hectares to explore. The park has more than 350 trails , meaning hikers of all levels will have many options to choose from. One of the best things to do in the park is to head to Cape Point lighthouse , which is a scenic area on the Cape of Good Hope.

You can also bring a picnic to Buffels Bay Beach and watch the waves gently lapping on shore. Do keep a lookout for wild baboons — they like to steal food and can be particularly brazen about it. Most will run away if you shout at them, though. And it's worth the slight annoyance for the lovely waterfront views.

Technically in the Table Mountain National Park area, Boulders Beach is worth a mention all on its own. If you skip everything else in the park, Boulders Beach is a must. Why? Penguins, of course.

Boulders Beach is home to one of the most famous wild penguin colonies in South Africa . The penguins turned up on the beach here years ago by chance, and have called it home ever since. What's more, you can hang out with them on the beach all day and have one of the coolest (and cutest) up-close animal encounters.

Boulders Beach requires a small entry fee to access, and it also requires a bit of scrambling over large boulders to reach the spot with the penguins. Once you do find them, you'll be surrounded by them. Splash in the crystal-clear water, explore the rock formations, and, of course, snap photos with these peculiar creatures.

If rock scrambling isn't part of your ideal itinerary, you can also head to nearby Foxy Beach , which has an accessible boardwalk viewing platform to see the penguins.

Address: Kleintuin Road, Simon's Town, Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa's history has quite a few dark patches on it. Colonization has left an ugly stain on its past, which has still carried through to the present. To come to South Africa and not acknowledge the racial inequalities is to miss a huge part of the reality of South Africa's identity. Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum is the best place in the country to learn about the historic racial injustices and how they impact life today.

One of Joburg's highlights , The Apartheid Museum is incredibly comprehensive. You need at least an hour and a half to do it justice. And be prepared for subject matter that does not shy away from the hard topics. Still, it is an important stop for anyone who wants to begin to understand South Africa's checkered past.

Still, the message behind the museum is one of hope and change. It's a moving and deeply profound experience to visit this museum and one that must not be missed.

Address: Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa

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