In addition to its rich history, South Africa is known for its landscapes, each more magnificent than the next. Between the savannah and the safaris, its rocky cliffs and its impressive beaches, this country has exceptional tourist potential. If you’ve decided to venture to South Africa and you don’t know where to start or if you don’t know what this country has to offer, this article is for you.
Whether you like basking in the sun, adventure, treks, animals or even surfing, South Africa is waiting for you! Indeed, this country is full of surprises and there is really something for everyone.
Summary
- Johannesburg: the capital of South Africa
- Cape Town
- The Cape of Good Hope
- Blyde River Canyon
- Kruger: the largest national park in the country
- Saint Lucia
- Port Elizabeth
Johannesburg: the capital of South Africa
The capital of South Africa is gigantic and very modern. If you want to know a little more about the country’s history, especially during the apartheid era, it is in Johannesburg that the country will reveal its secrets to you. For this, go to different museums : that of Apartheid , Nelson Mandela or even Pieterson . You can also go to Vilazaki Street where you will find the houses of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Cape Town
Cape Town is located in the extreme south of the country. This charming city offers an incredible landscape thanks to its surprising mountains, but also pretty colorful buildings. There, you won’t have time to get bored. Between the possibility of accessing the mountain thanks to a cable car , the treks , the different districts of the city, and Ribben Island , the former prison island where Nelson Mandela lived which has become a museum, we advise you to Stay there for several days to make the most of it.
The Cape of Good Hope
Not far from Cape Town is the famous Cape of Good Hope. This one is known worldwide for its rocks and incredible scenery , but also for its importance in the history of navigation . Indeed, this course marks the point where one begins to navigate towards the east of the planet when one comes from Europe. For example, the Portuguese crossed this course in 1488 to try to create commercial relations with the Far East.
If you want to go to this mecca of South African tourism, get up early and take the road from Cape Town. The road to get there is simply magnificent. The Cape of Good Hope nature reserve is made up of many coastal paths for you to walk around and enjoy the landscape. However, beware of the wildlife that roams this place: zebras, antelopes, baboons, ostriches, etc. Two kilometers away, you will find Cape Point where you can observe a lighthouse culminating at 87 meters above sea level as well as an always grandiose landscape.
Blyde River Canyon
In the province of Mpumalanga is an extraordinary place. This is Blyde River Canyon which is the third largest canyon in the world and the fourth largest tourist attraction in South Africa. It lies in the northern part of the Drakensberg mountain range. The canyon is mostly made up of red sandstone, is 26 kilometers long and about 750 meters deep. It is the river Blyde which crosses it, hence its name. You will discover unique scenery with breathtaking flora and fauna.
Kruger: the largest national park in the country
Apart from being the largest national park in the country, Kruger is one of the largest natural game reserves on the African continent. It is therefore a must-see place if you are visiting South Africa! There, you can see many animal species including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes that make up the “Big 5”.
Saint Lucia
This city is full of history. Firstly, excavations have been able to demonstrate the presence of Man on this territory more than 130,000 years ago. In 1554, following the sinking of a Portuguese ship, the first Europeans set foot on this land which they initially called “Rio dos Medos do Ouro ”. It was twenty years later that the city was renamed “Santa Lucia”. It was the beginning of long years of racial segregation.
This site is part of the iSimangaliso which is a park listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you won’t have time to get bored. On the program: discovery of magnificent beaches, scuba diving and encounters with the wildlife of the region (turtles, hippos, giraffes, etc.).
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is the ideal destination for people who want to relax. You will be able to bask in the pill on one of the beautiful beaches of the city! However, if you are an adventurer and wish to continue discovering the extraordinary fauna of the country, you will also be served. Indeed, it is possible to make boat trips to meet whales and very rare seabirds. Also, outside the city are nature reserves that allow you to observe wild animals such as rhinos, elephants, giraffes, etc.
