From Cape Town to Kruger: The Best of South Africa's Tourist Attractions

Cape Town

A dazzling South African gem, Cape Town is where iconic sights steal the show. Wander the vibrant V&A Waterfront – a sensory overload of shops, restaurants and harbor views. Breathtaking panoramas await: hike Lion's Head for a challenge or take the scenic cable car to Table Mountain's peak. Table Mountain's magic doesn't stop there; explore Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden — a UNESCO wonder — bursting with incredible plants. History buffs should head to Robben Island. Nature lovers will be charmed by the adorable Boulders Penguin Colony. Cape Town has some top South Africa tourist attractions and unforgettable adventures for all.

Johannesburg

Jozi — Johannesburg's nickname — has a vibe unlike any other, mixing modern fun with a powerful past. Dive into the impactful Apartheid Museum to understand the country's story. Need a thrill? Gold Reef City's an epic theme park built around a real gold mine! Want to see the heart of Johannesburg? Soweto, a sprawling township, pulsates with energy. Visit the historic Mandela House to see where it all began. And for something truly ancient, head to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO site with fossils and caves that take you way back to the dawn of humankind. Jozi packs a punch!

National parks & reserves

Africa's wild side roars in South Africa's national parks and reserves! Legendary Kruger Park lets you see the Big Five in all their glory. Craving wide-open spaces? Explore the Kalahari Transfrontier Park, a massive reserve merging two countries' lands. Pilanesberg Park boasts a volcanic landscape teeming with wildlife. iSimangaliso Wetland Park — a UNESCO site — stuns with wetlands, beaches and Africa's biggest estuary. Looking for luxury? Sabi Sands offers posh stays and epic game viewing. Gentle giants roam Addo Elephant Park, while malaria-free Madikwe Park is another safari option. Finally, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is a black rhino haven. From legendary to unique, South Africa's parks have something for every safari dreamer.

Nature lovers

Take a Garden Route road trip by cruising along 200km of South African coastline from Mossel Bay to Storms River, where cliffs hug turquoise waters. Or hit the Wild Coast for untouched beaches and history, located between East London and Chintsa. Hike the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve's dramatic rock formations and waterfalls. Then turn to Drakensberg’s majestic peaks, known as the Dragon Mountains. Springtime in Namaqualand? A semi-desert bursts into an unforgettable wildflower carpet. South Africa's beauty: epic drives, challenging hikes, and blooming surprises.

Other towns & areas

Beyond the big city buzz, South Africa's charm unfolds. Explore the Cape Winelands – gorgeous vineyards, quaint towns and award-winning vinos. History buffs can wander Stellenbosch, a town stuck in Dutch East India Trading Company time. For surfers, J-Bay — Jeffreys Bay — has legendary waves waiting for you. Whale-watching? Hermanus is the place to go. And for a dramatic finish, drive to Cape Agulhas – the southernmost tip of Africa, where two oceans collide. From award-winning wines to unforgettable ocean encounters, South Africa's tourist attractions can be found in every corner of this stunning country.

South Africa is a diverse country with so much to see and do. The best months to visit tend to be from May to October, but it depends on the part of the country and activities you're hoping to do. Reach out and I'd love to plan your perfect South Africa vacation.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to South Africa. For more travel inspiration, check out Fora Advisor Diana Morales' guide, Family Vacation in South Africa.