Untamed natural wonders and a smorgasbord of breathtaking wildlife – some highly endangered – South Africa is every nature lover’s ultimate paradise. Picture yourself atop Table Mountain in Cape Town, where the city sprawls beneath like a living canvas.
Imagine the rustle of the wild in Kruger National Park, where lions, elephants, and rhinos roam freely. Feel the thrill of the open road along the Garden Route, unveiling secrets of coastal cliffs and emerald hills. Let the grandeur of Blyde River Canyon leave you breathless, as cliffs and rivers paint an epic masterpiece. If you stay long enough, you might just never run out of beautiful places in South Africa.
Best time to visit scenic & beautiful places in South Africa
Optimal visits to South Africa occur from May to September, featuring cool winters in the north, ideal for wildlife observation. Although rain may occur from November to February, it’s prime for birding, with temperatures maintaining a pleasant 22°C to 33°C.
Most beautiful and scenic tourist places in South Africa
Kruger National Park
Discover South Africa’s natural wonders at Kruger National Park, spanning 7,523 square miles (19,484.48 square kilometres) which offers diverse landscapes and hosts San (bushman) rock paintings and other archaeological sites. Home to the iconic Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino – and an array of wildlife, it’s a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Explore the park’s 5,000 miles (8,046.72 km) of roads at your pace or opt for guided safaris to traverse sealed roads, or take a hot air balloon for a unique perspective over grasslands and river systems. Kruger is unarguably one of the top beautiful places in South Africa.
How to reach:
By air: Hendrik Van Eck Airport is the nearest airport, 2.5 km away
Best places to stay: Kruger Gate Hotel, Nsala Wilderness Camp, Lukimbi Safari Lodge
Best time to explore: May to October
Book your stay at Lukimbi Safari Lodge via Booking.com
Book your stay at Lukimbi Safari Lodge via Agoda.com
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Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, also known as Motlatse River Canyon, boasts Africa’s second-largest canyon. Rich in biodiversity, it hosts diverse wildlife amid lush foliage, waterfalls, and lichen-clad rocks. The 16-mile (25.74 km) gorge, plunging 2,600 feet, stands as one of the world’s grand “green canyons.” Encounter primates, hippos, and crocodiles while revelling in activities like white-water rafting, hot-air ballooning, hiking, and kloofing. Situated on the scenic “Panorama Route,” it links to Mpumalanga’s highland gems, including Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock, and God’s Window—Blyde River Canyon is one of the most scenic places in South Africa.
How to reach:
By air: Hoedspruit Airport is the nearest airport, 50.6 km away
Best places to stay: Moditlo River Lodge, Umvangati House, Kapama Private Game Reserve
Best time to explore: March to June and August to November
Book your stay at Moditlo River Lodge via Booking.com
Book your stay at Moditlo River Lodge via Agoda.com
Garden Route
Stretching 200 kilometres along South Africa’s southeast coast, the Garden Route offers breathtaking coastal vistas from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Traverse rolling hills, coastal towns, lagoons, and cliffs. Key stops include Knysna, embraced by forests and a lagoon; Garden Route National Park with gorges and tidal pools; Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms and Cango Caves; and Plettenberg Bay’s Robberg Nature Reserve, hosting a seal colony.
Adventure seekers find diverse activities, from elephant encounters and whale watching to bungee jumping and tree canopy tours, making the Garden Route a captivating South African exploration.
How to reach:
By air: George Airport is the nearest airport, 86.2 km away
Best places to stay: Moontide Riverside Lodge, Hartenbos Private Game Lodge, Garden Route Safari Camp
Best time to explore: March
Book your stay at Garden Route Safari Camp via Booking.com
Book your stay at Garden Route Safari Camp via Agoda.com
Pretoria & Johannesburg
Johannesburg, the “City of Gold,” is South Africa’s populous gateway, blending economic vitality with rich history. Highlights include the poignant Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and Gold Reef City, narrating the region’s mining legacy.
Soweto, the soul of Johannesburg, birthed the freedom movement, and guided township tours reveal its profound role, often featuring the Mandela House. A short distance away, Pretoria, the administrative capital, is charming with parks, gardens, and landmarks like the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park. Two of the most beautiful holiday places in South Africa, explore Johannesburg’s vibrancy and Pretoria’s serene beauty.
How to reach:
By air: O. R. Tambo International Airport serves both the cities
Best places to stay: Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank, Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg, Protea by Marriott Hotel Johannesburg Wanderers, Sheraton Pretoria Hotel, Apogee Boutique Hotel & Spa
Best time to explore: March to May, September to November
Book your stay at Apogee Boutique Hotel & Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Apogee Boutique Hotel and Spa via Agoda.com
Cederberg Mountains
The Cederberg, just two hours from Cape Town, unveils a rugged beauty sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. From baboons and zebras to elusive creatures like porcupines and aardvarks, the region teems with wildlife. Stargazing is exceptional, with the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory offering weekend access.
Clanwilliam and Citrusdal boast towering mountains, vibrant sunsets, and the fragrance of orange blossoms. Coastal gems like Lambertsbaai and Elandsbaai provide excellent surfing and seafood. Wupperthal and Elandskloof, historic missionary villages, add cultural richness. Whether hiking, bouldering, bird-watching, or simply relaxing, the Cederberg promises an unspoiled paradise, enriched by diverse flora and renowned rooibos tea cultivation, making it unmissable and one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Africa.
How to reach:
By air: Cape Town International Airport is the nearest airport, 179 km away
Best places to stay: The Baths Natural Hot Springs, Draaihoek Lodge and Resort, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat
Best time to explore: August to September
Book your stay at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat via Booking.com
Book your stay at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat via Agoda.com
Cape Town
A breathtaking multicultural city nestled between mountains and the sea, Cape Town beckons with natural wonders. Table Mountain, a flat-topped peak, offers panoramic views accessible by hike or cableway. Lion’s Head provides another stunning vantage point. The UNESCO-listed Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens grace Table Mountain’s slopes. Along the coast, encounters with spouting whales, waddling penguins in False Bay, and diverse wildlife at Cape Point are highlights. Camp’s Bay boasts boulder-flanked beaches and chic shops. Sunset rituals along Chapman’s Peak Drive capture the city’s love for nature. Explore the lively Victoria and Alfred Waterfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment. There’s no dearth of beautiful places in Cape Town Africa to explore.
How to reach:
By air: Cape Town International Airport is the busiest airport in the city
Best places to stay: Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel, Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers, POD Camps Bay
Best time to visit: January to April
Book your stay at POD Camps Bay via Booking.com
Book your stay at POD Camps Bay Hotel via Agoda.com
Valley of Desolation
Camdeboo National Park showcases millions of years of geological artistry, with the Valley of Desolation as its pinnacle, one of the many beautiful places in South Africa. Towering dolerite columns and sheer cliffs shaped by ancient volcanic forces and erosion, reach up to 400 feet. Whether by car or hiking, visitors can absorb the panoramic vistas. Nature enthusiasts can explore the park’s rich biodiversity, featuring over 220 bird species, 336 plants, and 43 mammals, including the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra. Scenic picnic sites and hiking trails cater to various preferences.
How to reach:
By air: Port Elizabeth International Airport is the nearest airport, 265 km away
Best places to stay: Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve Gaaff Reinet, Samara Karoo Reserve, Langhuis Guesthouse
Best time to visit: October to March
Book your stay at Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve by NEWMARK via Booking.com
Book your stay at Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve by NEWMARK via Agoda.com
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Established in 2000, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a union of South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana‘s Gemsbok National Park, spans 37,256 km2, representing a vast, minimally disturbed ecosystem. Named “place of thirst” in the San language, it’s a premier destination in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Iconic red sands, camel thorn trees, and diverse wildlife, including black-maned Kalahari lions, gemsbok, meerkats, and various predators, attract nature enthusiasts. With 307 bird species and unique fauna, it’s a haven for biodiversity. One of the most striking and beautiful places in South Africa, it stands as one of Africa’s largest transfrontier parks, embodying wilderness beauty.
How to reach:
By air: Upington International Airport is the nearest airport, 252 km away
Best places to stay: Kgalagadi Lifestyle Lodge
Best time to visit: May to October
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The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
One of the unparalleled natural wonders and most scenic places in South Africa, discover the enchanting Drakensberg, or “Dragon Mountains,” a must-visit in KwaZulu-Natal and a cherished retreat for South Africans. Home to the nation’s loftiest peaks, this region includes the UNESCO-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and Royal Natal National Park with the iconic Amphitheatre.
Rich in biodiversity, it shelters eland herds and diverse flora. Summer in South Africa unveils lush landscapes, while winter blankets the peaks in snow. Outdoor enthusiasts revel in hiking, biking, trout fishing, and thrilling activities like rock climbing and hot air balloon rides, relishing the mountain’s dynamic beauty year-round.
How to reach:
By air: King Shaka International Airport is the nearest airport, 236 km away
Best places to stay: Zulu Nyala Game Lodge, Drakensberg Mountain Retreat
Best time to visit: April and May
Book your stay at Drakensberg Mountain Retreat via Booking.com
Book your stay at Drakensberg Mountain Retreat via Agoda.com
Wild Coast, Eastern Cape
Your hunt for the most beautiful holiday places in South Africa will also take you to the captivating Wild Coast, stretching between East London and Chintsa in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Adorned with craggy cliffs, golden sands, azure oceans, and ancestral Xhosa villages, this region offers a mesmerising blend of landscapes. Once part of the Transkei, it now invites travellers to navigate its scenic route, reminiscent of the Garden Route. Engage in surfing, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting in Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. Don’t miss the natural wonder, Hole in the Wall. Chintsa, at the route’s edge, offers a picturesque stay with its serene beach and lush surroundings.
How to reach:
By air: Mthatha Airport is the nearest airport, 106 km away
Best places to stay: Cremorne Estate, Mbotyi River Lodge
Best time to visit: March and April
Book your stay at Cremorne Estate via Booking.com
(Hero image credit: Vanessa Bentley/Shutterstock, feature image credit: Dereje/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What makes Table Mountain in Cape Town a must-visit for tourists?
Table Mountain offers panoramic views of Cape Town and iconic cable car experiences.
– Why is Kruger National Park famous among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers?
Kruger National Park boasts diverse wildlife and unforgettable safari adventures.
– What can visitors expect to see at Blyde River Canyon?
Blyde River Canyon features stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and diverse flora.
– Why is the Garden Route a popular scenic drive in South Africa?
Garden Route charms with coastal beauty, quaint towns, and diverse landscapes.
– What are the highlights of the Drakensberg Mountains for outdoor enthusiasts?
Drakensberg Mountains offer unforgettable hiking, rock art, and breathtaking vistas.
– Are there hidden gems in South Africa for travellers seeking scenic beauty?
Wild Coast, Valley of Desolation, and Cederberg Mountains, among others.
– Are these scenic places suitable for families and travellers of all ages?
Some hikes and adventure safaris might be unsuitable for senior travellers as well as kids below 10 years of age. It is advised to double-check the access to the destination as well as the health conditions of the visitors beforehand.
Written By
Shubhanjana Das
An English Major, Shubhanjana is an independent culture and lifestyle journalist with extensive experience in fashion and travel writing. Her bylines have appeared in Vogue, Vice, FirstPost, and Mint Lounge, among others. She is a wannabe wine-taster and given the chance, wants to travel for a living and treats true crime podcasts like her lullaby. ..Read More
