Kruger National Park
Region: Mpumalanga Province / Limpopo Province
Nature
World-renowned reserve where Big Five and other wildlife can be observed via 4WD safari.
Tourism in South Africa
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Table Mountain
Region: Cape Town
Nature
Flat-topped mountain at 1,086m elevation. Enjoy spectacular views and endemic fynbos plants via cable car.
Cape of Good Hope
Region: Western Cape Province
Nature
Scenic cliff location near the junction of Atlantic and Indian Oceans, often confused with Cape Point.
Robben Island
Region: Table Bay
Cultural Heritage
Former prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. UNESCO World Heritage guided tours are popular.
Garden Route
Region: Western Cape to Eastern Cape coast
Nature
Diverse ecotourism route featuring Knysna Lagoon and Cango Caves.
Winelands (Stellenbosch/Franschhoek)
Region: Western Cape Province
Food Culture
Historic Old World wineries and Cape Dutch architecture spanning over 300 years.
Sani Pass
Region: KwaZulu-Natal Province
Nature
Scenic drive route requiring 4×4 vehicles, ascending to Lesotho border through mountain roads.
Blyde River Canyon
Region: Mpumalanga Province
Nature
Third-largest canyon in the world, featuring red cliffs and waterfalls viewable from "God's Window" viewpoint.
Gold Reef City
Region: Johannesburg
Modern Architecture
Theme park and casino built on former gold mine site with mine tour experiences.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Region: KwaZulu-Natal Province
Natural Heritage
Ramsar-listed giant lagoon and sand dune forests inhabited by hippos and crocodiles.
Suggested itineraries
First-time South Africa Classic 8-Day Tour
Duration (days): 8
Highlights: Cape Town City, Table Mountain, Garden Route, Kruger National Park, Soweto
Balanced itinerary covering nature, cities, and history with efficient domestic flight connections.
Western Cape Wine and Gourmet Tour 5 Days
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Robertson Valley, Cape of Good Hope
Gourmet journey centered on boutique winery visits and pairing dinners.
Safari and Stargazing Adventure 10 Days
Duration (days): 10
Highlights: Kruger Private Reserve, Sutherland Stargazing, Blyde River Canyon, Panorama Route
Nature-focused course combining early morning game drives and nighttime astronomical observations.
Travel tips
- Domestic flights including LCCs are well-developed between major cities, convenient for time savings.
- Strong summer sun requires SPF50+ sunscreen.
- Tipping culture is established; 10-15% is standard at restaurants.
- Avoid walking alone at night; use rideshare services or official taxis.
- Wear bright earth-tone clothing on safaris, preferred by wildlife.
- Tap water is potable in urban areas but bottled water is safer.
- Electricity is 230V/50Hz. Round 3-pin B.S.546 type plugs are common.
- Long sleeves and pants are recommended during dry season as protection against tick-borne diseases.
- Be cautious of skimming near ATMs in Gauteng Province.
- Credit cards: VISA/Mastercard widely accepted.
- Wine duty-free allowance is 2L; excess amounts are taxable.
- Drone flights are generally prohibited in national parks.
- Confirm insurance when participating in great white shark observation tours on the coast.