South Africa is a destination suitable for all types of travellers:warm welcome, ideal climate, spectacular scenery, modern accommodations and excellent cuisine. Each of South Africa's 9 provinces has a lot to offer in terms of different experiences, from the urban attractions to the natural landscapes found all over the country. Below are the top 10 places to visit in the Rainbow Nation.
1. CAPE TOWN
Located between the ocean and the mountains, Cape Town, “the Mother City”, is South Africa's oldest city with a cultural heritage spanning more than 300 years. It offers different landscapes from the beaches to the heights of Table Mountain and Table Bay. For an unusual experience, Old Biscuit Mill is worth a visit. It is a small village in the heart of Woodstock where South Africa's most talented artists, designers and photographers gather and host markets, workshops and boutiques of young designers, restaurants and many festivals and live music day and night.
2. WINE COUNTRIES, THE LAND OF VINEYARDS
Traveling along the beautiful wine routes you will discover South Africa's award-winning labels and delicious cuisine. Most of the vineyards are located in the green plain of Boland Basin, about 80 km northeast of Cape Town. The rivers that flow in these valleys and in the catchment area give life to several varieties of wine, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. In addition to the wine tastings, the Vermaakd farm offers an unusual and fun show:every day 1070 ducks parade through the vineyards to repel snails and other insects that could damage them.
3. GARDEN ROUTE
The famous Garden Route, also known as the 'Paradise of South Africa', traverses an area full of charm and natural beauty, ideal for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts. Its name is given by the rich variety of vegetation you can encounter and by the lagoons and lakes along the coast. Here it is a must to stop and taste the biltong, dried beef or other types, marinated and seasoned and then cut into thin strips:a true delicacy of South African cuisine!
4. JOHANNESBURG
Johannesburg, affectionately known as Jo'burg, is the beating heart of the African economy and the main gateway to South Africa. The city offers endless possibilities:from cultural activities thanks to the many art galleries, theatres, pubs and clubs that are open all night.
5. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe, Kruger National Park covers a vast area of vegetation and savanna in the northernmost regions of South Africa. Thanks to the huge variety of animals, flora and fauna it is home to, it is considered the national park of choice in South Africa. It covers more than 20,000 km2 and has 16 ecosystems, where you can meet the famous Big Five on a walking safari or aboard a 4×4.
6. DURBAN
Durban, South Africa's second largest city, is located on the east coast. Its subtropical climate, breathtaking beaches and proximity to Johannesburg have made it the most popular destination for South Africans. It is the center of major sporting events and for shopping enthusiasts it is a real paradise with its shopping centres, handicraft shops and bazaars. Here you can enjoy South Africa's best bunny chow, a very tasty dish from the Indian community of Durban. This is flat bread emptied and filled with curry along with lamb, beef, chicken, minced meat or vegetables.
7. ROBBEN ISLAND
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Robben Island is a rich natural paradise and a place of remembrance of South Africa. From 1961 to 1991 it was the prison of many members of the African National Congress, such as Nelson Mandela, who transformed it from a place of immense cruelty to a symbol of hope. To learn more about Robben Island and Mandela's life, download Madiba's travel app which provides a map of 27 tourist attractions, one for each year Mandela spent in prison; this way you can create your own itinerary and share your trip on social networks.
8. SOWETO
Soweto is located southwest of Johannesburg and is the largest and best-known township in South Africa. From a hotbed of anti-apartheid activity, it has transformed over time into a cheerful and lively center where you can immerse yourself in the heart of South African culture and history. To get a closer look at the country's history, visit Vilakazi Street, arguably the most famous street in South Africa, home to two Nobel laureates, Nelson Mandela and Reverend Desmond Tutu. Don't miss lunch in quaint shebeen, a quintessential Soweto pub.
9. BLYDE RIVER CANYON NATURE RESERVE
Located in the province of Mpumalanga and famous for its viewpoints such as God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon offers the best views in South Africa. Among the activities to be practiced are climbing, swimming and suggestive routes by car. The area is also home to more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna.
10. WILDCOAST
Wildcoast is a real natural treasure. You can choose whether you want to discover the riches on foot, by 4 × 4 or on horseback or go fishing, snorkeling or diving by boat. Here you can witness the Sardine Race, the largest fish migration in the world, in the months of June and July every year:huge schools of sardines migrate from the colder waters of the Cape to the warmer waters of Kwa-Zulu Natal to spawn the eggs. When finished, they return to the Cape, accompanied by thousands of dolphins, birds, raptors, whales and sharks. The whole ocean awakens and is an indescribable emotion.
This was just a taste of what South Africa has to offer. All that remains is to choose where to start your journey!
