South Africa, often called the Rainbow Nation, is a country that is all about the adventures, cultural diversity, and sceneries. It is therefore important to make sure that you first get your visa for South Africa because this country is the starting point to all the wonderful things that you want to experience in the continent. South Africa is a country of contrasts, which enchant every traveler from the hustles of bustling cities to the wilderness of the natural world.
This means that obtaining your South Africa visa is the first step in the process of visiting the country’s great sites. If you are to go on a wild game viewing in Kruger National Park, mountain climbing on Table Mountain, or wine and dine in the Cape Winelands, then getting your visa ready will certainly help you appreciate the richness of South Africa. The visa requirements are quite simple hence allowing anyone to proceed with his or her South African experience.
After receiving your approval on the South Africa visa, it is time to kick start a trip full of amazing experiences. South Africa is a country with plenty of attractions starting from the island of Robben where prisoners were put during apartheid times up to the scenic drives along the Garden Route. Expect to be enthralled by the stunning scenery, come face-to-face with the Big Five and experience the colours, cultures, history of the country that is South Africa.
Here follows the list of the 9 places that should not miss your tour guide when visiting this spectacular country.
1. Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the greatest game reserves in Africa and famous for its wildlife. Spanning over 19,000 square kilometers, the park is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Tourists can take game drives, self drives and even take nature walks in order to appreciate the many plants and animals. It is also a bird watchers’ paradise because the park boasts of over 500 recorded bird species.
2. Table Mountain
Table Mountain stands majestically above Cape Town and is one of the most easily recognizable landmarks in the country. This is a flat topped mountain that provides striking views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists can actually climb up some of the many trails or use the cableway for a more thrilling experience to the top. At the top you will be able to hike and experience the unique flora of the fynbos as well as breathtaking views.
3. Cape Winelands
The wine lovers will find the Cape Winelands region including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl most fascinating. Famous for its wine and wine production and beautiful sceneries, tourists can take wine tours and tasting and also have great meals, enjoy beautiful nature, and good wine. The area is also historically endowed and boasts of some of the best cape Dutch style buildings.
4. Robben Island
Robben Island is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site because it represents the fight of South Africa for freedom. Known to be situated near Cape Town, the island was a prison for political prisoners such as Mandela. Now tourists can visit the island in guided tours accompanied by former prisoners who offer a chilling history of the island and its part in the struggle against apartheid.
5. Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga is one of the world’s largest canyons and boast of marvelous scenery. It has subtropical rainforest, deep gorges and striking cliffs making it a centre for tourism especially trekking and viewing. This tour features Three Rondavels, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes to give you different incredible views.
6. Garden Route
Starting from the eastern cape near Port Elizabeth right down to the eastern cape near East London, the Garden Route is a drive that offers scenic views of South Africa’s coast and forests. It stretches from Mossel Bay in the west to Storms River in the east and passes through such beautiful towns as Knysna, Plettenberg and Wilderness. These include Dolphin and Whale watching, Surfing, Hiking in indigenous forests, Tour in the Cango Caves and many more.
7. Durban’s Golden Mile
Golden mile Durban is a popular holiday resort that lies along the beach front of Indian ocean. This lively zone is bordered by restaurants, shops, and entertainment centers. It is a perfect spot for lovers of water sports in particular and recreation in general, as there is good surfing, swimming and fishing. The uShaka Marine World situated close by which is a marine themed park is a favourite for families.
8. The Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountains are a great mountain range that provides great views and an opportunity to engage in outdoor activities. This place remains a UNESCO world heritage site because of its huge cliffs, beautiful valleys and rock paintings by the San people. Tourism involves mountain climbing, hiking, and horse back riding, while the regions resorts and lodges are ideal for visitors to relax.
9. Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park is in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa; this park is the third largest park in South Africa and home to more than 600 elephants. In addition to elephants the park is populated with lions, hyenas, zebras, and many different species of antelopes. Tourists can engage in game viewing and guided tours, and the more unique ways of viewing wildlife, which is by horse back.
Conclusion
The natured beauty of South Africa is diverse and therefore should be on the list of travel destinations for tourists. From the game parks of Kruger National Park to the wine lands of the Cape and the majestic Mountains of Drakensberg the variety of experience that awaits the visitor is breathtaking. Use the tips on this page to plan your trip to visit these top attractions and to experience the beauty of the Rainbow Nation.