South Africa
Africa
South Africa offers diverse landscapes, from savannas to mountains, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
18.2/10
50
May-Sep
Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Sepedi.
Why Visit
Home to the iconic Table Mountain.
Must Try
1. Visit Kruger National Park for a safari experience 2. Explore Cape Town and hike Table Mountain 3. Taste local cuisine including bobotie and biltong
Insider Tip
Stay hydrated and always carry a reusable water bottle.
Must-Try Food
Braai (barbecue), Biltong (dried cured meat), Bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), Bunny chow (hollowed-out bread filled with curry)
Top Cities in South Africa
Skukuza
Skukuza is the largest camp within Kruger National Park, a small settlement serving as a base for wildlife enthusiasts. It is here that you can see the legendary Big Five in their natural habitat, provided you don’t confuse the local elephants with a stubborn tour guide. The camp itself consists of accommodations, a few eateries and facilities tailored for safari-goers, while birdlife fills the air. Most visitors are attracted here for the chance of close encounters with wildlife, whether from the comfort of Sunset Dam or during guided walking safaris. However, once you venture beyond the camp, you’ll find limited amenities, as the focus is squarely on nature rather than urban convenience.
Cape Town
Cape Town, home to the iconic Table Mountain, sits at the southwestern tip of Africa, where land meets ocean in a dramatic embrace. The city is built around this natural landmark, shaped by its beaches, mountains, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate that draws visitors year-round. The blend of cultures is palpable, from the historic Company’s Garden to the markets at Greenmarket Square. The city's history includes the significant District Six, a once-diverse community that was forcibly removed during apartheid. People come primarily for the outstanding scenery and outdoor activities, with options ranging from hiking Table Mountain to lounging at Clifton Beaches or exploring the vineyards at Groot Constantia.
Johannesburg
The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg owes much of its character to its history as a gold mining hub, which spurred rapid urban development and a volatile mix of cultures. This past is visible in the scattered remnants of mine dumps, the markets, and the diverse neighborhoods that reflect waves of migration. Key attractions like the Apartheid Museum and Vilakazi Street in Soweto offer a glimpse into the nation’s complex history, while the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Melville Koppies provide green respites in an otherwise urban landscape. People come for the rich history, arts scene, and as a starting point to explore nearby attractions such as the Cradle of Humankind.
Soweto
Soweto, South Africa's largest township, is a cultural hub with a complex history shaped by its role in the anti-apartheid movement. From the Hector Pieterson Museum, which commemorates the 1976 protests, to the streets where local heroes once rallied, the area is a living testament to resilience and community. Originally established for black South Africans during apartheid, Soweto has transformed into a mix of culture and heritage, with many artists, musicians, and activists calling it home. Visitors come primarily for the township tours, which offer a chance to engage with the powerful narratives that echo through its neighborhoods. Just remember to bring your walking shoes, those stories come with a fair bit of ground to cover.
Durban
Durban is South Africa's third-largest city, famous for its beachfront and subtropical climate. The Indian Ocean shapes the city not just physically, but culturally too, with a Indian Quarter that celebrates the region's history and cuisine. Visitors flock to the beachfront promenade, a stretch filled with surfers, sunbathers, and food vendors selling local favorites. The city is also home to the Moses Mabhida Stadium, a remnant of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the historic sights of the City Hall and the Old Courthouse Museum. While the beaches and attractions draw tourists, the real draw is the unique blend of cultures, seen everywhere from the Victoria Street Market to the Shah Amanat Mosque. People come for the local food and the sea, as long as they don't mind sharing the sand with a few hundred other sun seekers.
George
George is the main stop on South Africa's Garden Route, where mountains meet golf courses and the tourism industry thrives. This medium-sized city is known for its outdoor scenery and serves as a launching pad for adventures along the coastline and into the Outeniqua Pass. George has a mix of residents, from local families to transient tourists, drawn here primarily for the golf, hiking, and the nearby natural beauty of the region. Most visitors come for the excellent outdoor activities, with many sticking around to enjoy the local markets and the George Museum, which offers a glimpse into the area's history and culture.