South Africa has all of the features that
travelers long for in a vacation destination: fine weather, gorgeous scenery, great beaches,
modern accommodations and superb cuisine. The southern tip of Africa also offers an
exotic array of once-in-a-lifetime adventures, from off-roading on a safari to diving with
great white sharks. It’s hard to name another holiday destination
that offers as much variety. Here’s a look ash the best places to visit
in South Africa. Number 10. Blyde River Canyon Blyde River Canyon is the second largest canyon
in Africa, after the Fish River Canyon, although it is much greener due to its lush subtropical
foliage. Walking treks through the rich diversity of
flora and fauna filled canyon offer views of magnificent escarpments, waterfalls and
ancient geological phenomenon. Visitors have the opportunity to encounter
all five of South Africa’s primates here, as well as hippos and crocodiles near the
wetlands of Swadini Dam. Number 9. Cape Winelands The fertile valleys of the Cape Winelands
are surrounded by majestic mountains, sleepy villages, fruitful orchards and some of the
lushest scenery in South Africa. Visitors can follow the Wine Routes of the
Cape to visit the vineyards of the country’s finest winemakers, whose sherries, ports,
brandies and intriguing whites and reds are world famous for their delicate flavors and
savory palatability. Number 8. Addo Elephant National Park Located in the Eastern Cape region of South
Africa, the Addo Elephant National Park is one of the country’s larger parks. The Park is famous for its elephant population
that has a special, brownish skin color due to the red soil. Amongst the elephants other animals, like
ostriches, antelopes and warthogs can be seen. As part of the park’s expansion, a group
of lions and a group of spotted hyenas have been introduced to the park in 2004. Number 7. Hermanus Located on the southern coast of Africa near
the Garden Route, Hermanus is famous for its shore-based whale-watching. The sheltered, shallow waters attract southern
right whales that migrate to the region each year to mate and breed. A 6 mile long cliff-side walk with built-in
telescopes and benches offers visitors plenty of opportunities to view these social animals
as they raise their flukes in the sea breezes. Whale-watching boat tours are available as
well. Number 6. Durban South Africa’s second-largest city, Durban
is located on the eastern coast. Durban’s subtropical climate, scenic beaches
and close proximity to Johannesburg have made the coastal city a popular vacation destination
for South Africans. The English Colonial architecture that once
dominated the city has been enlivened by a mix of Zulu murals, Islamic mosques, Hindu
temples and Christian churches. Number 5. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve As the only park under a formal conservation
effort in KwaZulu Natal where you can see the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards,
buffalo and rhinoceros – the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve offers visitors wildlife viewing
opportunities second to none. Wildlife enthusiasts may enjoy the vast expanses
of native plants and native animals during guided walks, self-guided drives, or opt for
a thrilling viewing experience by boat along the Hluhluwe dam. Number 4. Garden Route The Garden Route is a scenic stretch of the
south-eastern coast of South Africa. It extends from Mossel Bay in the Western
Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The name comes from the diverse vegetation
encountered here and the numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the coast. It includes some of the best places to visit
in South Africa including Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley. Number 3. Drakensberg The Drakensberg is a mountainous region that
forms the boundary between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, and offers
some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. The name ‘Drakensberg’ is derived from
the Dutch, meaning “mountains of the dragon”, which truly captures something of the mountain’s
otherworldly atmosphere. Number 2. Kruger National Park Covering a wide stretch of bush and savannah
in the northern reaches of South Africa, Kruger National Park borders the countries of Mozambique
and Zimbabwe. For its dense animal population and the variety
of its flora and fauna, the park is considered the jewel of South Africa’s extensive park
system. Numerous well-kept tarred and gravel roads
have made the park a favorite choice for self-driving expeditions. Number 1. Cape Town Located on the southwest tip of South Africa’s
Western Cape Province, Cape Town is the most popular tourist destination in all of Africa. The metropolis enjoys a mild, Mediterranean
climate, a well-developed infrastructure and a spectacular natural setting. Cape Town’s center is located in a relatively
small area between Table Mountain and Table Bay. The city also serves as a home base for exploring
nearby attractions, including the region’s many diverse beaches as well as the rolling
hills and valleys of the Winelands. Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNx5F8htBvo
