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8 Highlights of South Africa

From wildlife safaris, elephant parks and whale watching to wine tasting, caving adventures and mountain treks, South Africa is brimming with memorable experiences you won't want to miss. Here are the best highlights of our South Africa tours.
Author: Helen Pettitt - Digital Content Manager at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 20 November 2024
 

South Africa, a country of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, will undeniably leave you with memories that last a lifetime. From the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to vast savannas teeming with widlife in Kruger National Park, every corner of South Africa tells a unique story. 

The Garden Route captivates with its world-renowned wines, where the likes of Stellenbosch and Hemel-en-Arde serve as popular stop-offs for their impeccable vineyards. With so much to see, do, taste and experience, read on for the eight best highlights of South Africa:

  1. Kruger National Park
  2. Cape Town
  3. Cape Winelands
  4. St Lucia Wetlands
  5. Cango Caves
  6. Whale watching
  7. Kosi Bay
  8. Addo Elephant National Park

 

1. Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the largest and best-known game reserves in Africa - and even the world. Covering 19,485 square kilometres, Kruger's gently undulating terrain is teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Rise early to catch sight of big cats lurking through tall grasses at dawn and head to various watering holes to watch giraffe, zebra and antelope drinking and bathing as the glorious sun rises for another day. 
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2. Cape Town

Cape Town is the capital city of South Africa, situated on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. This thriving metropolis is a hive of activity - and you can even see African penguins from Boulders Beach. For the best views, ascend the sky-high cliffs of Table Mountain by cable car. Or, if you have the energy, follow a hiking trail all the way to the top. The Twelve Apostles mountain range skirts along the shoreline, and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, sits peacefully in the horseshoe bay. Return to the city to enjoy an abundance of bars and restaurants and sample the delicious local wines.
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3. Cape Winelands

The Stellenbosch region in South Africa is famous for its imposing mountains and verdant valleys, creating the perfect ecosystem for succulent vineyards. One of the best ways to see this region is by bike. Cycle along quiet gravel tracks from Lazerac to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, through leafy forests and past lush farmland where grapes grow in abundance. End a fun day in the saddle with a wine tasting session and sample some of the finest New World vintages.
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4. St Lucia Wetlands

The wetlands area of St Lucia is another must-see highlight of South Africa. Embark on a cruise along the sheltered estuary to spot hippos bathing in the shallows and keep a look out for crocodiles lurking beneath the surface. Head to St Lucia beach for a refreshing swim in the ocean and explore the local forest hiking trails before joining a twilight game drive to spot nocturnal wildlife in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
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5. Cango Caves

Sharp stalactites hang above, and spikey stalagmites shoot up from the ground in the ancient subterranean Cango Caves. Formed over millions of years, these limestone caves consist of a 4km network of tunnels and chambers, twisting and turning through the foothills of South Africa's Swartberg mountains. Follow a local guide into this hidden underground world and learn about its long history dating back to the Stone Age. 
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6. Whale watching

Hermanus in South Africa is one of the best vantage points for whale watching from the shore. Listen out for the bellowing horn of the local whale crier, which signals the arrival of a nearby pod, then make your way to the top of the rugged ocean cliffs. Wander along scenic coastal paths, and look out over the ocean for the chance to see the mighty silhouettes of Southern Right, Bryde and Humpback whale gliding around the bay.
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7. Kosi Bay

Overlooking the wild, windswept shores of the Indian Ocean, Kosi Bay is a collection of interconnected lakes close to South Africa's border with Mozambique. Swirls of golden sand and shallow pools of turquoise water loop around the estuary entrance, home to various exotic wildlife, including hippo, crocodile, sea turtle, and manta ray. On our family South Africa tour, the kids will love exploring this protected nature reserve and discovering a colourful underwater world whilst snorkelling over the vibrant coral reef.
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8. Addo Elephant National Park

For the best chance of seeing several herds of elephant traipsing across the grassy plains of South Africa, head to Addo Elephant National Park. This wildlife conservation park is home to over 600 of these majestic giants, as well as Cape buffalo, lion, zebra, endangered black rhino and many bird species. Get up close with the nocturnal wildlife via a viewing platform overlooking an illuminated waterhole at your forest cabin camp, and get up early to join a sunrise game drive through the park in search of lion and hyena.
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Don't just travel, Explore!

You can discover all of these highlights across our range of South Africa tours, which are packed with plenty of even more exciting experiences and activities, allowing you to make the most of this incredible destination. Your bucket list just got bigger...
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