0 Holiday Destinations in South Africa

Kruger-National-Park

South Africa is the most famous country in Africa. Economically, this country is by far much better compared to many other African countries. Mining of gold has played a major role in the economy of the country as well as its booming tourism industry. With a long history of apartheid, Nelson Mandela was the first black President but only ruled for one term due to his old age. Jacob Zuma is the current President. He made all African countries proud by hosting a peaceful World Cup Football meeting in 2010. The infrastructure in this country is excellent, allowing for favorable costs while hiring vehicles. You also get to enjoy smooth, comfortable, and fast rides.

South Africa is full of natural beauty, striking wilderness, beautiful cities, and a rich culture too. Cape Town is among the top holiday destinations that you must include in your list of places to visit. This town is situated along the ocean and has beautiful beaches and an impressive Table Mountain right in the heart of the city. The Table Mountain, which is about 1,086m high, is a popular highlight in Cape Town from where you can get a spectacular view of the city and the ocean. This mountain has more plant species on the mesa than the Great Britain. Apart from the natural beauty, the restaurants in the town are of excellent standards and offer very good wines. This town is also the favorite picnic area for the local people where they get to show off their culture to tourists.

Another top destination that you must visit is the Apartheid Museum located in Johannesburg. Opened in 2001, this is the most popular museum in South Africa where history dating back to the 17th century is on display. It is a museum, which offers emotional and disturbing experiences to both the old and the young generation. However, the construction of an isolation cell in the museum offers relief to all visitors since it explains how South Africa has changed since the time of apartheid. Soweto is another destination that you must not miss during your holiday in South Africa. Being the largest township in the country, it is located to the south of Johannesburg and is a home to about 3.5 million black people. Soweto is the place where much of the struggle against apartheid took place resulting in the deaths of hundreds of black people. The first home for the icon Nelson Mandela is also located in Soweto.

Robben-Island

Robben Island, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another holiday destination. It is situated about ten kilometers from Cape Town and the former prison island is located here. It is in this prison where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were held captivity for many years. Today this island is a site symbolizing the free South Africa. The Garden Route, which is about 350km long, has various attractions for visitors, which include white sand beaches, steep mountains, cliffs, semi deserts, vegetation, and thick forests. Other holiday destinations include Cape Wine lands, Kruger National Park, Sun City Resort and many more.

Detail: Holiday Destinations in South Africa

0 10 Attractions You Can’t Miss When Visiting Cape Town – South Africa

1. Table Mountain

Table Mountain is arguably the most iconic image of Cape Town. Standing at the top should top everyone’s list of ‘things to do before you die’. Take the leisurely route in the slowly revolving cable car, or alternately hike to the top. Either way you won’t regret it when you get to enjoy the sight of Cape Town and surrounds from the Table top!

2. V & A Waterfront

Situated at the Cape Town Harbour basin, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the most popular venue in Cape Town. With a wide variety of shops, numerous restaurants and cafes, wine bars, sites of historical and cultural interest and local craft workshops, you’ll never have a dull moment here, day or night.

3. Wine Farms

From the farms of Constantia in the southern suburbs to the expansive estates of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franshoek, the Cape boasts some of the most beautiful wine farms in the world. And it’s a well known fact that they produce some of the finest wines in the world too! A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without at least one day spent on the wine route, sampling fine wines, learning about the history and methodology of winemaking from the experts, enjoying a sumptuous lunch along the way and coming back laden with some great purchases for the cellar back home.

4. Robben Island

Site of former president Nelson Mandela’s prison cell where he was confined for many years prior to his historical release, Robben Island has a very special atmosphere. Take a ferry from the Waterfront and learn from the guided tours about the other men who shared the Island with Madiba, and about the incredible man himself.

5. Cape Point

Who wouldn’t want to say they have stood at the tip of the great African continent? Once inside the reserve you can make your way to the main parking area and stroll up the wide paths to the top lookout point. From here the view is breathtaking - sheer cliffs drop to the crashing waves far below while azure waters spread out as far as the eye can see to a hazy horizon. On a clear day, you really can see forever! Enjoy lunch at the excellent restaurant or drive to one of the sheltered beaches for a picnic.

6. Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony

Home of a colony of so-called ‘Jackass’ Penguins (so named for the donkey-like braying sound they make) Boulder’s Beach is situated just past Simon’s Town. Apart from great penguin viewing, the beach is picturesque and great for families with its sheltered bay.

7. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

These beautiful gardens at the foot of Table Mountain were established in 1913. The gardens only grow indigenous South African plants, and cover an area of 528 hectares. Picnic on the green lawns next to bubbling streams, or take advantage of a guided tour.

8. Top Stones Gemstone Factory and Scratch Patch

Visit one of the Top Stone Gemstone Factories at Glen Cairn or the Waterfront, for a sparkling and enchanting experience. At the Glen Cairn factory you can view the stones being washed polished and crafted into curios or jewelry. Trawl through the walk-in Scratch Patch ‘caves’ and select your own treasures to take home.

9. Two Oceans Aquarium

Located at the V&A Waterfront, this is South Africa’s largest aquarium. It has great exhibitions and a strong educational component. The shark feeding times are always popular with visitors who love to get a close up view of these awesome creatures without getting wet!

10. District Six Museum

Back in the 1960’s the apartheid government demolished the District Six neighborhoods, displacing the residents. Of all the museums to see in Cape Town, this memorial to the glory days and tragic history of District Six is one of the most interesting and colourful.

Detail: 10 Attractions You Can’t Miss When Visiting Cape Town – South Africa