South Africa has a well-earned reputation as a top travel destination. It truly is a world in one country, offering everything from safari holidays to gourmet experiences and high adventure.
South Africa is a versatile destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, heading out on a vacation with the family, or looking for something intimate for just two (or maybe even just you), South Africa is one destination not to be missed.
Whatever your idea of a great holiday, South Africa has a memorable experience for you.
Here are our top 5 reasons to visit South Africa:
1. Wildlife
Nature and wildlife are something South Africa has in spades. One of South Africa’s biggest drawcards is by far its great big outdoor spaces where nature continues as it always it has, with phenomenal wildlife roaming the untamed wilderness.
Arguably, a Big 5 safari at one of the many unbelievable safari lodges in South Africa is one of the most iconic experiences to enjoy here, but that’s not all there is to see. A safari will yield more than just sightings of a myriad unique and amazing wildlife species like zebra, giraffe and so many more, as well insects, reptiles, and exceptional birdlife. If you’re keen for a safari in a malaria-free area, look no further than sunny South Africa.
The beautiful and aptly named Garden Route is the ideal spot for whale watching each year between June and December when southern right whales come to play along the shoreline. It’s an experience not to be passed up as the whales get extremely close to the shore and really put on a show.
Hermanus is the place to go for whale watching; the historic coastal town even hosts a Whale Festival.
Bird-lovers, we’ve got you covered too! Head to Outshoorn, the Ostrich capital of South Africa, for a chance to hang out with these feathery long-necked birds.
And of course, if you’ve watched the Netflix documentary, Penguin Town, now’s your chance to experience it for real. Simon’s Town and specifically Boulders Beach are home to a colony of penguins that walk around relatively unbothered by the humans gathering to watch them and their funny antics. You can Kayak to Boulders Beach!
Use our ZULA Trip Finder to browse Safari & Wildlife and Nature & Active itineraries in South Africa.
2. Food and Wine
The Winelands of the Western Cape produces some exceptional wines, some of which are renowned the world over. A visit to this scenic region is a feast for more than just your eyes – wine tastings, pairings, and top restaurants are plentiful here.
In recent years, South Africa has earned a reputation for exceptional culinary offerings. Restaurants like La Colombe have garnered international praise, and consistently welcome foodies from around the globe. (Insider tip: we advise booking well in advance for these locations).
Local South African cuisine is as unique and varied as the people who call this country home. South Africa’s varied cultural landscape is most evident in the flavours and dishes of its people. A visit to the Cape Quarter in Cape Town, with its colourful homes and historic mosques, offers the chance to explore the Cape Malay culture as well as the spicy flavourful cuisine.
Don’t miss this unique foodie experience – a Cape Malay Cooking Safari.
(Insider tip: make a point of trying a koesister – similar to doughnuts, these balls of dough are deep-fried and coated in coconut and syrup.)
Other great local culinary experiences include a traditional braai or barbeque, also known as a Shisanyama in some areas.
Use our ZULA Trip Finder to browse Food & Culture itineraries in South Africa.
3. Panoramas and scenery
If the term ‘views for days’ was a country, it would be South Africa. There’s even an entire route dedicated to incredible views, and it’s unsurprisingly called the Panorama Route. Located just outside the famous Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route includes cascading waterfalls, the fascinating Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and God’s Window, a lookout point that’s sure to take your breath away.
The Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are home to scenic peaks like Giant’s Castle and Cathedral Peak and offer plenty of hiking trails through these majestic peaks to hidden waterfalls and past abundant wildlife.
Table Mountain is arguably one of the country’s most iconic destinations. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the mountain, which rises above the city of Cape Town is also home to the hardy shrubbery known as fynbos, with its incredible variety of species. Whether you hike up or take the cable car, the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular on a clear day.
Use our ZULA Trip Finder to browse Hiking & Trekking and Nature & Active itineraries in South Africa.
4. Adventure
Thrill-seekers, line up! South Africa is an adventure paradise with a range of high-adrenalin activities to enjoy.
Bungee jumpers from all over the world flock to the Bloukrans bridge which lies between the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. At 216m above the Bloukrans River below, it’s one of the world’s highest commercial bridge bungees in the world and sure to thrill even the most hardened adrenalin junkie.
If you’re not quite done throwing yourself from a great height, why not try a tandem paragliding experience from Signal Hill in Cape Town. Enjoy the incredible views of the beach and glittering ocean, all the way to Robben Island, as you glide gently down.
The incredible scenery of South Africa is the backdrop for several high-performance activities, including mountain biking, cycling, hiking, kloofing, and abseiling. If you’re competitive, check out some of the thrilling sporting events here.
5. People and culture
South Africa is famously known as the Rainbow Nation, and with good reason. With eleven official languages and a wide variety of cultures all coming together, a visit here will introduce you to a range of ethnicities.
The country’s rich and sometimes violent history has brought together a unique accumulation of ethnicities and cultures that occurs nowhere else on the planet.
From the fascinating tribal life of the Zulu and Xhosa people (the largest two ethnic subgroups) to the Indian and European communities, the cultural life here is rich, colourful, and flavourful too.
One thing is for sure, no matter where you travel within her borders, South Africa’s people will offer you a warm and friendly welcome.
Use our ZULA Trip Finder to browse Food & Culture itineraries in South Africa.
Bonus Reasons: Value for money and ease
Travel to South Africa offers a wealth of experiences and sights all within easy reach of each other. With long, open stretches of good roads between major metropolitan areas, road trips and self-drive holidays are easy to do.
If you’re pressed for time, a quick flight can get you to most places within an hour or two, and if you’d prefer to take a more scenic and leisurely journey, consider a regal rail trip on Rovos Rail or the Blue Train to fully appreciate how the landscape changes as you go.
Once you’re in South Africa, other exceptional experiences are just a short flight away, including the thundering Victoria Falls as well as the idyllic island of Mauritius. The magical beaches of Mozambique are especially easy to combine with a safari in the famed Kruger National Park.
Not only is South Africa a varied and diverse destination but travel here is easy on most wallets. If you’re looking for a great value destination to offer you more bang for your buck, then South Africa should certainly be on your list.
Use our ZULA Trip Finder to browse travel itineraries in South Africa.
