6 Recommended Magnificent Tourist Spots in South Africa!

The Republic of South Africa, commonly known as "South Africa," is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent. South Africa is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and on safari tours, you can see animals like lions and rhinos up close. Its untouched, vast nature, including blooming plants across the land, is also very popular. Here, we’ll introduce some carefully selected tourist spots in South Africa.

In 2010, the FIFA World Cup was held in South Africa, and since then, the number of tourists visiting has been increasing year by year. With safety at tourist destinations improving, why not enjoy the great nature that South Africa has to offer?

1. Cape Point (Cape Town)

Cape Point is a famous tourist destination in South Africa, located at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, alongside the well-known Cape of Good Hope. Cape Point lies slightly further south than the Cape of Good Hope and is considered the southernmost point of the peninsula. There, you'll find an old lighthouse. From this vantage point, you can gaze out at the rough seas where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

From the cape, you can enjoy spectacular views of the curved horizon and steep cliffs. The viewpoint near the old lighthouse sits at an elevation of 248 meters. You can either walk up from the parking area or take the funicular.

This tourist spot is home to dolphins and seals, which can be seen throughout the year. If you're lucky, you might even spot a pod of over 100 dolphins! Whales also visit during the season from August to November.

2. Table Mountain National Park (Cape Town)

Table Mountain is the symbol of Cape Town. This mountain acts like a folding screen, protecting the city from ocean winds. Clouds that drape over the summit are called the "Tablecloth," and if you're lucky, you can catch a glimpse of this stunning sight.

The elevation is 1,086 meters. While there are trekking routes you can climb, they are quite steep and demanding. If you're not confident about your stamina, the cableway is highly recommended. It's a popular attraction, so be sure to visit with plenty of time to spare.

At the summit, you'll be treated to a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. You can see the Cape of Good Hope, the curved horizon, and Cape Town spreading out below—it’s truly a sight to behold!

3. Pretoria (Jacaranda City)

Pretoria is located about 50 km north of Johannesburg, a major city in northeastern South Africa. It’s the administrative capital of South Africa, home to government offices, ministries, and foreign embassies, as South Africa operates a multi-capital system. At the same time, Pretoria is nicknamed "Jacaranda City" because, from October to November in spring, about 70,000 jacaranda trees planted along its streets bloom all at once.

Pretoria is filled with historic buildings, featuring a unique blend of colonial architecture, Art Deco, and traditional South African styles. The city is also home to many universities, theaters, and notable landmarks like the Voortrekker Monument.

4. Boulders Beach (Cape Town)

Boulders Beach, stretching along the eastern coast of the Cape Peninsula, is famous for being home to thousands of wild penguins. These penguins are known as "Jackass Penguins" (African Penguins/Cape Penguins), which grow to about 60 cm in length. They are native only to the coastal areas of South Africa and Namibia.

The first two penguins arrived at Boulders Beach in 1982. Since then, their population has grown to around 3,000, although they are classified as an endangered species. More than 60,000 tourists visit this site every year to catch a glimpse of these charming birds.

You can observe the penguins up close from the boardwalk. During breeding season, you might even spot penguins warming their eggs or baby penguins waddling around.

5. Kruger National Park (Phalaborwa)

Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest nature reserve. Its size is so vast that it could completely cover Shikoku (a Japanese island). It boasts an impressive diversity of wildlife, with over 500 species of birds and more than 100 species of mammals, making it one of Africa’s largest and most famous game reserves.

The most common activity here is staying in private safari lodges and going on "game drives" in open-top 4WD vehicles to search for animals. You can witness South Africa’s famous Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino) up close. Many say that experiencing this dynamic safari will change your perspective on life!

6. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Cape Town)

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a nature reserve located on the southern slopes of Table Mountain and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of its highlights is the Protea Garden, where nearly 100 species of proteas, South Africa’s national flower, known as the "King of Flowers," bloom in full glory.

The best time to visit is during spring, from mid-August to mid-October, when the entire garden bursts into bloom. Since there are very few tall trees inside the garden, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of colorful flowers stretching across the landscape—an absolutely breathtaking sight! There’s also a cactus garden, home to giant cacti and unique succulents that are worth seeing.

There are also shops and restaurants within the garden, and you can enjoy a relaxing walk along the well-maintained paths.

◎ Summary of Tourist Spots in the Republic of South Africa

We have carefully selected and introduced some of the best tourist spots in South Africa. There are still many more attractions to explore, where you can experience the vast and magnificent nature that is unique to the African continent.

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

6 Recommended Magnificent Tourist Spots in South Africa!