5 Must-Sees in South Africa

South Africa is a beautifully diverse place. A mixture of cultures, languages cuisines and landscapes, South Africa truly is a melting pot. So with so much to see, how do you decide what to do? Read our guide to the 5 must-see sights of South Africa.

The Drakensberg Mountains

Whether you’re a seasoned walker or the most walking you do is to the car and back, there’s a way for you to enjoy the Drakensberg Mountains. The source of the Tugela River and an UNESCO World Heritage site, there’s also an incredible cliff face called the Amphitheatre. There are all sorts of grades of climb so if you’re not used to hiking you can still get to the top and enjoy the incredible view.

Hermanus

Hermanus offers you the best chance of seeing a whale from dry land in the world. Nearby at Betty’s Bay and Stony Point you can see hundreds of penguins up close too.  Visit the Old Harbour Museum and the Whale Museum to explore the history of the whaling industry and information on whales themselves.

Isimangaliso

Nelson Mandela said it all when he said, “Isimangaliso must be the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale)”. One of the most unspoiled natural beauties in the world, Isimangaliso Wetland Park is a 332,000 hectare park that houses eight interlinking ecosystems.

The Blyde River Canyon

The third largest canyon in the world and the largest green canyon, the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga is an incredible sight to behold. Enjoy it from the bottom with a river cruise, or see it from the top from God’s Window or the “Three Rondavels” for stunning views over the region. Crocodiles, hippos, antelopes, eagles and many more animals call this canyon home, so it’s a great place to catch a glimpse of exotic wildlife. The Kadishi waterfall is well worth a look too if you get the chance, it is the second tallest tufa waterfall and resembles a crying face.

Robben Island

Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela, among other political prisoners, was imprisoned. It had served in this way between the 17^th and 20^th centuries, and today it reminds us of the price of South African freedom.

Getting There

Flights to South Africa aren’t that expensive, you just have to know where to look. Flight Centre, for example offer cheap holidays. Booking really far in advance and haggling can also reduce the price.