What is South Africa Famous for? Places & Things to Do in South Africa

The vibrant culture and scenic beauty of South Africa make tourists from all over the world visit the country. Moreover, the opportunity to experience adventure sports and water activities at different beaches is what South Africa is famous for. This article highlights all the specialities, including tourist attractions and other activities, that one must include in their bucket list while planning a trip to South Africa.

Here is an extensive list of popular places that one must visit during their trip to South Africa:

1. Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the oldest wildlife reserves in the country, and this place is home to hundreds of exemplary species of animals and birds. Wrapping over 2,000,000 hectares of lush green land with breathtaking flora and fauna. Some of the primary attractions in Kruger National Park for wildlife enthusiasts are Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, etc.

2. Cape Town

Cape Town is surrounded by a turquoise sea, serene mountains and unforgettable traditions and history; this city offers many tourist attractions. Some quintessential places to explore in Cape Town are False Bay, Table Mountain, Canal Walk, Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and many more. From vibrant neighbourhoods to thrilling nightlife, this city offers many colours to visitors, making the trip worthy of remembrance.

3. The Garden Route

The Garden Route is located southeast of the coastal area in South Africa and is famous for its scenic beauty. This driving route is among the top preferences for riders, experiencing a 200 km road between Mossel Bay and Storms River. One can also visit the astoundingly beautiful town of Knysna, and Cango Caves, which is situated adjacent to the Garden Route. South Africa is known for the rolling green mountains and exotic views of lagoons and lakes along the driving route of the Garden Route.

4. Drakensberg

Being the highest mountain peak, Drakensberg covers the land between the Kingdom of Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal province. The jaw-dropping beauty of this World Heritage-listed place also offers an abundance of San rock art, jagged basalt buttresses and Royal Natal National Park. Being home to exotic fauna and animal species, one can find over 800 diverse flowers from different flora families.

5. Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch, a picture-perfection town located in Western Cape, is the only university town in South Africa, offering a taste of the English Era and Dutch culture. The town witnesses oak-lined pave and white-washed dwellings built in the structure of the ancient Dutch era. Upon visiting Stellenbosch, tourists will feel historical nostalgia; however, the town serves some of the best restaurants where one can taste authentic South African gourmet food.

6. ISimangaliso Wetland Park

ISimangaliso Wetland Park is a World Heritage Area located in the northeastern area of Kwazulu Natal. This wetland park is filled with eight breathtaking ecosystems: crocodile-infested rivers, coastal dunes, lakes, coral reefs, swamplands and savanna. One of the popular things in South Africa, ISimangaliso, is home to more than 500 species of birds, turtles, leopards and other animals.

7. Hermanus

Hermanus is significantly known as the Whale Capital of South Africa for its exciting inhabitation of whales and dolphins. Tourists gather around for whale and dolphin watching tours, which are considered among the most thrilling experiences in South Africa. Moreover, the town organises the Whale Festival every year during September, which is a major tourist attraction.

8. Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg National Park is one of the significant attractions located in the city of Johannesburg. Tourists looking to explore this national park can try a quick safari that perfectly depicts wildlife inhabitation. You can spot notable wildlife species, such as antelopes, giraffes, African wild dogs, zebras, big wild cats and many other birds.

9. Johannesburg

Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is also known as the "City of Gold" because of its gold-mining settlements. Some of the notable places to visit in this city are Constitution Hill, Gold Reef City, Apartheid Museum and Collector's Treasury, an eight-storey building consisting of a rare collection of books. Furthermore, one can also visit Soweto, the birthland of Nelson Mandela, to explore the vivid culture and cityscape of the place.

10. Kgalagadi Transnational Park

Kgalagadi Transnational Park, being included in the list of “what is South Africa famous for” is located between South Africa and Botswana. This park serves as a major attraction for wildlife photographers and tourists across the globe. Being home to the country's national animal, springbok and gemsbok, there is a wide abundance of magnificent species like Kalahari lions and cheetahs that one can find here.

11. Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay is one of the famous beaches in South Africa for its jaw-dropping oceanic view. Tourists visit this place to experience the sublime picturesque sea view and explore other notable places. These are Garden Route Casino, Cape St Blaize Lighthouse Complex and Point of Human Origin. In addition, tourists can try different types of water sports, skydiving and shark cage diving at Mossel Bay.

12. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Tourists can visit Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, which covers the drive between Kruger National Park and Johannesburg. Being Africa's second-largest canyon, this reserve offers lush green subtropical landscapes, mesmerising waterfalls and sparkling rivers. The park allows a visitor to opt for extensive hiking or driving through the routes to experience the panoramic viewpoints.

13. Durban’s Golden Mile

Durban’s Golden Mile in KwaZulu-Natal is a visionary place to initiate the city tour. This place offers extensive luxury and adventure choices for tourists to explore. From beach activities for swimmers and surfers to premium shops and restaurants, Durban’s Golden Mile is a perfect blend of entertainment and cultural foliage.

14. Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Among the things South Africa is known for, Sabi Sands Game Reserve in Mpumalanga offers an exemplary safari experience to tourists. Covering over 45,000 acres of land, this private resort offers a wide array of top-notch lodges where visitors can stay and enjoy leopard sightings. Apart from that, these lodges appoint expert guides who will guide the tourists through the open safaris, as lions and leopards roam freely on Kruger and Sabi Sands roads.

15. Boulders Penguin Colony, Simon’s Town

Boulders Penguin Colony is just an hour's drive from Cape Town and is home to almost 2,000 black and white endangered African penguins. The spectacular sightseeing of the birds and gathering around the granite boulders is one of the most cherished tourist experiences.

Here is a list of famous activities and other things that one can experience while on their staycation in South Africa:

16. Authentic Delicacies

If you plan your next trip to South Africa, it is quintessential to try authentic African food, and this will give you an entire cultural experience. From traditional al fresco braai to famous melktert, a custard-filled pastry, there are many options to try in this country. Being included in the list of famous things in South Africa, biltong and droewors are the must-try delicacies in South Africa.

17. Fashion

The vibrant and Bohemian Street fashion is among the many things that South Africa is known for. From great colour combinations to animal or geometric patterns, the fashion industry of South Africa adds an oomph factor. Reputed designers now use the boho and traditional clothing styles of South Africa in their runaway collections, and this marks paying homage to this vivid African culture.

18. Hiking Through the Otter Trail

Tourists interested in adventures must experience camping under the stars on the Otter Trail. Hiking through this trail to witness the mesmerising scenic beauty of flora, fauna and rock formations is worthy of remembrance. Apart from that, you will be able to explore clear lagoons and pools and subtropical evergreen forest lands in Otter trail.

19. Kayaking in the KwaZulu-Natal

One of the great ways to take the adventure to the next level is kayaking with the crocodiles and hippos in the estuaries of St. Lucia in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Though these animals can be dangerous, with expert guidance, you can have a memorable encounter with these magnificent creatures. Furthermore, the crystal-clear water also makes the experience of kayaking very pleasant.

20. Snorkelling in Knysna

While visiting the Garden Route of South Africa, snorkelling with the pint-sized seahorses is the quintessential activity for adventure lovers. By experiencing the warm water of Knysna lagoon, one can spot hundreds of different species of fish swimming alongside you. Not only this, one will be able to witness mythical-looking creatures while exploring the place.

21. Bungee Jumping From the Bloukrans Bridge

When you are looking for “what is South Africa famous for", bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge is the must-try option that will pop on your screen. To experience an adrenaline rush, diving from 650 ft. is one of the popular activities that one cannot afford to miss. Bloukrans Bridge, located on the edge of the Western and Eastern Cape, is a top-visited place for this thrilling experience.

22. Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai

Gansbaai has a large number of great white sharks, attracting tourists from all over the world. In this place, shark cage diving is a significant activity that most tourists look up to. Contrary to zoo exploration, where wild animals stay in a cage, here you will experience these majestic creatures from the galvanised steel cage.

In addition to this, there are other notable and exemplary activities and things to try on while you visit South Africa. This country's warm and welcoming culture has won the hearts of millions, making tourists and adventure lovers visit South Africa at least once in their lifetime. Furthermore, from exploring the Cango caves to trying out the traditional recipes, there are a vast array of things to add while you search for what South Africa is famous for.