It seems lately that everyone wants to go to Africa, and more specifically South Africa. The country that once sat beneath a shroud of apartheid and international sanctions is now proudly embracing its history and its culture. And as a result, South Africa is finding its way onto tourist bucket lists all over the world. But South Africa is not a small country, there is a lot to see and do, from stunning ocean views, interesting cities and museums, amazing wildlife and cracking landscapes. It is a diverse, fascinating country. And it is very vast! So where do you even begin to organise your travel through this beautiful country? Whatever you do, don’t miss these five places in South Africa.

Drakensberg

You know every now and again you look out over a landscape and feel, well, small? The Drakensberg has that effect. The highest mountain range in South Africa (at its peak it’s about 3400 m high), the Drakensberg stretches 1000 kilometres from north to west. Comprising the Blyde River Canyon and more rock art than any other site in Africa south of the Sahara Desert, the Drakensberg was named a World Heritage site in 2000.  And if that’s not enough to tempt you there is stunning birdlife, beautiful treks and, of course, spectacular scenery. 

Cape Town

South Africa has an interesting quirk in that it has an administrative capital (Pretoria), a legislative capital (Cape Town) and a judicial capital (Bloemfontein). And then there’s Johannesburg, where the Constitutional Court of South Africa resides and Soweto, one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations lies. Confused? Each city has an interesting history and impressive architecture, but Cape Town, in the south, has a special charm. Located on the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, and situated in the shadows of Table Mountain, Cape Town brings together beautiful architecture, stunning beaches and a rich history. And of course its home to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Take a drive out to Cape Point to see the craggy peninsula that juts out into the ocean, visit Boulders Beach and watch cute penguins make their way across the beach, hike or take the cable car up the side of Table Mountain for 360 degree views of the city or simply wander around the town. Oh, and did we mention the wineries?

Kruger National Park

No visit to South Africa would be complete without a visit to Kruger National Park. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there is something quite magical about seeing wildlife in the wild, and Kruger offers an abundance of wildlife. According to Wikipedia, Kruger is one of the largest national parks in Africa at almost 20,000 square kilometres. It’s home to the Big Five – lion, rhinoceros, leopard, elephant and buffalo – and offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Africa. 

Cango Caves

If impressive rock formations and geological wonders are more your thing you won’t want to miss the Cango Caves. Set in the Swartberg Mountains the caves stretch across an impressive four kilometres – though not all of it is open to the general public. The area that is accessible features an impressive formation of stalactites and stalagmites across two massive caverns. South Africa doesn’t do things by halves, after all!

Swaziland

Ok, we know, it’s not technically in South Africa. Swaziland is its own independent country. But we’re including it here because it has a fascinating culture and is well worth a visit, plus it’s so closely linked to South Africa. You’ll be mesmerised by the Valley of Heaven and utterly impressed by the many local handicrafts you come across here, but more importantly you’ll be embraced by the local people and will get to experience the full culture of the Swazi people in song and dance. The whole experience is just so, well, vibrant and colourful.

Diane Squires is a tour host with Two’s a Crowd.

Interested in South Africa? Find out about our latest tour to this fascinating country here.