Be a Tourist in South Africa

It’s heart-warming to see and experience the new way South Africans and the world as a whole are supporting each other. As lockdown regulations are slowly lifted, we suggest celebrating the beautiful country we live in, by keeping your travel plans local and being a tourist at home. Here are our Top 10 suggestions for a cross-country trip, with so much to see we recommend making some stops to explore along the way.

Western Cape: Cape Winelands

After exploring Cape Town, take a trip inland to the home of South African wine. Above the award-winning vineyards to be visited, the Cape Winelands also offers great food, incredible scenery and historic sites.

Eatern Cape: The Garden Route 

The 200km+ of the garden route offers dramatic scenery changes that include endless coastlines, the cango caves, Klein Karoo and the Tsitsikamma National Park. Those with an adventurous spirit can also get their heart racing with a bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge and a walk across the Storms River Suspension Bridge.

KwaZulu-Natal: Natal Midlands

With rolling hills, dams and lakes the Natal Midlands are reminiscent of Tolkien’s The Shire. Along with hiking and fishing, The Midlands Meander is an arts and crafts hotspot with an assortment of picturesque places to eat, drink and shop.

Mpumalanga: The Panorama Route

Featuring one of the largest canyons on the planet (Blyde River Canyon), The Panorama Route of Mpumalanga is best enjoyed during a slow drive and some long walks. Places to stop include God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and Sudwala Caves.

Limpopo: National Parks

Go on an animal adventure at one of the many national parks, private reserves, conservancies or rehabilitation centres around Limpopo. 

Gauteng: Vilakazi Precinct, Soweto

Home to both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Vilakazi street is steeped in contemporary South African history. You can visit the Mandela House Museum and the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum before having something delicious to eat. Adrenaline junkies can also visit the Orlando Towers for a range of extreme sports and activities.

North West: Magaliesberg

Stretching 170km, the Magaliesberg offers hundreds of outdoor activities to enjoy. From the cable car at Hartbeespoort Dam, canopy tours, hot air balloon rides, hiking trails and offroad adventures, it’s an ideal place to get out of the hustle and bustle.

Free State: Clarens

Enjoy peace and quiet at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in Clarens. Enjoy the scenery from the town’s many art galleries, restaurants and trinket shops or go on an adventure at the nearby Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The town is also a great place to stay before heading into nearby Lesotho for some skiing.

Northern Cape: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park & Namaqua National Park

The Northern Cape is home to more national parks than any other province. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, bordering Botswana, is home to the unique black-maned lions among other animals. Nearer the coast, the Namaqua National Park is a must see for nature lovers as it transforms from semi-desert to blooming with its famous flowers.