Embark on an enthralling journey through South Africa, exploring its captivating landscapes and cultural treasures at the forefront of tourism.
From the lively V&A Waterfront to the majestic heights of Table Mountain, each destination promises a distinctive blend of natural wonders and historical significance.
Cape Town Dominates South Africa’s Leading Attractions
First car rental reveals a list of South Africa’s top attractions, with Cape Town spots claiming the spotlight:
- V&A Waterfront, Western Cape
Situated in the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest working harbor, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront captivates as South Africa’s premier tourist destination, drawing 24 million visitors annually. Encompassing 123 hectares, this space features homes, businesses, hotels, shops, restaurants, and iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain and Zeitz MOCAA.
- Table Mountain National Park, Western Cape
Table Mountain, a renowned site, entices around 4 million visitors yearly. Encompassing 22,000 hectares, the park includes sections with highlights like Cape Point, Boulders Penguin Colony, and diverse wildlife.
- Kruger National Park
As one of the world’s largest parks since 1898, Kruger National Park spans 360km and attracts nearly 2 million visitors each year. Showcasing 336 trees, 507 birds, and the famed Big Five, it features attractions like the Letaba Elephant Museum and the Jock of the Bushveld Route.
- uShaka Marine World, Durban
Durban’s 16-hectare uShaka Marine World welcomes 1.5 million visitors annually, offering premier attractions like the Southern Hemisphere’s largest aquarium and Wet ‘n Wild waterpark. Exciting features include the Chimp and Zee Rope Adventure, Dangerous Creatures, and Sea Animal Encounters Island.
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Nestled at the base of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch draws over a million visitors annually. Established in 1913, this 528-hectare garden showcases indigenous plants and the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway.
Other Notable Tourist Destinations
- Cape of Good Hope
Part of Table Mountain National Park, the iconic Cape of Good Hope greets a million guests annually, renowned for diverse wildlife, flora, and two-day hiking trails.
- Drakensberg Mountains
The UNESCO-recognized Drakensberg mountain range captivates 620,000 visitors a year, known for Tugela Falls, Sani Pass, and the Amphitheatre, making it a haven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
- Blyde River Canyon
Enchanting nearly 600,000 visitors annually, the Blyde River Canyon, as the world’s third-largest canyon, is located on the Greater Drakensberg escarpment, showcasing visual wonders like Lisbon Falls and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
- Robben Island
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island sees 375,000 yearly visitors. Off Cape Town’s coast, it holds historical significance as a former political prison, now offering multimedia tours.