What to do in South Africa: our best routes by region
Each region of South Africa has its specialties: sea, mountain, safari, history, etc ... If you prefer to explore a region in depth rather than traveling on a road trip around the country, you will therefore have to choose it according to your interests. This article was written to help you select the region that is right for you. Each of our best itineraries by region will give you all the information on what to do in this part of South Africa.
To begin with, you should know that South Africa is divided into three main parts:
What to do in Southern South Africa: Cape Town, the wine route and the garden route
South of South Africa is the part with the most points of interest and it is the one we recommend. It is filled with unmissable visits and natural sites unique in the world such as the districts of Cape Town, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Garden, Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope, the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, the wine route of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek or the Garden route with Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay and Addo Elephant Park.
We have written a circuit to visit Cape Town and its region, another focused on the Garden Route (or Garden Route in English) and a last to discover the wine route of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek with a list of the best winefarms.
You will find these routes detailed below:
- The best route to visit Cape Town and its region in South Africa
- The best route to visit the garden route in South Africa
- The best route to visit the wine route in South Africa
What to do in Northern South Africa: Johannesburg, Soweto and the Kruger National Park
North of South Africa suitable for those who want to go on a safari. In this case, you absolutely have to go to the Kruger National Park. This is the top of the top of safaris. As for Johannesburg and Soweto, these cities are interesting for their historical side with many museums on Apartheid. Note that around the Kruger, many natural sites are also worth visiting such as the Sabie waterfall route and the famous Blyde River Canyon.
If you want to visit Kruger Park you can read our article on the route we recommend and the one on the best private reserves. You will find all the information to visit Johannesburg here and for Soweto here. To learn more about all the sites surrounding Kruger National Park, we invite you to read our articles on the route of the Sabie and Graskop waterfalls, On the Blyde River Canyon and for those who have time to go further south on the Swaziland (today Eswatini).
What to do in Eastern South Africa: Durban, the Drakensbergs and Lesotho
Eastern South Africa is much less touristy and clearly mountain oriented with the sumptuous Drakensberg range. It is in these mountains that the most beautiful hikes in the country, such as Sani Pass, Giant's Castle Valley and Royal Natal National Park with its Tugela waterfall (the 2rd highest in the world). On the other side of the Drakensbergs is Lesotho and especially its village lost in the mountains: Semonkong. This small landlocked country in South Africa is a little explored jewel of beauty. It's a very well-kept secret that we recommend you visit if you like mountain scenery and 4 × 4 tracks. When it comes to Durban, the city does not have the beauty of Cape Town or the aura of Johannesburg. On the other hand, the entire coast north of the city is a gem for divers and travelers who like to think outside the box. You can visit Saint Lucia with its classified site of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the diving spots of Saldanha or the last white rhinos in the world of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.
To visit the Drakensberg range, you can read our articles on the best hikes to do: Sani pass, Giant's Castle Valley et Tugela Falls. Around Durban, we have written articles on the beautiful region of St LuciaOn Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve safaris and the gorges of Oribi. Finally, we have designed a guide to discover the best of Lesotho.
Our tips for a successful trip:
- Book your flight in advance to take advantage of the best prices
Airline ticket prices are cheaper when booked 6 to 3 months in advance. To be sure of getting the best price, we recommend using a flight comparator such as Skyscanner.
- Book your accommodation before departure to have access to the best offers
You will always find a room at the last minute, but the best located accommodations are necessarily those that are always full. That's why it's best to book your accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend going through Agoda which offers the best prices. In addition, this site allows you to be easily reimbursed in the event of cancellation.
- Skip the line to visit the most popular attractions
By booking your excursions in advance on Civitatis, you do not queue on site to get your tickets. Less time waiting = more time enjoying your vacation! Plus, their guided tours ensure you have a knowledgeable guide who speaks your language.
- Use a comparator to find a rental car at the lowest price
Save yourself hours of research with rentalcar.com ou discovercars.com. These comparators are the best for finding rental cars at the lowest prices.
- Don't leave without travel insurance
For us, it is unimaginable to leave without travel insurance. We recommend the one proposed by AXIS. This is the best guaranteed way to leave with peace of mind. However, consider taking out additional specialized insurance for activities not covered (such as skiing or scuba diving).
- Want more information about your destination?
Do not hesitate to complete the information present on this blog with a travel Guide. You can take it in your luggage and refer to it throughout your vacation.
Find out more about South Africa
The itinéterre team
Itinéterre is a travel blog written by a team of expatriates and locals. They share their experiences so that you can enjoy the best tours in their countries. Their advice will help you plan your vacation easily as if a local is accompanying you!
