South Africa’s most spectacular road trip winds its way through verdant mountains, dramatic canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Named for its photo-worthy views, the 100-mile (160-kilometer) drive runs through the heart of the Drakensberg Mountains in Mpumalanga and links a string of natural wonders.
The white water of Howick Falls plunges 310 feet (95 meters) into a pool, which is said to be the home of Inkanyamba, a huge serpent-like creature with the head of a horse. Its legendary temper is blamed for the region’s seasonal storms, while its presence gives the waterfall the name KwaNogqaza, meaning place of the tall one.
From tiny fennec foxes to majestic leopards and lions, the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve brims with life—and is the perfect way to discover the diversity of South African wildlife. Compared to traditional safaris, it has more organized and curated experiences. It's also close to downtown Johannesburg and a top city destination.
A complex of 300 limestone caves, South Africa's Cradle of Humankind is one of the most significant archaeological and anthropological sites in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has produced an extensive human and animal fossil record, including a nearly-complete hominin skull dating back more than 2 million years. Note: Cradle of Humankind is temporarily closed.
Herds of elephants basking at water holes are just a sneak peek of the classic African wildlife you’ll spot at Addo Elephant National Park. Lions, rhinos, hyenas, leopards, antelope, and zebras also make appearances alongside the park’s vast network of roads and trails, and can even be observed from the safari lodging and restaurants.
Built on the site of the 1910 Indian Market, Victoria Street Market is Durban’s oldest market. With more than 200 stalls spread across two stories, the gaudy modern building houses an intoxicating blend of India and Africa. Known to locals simply as “The Vic,” it offers everything from spices to luggage to Indian fabrics to African souvenirs, including Zulu beadwork.
Nestled in Pretoria, the Kruger Museum honors the life of Paul Kruger, the President of the old Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) during the late 19th century. Built in 1884, this historic home-turned-museum captures the era's essence with original furnishings and Kruger's personal effects, including his impressive State Railway Coach, his medals, and even poems and old letters.
The cobblestone plaza of Greenmarket Square is one of Cape Town’s liveliest public spaces. Originally home to a slave market and then a produce market, the square now fills up with vendors selling painted fabrics, handcrafted jewelry, and other trinkets while street performers keep shoppers entertained with music and dance.
The Carlton Centre is a 50-story, four-blocks-long skyscraper in downtown Johannesburg, and at 732-feet (223-meters tall, it's one of the tallest buildings in Africa. This towering structure is also known as a shopping destination and it offers unparalleled roof-top views of the South African capital city.
Established in 1849, Africa’s oldest botanic gardens spread across 37 acres. With winding paths, manicured lawns, and a diverse array of flora, the spot is a green oasis just outside the city. You’ll find treasures, including the Orchid House–home to more than 8,000 plants–and the Butterfly Garden, which highlights species native to KwaZulu-Natal.
There’s more to Africa’s wildlife scene than big game, and you don’t have to get far from Cape Town to discover it. Set in Hout Bay, the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park provides dynamic habitats for 400 different species. The largest aviary in Africa, the sanctuary is home to 3000 birds and monkeys living in walk-through enclosures.
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is home to some of South Africa's fiercest animals—lions, leopards, wild dogs, and even honey badgers. Sitting at the base of the Drakensberg escarpment in Hoedspruit, the center helps travelers understand the plight of endangered species in the bush through education programs and guided tours.
This theme park and casino complex built on the site of a former gold mine offers 24-hour entertainment for both kids and adults. Highlights of Gold Reef City include a casino, live theater, cinema complex, bowling alley, trampoline park, 30-ride theme park, and Johannesburg’s only authentic underground mine tour.
Khayelitsha is thought to be not only the largest township in South Africa but also the fastest growing. Established in 1985 as part of an apartheid-era law—black residents were forcibly moved to the new township, sometimes violently—Khayelitsha is known today for its entrepreneurial spirit and social-development projects.
South Africa’s Stellenbosch region is filled with award-winning wineries and Jordan Wine Estate continues the legacy. As a relatively young winery founded in 1993, the estate is known for its bold use of traditional techniques to produce modern flavors. Surrounded by the mountains and lush farmland of Stellenbosch, Jordan Wine Estate is the perfect stop on any tour of South African wine country.
Durban City Hall is a downtown Durban landmark. An exuberant neo-baroque building, it features a double-height stripy portico topped off with a towering dome, four smaller domes, and plenty of sculptures. In addition to municipal chambers, it’s also home to the Durban Art Gallery, the Durban Natural Science Museum, a library, and an auditorium.
A mountain pass in South Africa’s Western Cape, Sir Lowry’s Pass winds through the Hottentots Hollands Mountains on the N2 highway that links Cape Town and the Garden Route. It offers spectacular views back towards Cape Town, up towards paragliders (in season), and over into the lush landscapes of rural Elgin.
Once a grim post-industrial zone, Newtown is one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant cultural quarters, alive with theaters, galleries, street art, live music, and more. Travelers flock to cultural destinations such as Museum Africa and the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, and head to Mary Fitzgerald Square for live events.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium, built to host the 2010 World Cup games, is one of the country’s top sport and concert venues. Its modern architecture and massive arch set it apart on the Durban waterfront. Overlook the city from a viewing platform at the top of the arch and push your limits on the world’s largest stadium swing.
In West Coast National Park, fields of colorful wildflowers overlook the clear, turquoise water of the Atlantic Ocean. Egrets, ospreys, and sandpipers congregate, and whales and dolphins play in the sheltered lagoon from May to November. This idyllic spot is only one hour away from Cape Town by car and offers a peaceful getaway from the city.
The greatest victory in Zulu history—and likely the worst defeat in British military history—happened at Isandlwana in 1879, when Zulu warriors armed mainly with traditional weapons massacred a British force equipped with guns and cannons. Some of the survivors would go on to fight at nearby Rorke’s Drift, depicted in the 1964 British film Zulu.
The Cape Dutch-style buildings at the Boschendal Wine Estate are painted a brilliant white, contrasting against the greenery of the Franschhoek valley. In the background, the rugged mountains elevate the scene from the basically bucolic. One of South Africa’s oldest wineries, this historic farm is the perfect place to bask in the peace of the Cape winelands.
A glorious expanse of mountain peaks and forested valleys scattered with lakes, beaches, and winding rivers, the Wilderness National Park is among the many highlights of South Africa’s Garden Route. Part of the Garden Route National Park, the Wilderness Section affords endless opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.
Tenikwa Wildlife Centre sits along South Africa’s southern coast—the region known as the Garden Route is one of the country’s most beautiful areas. Scenic roads look over windswept beaches, with craggy hills rising in the background. At the center, learn about the area’s biodiversity as you watch big cats at play.
Under the canopy of an indigenous South African forest, more than 700 primates live in the world’s first free-range, multi-species primate sanctuary. Tours of Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary offer no species sighting guarantees, but you will see primates from around the world, while learning about their patterns, habitats, and threats.
The Harties Aerial Cableway transports visitors to a mountaintop viewing platform and activity area and offers panoramic views of the Magaliesberg mountains and Hartebeespoort Dam. Located just 50 miles (80 kilometers) outside of Johannesburg, the gondola offers an experience similar to a trip to Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
Family-owned with a history of social responsibility, Delheim Wine Estate produces wine that not only tastes good but makes you feel good about buying it. The Stellenbosch region has become known for opulence and luxury, but Delheim’s garden restaurant and rustic tasting areas invite you to make yourself at home as you sip the winery’s popular Pinotage Rosé and Spatzendreck dessert wine.
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) features 21st-century art from Africa and beyond, housed in historic grain silos on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Be part of an innovative viewing experience as you wander 100-plus galleries spread over nine floors of the 108-foot (33-meter) glass-topped cylinders.
Located on the Western Cape, the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Center celebrates the rich culture and history of the indigenous San, southern Africa’s first people and one of the world’s last hunter-gatherer societies. The center offers a heritage museum, interactive experiences, trails, a restaurant, a gift shop, and lodging options.
With massive water slides, impressive sea life, and white-sand beaches, Ushaka Marine World is one of Durban’s top waterfront attractions. This theme park and aquarium is home to eight different attractions. Visitors can observe sea life in the aquarium, race down slides, challenge themselves on a ropes course, and more.
