We present to you the most important and best tourist attractions in South Africa in this article. If you’re planning a visit to South Africa, it’s essential to know where you should go.
Famous Cities in South Africa for Tourism
- Cape Town
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Durban
Famous and Best Tourist Attractions in Cape Town
 |
| Img src: au.hotels.com |
Discover with us the most important and best tourist attractions in Cape Town that attract tourists from all over the world:
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
 |
| en.wikipedia.org |
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Cape Town, with an annual average of 24 million visitors. It boasts breathtaking views, with the lush greenery of Table Mountain behind it and the ocean waters surrounding it.
The waterfront also includes several heritage sites and widely renowned landmarks, playing a significant role in the country’s overall economic development.
Table Mountain, Cape Town
 |
| Img src: cntraveler.com |
Discover the beauty of mountainous terrains by visiting Table Mountain. Many prefer to visit this place over any other, thanks to the unique and exciting activities it offers, such as enjoying the stunning views and hiking to the summit due to the availability of enjoyable trails.
It’s worth noting that visitors can reach the mountain via cable car.
Bo-Kaap Museum, Cape Town
 |
| Img src: arrivalguides.com |
The Bo-Kaap Museum aims to showcase valuable historical artifacts depicting the country’s history. It is considered one of the best among several tourist areas in Cape Town and one of the prominent museums that include diverse exhibits, providing visitors with an unmissable history lesson.
The museum also offers a chance to see exhibits that acquaint them with the country’s military history and other items that shed light on aspects of the city’s culture, such as handicrafts.
Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town
 |
| Img src: goldrestaurant.co.za |
With its fortified structure dating back to the 17th century and its magnificent architecture, the Castle of Good Hope has managed to become the best among several tourist areas in Cape Town, bearing witness to its history and being a source of pride for the entire city.
When visiting this castle, you’ll be amazed by the architectural artistry of the place and the distinctive wall engravings. You’ll surely be drawn to seeing the ancient artifacts and a variety of weapons, including swords, shields, spears, and even some cannons.
Beaches in Cape Town
Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town
Muizenberg Beach has gained its reputation for a reason. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town and an excellent choice for those looking for the best tourist spots in Cape Town.
Visitors consider it their ideal sanctuary to escape the hustle and bustle of life and offers them a unique opportunity to enjoy moments of relaxation and tranquility. It is a sandy beach with clear waters and is frequented by water sports enthusiasts.
Boulders Beach, Cape Town
Boulders Beach ranks among the best tourist spots in Cape Town that we invite you to visit. It is a sandy beach with clear, sparkling waters, catering to everyone’s tastes with its exciting activities and what it offers visitors in terms of relaxation and serenity.
In addition to lying by the sea and enjoying its beautiful views, guests of this beach enjoy engaging in various water sports and activities like swimming. The beach is also surrounded by a number of lovely cafes and restaurants that provide unique settings and unmatched atmospheres.
Landmarks and Attractions near Cape Town
Cape Wheel, Cape Town
The Cape Wheel is one of the most important tourist attractions in Cape Town. It is a giant observation wheel that provides a panoramic view that captivates the hearts of Cape Town and its stunning landmarks.
The wheel is located in the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and the views include Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Town Stadium.
Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town
The Two Oceans Aquarium is located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town and is one of the most important tourist attractions in Cape Town.
The aquarium features seven exhibits with large viewing windows, and its special charm lies in its unique location at the point where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Robben Island, Cape Town
Robben Island is one of the most important landmarks in Cape Town, located in the natural Table Bay. It is 6.9 kilometers west of the Bloubergstrand coast in Cape Town city.
Nelson Mandela, the former Nobel Prize-winning president of the country, spent two-thirds of his prison sentence here before the fall of the apartheid regime. It is considered a local heritage site and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
One of the most interesting aspects of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the beautiful greenery that soothes the soul. It stands out as one of the best tourist spots in Cape Town, being the ideal destination for those who love exploring the rich world of plants. It contains a variety of different plants, including perennial trees and rare plants.
Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town
Table Mountain National Park is one of the most famous and popular landmarks in Cape Town, both locally and internationally. The park hosts around 2200 species of plants and 1470 species of rare flowers, leading to its inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
The park is one of the most important tourist attractions in Cape Town, South Africa, as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, welcoming nearly a million visitors annually from all over.
Green Point Park, Cape Town
Visitors to Green Point Park will enjoy everything that pleases and relaxes them, from captivating natural scenery to comfortable leisure areas. It is considered one of the best among several tourist spots in Cape Town, attracting people to visit it repeatedly. The main reason being its charming views of Signal Hill.
The park is a destination for those who love strolling through the sprawling green spaces and marveling at the lush trees and sparkling water features. Some prefer to sit in one of the scattered seating areas in the park and be content with admiring the place.
Green Market Square, Cape Town
Be assured that the list of tourist spots in Cape Town will ensure you have a unique experience that will stay in your imagination, especially when visiting Green Market Square. It is a diverse and varied market, and its fame is based on several points that have earned the admiration of many visitors.
This market is characterized by a variety of stores, including clothing stores and popular clothing stores that will pique the curiosity of most shoppers to explore the products that portray the culture of this city. It also includes craft stores and household goods stores.
These are just some of the highlights of Cape Town. Each of these attractions offers a unique experience and a glimpse into the rich history and natural beauty of this vibrant city in South Africa.
Famous and Best Tourist Attractions in Johannesburg
Discover with us the most important and best tourist attractions in Johannesburg that attract tourists from all over the world:
Lion Park
One of the most famous and largest tourist destinations in Johannesburg, covering an area of over 500 acres, making it an open wilderness that allows visitors to stroll and see different types of animals, including predators. It is home to about 80 rare species of lions, making a visit here a truly authentic journey in one of the most beautiful forests on Earth.
Apartheid Museum
One of the most important tourist landmarks in Johannesburg, visitors flock to it due to their admiration for its contents and its collections of documentaries, photographs, and archaeological pieces that depict the history of apartheid in South Africa, with all its secrets and pains. The museum was established in 2001, funded by donations without profit as its goal.
Nelson Mandela Square
One of the main iconic attractions in promoting Johannesburg, it was formerly known as “Sandton Square”, then named after the inspirational global leader “Nelson Mandela”. A life-sized statue of him was placed in the square. Many restaurants, cafes, gift shops, and souvenir shops are spread around it.
Gold Reef City Theme Park
Usually, entertainment tourism takes the lead in Johannesburg’s travel programs, especially when there are children involved. Thanks to its vast green spaces, multiple walking paths, relaxation areas, and various activities such as horseback riding and exploring what lies beneath the surface of the ancient gold mine located in the middle of the park. There is also a wide range of thrilling entertainment rides.
Lesedi Cultural Village
It embodies the essence of South African cultural and social life in all its components of heritage, customs, and traditions. It is a village with multiple huts adorned with simple African furnishings, allowing for a complete immersion in the life of the tribes there.
Johannesburg Zoo
Thanks to the exciting diversity of animals offered by the Johannesburg Zoo, it has become one of the best tourist destinations in Johannesburg, South Africa, and one of the top destinations to be visited by anyone in this city.
Among the animals in the park, visitors enjoy watching wild and predatory animals, as well as a diverse range of birds.
Gandhi Square Johannesburg
The unique opportunity that must be seized while in this city is to visit Gandhi Square. It is one of the best places in Johannesburg and the station that, as soon as you cross it, you will realize different aspects of the rich culture of this city and discover a part of the habits and traditions of its inhabitants. Moreover, the restaurants and cafes distributed there will ensure you have a more enjoyable time.
What will catch your attention most when visiting this place are some of the square’s important landmarks, such as the Standard Bank Exhibition.
Constitution Hill Johannesburg
Constitution Hill Museum is dedicated to displaying valuable archaeological pieces that portray the country’s history.
It is one of the best tourist places in Johannesburg and also one of the prominent museums that include various exhibits that give visitors an unmissable history lesson about the country. On the other hand, this museum provides visitors with the opportunity to see exhibits that introduce them to the country’s war history.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden Johannesburg
One of the most striking features of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is the beautiful greenery that soothes the soul. It stands out among the best tourist places in Johannesburg as it is the ideal destination for those who want to explore the rich world of plants. It contains a collection of different plants, including perennial trees and rare plants.
Crocodile Park Johannesburg
One of the most important tourist attractions in Johannesburg and it is a popular tourist destination attracting thousands of visitors every year for what the park offers of a fun family outing for both adults and children, as well as the opportunity to see crocodiles up close and discover detailed information about their lives.
Montecasino Johannesburg
One of the most important tourist places in Johannesburg, it is a comprehensive entertainment city, extending over a vast area and occupying a prominent location in the Sandton area. It opened in 2000 and welcomes thousands of visitors every day due to its wide popularity in Johannesburg.
Famous and Best Tourist Attractions in Pretoria
Get to know the most important and best tourist attractions in Pretoria that attract visitors from all around the world, including:
Church Square in the Heart of Pretoria
Church Square in Pretoria was established in 1855 and is considered the historical center of Pretoria. It was originally used for market and church purposes and at one point served as a sports ground. The square is surrounded by several important architectural and historical buildings, such as the Palace of Justice, which was the venue for the Rivonia Trial where Nelson Mandela was sentenced to prison.
In 1954, a bronze statue of Paul Kruger was placed in the center of the square, which remains there to this day, surrounded by four statues of unknown Boer soldiers. Every Wednesday, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, parades are held in the square, led by members of the National Ceremonial Guard, accompanied by a military band during their performance.
City Hall of Pretoria
The City Hall was built in 1931 to celebrate the status of Pretoria. In front of the hall is Pretorius Square, which boasts one of the most beautiful gardens spread across Pretoria. This garden is characterized by the presence of three statues, including the statue of the leader Tshwane, believed to be the city’s first inhabitant.
The Union Buildings were constructed in Pretoria between 1910 and 1913 and were designed by Sir Herbert Baker. The buildings house the offices of the President of South Africa and serve as the official seat of the South African government.
The Union Buildings are made of light sandstone and feature twin wings, each designed to represent the languages of English and Afrikaans and the cultures of unity. The Unity Buildings are surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens with a variety of indigenous plants, and these gardens are open to the public for exploration.
Pretoria Zoo
The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, also known as the Pretoria Zoo, were established in 1899. Many consider it one of the best zoos in the world, with over sixty thousand visitors annually. To ensure the well-being of the animals, the zoo no longer keeps large animals in small cages.
The management of the Pretoria Zoo is committed to keeping the animals in safe, clean, and healthy environments. In addition, they work to protect endangered species. The zoo offers more than six kilometers of walking and hiking trails, as well as golf cart rentals.
There is also a seven-minute cableway ride for breathtaking views of the zoo and its surroundings. Inside the zoo, there are two restaurants, as well as a picnic area on the banks of the Apies River. The Pretoria Zoo is open to visitors throughout the week and on all days of the year.
Voortrekker Monument
The imposing Voortrekker Monument overlooks the capital, Pretoria. It was built for the citizens of the former South African Republic (ZAR) who made the Great Trek into South Africa’s interior. The Voortrekker Monument stands at 40 meters high, with a base measuring 40 meters square.
Inside the monument, there is a Hall of Heroes featuring the world’s largest marble frieze. The frieze depicts the history of the Great Trek from 1835 until the signing of the Sand River Convention in 1852 on 27 carved marble panels.
The memorial’s central axis features the inscription ‘We for Thee, South Africa,’ and every year on December 16th, the light shines on the cenotaph. The city’s inhabitants consider it a symbol of God’s grace to the Boer.
Cullinan Diamond Mine
Located in the charming town of Cullinan near Pretoria, the Cullinan Mine is the third richest diamond mine in the world. The mine is renowned for the discovery of the largest gem-quality diamond ever found, the Cullinan Diamond, which weighed 3,106 carats.
It was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the mine’s owner. The diamond was divided into three parts and presented to King Edward VII, with the largest part known as the Great Star of Africa or Cullinan I, now set in the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Guided tours to the mine are available, taking you directly to the source.
These tours last two hours and start with a briefing on the history of the mine. After the tour, you can visit the display area to see the final products of the mining process.
Jan Harmsgat Arts and Music Venue
Jan Harmsgat is a delightful entertainment venue in the heart of the picturesque natural surroundings, primarily offering fun for children. It consists of five courses, designed for climbing. The courses vary in length and difficulty to ensure enjoyment for all age groups.
There are four different courses to choose from, assisted by well-trained staff. After spending your desired time on the fun courses, you can relax and get a drink and a light meal from the Big Red Barn restaurant. Reservations are recommended, as Acrobranch can be quite busy, especially on holidays.
Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum
Located just 10 kilometers outside Cullinan, this well-preserved farm has been taken care of since 1880. The museum offers insights into the farm’s history while discovering its artifacts. The Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum features an old farm with indigenous animals, such as Nguni cattle.
The museum exhibits a collection of agricultural tools, tractors, and animal-drawn vehicles from a bygone era. Distillation of mampoer, a traditional alcoholic drink, is also conducted at the museum and can be purchased on-site. Guided tours are available for tourist groups, along with educational programs for children.
Jan Smuts House Museum
The Jan Smuts Museum is situated in the home of the statesman himself, known as Doornkloof. This simple iron farmhouse is located in the southeast of Pretoria. Smuts lived in the home for over forty years, and it served as a peaceful retreat where he could be with his children and grandchildren away from the public eye.
The museum consists of lasting memorabilia detailing the life of this remarkable soldier, statesman, scholar, and philosopher. Smuts was one of South Africa’s greatest leaders, a man of peace who sought simplicity. The museum houses numerous fascinating artifacts and insights not only into Smuts’s life but also into South Africa’s history during this era.
Acrobranch
The recreational community in the breathtaking natural setting offers real fun for children primarily. It consists of five courses designed for climbing. The courses vary in length and difficulty to ensure enjoyment for all age groups. There are four different courses to choose from, and well-trained staff assist with these choices.
After spending time on the fun courses, you can relax and get a drink and a light meal from the Big Red Barn restaurant. Reservations are recommended because Acrobranch can be quite busy, especially on holidays.
Santoriun Arts Exhibition
This exhibition is part of the Pretoria Art Museum and features a diverse collection of artworks reflecting the cultural diversity of South Africa. The exhibition aims to promote emerging artists, specifically those from Tshwane.
It was established in the late 1980s to showcase the work of talented individuals at affordable prices.
The Santorium Arts Exhibition rents space for workshops, as well as for the annual Christmas arts and crafts market held from November to December. The exhibition is open for visits from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on public and weekly holidays, and admission is free.
Santorium Rural Club
The club was designed in 1995 and first opened its doors in 1997. It is centrally located on a 160-hectare site featuring gardens, desert areas, shores of several lakes, and forty-four hides. The existing stadium has ten large holes for play and fun, along with four other holes for specific games.
The club boasts a fully equipped, elegant store, a friendly team familiar with all available services and facilities according to the club’s regulations. Additionally, the club includes a driving range, two tennis courts, a squash court, golf carts, and other games available for rent.
The club serves as an exceptional venue for hosting stunning conferences and a variety of other events. You can also enjoy dining and savoring a variety of beverages.
Bayete Spa Resort
This luxury spa resort, awarded the World Luxury Spa accolade in 2013, consists of two camps: a rock camp made from Belinda lava rocks, and a natural bush camp, providing a sense of tranquility and serenity to this unique place. Bayete Spa Resort offers special monthly offers, gift vouchers, and wedding packages.
There is also a corporate spa available at discounted rates, making it a great place for team-building as well as employee incentives. It is advised to make reservations in advance to ensure you have the happiest of times here.
Blue Valley Golf Course
This 18-hole training course, designed by Gary Player, offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience and is said to be a golfer’s paradise. The course is adorned with famous highveld trees and indigenous plants.
Located centrally between Pretoria and Johannesburg, it is part of a residential golf estate.
Irene Valley Shopping Center
Does your trip to Pretoria include a shopping spree? If yes, then the Irene Valley Shopping Center is the perfect destination for you without a doubt! It is known for its easy accessibility through serene boat rides, where you’ll enjoy tall, leafy trees and unique sculptures along with your shopping experience.
The mall boasts over ninety stores, encompassing everything familiar from fashion, restaurants, services, to specialty craft stores, in addition to an array of global brands such as Fabiani, Funky Fish, Jeep, Ocean Basket, Woolworths, and many more.
The mall is open for visitors from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, until 6:00 PM on Saturdays, and until 8:00 PM on Fridays. On Sundays and public holidays, the mall is open until 5:00 PM.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Located about 22 kilometers from Pretoria, the dam was built in 1956 to supply local farmers with water and was originally called the Baviaanspoort Dam.
Declared a reserve in 1977, it is now a splendid destination for birdwatching, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and hiking. The reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including a few wild pig species, impalas, black wildebeests, and water birds.
Visiting hours for the northern side of the reserve are from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and for the southern part, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Zwartkop Country Club
This club takes pride in honoring the traditions and history of the game of golf. Founded in 1933, the course underwent massive renovations and now features fantastic facilities. The facilities include a spa, a gym, a hair salon, and a golf library, as well as a bar and a bistro.
There is also a fully equipped pro shop for purchasing clothing, bags, shoes, and more. The Hennops River runs through nine out of 18 holes of the club’s area.
Notable golfers in these fairways include Ernie Els, Gary Player, and Nick Price.
Freedom Park in Pretoria
This park offers a unique and sustainable heritage experience, with the Hapo Museum in the park recounting Africa’s history, which began about 3 million years ago, along with a display of African creative myths. The museum combines original African knowledge with contemporary scientific thought to bring history to life.
Freedom Park serves as a memorial; it is a place of celebration and honor for African dignity and humanity, and a place to renew the spirit of humanity.
Guided tours are available for all ages and nationalities. There is also a dedicated parking area near the park. It is open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and guided tours are available from 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Acoustics Park or Soundscapes Park offers live music performances held inside the Fort Klapperkop, located in the same vicinity as the Fortisiekier monument. The fort boasts superb acoustics and provides a stunning 360-degree view of Pretoria. The monthly outdoor music festival is held on the last Sunday of each month.
The park also offers numerous spots for leisure and enjoyment, including bars, a comedy theater, an art gallery, and barbecue facilities.
Famous and Best Tourist Attractions in Durban
Get to know the most famous and best tourist attractions in Durban that attract visitors from around the world, including:
Golden Mile Beach
It’s a bustling beach with towering hotels, diverse entertainment complexes, shops, and restaurants. It features wide sandy beaches and is a significant draw for water sports enthusiasts, swimmers, fishermen, or those just looking to bask in the sunlight.
Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest botanical garden in Africa, situated on the slopes of Berea Hill. Established in 1849 to increase agricultural crops, visitors can stroll among original and exotic semi-tropical plants. There are also fruit orchards and over 50 species of resident birds.
Umgeni River Bird Park
Located in the Riverside area on the northern bank of the Umgeni River, this wonderful bird park houses over 200 bird species, some of which are unique to South Africa. It boasts natural landscapes and waterfalls, serving as a splendid bird showcase.
Indian Quarter
This includes Market Street and Juma Mosque, which is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The quarter is characterized by a mix of cultures, sights, sounds, and exotic scents from East Asian cultures.
Mitchell Park and Jameson Park
Mitchell Park is located in an upscale suburb in Morningside and is one of the most popular parks in Durban. Thanks to its shady lawns, beautiful colorful plants, children’s playgrounds, and a small zoo, it is a favored spot for picnics. It is adjacent to Jameson Park, which features 200 species of roses.
uShaka Marine World
It is one of the main attractions in Durban and includes many underwater wonders, realistic replicas of famous shipwrecks, and the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere. It also houses a dolphin stadium, penguin exhibit, underwater caves, and other fun features.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Established in 2009, it’s been a major sports venue in Durban in recent years, offering a panoramic view at a 360-degree angle and is the highest stadium in the world.
Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple
It is the largest Hare Krishna temple in Africa, surrounded by a lotus flower-shaped garden. It features magnificent domes adorned with golden statues, chandeliers, tiles, and mesmerizing marble.
Valley of a Thousand Hills
It is a popular Omgelanga resort, a beautiful area known for its numerous hills and diverse peaks. It’s rich in stunning views, villages, valleys, and waterfalls that flow into the Indian Ocean.
Oribi Gorge
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a haven for water sports enthusiasts. It’s a rocky coastline that stretches for 200 km north of Durban. Visitors can enjoy whale and dolphin watching, diving, shopping, and exploring nature reserves.
