Tourist Attractions near the Garden Route
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Cape Point lies at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, a nature reserve within the Table Mountain National Park. Originally named the Cape of Storms by the navigator Bartolomeu Dias, it features an 1859 lighthouse. Take the three minute Flying Dutchman funicular ride to it and let yourself be transported to 87 metres above sea level. This is truly a nature lover’s paradise, with its abundance of flora and fauna, including over 250 species of birds and buck and baboons a-plenty, not to mention, the view at the end of the Earth. There is also a world-class restaurant and a curio shop.
Website: capepoint.co.za
Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach, near Simon’s Town in False Bay, is famed for its resident penguin colony and clean, white sand beach. It is home to at least 3000 African penguins, the Foxy Beach boardwalk being an excellent viewpoint. Your kids will enjoy getting up close and personal with the penguins (taking care not to disturb them unduly as they may bite). The park is also home to other birds and small mammals, while dolphins and whales swim off shore.
Website: sanparks.co.za
V&A Waterfront
Named after Great Britain’s Queen Victoria and her youngest son Alfred, the V&A is a very popular destination for local families and tourists alike, offering an amazing choice of hundreds of shopping outlets, curio shops, fine dining, lots of (mostly free) live entertainment – including creative workshops, concerts and puppet shows. A choice of museums and markets, and a chance to learn all about the city harbour together with a visit to the popular and family-friendly Two Oceans Aquarium.
Website: waterfront.co.za
Table Mountain
Table Mountain, standing at 3560ft high, is one of the world’s most recognisable natural icons, with its distinctive flat top (which gives it its name). Popular with tourists and locals alike, it offers a choice of either the five minute cable car ride or a day’s hike up to the top. Riding up, you can appreciate the spectacular views as the cableway has rotating floors and enormous windows. Enjoy the magnificent panorama from the top, where you will also find a self-service restaurant.
Website: tablemountain.net
Newlands Brewery
How about a day out learning all about the history of beer? Sounds like thirsty work! A tour of Newlands Brewery illustrates the brewing process from start to refreshing finish. The beer, first brewed here by Pieter Visagie in 1658, grew from strength to strength. The tour takes in the whole production line, including the speedy bottling method and how the brewery makes sure its beers are produced following stringent quality practices. Best of all, you get the chance to enjoy two beers to try for yourself!
Website: newlandsbrewery.co.za
Tourist Attractions near the Garden Route
Cango Caves
If you enjoy going underground, a visit to the Cango Caves in the Swartberg Mountains, 30 kilometres north of Oudtshoorn, is the way to go. The 20 million year old caves consist of a progression of hidden chambers, cut deeply into the solid limestone rock layer. Have fun exploring some of the stalagmite formations on either the standard or adventure (for the fitter members of your party) subterranean tours! The Interpretive Centre will explain more about the caves history, and there is also a curio shop selling African collectables.
Website: cango-caves.co.za
The Big Tree at Tsitsikamma
For all you nature lovers, a visit to the Big Tree in Tsitsikamma is something not to be missed. Estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old, this majestic tree stands 36.6 metres high, with a trunk circumference of 9 metres. A very pleasant and gentle 10 minute walk through the verdant, cool forest takes you to the tree or, for the more intrepid among you; there are two more challenging trails, respectively 2.6 and 4.2 km long. Price: free.
Bloukrans Bungee
Bloukrans Bridge is an arched road bridge and the highest in the African continent. Standing 708 feet above the floor of the gorge, it is part of one of only three highways in the world to have a bridge exceeding 500 feet. Take a bungee jump or ride the Flying Fox cable slide across the gorge. For those who prefer keeping their feet on the ground, a gentle walk along the catwalk to the top of the arch is probably a better option.
Website: faceadrenalin.com
Ostrich Farm, Oudsthoorn
Oudsthoorn is the capital of the ostrich industry; a visit to the farm will clarify all about how the birds are bred and the various ways in which ostrich products are marketed and fashioned. For example, ostrich skin is used for handbags and shoes, and eggshells for decorative purposes. Ostrich meat is also popular, as it lean and full of protein. Your kids can sit on one of the wide eyed birds and also hold an ostrich egg, which would make an awfully big omelette!
Website: safariostrich.co.za
Tourist Attractions near Port Elizabeth
Addo Elephant National Park
The Addo Elephant National Park is home to more than 550 elephants, various lions, black rhinos, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, zebras and a plentiful variety of antelopes. It is the third largest park in South Africa and also concentrates on preserving a wide variety of flora. There is also a main camp for tourists featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, floodlit water hole and different types of accommodation.
Website: sanparks.org.za
Tourist Attractions near Kimberley
The Big Hole
The world’s largest hand dug excavation site, The Big Hole was mined to about 800 metres and, in its time, yielded 2.7 tons of diamonds. The mine closed in 1914 and is now an enormous water filled crater. The first recorded South African diamond, the Eureka, is on display in the very informative museum. You can try your luck by sifting through some diamond bearing gravel and also experience a diamond mining operation. Refreshments are available at the bar and admission to the museum is free.
Website: thebighole.co.za
Augrabies Falls
The formidable and thunderous flow of Augrabies Falls courses down the Orange River when it is in full flood. The 55 000 hectares on both sides provide plenty to explore for hikers and nature and animal lovers. The eerie looking kokerboom (quiver trees) have made their home here, together with many succulents, birds, zebras, springbok, gemspok, giraffes and various reptiles. Take a walk to the summit of Moon Rock to see one of the park’s best views. A great day out for everyone. .
Website: sanparks.co.za
Namaqualand Flower Route
Lying five hours north of Cape Town, the Namaqualand is famous for its burst of colour every spring (July to October), when almost 4000 species of flowers bloom into life and when the semi-desert plains of Namaqualand are transformed into a sea of colour. You can spend a day or three here, driving, hiking or cycling. The Goegap Nature Reserve provides both picnic areas and overnight facilities. For botany lovers it shouldn’t be missed!
Tourist Attractions near Johannesburg
Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument stands in Pretoria, the nation’s capital, as homage to the Voortrekker Pioneers and their 1835 to 1854 journey of discovery from the Cape into South Africa, then named the Interior. Situated in a beautiful nature reserve area in the Tshwane area, it is a very popular heritage site; the museum within offers the opportunity to learn about the often treacherous journey the Voortrekkers undertook and how they survived. There is also a restaurant and a picnic area.
Website: vtm.org.za
Tourist Attractions near North West Province
Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris
Slowly float over the Cradle of Mankind, the Magalies River Valley and the Hartbeespoort Dam with Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris. Passengers assemble at dawn in the Skeerpoort balloon launch area for a snack of hot drinks and biscuits before embarking on the hour long ride, with a first class champagne breakfast to look forward to once back at base. This is an unforgettable journey over some of the world’s most beautiful countryside and one which will linger in your memory for a very long time!
Website: balloon.co.za
The Palace of the Lost City
Luxury personified! Its entrance consists of stunning mosaic frescos and golden zebra hide upholstered furniture, and its renowned towers are embellished with elephant tusks. The Palace was inspired by a lost African tribe fantasy and is rated as one of the Leading Hotels of the World. From here, you can avail yourself of casinos, safaris, golf, first class restaurants and accommodation, least of all, the Sun City Valley of Waves water park. With its choice of luxury and adventure for all ages, it is perfect for a family holiday in South Africa.
Website: suninternational.com
Tourist Attractions near KwaZulu Natal
uShaka Marine World
An exciting marine theme park in Durban, comprising Sea World, the uShaka Village Walk shopping centre and the Wet’n’Wild Water Park, uShaka provides the ideal location for a family day out in Durban. From watching a black mamba or a hairy tarantula through special spy holes in the Walk’s Dangerous Creature exhibit to the friendlier seal, dolphin and penguin shows, and the exhilarating slides, tube rides, the adventure river ride for older teens and the kiddies slides for younger members, there is plenty of fun to be had here for the whole family.
Website: ushakamarineworld.co.za
Valley of a Thousand Hills
Scattered across the green hills of outer west Durban, around the Umgeni River and its tributaries, the valley is undeniably one of KZN’s most beautiful rural settings. There is plenty to learn about the indigenous Zulus and their culture in this tranquil and beautiful area. There is plenty to do here too, from the 1000 Hills Choo Choo steam train running from Kloof to Cato Ridge, fishing and boating at Inanda Dam and Shongweni Dam, and for the more adventurous, microlight flights.
Website: zulu.org.za
Tala Private Game Reserve
This wildlife sanctuary is situated on the hills of a quiet farming community close enough for a day trip from Durban, but far enough away from the city to maintain a peaceful environment. The reserve is home to big game, such as rhinos, hippos, kudus, sable antelopes and giraffes, and more than 380 bird species. Lovers of interesting flora will enjoy discovering the local plant life, which include the colourful Euphorbia and Fiery Aloe.
Website: threecities.co.za
The Drakensberg
This 200 kilometre long range of mountains is one of the oldest in the world and the largest and most spectacular section of it concludes in Kwa-Zulu Natal province. It comprises beautiful cliffs, forests and waterfalls, as well as many hiking routes. There are plenty of opportunities to see some of the 290 bird and 48 mammal species and interesting and rare plant life varieties. For the intrepid visitor, there is the opportunity to try sheer-face rock climbing, abseiling and river rafting. A helicopter ride to view the entire area is also a popular activity.
Website: drakensberg.org.za
Howick Falls
This stunning 95 metre waterfall is set in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, near the town of Howick, and is surrounded by scenic rivers, lakes, dams and luscious forest. A perfect spot for a picnic walk and shop around at the many arts and craft outlets, which include carpet weavers, leather works and many others. Entrance is free, and the falls are easily accessible from the N3 Highway near Midmar Dam.
Website: zulu.org.za
Iformation creditted to:
www.travelstart.co.za/blog/50-top-tourist-attractions-in-south-africa/