Street View South Africa
South Africa is a country of stunning diversity, from the rugged coastline of the Western Cape to the lush forests of KwaZulu-Natal and the vast savannas of the Kruger National Park. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to this beautiful country. That’s where Street View comes in – with our comprehensive travel guide, you can explore South Africa’s top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
South Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, including Table Mountain in Cape Town, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Kruger National Park and the Addo Elephant National Park are must-visit destinations, while adventure seekers will love the Garden Route and the Drakensberg Mountains.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, South Africa has plenty of hidden gems to discover. From the quaint seaside village of Paternoster on the West Coast to the picturesque town of Clarens in the Free State, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be explored. You could also head to the Karoo for a taste of South Africa’s vast, arid landscapes.
Food Scene
South Africa is a foodie’s paradise, with a rich culinary heritage that draws on influences from all over the world. From traditional braais (barbecues) to fusion cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to try biltong (dried meat), bobotie (a spicy meat dish), and boerewors (a type of sausage).
Budget-Friendly Tips
South Africa is a great destination for budget-conscious travelers. To save money, consider staying in backpacker hostels or self-catering accommodation, and take advantage of public transport rather than renting a car. You can also save money by eating at local markets and buying groceries from supermarkets.
Outdoor Adventures
South Africa is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and mountain biking to surfing and kiteboarding, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. For a truly unique experience, you could even go cage diving with great white sharks in Gansbaai.
Historical Landmarks
South Africa has a rich and complex history, and there are many historical landmarks to explore. The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is a must-visit, while the Robben Island Museum in Cape Town offers a glimpse into the life of Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment. You could also visit the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria or the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town.
Family-Friendly Activities
South Africa is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. Kids will love visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach in Cape Town, while older kids will enjoy the thrill of a cable car ride up Table Mountain. You could also take a family safari in one of South Africa’s many game reserves.
Natural Wonders
South Africa is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, including the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga and the Cango Caves in the Western Cape. For a truly unique natural wonder, head to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where you can see the Kalahari Desert meet the savanna.
Vibrant Nightlife
South Africa has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to explore. In Cape Town, Long Street is a popular destination for party-goers, while Johannesburg’s trendy Maboneng precinct is home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants.
Local Markets
South Africa is famous for its vibrant markets, where you can find everything from handmade crafts to delicious street food. The Neighbourgoods Market in Johannesburg and the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town are two of the country’s most popular markets, while the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay is a great spot to try some local seafood.
Beaches and Mountains
South Africa’s coastline is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, from the turquoise waters of the KwaZulu-Natal coast to the rugged shores of the Wild Coast. For a truly unique beach experience, head to the West Coast National Park during the annual spring flower season. The country is also home to some stunning mountain ranges, including the Drakensberg Mountains and the Table Mountain range.
Cultural Immersion
South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich and diverse history. To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, consider visiting a traditional village or township, where you can learn about local customs and traditions. You could also attend a traditional ceremony, such as a Xhosa initiation or a Zulu wedding.
Art and Music Scene
South Africa is home to a vibrant art and music scene, with many talented artists and musicians calling the country home. In Cape Town, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is a must-visit for art lovers, while Johannesburg’s Newtown precinct is home to some of the city’s best live music venues.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore South Africa’s cities and towns, and there are many to choose from. In Cape Town, the Bo-Kaap walking tour is a great way to learn about the city’s Muslim community and its history, while in Johannesburg, the City Sightseeing Red Bus tour is a great way to see the city’s top attractions.
Architectural Marvels
South Africa is home to some stunning architectural marvels, from the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria to the Cape Dutch-style buildings of the Western Cape. In Johannesburg, the Carlton Centre is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts, while the Durban City Hall is a beautiful example of Neo-Baroque architecture.
Historical Sites
South Africa has a rich and complex history, and there are many historical sites to explore. The Battlefields Route in KwaZulu-Natal is a must-visit for history buffs, while the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can learn about the origins of humankind.
Biking Routes
South Africa is a great destination for cycling enthusiasts, with many scenic routes to choose from. The Cape Argus Cycle Tour in Cape Town is one of the country’s most popular cycling events, while the Sani Pass in KwaZulu-Natal is a challenging but rewarding mountain biking route.
Wellness Retreats
South Africa is a great destination for wellness retreats, with many spas and wellness centers to choose from. The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town is a popular destination for spa-goers, while the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Western Cape offers yoga and meditation retreats.
Adventure Sports
South Africa is a playground for adventure sports enthusiasts, with many thrilling activities to choose from. The Bloukrans Bungee in the Eastern Cape is the world’s highest bridge bungee jump, while the Otter Trail in the Western Cape is a challenging but rewarding hiking trail. You could also go skydiving in Gauteng or try your hand at paragliding in Cape Town.