Cape Town – photo by David Stanley on Flickr CC
Five Top Tourist Attractions in South Africa
South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There are few sights that can rival the early morning mist rolling in across the veld, or the purple-streaked sky as day fades into night. It is breathtaking, grand, exquisitely lovely… and a place that you simply have to visit.
It’s not only the aesthete who will appreciate its many delights. The country has a fascinating history to discover, and a thousand things to see and do. Voted the adventure capital of the world, it is as suited to daredevils and risk takers as it is to the cultured and the romantic at heart.
If you’re planning a visit, then here are just five of its must-see attractions…
#1: Cango Caves
Your next stop on your tour of Africa should be the amazing Cango Caves, nestled deep within the Swartberg Mountains. This 20 million year old network of secret chambers is linked by an intricate maze of passages, and offers a unique chance to journey deep into the bowels of the earth and see nature in all of its strange and captivating glory.
Made of solid limestone, the cave’s fascinating features can be explored up close, with expert tour guides on hand to provide intriguing tales of the location’s history. End your day at the curio shop to take home a little reminder of your enchanting experience.
Cape Point – photo by Diriye Amey on Flickr CC
#2: Cape Point Nature Reserve
One of South Africa’s greatest lures is its exotic wildlife and breathtaking scenery, and Cape Point Nature Reserve does not disappoint. Lying on the tip of the Cape Peninsula, it nestles in the shadow of the magnificent Table Mountain, rumoured to be the meeting place of the giants.
The cultured will want to take a trip to its perfectly preserved 1859 lighthouse, before climbing on the Flying Dutchman and being carried 87 metres above sea level to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding coast. Back on the ground, you’ll get to see everything from baboons to bucks and birds up close, before ending your day in the site’s world class restaurant, and exploring its curio shop.
#3: Oudsthoorn Ostrich Farm
South Africa boasts a truly unique ostrich industry, and Oudsthoorn is its intriguing heartland. Home to a host of breeders, it offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with these feathered leviathans. Stand beside them to admire their might, or else cradle one of their ginormous eggs in your hands. Children will even get the chance to sit on their backs, all whilst learning about the matchless sport of ostrich racing. At the end, take home a feather to help you hold close the memory of your day.
Addo Elephant National Park – photo by exfordy on Flickr CC
#4: Addo Elephant National Park
The elephant is a symbol of Africa, and this gentle giant is a creature that most of us would give an arm and a leg to see in the flesh. Addo Elephant National Park allows you to do just that.
The third largest park in the country, visitors can see its 550 elephants as they meander around their idyllic home, accompanied by a host of lions, black rhinos, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, zebras, and more. Spend the day exploring and appreciating the beauty of one of Africa’s vast wildernesses, before eating in the park’s exquisite restaurant and enjoying stunning views across the floodlit waterhole.
#5: Maropeng Exhibition
Finally, your trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Maropeng Exhibition. This unique World Heritage site is nestled within a 47,000-hectare complex, and has helped to unlock some fascinating mysteries that surrounded our ancient ancestors.
Its exhibition, situated in the Tumulus Building, has everything from stone tools to original fossils and engraved rocks, and provides a captivating insight into the history of our species. With the oldest pieces dating back 1,000,000 years, don’t miss the exclusive opportunity to see its many artefacts up close.
Get in touch with a company like Encounters Travels to book your trip today
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Hi! I'm Lash, an American nomadic world traveler who's been traveling solo since 1998. I’m passionate about traveling the world nomadically and then sharing it all with you. I hope to inspire you to travel the world, to entertain you with tales from the road, and to help you reach your travel dreams. Welcome! 
