South Africa is the southernmost country in the continent of Africa, almost twice the size of Texas, has diverse ethnic people, varied cultures, many languages and religions. It is intriguing to know that this country has 11 official languages, two of these are of European origin: Afrikaans is the first language spoken by most colored and white inhabitants of South Africa and has its origins from Dutch, English is the other language borrowed from the British. Today’s South Africa was colonized by both Dutch and British Settlers before it gained independence from the British invaders, most of the white people you find in SA are descendents of settlers from Dutch or British origins.
From the tourist perspective a lot of tourists from across the world travel to this country to explore its breathtaking views, wildlife sanctuaries, remarkable beaches and other natural wonders. South Africa records a lot of tourist footfall every year and is considered a tourist haven by most people.
It’s important to highlight that the Indian political iconic figure Mr Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as ‘Mahatma’ to most of present day Indians first went to SA to act as a Lawyer on behalf of a local Indian trader to resolve a commercial dispute on a short journey, but his short visit later got extended and history records that Bapu lived in South Africa for 21 years before he left to India for joining the freedom struggle to end the British rule in India. The concept of ‘satyagraha’ was formulated by Mahatma in this country and so South Africa has a special significance to Mahatma’s journey into Indian politics.
In the remainder of the article I’m gonna list some of South Africa’s top landmark attractions that you can include in your bucket list for sight-seeing.
Tshukudu Game Reserve
Tshukudu is a privately owned game reserve spanning an extent of 5000 acres, located very close to Kruger Park in Limpopo province and is a popular tourist attraction for wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. Tshukudu means ‘Rhino’ in sotho. We recommend The Bush Lodge for your boarding and lodging requirements, this cosy lodge is located on top of a hill that overlooks the plains of Tshukudu Game Reserve. Head here to experience South Africa’s best wildlife including Cheetahs, lions, African Bush Elephants and many more.
Knysna
Knysna is a petty town built on a lagoon, most patrons get here by taking a boat ride from a nearby island (Thesen Harbor Town). The lagoon is an estuary where five fresh water rivers flow into it from the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains and has a connection to the sea of Indian Ocean flowing through the mighty headlands, Knysna Heads. Knysna is a popular tourist delight for getting breathtaking views of the surrounding lush green landscape filled with Milkwood trees and tall mountains. Right across the lagoon, you will find Feather Bed Nature Reserve, a restaurant and a fleet of boats for your recreation. You can indulge in fun activities like cruising the lagoon, hiking the Knysna Heads when you are in this tourist destination.
God’s Window in Krugen National Park
God’s Window is a world famous attraction found along the Panaroma route in Mpumalanga, the highlight of this attraction is it is considered as a vantage point for getting panoramic views of Lowveld region in South Africa. The stunning view from God’s Window will surely blow your mind away and don’t forget to carry a camera with you while you are on this vantage point to take snapshots of the surrounding sceneries.
Boulder’s Beach
Boulder’s beach also known as Boulder’s Bay is a popular beach attraction in South Africa known for housing a colony of African Penguins which have been inhabiting this beach since 1982. The beach is part of Table Mountain National Park and has white sands with boulders scattered around its beach surface. We recommend exploring this beach in summertime.
Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon is part of the Panorama Route, officially known as the Motlatse Canyon is located in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, considered as one of the largest canyons on this Earth. When you get to this canyon you will be seeing a river meandering past the red sand stone cliffs in the Lowveld region of South Africa. Take a camera along with you to take snapshots of the ‘Three Rondavels’ from top of the Canyon for picture perfect memories. The ’Three Rondavels’ are huge round rocks believed to be reminiscent of houses of the indigenous people-rondavels.
The Waterfront in Cape Town
The Victoria and Alfred (V&A) Waterfront in Capetown is situated on South Africa’s oldest workinh harbor- Table Bay Harbor. While you are here make sure to get stunning views of ships rolling into the harbor while sipping coffee from one of the cafes, learn scuba diving and hit the nearby shopping market to explore stalls filled with local African art.
Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park is part of the Garden Route National Park, head here to experience the best outdoor adventures like snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, hiking, abseiling, mountain biking to name a few and best marine life from the waters of the Indian Ocean. This is one of the best landmark attractions in South Africa that offers multi delights for its patrons like coastal sceneries, reefs, rivers, lush forests and indigenous plants known as Fybnos, grown only in this region. The one thing that you cannot miss when you get to Tsitsikamma National Park is the otter trail, one of the best hiking trails that will let you sight dolphins, porpoises, African black oyster catchers, cape clawless otter and blue duiker along its pristine coastline.
