Wine, Wildlife, and Wonders: South Africa’s Must-See Destinations

From world-class wildlife reserves to celebrated cultural and historical sites and vineyards, South Africa promises unforgettable experiences for every traveller

South Africa is a land of extraordinary contrasts, offering everything from world-class wines from renowned estates to the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park. This vibrant country offers something for every adventurer. Here are just some of Inspiring Vacations’ top tourist destinations in South Africa.

South Africa Cultural Experiences

From the vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa's cultural experiences blend seamlessly with its awe-inspiring natural wonders. 

Cape Peninsula 

With the iconic beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, the charming fishing village of Hout Bay and market, Cape Peninsula is one of the must-see Cape Town attractions, encompassing all the reasons to visit South Africa in the one place: natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural highlights. The Peninsula stretches 52 km from Mouille Point in the north, to Cape Point in the south. Visit the rugged beauty of Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, a haven for unique wildlife and historic landmarks. Meet the charming penguins at Boulders Beach and discover the naval heritage of Simon’s Town before passing through the quirky shops of Kalk Bay and the colourful surf scene of Muizenberg. 

Don’t Miss: 

Take a boat trip to Seal Island to see its playful seal population during the breeding season in November and December. 

Table Mountain

As far as Cape Town attractions go, the 1,085-metre-tall iconic Table Mountain stands guard around the capital and should be your first stop. It is deservedly part of the Seven Wonders of Nature alongside the Amazon Forest, Iguazu Falls and Halong Bay. Visitors can choose to climb on foot or take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Once you reach the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Cape Town, the coastline, and Robben Island. Keen hikers seeking adventure and stellar views can take one of many hiking trails to the summit. Some popular routes include the most direct hike, Platteklip Gorge; India Venster, a more challenging route that rewards with beautiful city and ocean views, and which is a trail that starts in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Fun Fact: 

The mountain’s flat top is due to sandstone, which has eroded over millions of years, creating its distinctive table shape. 

The neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap

Situated at the foot of Signal Hill, the brightly coloured neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap dates back to the 1760s when houses were built and leased to Malaysian slaves (known as Cape Malays), Indonesians, and Africans brought in to work in the Cape. The houses, built on steep roads in Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture, had to be white in colour while they were leased. Eventually, when the rules were lifted and the workers were allowed to purchase the properties, the new owners painted all the houses vibrant colours to express their freedom. Today, the neighbourhood remains home to generations of families and is a significant part of Cape Town's cultural fabric.

Did You Know:

A number of locations in Bo-Kaap have become national heritage sites, including Bo-Kaap Museum in Wale Street, Tana Baru Cemetery in Dawes Street, and the Stables Site in Rose Street.

Robben Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Most inmates were black men incarcerated for political offences, with the last of these prisoners released in 1991. The prison, which was turned into a museum in 1997, offers guided tours detailing South Africa’s apartheid history that conclude with a viewing of Mandela’s cell. 

Fun Fact: 

The first recorded European landing on Robben Island was in 1498 when a group of Portuguese sailors took refuge and stayed overnight in a cave.

V&A Waterfront

A bustling shopping and dining area, the V&A Waterfront also features the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, making it a cultural hub with beautiful views of the harbour and Table Mountain. A new attraction, the Cape Town Wheel, has 30 fully enclosed air-conditioned cabins and the ride lasts around 15 minutes. 

Don’t Miss: 

Watershed is a craft and design space with over 150 makers selling local art, ceramics, jewellery, clothing and more—it’s a great spot to find one-off souvenirs to take home.  

The Apartheid Museum 

The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg offers an informative experience about South Africa’s apartheid, a system of institutionalised racial segregation that lasted from 1948 until the 1990s. The final exhibit in the museum is perhaps one of the most poignant, documenting the decline of apartheid, the release of political prisoners, including Mandela and the first multiracial elections in 1994, leading to a new South Africa.

Did You Know?

The museum’s entrance reflects the system of apartheid that segregated people by race, forcing visitors to use different doors—white or black—according to their racial classification, offering a small glimpse into the country’s oppressive past. 

The Drakensberg Mountains

Meaning 'Dragon Mountains' in Afrikaans, the Drakensberg Mountains are the highest mountains in South Africa, ranging up to 3,482 metres. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the region is perfect for hiking, with trails leading to some of South Africa’s most stunning views. The shortest, beginner-friendly hike is the Rainbow Gorge Trail, around 6km long and passes forests, streams, and a beautiful gorge. The rock pools along the way are also safe spots to take a cool dip.   

Did You Know?

Our 17 Day South Africa Kruger To Cape Town tour takes in the majestic Southern Drakensberg Mountains, and further south towards the Eastern Cape, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Along the way, there’s a stop just outside the capital city of Mthatha, where you can explore the local surroundings.

South Africa Wildlife 

A haven for wildlife, South Africa offers some of the most diverse experiences—both on land and at sea—in the world.

Kruger National Park 

One of the largest game reserves in Africa, Kruger National Park is a must for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s famous for the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), but is also home to more than 500 species of birds, 150 species of mammals, plus reptiles, and insects. The best time for game viewing is the dry season, from May to September, but the summer or wet season from October to April, brings vibrant green landscapes. It’s also the best time for birdwatching. For more advice around the best time to visit, read our weather article. 

Did You Know? 

Kruger Park is more than the Big Five—it's also a cultural heritage treasure trove. The park is home to 254 heritage sites, including 130 rock art sites, offering ample evidence that prehistoric man lived in the area over 500,000 years ago. 

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Adjacent to Kruger National Park and sharing a fenceless boundary, Sabi Sands is famed for its elusive Big Five sightings, in particular for leopard sightings, and luxurious accommodation plus night and walking safari experiences. 

Don’t Miss:

Look out for the African wild dog, an endangered species which can be regularly seen due to ongoing protection efforts at Sabi Sands, one of the best places in South Africa to spot these precious creatures. 

Addo Elephant National Park 

One of South Africa’s most popular and diverse national parks, Addo Elephant National Park is known for its large elephant population. Spanning 686,000 hectares, the park was established in 1931 to protect a mere 11 elephants and is now home to over 600 elephants plus the Big Five, and marine and bird life making it a well-rounded safari destination. Addo, unlike other reserves, boasts the Big 7, which includes the Southern Right Whale and Great White Shark in its marine park.

Did You Know? 

Located on the northern boundary of the park, the Zuurberg Mountains are the perfect place to view the park from an elevated point, along with great hiking trails to boot. The 7km Canon Trail takes in both the coastal forest and the beach.

KwaZulu-Natal Province 

With its natural and rich cultural heritage, the KwaZulu-Natal province is famous for its black and white rhino conservation efforts, as well as the Big Five. The province is also home to two World Heritage Sites: the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where you can see a lion and whale on the same day, and the Maloti-Drakensberg Park, with its precious rock art dating back over 2,000 years. 

Did You Know? 

KwaZulu-Natal is home to the Zulu people, one of South Africa’s largest ethnic groups.

Best Wineries In South Africa

Move over, Australia! South Africa’s wine regions are gaining international acclaim, showcasing the perfect blend of old-world elegance with new-world innovation. Wine enthusiasts touring cellar doors in this part of the world, won’t be disappointed. Discover the best wineries in South Africa and the food and wine experiences that await.  

Stellenbosch

Located on South Africa’s Western Cape, Stellenbosch is known as the heart of South Africa’s wine country. Home to esteemed estates such as Spier, Kanonkop, and Delaire Graff, Stellenbosch boasts more than 150 cellar doors open to the public. It’s renowned for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Bordeaux blends, and where the pinotage grape was originally cultivated. A cross between pinot noir and cinsault, pinotage is South Africa’s most iconic grape variety. 

Did You Know? 

Stellenbosch is home to South Africa’s oldest wine estate, Stellenbosch Vineyards, which dates back to 1679. It’s the only wine region in the country to have a wine route that spans over 300 years of winemaking history. Cheers!

Constantia Valley

Just a short drive from Cape Town, Constantia is over 300 years old, making it the oldest wine-producing region in the Southern Hemisphere. Estates like Groot Constantia (known for their high-quality red wines, including Shiraz and Merlot) and Buitenverwachting (known for exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay).

Did You Know? 

Vin de Constance, a dessert wine from the Valley became famous (and loved) in the 18th and 19th centuries when it was served to royalty including Napoleon Bonaparte and King Louis Philippe of France. Vin de Constance is still produced today and continues to enjoy its legacy as one of South Africa's most iconic wines.

Robertson Valley

The Robertson Valley is a lesser-known wine region situated along the Breede River, about 150km east of Cape Town. The Valley is known for not only spectacular wines, but also beautiful nature–rolling hills, and dramatic mountain backdrops.

Don’t Miss: 

The Robertson Wine on the River Festival, an event showcasing the region’s wines, is held every October. Enjoy wine samplings paired with delicious food and live music in a beautiful riverfront setting. 

Inspired to visit South Africa? We have tours ranging from our 10 Day Highlights Of South Africa Premium Small Group Tour to our 31 Day Grand Africa Small Group Tour. Check out our full range of exciting South Africa wildlife tours and find your perfect adventure.