Vacations in South Africa: these are the most beautiful places

While it’s cold and dark here in Germany, the sun is shining in South Africa. When it’s winter here, summer begins on the other side of the globe. This makes South Africa – particularly from December to February – a popular holiday destination. We’ve been to Cape Town and the surrounding area ourselves and have put together our top tips for you.

South Africa: The 5 most beautiful places and routes

With an area of around 1.22 square kilometres, South Africa is three and a half times the size of Germany. There are countless places worth visiting and fantastic experiences that you definitely shouldn’t miss.

We’ll tell you which ones are our favourites here:

#1 Cape Town

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and breathtakingly beautiful mountains, which are bathed in magical light from late afternoon onwards, lies Cape Town. South Africa’s second-largest city after Johannesburg is, for many people, the most beautiful city in the world. It is the only city with a population of over a million that lies directly adjacent to a national park, is surrounded by two oceans (the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean) and has whales and dolphins right on its ‘doorstep’.

To make the most of this uniquely beautiful location, we recommend staying in the Green Point, Sea Point and Camps Bay neighbourhoods – in other words, close to the water. Here, you’ll wake up every morning to a view of the sea and can then decide: do I want to spend a relaxing day on the beach, head into the city centre, or visit one of the surrounding wine regions? It’s Cape Town’s diversity that will leave you with countless memories.

Things you absolutely must do in Cape Town:

• enjoy the 360° panorama from Table Mountain
• hike up Lion’s Head at sunrise (please do so in a large group)
• head to Bo-Kaap
• relax on Clifton 4th Beach
• sample plenty of treats at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market
• book a wine tasting in Stellenbosch, Paarl or Franschhoek

#2 Garden Route

If you enjoy long road trips, you’ll love the Garden Route. Officially, the route along the N2 only starts in Mossel Bay. However, if you’ve flown into Cape Town, you can also begin your journey along South Africa’s most famous road from here. You should allow around 10–14 days for the journey to Port Elizabeth and back. The more time you have, the more relaxed your road trip will be as it takes you along the coast – through stretches that couldn’t be more varied. So, start the engine and off you go.

The best stops on the route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth:

• via Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope (more on that later)
• Whale watching in the ‘Whale Capital of the World’, Hermanus
• hike to the Klipgat Caves in De Kelders
• gaze out to the ‘end of the world’ at Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa
• stroll through endless dunes in the De Hoop Nature Reserve with views of the turquoise sea
• experience the stunning St Blaize Hiking Trail in Mossel Bay
• hire a kayak in Wilderness and experience nature from the water
• marvel at the unique lagoons in Knysna
• take a break for a swim in Plettenberg Bay
• hike in Tsitsikamma National Park
• learn to surf in Jeffreys Bay
• drive from Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant Park

From Port Elizabeth, you can then take Route 62 back to Cape Town. On the way, you’ll pass through Oudtshoorn and can visit an ostrich farm or – before you arrive back in Cape Town – spend the night at a wine estate in Franschhoek.

#3 Cape of Good Hope with Boulders Beach

The shorter road trip alternative to the Garden Route is a day trip to the Cape Peninsula. From Cape Town, set off by car towards Hout Bay. This is where Chapman’s Peak Drive begins – arguably the most beautiful panoramic road in the world, winding its way along the coast 150 metres above sea level and revealing another breathtaking view of bays, cliffs and the sea around every bend. It’s about 44 kilometres to the Cape of Good Hope.

Once you arrive at the Cape, you can take your souvenir photo by the famous wooden sign, enjoy the boundless view over the ocean and discover the unique fynbos vegetation with its wild orchids and proteas.

On the return journey, two more highlights await you: be sure to stop off at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town. The beach is a nature reserve for countless penguins, who waddle across the sand, go for a swim in the sea and are happy to pose for photos. In Muizenberg you can then soak up the laid-back lifestyle of the many surfers. Take a seat in one of the many cool cafés, watch the surfers and admire the famous colourful beach huts.

#4 Kruger National Park

An area the size of Rhineland-Palatinate, 180 different mammals and amphibians, 500 species of bird, the Big Five in the wild – Kruger National Park is arguably one of the most beautiful and exciting places in the world. Since its foundation in 1898, the park’s mission has been to protect the country’s biodiversity and provide a safe home for animals.

You can either drive through South Africa’s largest wildlife reserve in your own car or go on a safari with a ranger. We recommend booking a tour:

You’ll take a seat in one of these typical jeeps, sitting slightly higher up, so you can relax and look left and right instead of having to concentrate on the road. At the same time, you’ll learn lots of fascinating and interesting facts from the ranger and always get the best tips on which direction to look in to spot the animals.

#5 Durban

After Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban is South Africa’s third-largest city and still very much an insider’s tip. Here you’ll experience a vibrant cultural mix unlike anywhere else. The atmosphere and architecture are shaped by Zulu, colonial and Indian influences – and when it comes to food, you’ll discover an incredibly diverse range of options here.

Most people flock to the beach promenade – the ‘Golden Mile’ – the white sandy beaches and the harbour. Durban is also known as ‘Surfer’s Paradise’ and for its many other outdoor activities. No matter where you go, there’s always something going on in the fresh air. You’ll come across joggers, inline skaters and people on mountain bikes. And of course, you can get active yourself too. Durban is perfect for a sporting holiday.

One final tip: be sure to head out to the Valley of a Thousand Hills and explore the landscape and nature there.

Even more inspiration from Africa and Cape Town

Have you completely fallen in love with the African continent? Then a trip to Namibia might be just the thing for you. Here we’ve put together a safari road trip through the country for you.

Conclusion: South Africa is well worth a visit

FAQs about South Africa