What to do and see in South Africa, South Africa: The Best Sights & Landmarks

February 16, 2022 Roger Rusk

in the African Union  (light blue)
Restaurants in South Africa

1. Chapman's Peak Drive

Hout Bay Road Between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, 7872 South Africa +27 21 791 8220 http://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,126 reviews

Chapman's Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive toll road winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa. Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Chapman’s Peak Drive is affectionately known as #Chappies.

Reviewed By Loolew - Nice, France

The drive takes you up the side of Chapman's Peak. It's well secured from falling rocks now. The view of Hout Bay Karbonkelberg and round the corner, Noordhoek and it's beach are just stunning. Don't miss it

2. Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden

Paradyskloof Rd Mulberry Farm, Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa +27 21 880 0054 [email protected] http://www.dylanlewis.co.za/sculpture-garden/garden.php
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 116 reviews

Dylan Lewis Sculpture  Garden

TO ENTER AN ARTIST’S GARDEN IS TO VISIT ANOTHER WORLD. The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is a place of expansive vistas, scents and the sounds of nature, with tranquil groves, hidden paths and lush indigenous vegetation. The project began serendipitously in 2009 when Lewis hired an excavator on a whim and began shaping the contours of what would become the seven-hectare sculpture garden. Today, the artist continues to explore themes integral to his work in this serene landscape on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain looking out over vineyards towards the ocean. Visits and tours by appointment only.

Reviewed By BarbaraMackenzie - Stellenbosch, South Africa

I was invited to take part in a private guided tour through the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. I am not an art person but I do like nature. I was absolutely blown away by this serenity and peaceful atmosphere that opens up once one enters the garden. There is hope for mankind if someone can create something so beautiful and just let it breath - in nature - surrounded by mountains & skies and it almost feels like his sculptures were always there. From the beginning of the beginning. I would highly recommend to have a guide walking with you, it certainly is worth the money if one is interested how the artist started this amazing garden.

3. Hermanus Cliff Path

Westcliff Rd, Hermanus, Overstrand 7200 South Africa +27 28 312 2629 http://www.hermanustourism.info/blog/2015/02/walk-along-the-cliffs-in-hermanus
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 606 reviews

Hermanus Cliff Path

Reviewed By 290robertt - Palm Springs, United States

We walked this every day in Hermanus - amazing views of the bay and mountains and if you are fortunate you will see whales in October and November! It is a beautiful pathway or trail along the ocean and used by locals and visitors alike. It will feast your eyes and spirit!

4. Cumberland Nature Reserve

D408 Table Mountain Road Table Mountain Road, Pietermaritzburg 3201 South Africa
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
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5.0 based on 74 reviews

Cumberland Nature Reserve

Cumberland Nature Reserve is a Nature Lovers Paradise. Over 300 bird species, 30 + mammal species and over 300 species of wild flower call Cumberland their home. Well maintained hiking trails traverse the entire Reserve allowing one to explore all the different habitats and make the most of the jaw-dropping scenery. The Reserve offers the ultimate escape into Nature through overnight stays in a variety of secluded self-catering accommodation as well as two private campsites.

Reviewed By MosieMo56

Cumberland Nature Reserve is a hidden gem. It is my 'Go To' place when I need Bush Away Time .... time to replenish my soul and to breathe. Over the past years I have paid many visits to this little spot of paradise often taking photos of all things nature and other times, just sitting at a perfectly kept picnic spot enjoying all nature has to offer. All picnic spots are well kept and the ablutions are spotlessly clean. Horseshoe Cottage was a perfect spot for a birthday weekend and from there we explored many tracks, trails and rocks looking for snakes, scorpions, butterflies and a host of other insects and things! The birdlife at Cumberland is amazing. Naturally the animals are a drawcard too and it is always great seeing their excellent condition. Aloe season is a delight and not to be missed! Cumberland deserves to be explored! One of my most favourite hideaways.

5. Groot Constantia

Groot Constantia Estate Groot Constantia Road, Constantia 7806 South Africa +27 21 794 5128 [email protected] http://www.grootconstantia.co.za
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
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4.5 based on 1,541 reviews

Groot Constantia

Groot Constantia is South Africa's oldest wine producing estate, (est: 1685). Situated 20 minutes from the Cape Town CBD and one of Cape Town's Big 7 tourist attractions, Groot Constantia is a must visit for the whole family. With two outstanding restaurants, Jonkershuis and Simon's, wine tastings, chocolate and wine pairing, cellar tours and a museum that reminds one of a bygone era, this beautiful historic winery is a popular attraction that exudes natural beauty. Groot Constantia can also be reached hoping on City Sightseeing's Wine Bus.

Reviewed By enhancehungwe - Masvingo, Zimbabwe

If you get in capetown and never visit this place , you havent enjoyed . You will enjoy the scenic view , history of the estate as well as wine tasitng . Use the hop on hope off tour bus with the blue line to visit this site

6. Storms River Suspension Bridge

Tsitsikamma National Park South Africa +27 42 281 1607 http://www.sanparks.co.za
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,022 reviews

Storms River Suspension Bridge

This picturesque suspension bridge is on one of the shorter hikes of this river gorge.

Reviewed By west0909 - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States

There is an entrance fee to the park, but IMHO it's worth every penny--the park is just another one of the amazing landscapes South Africa has to offer, but is so unlike the rest. The walk to the Storms River Suspension Bridge is lovely, the type of walk you want to have your camera at the ready throughout b/c every turn is more beautiful than the next. The walk to the bridge was 20-30 minutes each way, leisurely, and was quite accessible (it wouldn't be doable with wheels, there are too many stairs, but it is a board-path that makes for pretty easy walking. There are several suspension bridges (the one in all the pictures at the mouth of the river, then a few others right nearby). We only had time to walk tot he bridge and back, but you can continue onto other paths to make the journey as long as you'd like. If the weather is cooperating, the views alone are worth the walk, but the walk itself is a great experience, too.

7. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

19 Dock Road, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 408 7600 [email protected] http://www.waterfront.co.za/
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14,179 reviews

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is a 123-hectare mixed-use destination, and one of Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hubs. Set on the edge of a natural, historic working harbour with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, it offers local and international visitors a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging from leisure, shopping and exclusive entertainment. It also offers prime residential and commercial property. The prime positioning of the V&A Waterfront boasts sweeping views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. Up to 100 000 people visit every day during peak season. Contributing R259.1 billion in nominal terms to the South African economy over the last twelve years, the V&A Waterfront’s cumulative contribution to the provincial GGP since 2002 was over R227 billion. The property also reported a 19% increase in retail trade sales for 2014, marking four consecutive years of consistent growth since 2011. By end 2014, total visitor numbers to the property had grown to 24 million a year. Although the V&A Waterfront remains South Africa’s favourite attraction for international visitors, they account for only 23% of all visitors. Visits by locals increased to 63%, while 14% of visitors were from upcountry. With 22 official landmarks on-site, it is also part of South Africa’s historical legacy. Jointly owned by Growthpoint Properties Limited and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), represented by the Public Investment Corporation Limited (PIC), the V&A Waterfront was developed in 1988 by the state-owned transport corporation, Transnet Limited, while official commercial trading commenced in November 1990.

Reviewed By Hevsy - Egham, United Kingdom

We had 5 days staying at a waterfront hotel. I hadn’t known what to expect but it was much bigger than I thought and had a real buzz to it. I felt very safe there. There was so much to do - boat trips, a huge shopping mall, restaurants galore, interesting buildings, street entertainment, great sculptures, a swing bridge, the ferris wheel and some wonderful African craft shops and stalls. We had trips on 2 days but on the other 2 days we just wandered round the waterfront and there was plenty to do, although be warned, you could eat your weight in calories!!!

8. Hector Pieterson Memorial

Hector Pieterson Square, Soweto, Johannesburg South Africa +27 11 536 0611
Excellent
45%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 335 reviews

Hector Pieterson Memorial

The 1976 photograph of slain thirteen-year old Hector Pieterson, carried by a friend while his grieving sister runs alongside, is a chilling reminder that South African was changed thereafter.

Reviewed By 951lucindat

The memorial and what it represents tugs at the heart. You need a local to truly explain the significance of this memorial and Soweto uprising. Hector's sister also works at the memorial. If you visit Robben Island you will also meet one of the guides that was also arrested as part of the uprising and served time as a prisoner at Robben Island.

9. Garden Route

South Africa +27 21 935 4800 http://kontours.co.za/contact
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Garden Route

Reviewed By MargoVV - South Africa, null

I've written a review a while back about the beautiful garden route but would like to mention a hidden gem along the way for tourists. Botlierskop! If you haven't got time to go north to the Kruger National Park and you'd like to experience a beautiful, compact, luxury safari experience in the Cape, make a point of stopping by at the small game farm, Botlierskop (between Mossel Bay and George) for an informative game drive to see the Big Five (except leopard), various buck and antelopes, giraffe, rhinos, lions, elephants and the rare black impalas. This exceptionally well run establishment offers, top class food at their restaurants, infinity pools, indoor and outdoor fires, luxury comfortable accommodation, a spa, horseback riding, safari game drives, etc. A night or two is totally worth it!

10. Swartberg Pass

192 Buitekant Street, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa +27 82 461 8253 http://www.truesouthtravel.co.za.
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,633 reviews

Swartberg Pass

Reviewed By Curiosity28698317309 - Cape Town Central, South Africa

True! one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain passes, once entering from Prince Albert side you enter into a majestic red Canyon inspired by amazing layered strata and majestic Mountain View’s. As you travel along this well maintained gravel road you ascend into the clouds and look down over a gorgeous scenic, fertile valley below. Along the way stop for your favorite cup of aromatic coffee to take in the fresh mountain zephyrs and watch the ever changing cloud formations as they dance along the mountain tops and pour through the valley openings. Have a farm breakfast at Kobus se gat or stop to view the local talents of Rogers art and photography gallery, where you can enjoy a latte while you watch the swallows build their mud homes beneath the eves of this historical building. A must for sight seers or the avid adventurer.

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