Overview
Best Places to Visit in South Africa
South Africa is dotted with various places that are well worth visiting. Every place has attractions witnessing which will make your South Africa tours worth it. Here are some of the places to visit in South Africa that you must include in your itinerary.
- Cape Town
- Kruger National Park
- Stellenbosch
- Hermanus
- Kgalagadi National Park
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. From the cable car to Table Mountain, to abseiling, and to walking trails, there are so many things to see and do in Cape Town. You can visit the Cape Wineland wine estates, the V&A Waterfront, and the beaches, and even catch a ferry to Robben Island. The best time to visit Cape Town is March to May, and September to November. No matter how many days you are staying in this country, Cape Town is a must-include place in the South Africa tourist packages.
Kruger National Park
It is one of the oldest national parks in South Africa and you can be here between May to October. This is a must-visit option for tourists who are fond of wildlife. This national park is home to many wild animals. However, the most popular are the Big Five, which includes lions, elephants, leopards, Cape buffalo, and rhinos. You can choose either the day safari or the night safari, whichever catches your fancy. Do not miss out on getting this place included in the South Africa packages.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is all that a picture-perfect town is supposed to be. It is the second oldest town here and also the only university town in South Africa. To know about the history of this place, you must visit the Village Museum and Stellenyrk Museum. You can also visit the vineyards here to taste the locally produced wines. Apart from this, there are cafes, art galleries, restaurants, and nightclubs that you can visit in Stellenbosch during your South Africa tours. The best month to plan your trip to Stellenbosch is between September and April.
Hermanus
The Western Cape hides a small town called Hermanus which is well-known for its many tourist attractions. The major attraction here is the whale-watching boats which can be boarded for a whale and dolphin tour. If the boats do not capture your imagination, visiting here in September also gives you the chance of participating in the whale festival. You need to pick your travel dates between June to December to enjoy whale watching here. The best time to visit Hermanus is between June and December.
Kgalagadi National Park
Kgalagadi National Park is located in the very popular Kalahari Desert. You can find sand dunes here along with dry riverbeds and wildlife such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, the cape fox, bat-eared fox, ground squirrel, meerkat, Honey Badger, Pangolin, blue wildebeests, hyenas, jackals, etc. You can enjoy a wonderful night camping experience here. If the South Africa tourist packages you are considering do not have Kgalagadi National Park, then you should look for some other South Africa holiday packages.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, previously known as St Lucia Wetland Park includes the Kosi Bay Natural Reserve, Mkuze Game Reserve, St Lucia and Maputaland Marine Reserves, Lake St Lucia, and the Coastal Forest Reserve. You can spot more than 450 species of birds here including the Madagascar fish eagle, storks, pelicans, terns, and herons. Apart from these, you can also come across various animals here such as impala, black and white rhino, waterbuck, kudu, elephants, giraffe, buffalo, whales, sea turtles, dolphins, and the Nile crocodile. While you are here on your South Africa tours, you can indulge in various thrilling activities such as whale watching, deep sea fishing, estuary fishing, diving, game viewing, hiking, horse riding, bird watching, and rock and surf fishing. Make sure this wetland park is included in the South Africa tourist packages.
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve covers an area of 29,000 hectares. You would be able to find several natural wonders here such as the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window, and the Bourke’s Luck Potholes. There is over 1000 endangered flora here and you can even spot various wildlife here such as Kudu, crocodiles, primates, Oribi, hippos, Klipspringer, and Grey Rhebuck. Some of the activities that you must try here are fly-fishing, white water rafting, abseiling, horseback riding, biking, hiking, kloofing, boating, and hot-air ballooning. You can find several South Africa packages featuring this nature reserve.
Things to do in South Africa
Without including some of the top things to do in South Africa, no trip itineraries can be considered to be complete. Here are some recommendations to make the most out of your holiday plans. Read on to know more about these things to do in South Africa.
- Climbing Table Mountain in Cape Town
- Swimming with the Sharks
- Go on an African Safari
- Indulge in Surfing
Climbing Table Mountain in Cape Town
While visiting Cape Town is a treat in itself, climbing the majestic Table Mountain makes the visit even more special. There are up to 350 different paths leading up to the mountain top and once you reach there, the view is considered breathtaking by many. If you take the shortest path leading to the top, you can finish the trek in just about two hours. Therefore, as you opt for the South Africa tourist packages, you must visit Table Mountain in Cape Town.
Swimming with the Sharks
Many adrenaline seekers mark dive with the sharks as an item on their bucket list. The majestic creatures get a bad rep due to their portrayal in popular media and misinformation. Well, here is the right opportunity to not only see the majestic creatures but also swim with them. You can choose the cage dive if you prefer some distance between sharks and yourself; however, you can also choose to go scuba diving with tiger sharks or bull sharks.
Go on an African Safari
Out on a safari while on a holiday in South Africa is not an experience most people would want to miss. It is considered one of the most exquisite experiences that you can have while you are visiting the country. You can get face-to-face with the vibrant wildlife in the grasslands which you can tour on a jeep. The wildlife in South Africa is one of the most well-preserved habitats in the world and it is definitely worth visiting.
Indulge in Surfing
Whether you have surfed all your life, or have never touched a surfboard, surfing in Cape Town is an amazing experience. You can enjoy the thrill of taking part in this adventure sport and have memories for a lifetime. You can also connect with the locals since it is one of the most popular hobbies in South Africa. You can try many other water sports such as jet skiing, or scuba diving as well.
Foods to Eat in South Africa
One of the most important experiences you can have in a new country is exploring the local food. South Africa has a rich history of welcoming settlers from different parts of the world and therefore, it has some amazing cultural influences showing up in the food. Here are the best foods to eat in South Africa that you must try. Read on to know as we explain the dishes better.
- Malva Pudding
- Bunny Chow
- Babotie
- Chakalaka and pap
Malva Pudding
The early settlers from the Netherlands brought this delicious pudding to South Africa and it has been a hot favorite ever since. Made of apricot jam and sponge pudding it is a baked pudding that is frequently served with hot cream sauce.
Bunny Chow
Now famous all over the world, this dish was invented in South Africa by Indian settlers. It was a lunch dish that was served to the workers. It is made up of a hollowed loaf of bread that has curry filled into it. The curry can be chicken or pork; however, you can also try the vegetarian variant which is equally delicious.
Babotie
Another import from the South Asian settlers, this dish contains minced meat mixed with curry and vegetables. It is then topped up with milk and egg and then baked to perfection. It is then served with rice and you can easily find this dish in most restaurants due to its immense popularity.
Chakalaka and pap
Chakalaka and pap are staples of South African homes and restaurants. Chakalaka is made of vegetables including peppers, carrots, onions, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Served as a cold dish it is paired with pap, which is a mash made of white maize. You can find many variations of the dish; however, these are equally popular everywhere.
Best Restaurants in South Africa
South Africa is known for its food; therefore, while you visit various destinations, you can take a tour of the popular restaurants in those places. So, here we are mentioning some of the restaurants in South Africa that you must visit. Know about them a bit more before you visit them.
- The Test Kitchen, Woodstock
- The Restaurant at Waterkloof, Somerset West
- Eike, Stellenbosch
- Pigalle Restaurant, Cape Town
The Test Kitchen, Woodstock
This is not only one of the best restaurants in South Africa but also in the world. To try the sumptuous food here, you have to make your bookings a month in advance.
The Restaurant at Waterkloof, Somerset West
The cuisines offered here come with a French twist. The Joostenberg Vlakte duck breast, served with hibiscus-infused oven-roasted turnips in this restaurant will surely make your tastebuds satisfied.
Eike, Stellenbosch
If you want to try authentic South African dishes like amasi, bokkoms, mosbolletjies, and bobotie, you must visit Eike.
Pigalle Restaurant, Cape Town
This is one of the top restaurants in South Africa and is praised not only for its delicious food but also for its elegant décor. Apart from Cape Town, Pigalle has three more branches in other cities of South Africa as well, such as Sandton, Bedfordview, and Melrose Arch. The must-try dishes here are Ostrich steak, Chalmar steak, Crème Brule and Kingklip.
Ideal Places for a Honeymoon in South Africa
If you are looking for the best South Africa honeymoon packages, you will be in luck. Here are the most romantic places in South Africa that you can visit and that you can also find in your package. There is so much to do and see here, that you will definitely have a lot to talk about together and make many happy memories.
- Franschhoek
- Elephant Coast
- Johannesburg
- Free State
- Boulders Beach
- The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Franschhoek
Located in Cape Town, this place is considered by most a lover’s paradise. This charming destination has all the staples of a secluded lover’s retreat, from the beautiful landscape to breathtaking bougainvillea plantations. You should definitely head there if you want to have peace of mind.
Elephant Coast
If the pristine coastline is more to your and your spouse’s taste, then do give a try to the Elephant Coast in Kwazulu Natal. Along with each other’s undisturbed company, you can enjoy a variety of seafood and sample some of the finest South African wines.
Johannesburg
For couples seeking a little more excitement, Johannesburg is the best place to be. From shopping to nightlife, and a beach that you can’t get enough of, it has all the right ingredients for an exciting time together. You can even indulge in some gold shopping to mark the occasion.
Free State
Snow-capped mountains towering 3000 feet above sea level give the lovebirds just the right place to enjoy their honeymoon. It is a land of astonishing beauty with all the staples of beautiful hills, verdant greenery, and clear blue sky to make you feel away from the entire world.
Boulders Beach
An hour’s drive from Cape Town can take you to beautiful Boulders Beach. The attraction here is the colony of African penguins. You can have a picturesque view of this beach. The best hours to be on this beach is between 7 am to 5 pm. As you go for the South Africa packages from India, you can try to get this beach included and woo your spouse.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
From its fishing history to the restaurants and cafes, there are so many things to see in The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. From this place, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Cape Town. While you choose from the South Africa tourist packages, do not miss out on visiting The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with your spouse.
Best Places for Shopping in South Africa
For vacationers who have shopping on their minds while in South Africa, there are some great options to indulge in. Here are some of the best recommendations for shopping venues in South Africa. You can get some of the best things at these places.
- Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
- Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga
- Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
- Sandton City, Sandton
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
If you need to let lose the shopaholic in you, then V&A waterfront is the perfect place to do so. You can buy branded clothes and even local goods at this bustling shopping center. You can find some great deals here. After shopping, you can also enjoy some mouth-watering seafood at the restaurants located here.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga
If you have mostly branded goods on your mind, you should definitely pay a visit to this mall. Apart from the popular fashion brands, you can also find some fashion boutiques such as Pringles. It has more than 380 fabulous stores that you can visit to find anything you seek. Do make some time to also visit the Tony Hawk-designed skate park.
Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
Elite is the word that we need to use to describe this exquisite shopping destination. It has a grand design and a location in one of the poshest areas of Johannesburg. You do need one full day to visit the entire place as the shopping here is an experience, accompanied by delectable food, and frequent events such as musical performances.
Sandton City, Sandton
Visiting this place, you can shop at some of the most luxurious brands in the world including Gucci, Armine, and Mont Blanc. You can also find a great variety of restaurants and in the evening enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.
Best Time to Visit South Africa
For amazing and memorable South Africa tours from India, you need to choose the right time to visit this country. Although South Africa is considered by most as a year-round destination. If you still want to choose the best time to visit South Africa, then you can visit the country between May and September. During these five months, you will feel less cold and also witness wildlife at its best with the unique opportunity to even spot whales. You can find several attractive South Africa tour packages that align with these months.
Summer in South Africa
The temperature in the summer months in South Africa is between 15-36 degrees Celcius. Some parts of South Africa can be hot and dry, while others can be wet and humid during the summer season. On your South Africa tours during the summer season, you can witness whales, especially in the month of November. The summer months in South Africa start in November and last till February.
Autumn in South Africa
Autumn season commences in South Africa in March and lasts till May. This is a great time to choose from the South Africa tourist packages. You can find the weather on the warmer side and it can be windy in some of the places. You can have fabulous South Africa tours during the Autumn season here.
Winter in South Africa
The winter months in South Africa are May-end to September. It can be sunny during the day and the average temperature is between 10-15 degrees Celcius. The winter season in this country is pleasant; therefore, is the perfect time to plan South Africa tours.
Spring in South Africa
The spring months in South Africa are September-end to November. The temperature in these months remains between 14 and 16 degrees Celcius and it is a great time to plan South Africa tours. You can also attend several festivals during your South Africa tours during this season.
How to Reach South Africa
While you are excited about your South Africa tours, deciding the mode of transportation is an important part of your itinerary. To clear up your confusion about how to reach South Africa, please keep reading.
By Air
The best and ideal option for South Africa tours from India is via flight. You will get direct as well as connecting flights that link this African country to the rest of the world. You can take South African Airways from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. You can also take connecting flights from other cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Varanasi, and Lucknow. In almost all our South Africa tourist packages, you can find flights included.
By Sea
If you have time, you can even reach the destination via sea since South Africa has a sea route. You can board a cruise and enjoy your time through the sea. However, when you choose the sea route, you have to board a cruise from a European country like the UK. You may not find cruises included in our South Africa tourist packages
By Road
South Africa is well-connected with several countries such as Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe through roads. However, because of visa formalities, you might have to wait in long queues at the borders. Also, when you are in South Africa, you can use various road transport to commute to different tourist attractions.
Visa Process Information for South Africa
Indian passport holders need a visa before entering South Africa. The visa-on-arrival option is not available in South Africa. The South Africa Visa requirements and process has become easy and streamlined since the launch of electronic visas in February ’22. For this, Indian passport holders need to fill out the online application form for a South African e-Visa. Once they submit their application by paying the e-Visa fees, they will receive their short-stay South African Visa through email.
The documents required for this are just your passport and a recent passport-sized photograph. The visa processing fees can be paid online through debit and credit cards.
