South Africa is one of the world’s most beautiful countries. And just when you think it cannot get any more spectacular, we find small towns and beach side villages nestled between majestic mountain ranges, wine valleys and even desert landscapes!
Let’s take a look at some of the favourite places to visit in South Africa:
- Scarborough
Scarborough is one of the many hidden gems on the Cape coastline, but it offers something utterly unique. Unlike most of its neighbours, Scarborough is a small, peaceful beach village with white sand beaches that stretch for miles. The locals and visitors love to surf in the beautiful waters – which are known to have some of the best waves in the Cape – and there are gorgeous rock pools just waiting to be explored. Scarborough accommodation fits with its surrounds, as most places have a relaxed, ‘beach-y’ feel, and are usually a stone’s throw away from Scarborough’s family and dog friendly beaches. The village as well as the beaches, are well maintained, clean, scenic and safe. It truly is the ideal place to visit if you are looking for somewhere to kick back and relax, and which is not too far from Cape Town CBD. Scarborough is perfect for the nature lovers, the surfing enthusiasts, foodies and creative cats. There is always something going on in the town, whether it be a market, an art fair or a new restaurant opening up. Scarborough is certainly one of the up and coming beach towns that everyone should visit, and though it may be small, there is so much to see, do and experience. - FranschhoekIf you are not staying in Franschhoek , a drive out for an outing is well worth it! Franschhoek is a beautiful town nestled in the famous Western Cape winelands. With the majestic mountains enclosing the town and the lush vineyards that go on for miles, it has an unrivalled “olde charm” that will leave you in awe. The stunning Cape Dutch architecture, the quaint streets and luxury stores and restaurants, gives the feeling you’re walking through France! Franschhoek has so much to offer, from world renowned restaurants, chocolate tasting tours or buying belgium chocolate in boutique chocolate factories, to the Huguenot Memorial Museum, a visit to the French settlers’ monument or a wine tasting tour; you are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do, so an overnight stay may just be needed! One of the most noteworthy public features is the Huguenot Monument, it is located at the end of Franschhoek’s Main Road – you cannot miss it. We’d recommend you visit the vintage car Museum which has young and old cars and limited editions. For wine tasting, Rickety Bridge, Leopard’s Leap and Leeu Estate are favourites, otherwise hop on the Franschhoek wine tram and take a tour of the various wine farms throughout the town.
- Hermanus
Hermanus is situated southeast of Cape Town – about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the city center. It is a quaint and very popular seaside town for many reasons. With its lovely beaches along its coastline and the whale watching, it’s one of the best places to visit while in South Africa. The famous whale festival which takes place in September every year, of course, attracts many visitors, however, you’ll be able to see the whales from June to December when Hermanus is fairly quiet – and it’s likely you’ll practically have the place to yourself! Popular beaches include Grotto Beach, Voëlklip Beach, Langbaai Beach. Davies pool is very popular for families with children and is close to the Onrus River Caravan Park. The Old Harbour Museum and the Whale House Museum is a worthy visit too. - The KarooThe Karoo is a semi desert region of South Africa of more than 400,000 square kilometers stretching over the Western Cape, Eastern and Northern provinces. The Karoo, with its other-worldly, desolate landscapes is a totally different experience which may not be for everyone, but certainly is a spectacular corner of Southern Africa that shouldn’t be missed. The Karoo is rich in fossil beds which are millions of years old, setting it apart from any other place on earth. The Karoo offers the tourists and visitors beautiful open plains, crisp clean air and impressive mountains. Visit one the game and nature reserves, go on a guided tour and see the bushman paintings and fossil collections, or horseback through the beautiful plains of the desert surrounded by the stunning desert flora, fauna and spectacular birds of the area. The Karoo has the largest variety of spectacular cacti and succulents in the world. Visit the Karoo Desert Botanical Garden, which is located outside Worcester, at the base of the Hex River Mountain range. The Botanical Gardens mainly focuses on desert and semi-desert plants although they do have other plants as well but it really is something to see the different kinds of succulents they have and what some are used for.
