As South Africans, we’re blessed with incredible landscapes, distinct and vibrant cultures, and so much more. However, even with endless sites to visit, there might come a time when you struggle to find a new local adventure.
So, what top sites around South Africa are worth visiting again? And why are these specific destinations worth visiting again?
Let’s start with a biggie:
Kruger National Park
This national park stretches over 19,000 square kilometres and is one of Africa’s largest and arguably best-known game reserves internationally.
For size context, the city of London, England, is only 1,572 square kilometres. And as the quote by Dr. Samuel Johnson goes:
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford.”
We’d honestly argue the same point about our national treasure, the Kruger National Park.
Also, the park is home to an astonishing amount of wildlife, such as:
- The Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo)
- Almost 150 species of mammals
- More than 500 bird species
- 34 species of reptiles
- And countless numbers of insect species
And with the park’s gigantic size, there are many options for accommodation, guided tours, and safaris.
Why Should You Go Back To The Kruger?
The Kruger National Park experiences remarkable seasonal changes, with certain regions undergoing complete transformation at specific times of the year.
This means you could visit parts of the park seasonally and have a completely new experience. When the summer months bring rain, the park becomes lush and is abundant with birdlife. And during the winter, the landscape becomes drier, resulting in larger animals gathering at watering holes.
Another element to consider is that the Kruger offers six different ecosystems, from dense forests to open grasslands. And because of the size, you could spend your whole visit just seeing one or two of them.
Lastly, there’s no way someone exploring Kruger National Park can see all the animals on offer, so you need to go back to get the full experience.
The Cape Winelands
Known internationally for its stunning vineyards, historic estates, and culinary experiences, the Cape Winelands is a must-revisit destination for South Africans.
The heart of the Cape Winelands is situated around the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl regions, which have been producing wine for three centuries.
In recent years, wine farms have started to open their doors to include young families, with establishments like the Spice Route being great examples of destinations evolving to reach a new market.
Why Should You Go Back To The Winelands?
While it is a region steeped in tradition, it’s also constantly evolving and adopting new ideas. For this reason alone, you will experience something new by returning to the Winelands.
Also, the change of seasons in the Winelands is theatrical, with some wineries offering views of snow-topped mountains during winter while also allowing visitors to take walks through the vineyards or enjoy a picnic in the summer.
As always, be aware of the adverse effects of alcohol on your driving ability and organise a shuttle to explore the region if you are drinking.
Namaqualand Flowers
Located in the Northern Cape, the Namaqualand area is world-famous for its spectacular spring wildflowers. Usually arid, the region experiences wet winters, bringing wildflowers to life that engulf the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colours.
Why Should You Go Back To Namaqualand?
Every wildflower season is different. The blooms can differ completely depending on temperatures, rainfall, and other factors.
And with Namaqualand home to roughly 3,500 species, there’s no way anyone could see everything in one go.
Also, it’s worth noting that during the Sho’t Left Travel Week, September 2-8, South Africans can book experiences with SanParks at a discounted price.
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park is one of South Africa’s most iconic destinations. A famed UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain dominates the skyline and cradles the Mother City in its bowl.
While many think that Table Mountain National Park only encompasses the flat mountain top, it’s much more. The park stretches from Signal Hill overlooking the harbour, all the way down south to Cape Point along the mountain’s escarpment.
That length means the park covers 221 square kilometres, which includes the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Silvermine Nature Reserve.
The park also supports 2,200 fynbos species (one of the smallest floral kingdoms in the world) and includes the Table Mountain Cableway, Boulders Beach, and the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Why Should You Go Back To Table Mountain National Park?
The Table Mountain National Park is a national treasure that offers so much right on Cape Town’s doorstep. Depending on your mood, you could swim alongside penguins, spot a dassie springing between rocks, or watch ostriches stretch their legs.
You could also walk trails, swim in the dams atop the mountain, or just snap pictures of the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
The Wild Coast
One of South Africa’s most unspoilt regions, the Wild Coast’s remoteness and beauty are unmatched around the globe. This untouched stretch of coastline spans from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal.
The Wild Coast is known for its rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, magnificent waterfalls, and traditional Xhosa villages. It is also a region steeped in history and folktales that can be shared around the fireplace.
An example of such tales is centred around the Eastern Cape’s Hole in the Wall. The natural formation’s original name is esiKhaleni, which translates to the Place of Thunder. The inhabitants of the area named it that because, under certain conditions, the waves slap the rocks and create a huge cracking noise.
It was believed this was the sound of the sea people singing and shouting.
Why Should You Go Back To The Wild Coast?
It might not be around forever. According to park officials, a famous 190-million-year-old rock formation in Utah, USA, collapsed earlier this year (2024).
Known as the Double Arch, climate conditions and erosion contributed to its collapse, proving that nothing remains unchanged.
Don’t wait to return and explore the multiple trails, hidden waterfalls, and vibrant cultures.
Before revisiting any of these national treasures, like Namaqualand, Kruger National Park, or the Cape Winelands, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is in top condition. Start by performing essential checks, including an inspection of your vehicle’s battery, to avoid any unexpected issues. Proper preparation will help you fully enjoy your journey through these iconic South African destinations.
