1. Kruger National Park
Why Visit: One of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves, Kruger National Park is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Visitors can go on self-drive safaris, guided game drives, or luxury bush walks to witness incredible wildlife up close.
- Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM (varies by season)
- Entrance Fee: R460 per adult (non-residents), R230 per child
- Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season for best wildlife viewing)
- Family-Friendly: Yes, with accommodations for all budgets
- Accessible for People with Special Needs: Some lodges, camps, and safari vehicles are wheelchair-friendly
2. Table Mountain (Cape Town)
Why Visit: One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, Table Mountain offers breathtaking views of Cape Town, the ocean, and surrounding landscapes. Travelers can hike up or take a scenic cable car ride to the summit.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (varies by season)
- Entrance Fee: R420 round-trip cable car (adult), R210 (child)
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (clear skies and good weather)
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Accessible for People with Special Needs: Cable cars are wheelchair-accessible
3. Robben Island
Why Visit: This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. Visitors take a ferry from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for a guided tour led by former prisoners, offering a deep look into South Africa’s history.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (ferries depart at scheduled times)
- Entrance Fee: R600 per adult, R310 per child
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round (best on clear days for smooth ferry rides)
- Family-Friendly: Yes, suitable for older children
- Accessible for People with Special Needs: Wheelchair-friendly ferries and tours available
4. Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek)
Why Visit: South Africa produces some of the world’s best wines, and the Cape Winelands are the perfect place to taste them. Rolling vineyards, historic towns, and gourmet restaurants make this a must-visit for food and wine lovers.
- Opening Hours: Varies by winery (generally 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Entrance Fee: Free to enter, wine tastings from R50–R150
- Best Time to Visit: September to April (grape harvest and summer)
- Family-Friendly: Some wineries offer activities for children
- Accessible for People with Special Needs: Many wineries offer wheelchair access
5. The Garden Route
Why Visit: This scenic coastal drive stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms River, offering stunning ocean views, forests, and charming towns. Highlights include Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna’s lagoon, and Plettenberg Bay’s beaches.
- Opening Hours: 24/7 (public roads and attractions vary)
- Entrance Fee: Free to drive; some parks require entry fees
- Best Time to Visit: September to April (warmer weather)
- Family-Friendly: Yes, with many kid-friendly activities
- Accessible for People with Special Needs: Some lodges and parks have accessible paths
6. Blyde River Canyon
Why Visit: The third-largest canyon in the world, Blyde River Canyon offers dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Key viewpoints like God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes provide unforgettable landscapes.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: R35 per person (some areas free)
- Best Time to Visit: May to September (cooler temperatures, clearer views)
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Accessible for People with Special Needs: Limited access to viewpoints
7. Durban’s Golden Mile & uShaka Marine World
Why Visit: Durban’s Golden Mile is a stretch of golden beaches perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Nearby, uShaka Marine World is one of the largest aquariums in Africa, featuring water rides and dolphin shows.
- Opening Hours: Beach – 24/7; uShaka Marine World – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free for beaches; uShaka tickets from R210 per person
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (warm beach weather)
- Family-Friendly: Yes, great for kids
- Accessible for People with Special Needs: Wheelchair-friendly areas available
8. Addo Elephant National Park
Why Visit: If you love elephants, this is the place to be. Addo is home to over 600 elephants, as well as lions, buffalo, and rhinos. The park offers self-drive safaris, guided tours, and horseback riding experiences.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: R307 per adult (non-residents), R154 per child
- Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season for best wildlife viewing)
- Family-Friendly: Yes
- Accessible for People with Special Needs: Some lodges and safari vehicles are accessible
9. Drakensberg Mountains
Why Visit: This mountain range features some of the best hiking and scenic views in South Africa. Visitors can explore Royal Natal National Park, the Amphitheatre, and ancient San rock art sites.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: R40–R90 per person (varies by park)
- Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November (cooler weather, clear views)
- Family-Friendly: Yes, with easy and challenging trails available
- Accessible for People with Special Needs: Limited accessibility due to rugged terrain
10. The Cradle of Humankind
Why Visit: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important fossil sites in the world. It includes the Sterkfontein Caves, where scientists discovered fossils of early human ancestors dating back millions of years.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: R100 per adult, R60 per child
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Family-Friendly: Yes, but caves may not be suitable for very young children
- Accessible for People with Special Needs: The main visitor center is accessible, but cave access is limited