South African Tourist Attractions – From Art Galleries and Museums to Game Reserves and Beaches
South Africa is often referred to as a 'world in one country' and its abundance of natural, historical and cultural attractions certainly supports this description. Museums contain a wealth of information and often reveal the very essence of the country you are visiting – and South Africa has plenty of fascinating museums to visit. The Apartheid Museum and the South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg shed light on prominent events in South Africa's history, while the Nelson Mandela Museum in the Eastern Cape provides fascinating insight on a man who has become synonymous with the concept of freedom. Those who enjoy cultural attractions will find that South Africa's art galleries are treasure troves of artistic talent, local and international, contemporary and historic.
The varied landscape of South Africa includes a multitude of natural attractions, with possibly the most iconic being Table Mountain in Cape Town and the magnificent Drakensberg mountains in KwaZulu Natal. The wildlife of South Africa is a big tourist draw-card and a game drive is often the highlight of a South African holiday, with spotting the ‘Big Five’ being the ultimate thrill. The world-renowned Kruger National Park in Limpopo Province attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, while the Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal are among the many excellent game reserves in other regions of the country.
Among its many valuable heritage sites, South Africa has five that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Robben Island, St Lucia Wetland Park, the Cradle of Humankind, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and the Vredefort Dome. Other heritage attractions include Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, the Valdezia Mission Station in Limpopo Province and Freedom Park near Pretoria. No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be an attraction that will appeal to you, so take some time out to enjoy some of South Africa’s many fascinating attractions.