Amapondo Backpackers
Port St Johns · Wild Coast
Laid‑back base for Wild Coast hikes (Second Beach) and community vibe far from the usual tourist trail
Logistics: Arrive in daylight; rural roads and patchy signal
Updated: 2025-09
Highlights
Top places to visit in South Africa — Top 10 Highlights
Explore the essentials of South Africa with precise pins and a quick-scan overview—clean, fast, no popups.
Why go — quick legend
- Table Mountain — Hike or take the cable car for breathtaking views of Cape…
- Robben Island — Visit the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held for…
- Kruger National Park — Embark on a safari to see the Big Five in their natural h…
- Blyde River Canyon — Explore lush landscapes and spectacular viewpoints in thi…
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park — Discover diverse ecosystems from coral reefs to sandy sho…
- Apartheid Museum — Experience vivid exhibits on apartheid's harsh realities.
- Drakensberg — Admire dramatic basalt cliffs, waterfalls, and rock art s…
- Nelson Mandela Square — Shop and dine near the iconic Mandela statue.
- Cape of Good Hope — Witness majestic ocean views at a historic maritime point.
- V&A Waterfront — Enjoy shopping, dining, and harbor views.
Tip: Open individual spots in Google Maps from the table below.
Legend
Why go — quick legend
- Table Mountain — Hike or take the cable car for breathtaking views of Cape…
- Robben Island — Visit the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held for…
- Kruger National Park — Embark on a safari to see the Big Five in their natural h…
- Blyde River Canyon — Explore lush landscapes and spectacular viewpoints in thi…
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park — Discover diverse ecosystems from coral reefs to sandy sho…
- Apartheid Museum — Experience vivid exhibits on apartheid's harsh realities.
- Drakensberg — Admire dramatic basalt cliffs, waterfalls, and rock art s…
- Nelson Mandela Square — Shop and dine near the iconic Mandela statue.
- Cape of Good Hope — Witness majestic ocean views at a historic maritime point.
- V&A Waterfront — Enjoy shopping, dining, and harbor views.
South Africa — Top 10 Highlights (Overview)
| # / Name | Since | Why go | Significance | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cape Town, Western Cape | — (natural) | Hike or take the cable car for breathtaking views of Cape Town. | Recognized worldwide as an iconic symbol of South Africa's natural beauty. | Outdoor |
Cape Town, Western Cape | — | Visit the former prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. | UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolizing the triumph of democracy over apartheid. | Cultural Heritage |
Mpumalanga & Limpopo | 1926 | Embark on a safari to see the Big Five in their natural habitat. | South Africa's first national park, crucial for wildlife conservation. | Outdoor |
Mpumalanga | — (natural) | Explore lush landscapes and spectacular viewpoints in this subtropical canyon. | One of the world's largest green canyons and a key ecological area. | Outdoor |
KwaZulu-Natal | — | Discover diverse ecosystems from coral reefs to sandy shores. | UNESCO World Heritage Site for unique biodiversity and cultural significance. | Cultural Heritage |
Johannesburg, Gauteng | 2001 | Experience vivid exhibits on apartheid's harsh realities. | Documents South Africa's struggle against racial segregation. | Museum |
KwaZulu-Natal & Free State | — | Admire dramatic basalt cliffs, waterfalls, and rock art sites. | Part of the Great Escarpment; outstanding natural/cultural value. | Cultural Heritage |
Sandton (Johannesburg), Gauteng | 2004 | Shop and dine near the iconic Mandela statue. | Honors Mandela's legacy in the heart of Sandton. | Outdoor |
Cape Peninsula, Western Cape | — (natural) | Witness majestic ocean views at a historic maritime point. | Known for treacherous seas and exploration history. | Outdoor |
Cape Town, Western Cape | — | Enjoy shopping, dining, and harbor views. | Cape Town’s premier leisure destination. | Outdoor |
“Since” dates are indicative (construction/first record/UNESCO/natural). Natural sites are marked “— (natural)”.
Hidden gems · Insider picks
Three lesser‑known spots worth a detour—remote, scenic, or just special
Bulungula Lodge (Community‑owned)
Nqileni Village · Wild Coast
Off‑grid eco‑lodge on a remote beach; immersive Xhosa village experiences
Logistics: High‑clearance/4×4 recommended in rain; pre‑book directions; arrive before dark
Updated: 2025-09
Royal Natal National Park (Tugela Gorge)
Drakensberg · KwaZulu‑Natal
Underrated gateway to the Amphitheatre and Tugela Gorge day hikes
Logistics: Check weather; start early; stick to marked paths; pay conservation fees at gate
Updated: 2025-09
Explore by province
Click a city to open its highlights page. Provinces appear only when at least one city exists.
Western Cape
1 citiesWhen to go
Western Cape (Cape Town)Best Oct–Mar (warm/dry); shoulder Sep–Nov, Mar–May.
Safari (Kruger, Lowveld)Dry season May–Sep = best wildlife viewing.
KwaZulu-Natal CoastWarm year-round; drier Apr–Oct.
DrakensbergClear hiking Apr–Sep; summer storms Nov–Feb.
SeasonalWildflowers Aug–Sep; whales Jun–Oct (peak Aug–Sep).
Weather varies by region—always check local forecasts.
Safety: practical snapshot
Overall call
Suitable for most travelers if you stick to well‑trodden areas, plan routes, and use common‑sense street smarts. Not ideal for walking around unfamiliar urban areas at night.
- Crime exists in cities; avoid flashing phones/jewelry, use rideshare/taxis at night, and keep bags zipped.
- Roads: drive defensively, avoid night driving on rural routes, watch for pedestrians/livestock, and don’t stop on hard shoulders unless essential.
- Hiking: go in groups or with a guide, stick to marked trails, start early, and check park guidance before you go.
- Power & protests: periodic outages or demonstrations can occur; keep a power bank and check local updates.
How to travel it safely
- Base smart: stay in well‑reviewed areas (e.g., Waterfront/Sea Point; Garden Route towns; inside major safari reserves).
- Getting around: use Uber/Bolt or booked transfers in cities; for self‑drive, set off early and verify accommodation has secure parking.
- ATMs & payments: use ATMs in malls/banks, cover the keypad, prefer tap‑to‑pay; ignore “helpers.”
- Health: malaria exists seasonally in parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga & northern KwaZulu‑Natal; ask a clinician about prophylaxis and use repellent. Carry travel insurance.
- Wild Coast specifics: arrive in daylight, check road conditions after rain, and consider local guides for hikes/river crossings.
- Emergency: Police 10111 · Mobile 112. Save your accommodation’s on‑call number.
This is practical guidance, not a guarantee. Always follow local advice and your government’s travel advisories.
Legal disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general travel guidance only. It is not legal, medical, or professional advice. Conditions on the ground can change quickly (safety, health, access, weather), and you should verify details with official sources before you travel.
- You are responsible for your own decisions and safety. Ceraluna Labs / Check time is not liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from use of this content, including but not limited to theft, accidents, trail incidents, wildlife encounters, cancellations, road closures, or booking issues.
- External links (e.g., Google Maps, transport, accommodation) lead to third‑party sites that we do not control. Accuracy, availability, and terms are theirs, not ours.
- Health: consult a qualified clinician for vaccinations/medications (e.g., malaria prophylaxis depends on itinerary and season). In emergencies, contact local services.
- Driving, hiking, and adventure activities carry inherent risks. Ensure appropriate insurance and follow local regulations and park guidance.
By using this page you agree to these terms and our site policies.