6 Irresistible Reasons to Explore South Africa

For the longest time, South Africa has been the darling of the world. A nation held up as an example of how love and peace can overcome evil and how forgiveness can help a nation heal and grow, South Africa is quite possibly best known and most famous for its history of triumph over adversity. 

South Africa is a place that will tug at your soul. 

From its dark past of apartheid to becoming a free and democratic country, South Africa’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Its scars are visible, yes, but through these scars, one can see the progress the country has made, even though the struggles continue, although in a different way. 

But the draw of South Africa goes far beyond its famous political history. 

It’s a place where safaris can meet skyscrapers, where mountains brush the skies, and where warm oceans lap against golden beaches. Its landscapes are as fascinating and varied as its people, each one warm, welcoming, and eager to share their slice of this incredible country. 

South Africa is a mosaic that leaves a lasting imprint on anyone who visits, and it doesn’t matter if what you want is an adventure outdoors or a bit of urban exploration, you’ll find your perfect holiday here.

Here are six reasons why booking a South African tour will be the best decision of your life.

1. More than Apartheid Monuments

When you think of South African history, your mind is more than likely to instantly go to the apartheid era and its lasting impact. After all, this is the one topic that will come up time and again in news articles, documentaries and travel guides. 

Not to minimise the effects of this era of South Africa’s history, but the country’s past stretches much further and deeper than this chapter. 

When you are visiting South Africa you can spend some time at the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site where some of the oldest hominid fossils were unearthed. These fascinating fossils quite literally tell the story of early human development. 

You can also visit various places where you can see ancient rock art which was etched by the San people thousands of years ago, before colonials ever set foot on the continent. 

South Africa is also home to battlegrounds, mostly in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province, although there are other battleground relics in Mpumalanga too, such as Long Tom Pass, where travellers get to see scars from a canon battle as well as tracks from wagon wheels. 

2. The Wildlife do Roam in Cities

Think safaris are just for remote lodges in the bush? Think again. 

Although South Africans like to joke that foreigners think that lions walk in the streets, many South African towns and cities do in fact have all sorts of wildlife. 

Take Johannesburg’s Lion Park, where a short drive from the city centre puts you right up close to lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. Or Cape Town’s Table Mountain hiking trails, where dassies (rock rabbits) and even antelope are common sightings. 

Both are cities where nature isn’t confined to national parks, where you can sip a coffee at a local cafe and spot a zebra grazing nearby. 

Now how’s that for a wild urban experience?

3. The Wine Route No One Tells You About

Yes, everyone’s heard of the famed Cape Winelands, with its sprawling estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. 

But let’s talk about Swartland, an emerging wine region that’s still flying well under the radar. 

Swartland’s rolling hills are home to boutique, family-owned vineyards making unfiltered, organic wines with bold flavours. 

Here, the winemakers are still old school. They crush grapes by foot and host small, intimate tastings in rustic barns. If you’re a wine lover who likes to go off the beaten path, this quiet region is a must-visit and since it is well away from the crowds, you will feel as though you are being treated to an intimate experience. 

4. The Warm Indian Ocean Awaits

Most think of the icy Atlantic when they picture South African beaches, but head just a little bit east of the Western Cape and you’ll be dipping your toes into the warm and inviting Indian Ocean. 

The KwaZulu-Natal coastline, in particular, is home to some of the best swimming, surfing, and snorkelling spots in the country, with balmy waters that hover between 24-27°C all year round. 

Durban’s Umhlanga Beach is a local favourite, the perfect place for lounging and surfing, while Sodwana Bay, up the coast from Durban, has some of the world’s best diving spots and is teeming with colourful coral reefs and marine life. 

Forget the chill of the Atlantic; these warm waters are where the fun is at.

5. Offbeat Adventures in the Karoo Desert

If you’re a traveller who loves the offbeat and unconventional, the Karoo Desert is where you need to be!

Known for its desolate beauty, this semi-arid region is a stunning landscape that feels just like another planet. 

But the true magic of the Karoo is revealed when the sun sets. 

With little to no light pollution, the desert becomes one of the best stargazing spots in the world. Here you can spend a night under the stars, where you’ll see the Milky Way stretch across the sky in breathtaking clarity. 

Add to that, quirky small towns like Nieu-Bethesda host eccentric art galleries and historic sites like the haunting Owl House, which are the perfect place to explore. 

In the Karoo, you will also be able to partake in a safari of a different kind, an Ostrich Safari. Many of the desert’s small towns were founded and funded by the once-thriving Ostrich industry. When the demand for feathers and meat dwindled, the towns reinvented themselves through Ostrich tourism. Today, you can enjoy an Ostrich safari, which will teach you all about these intriguing birds. 

6. Meet the Rainbow Nation Through Its Festivals

South Africa is a country rich in culture, and what better way to experience it than through its many festivals? 

Every year, thousands flock to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, where theatre, dance, and music performances spill into the streets. 

Want a more traditional experience? 

Head to KwaZulu-Natal for the Zulu Reed Dance, a centuries-old festival where young women don traditional attire and dance in celebration of their culture and heritage. 

Whether it’s art, music, or food, South Africa’s festivals are a direct window into its heart and soul.

Why Book a South African Tour?

There’s no better way to experience the full scope of South Africa’s wonders than on a guided South Africa tour. 

When you book a South African tour, the overwhelming logistics of planning an adventure in such a huge country, one with so many places to go and things to do disappears. 

Whether you’re after the action of an African safari, the serenity of the wine country, or the cultural depths of its history, a South Africa tour will provide you with expert guidance through all the places you’d otherwise miss. 

With the right tour, you’ll make your way through remote landscapes, meet local artisans, and enjoy curated experiences that bring you closer to the soul of South Africa, all without worrying about the details. 

In a country so big and so varied, having a structured itinerary ensures that you don’t miss a thing.