Places to See and Visit in South Africa

South Africa is located at the most southern tip of the continent of Africa. It has the second largest economy in the continent of Africa and it is considered to be a newly industrialized country. Even though South Africa has Africa’s second largest economy, the wealth is not dispersed equally and much division still remains between social classes. Over a quarter of the country’s population remains unemployed and living in poverty. The individuals living in poverty make less than $1.25 American dollars a day. The unemployed live in tin settlements with no indoor plumbing or insulation. Their homes are literally the size of a shed in America.

South Africa is a perfect mix of the tamed and untamed land. Parts of South Africa still remained mostly untouched by humans but other places are highly developed. When traveling to South Africa travelers have the opportunity to learn about South Africa’s rich history, politics, and nature. Here are a few must see places when traveling to South Africa.

Kruger National Park is home to Africa’s big five. The big five are the African Lion, African Elephant, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Rhino. Kruger National Park is a wildlife park that offers travelers the opportunity to observe the above mentioned animals and many more in their natural habitats. The animals are free to move about the wildlife reserve and guests can travel on safari vehicles searching for the wildlife in their natural habitat. There are not many places in the world where a traveler can get up close and personal with a free roaming lion, elephant, or rhino. Travelers may even be able to go on a bush walk searching for animals by foot.

Cape Town has so much to offer to travelers. Cape Town is surrounded on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, so travelers get the perfect mix of city life and beach life. Also located in Cape Town is the famous flat topped mountain, Table Mountain. Guests can view Table Mountain or ride a cable car to the top for views that can never be reproduced. After visiting Table Mountain travelers may take a ferry over to Robben Island to see the cell Nelson Mandela spent years in. If you are the adventurous type you may charter a boat to go shark diving. South Africa is known for its Great White Shark population. Cape Town is a lively and safe city. Guest will feel comfortable walking around town and everything is literally a walk away.

Johannesburg is the largest city in population in the country of South Africa, it is also the wealthiest province in all of South Africa. This bustling city is home to various must see places when visiting the country of South Africa. Travelers should visit Soweto for the lesson of a lifetime. All people will benefit from the people they meet and the lessons they learn after visiting the township of Soweto. Soweto is the largest black settlement in South Africa and it also home to great poverty. When visiting Soweto, travelers will receive a wake-up call about their lives. You may observe people standing in hour long lines waiting for a bucket of water, or young children playing with a rusted tin can with no shoes, or young children begging for a piece of candy. The extreme opposite that is seen from the city of Johannesburg to Soweto helps bring home the truth. Soweto also has a strong history in the battle with apartheid, so visitors will have the opportunity to learn about this rich heritage, when they visit the old home of Nelson Mandela.

Also located in Johannesburg is the Apartheid Museum. Visitors will be able to walk through Africa’s history learning about the terrible tragedies that occurred during apartheid. Hopefully after visiting the museum visitors will have a better understanding about why racism needs to be abolished in the world.

The Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost tip of Africa. Not many people can say they have been to the most southern point of Africa, so it is a popular destination to go to and take photos with the famous Cape of Good Hope sign. However, the sign is not the only thing worth traveling for, the views are more than enough. The Cape of Good Hope is covered with lines of sandy beaches and coastal cliffs jetting out from the land. Visitors have the opportunity to ride a tram to one of the highest points in the Cape for a view that is truly breathtaking.

The Garden Route is a stretch of land that runs along the southeastern coast of South Africa. The route goes from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The Garden Route provides a very scenic and beautiful drive offering many stops at various towns and animal and plant sanctuaries. In fact, there are ten different wildlife reserves along The Garden Route where guests may have the opportunity to view seals, dolphins, and whales. Of course visitors will also be able to see ample amounts of vegetation, hence the name “The Garden Route.”