17 Instagram-worthy Spots In South Africa

From seaside vistas and winding rivers to vast landscapes and imposing mountains, South Africa has much to offer photography enthusiasts. Here are 17 locations where you can capture the beauty.

Kenton on Sea, Eastern Cape

Kenton on Sea is a popular holiday destination on the Sunshine Coast. Interesting rock formations scatter the shoreline and what’s more, the warm Mozambique current flows down the coastline, ensuring comfortable swimming temperatures.

The Panorama Route, Mpumalanga

Bloukrans, Western Cape

Bloukrans is Africa’s highest bridge and visitors travel from all over the globe to bungee jump off it. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or not, the view of the Bloukrans River valley is spectacular.

Sit at the viewing deck and take in the scenery

Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape

Named after the Khoi word ‘Aukoerebis’, or place of great noise, the powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterised by the 18-kilometre abyss of the Orange River Gorge.

Sani Pass, KwaZulu-Natal

Sani Pass is located in the West of KwaZulu-Natal, on the road between Underberg and Mokhotlong, Lesotho. The route starts at 1544 metres and climbs another 1332 vertical metres to an altitude of 2876 metres, ensuring amazing panoramic views.

Suspension bridge, Tsitsikamma National Park

The park includes a marine reserve, deep gorges and local vegetation and is great for hiking. Follow the Mouth Trail leading to the working suspension bridge over Storms River mouth.

The Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

This area of Cape Town was previously known as the Malay Quarter and is a former township. The Bo-Kaap is characterised by colourful houses, many mosques and traditional cafés, and is best explored on foot.

In Bo-Kaap, houses are painted in bright colours

Pretoria, Gauteng, when the jacaranda trees are in bloom

During spring, jacarandas line the streets of Pretoria, covering the city in a purple blanket. Beautiful from viewpoints, such as the Union Buildings or Fort Klapperkop, but they’re just as striking up close.

The Owl House, Nieu Bethesda

Helen Martins created the magical Owl House and Camel Yard in the 1950s, completely transforming her modest house and garden by using glass and cement. Now run as a museum, the Owl House is a must-visit.

Cement owls with glass eyes are found all over Nieu Bethesda

Nan Hua Temple, Bronkhortspruit

Nan Hua Temple is the largest Buddhist temple and seminary in Africa and is situated just outside of Pretoria. Spend the day wandering the grounds and taking in the Buddhist culture.

The grounds cover over 600 acres, so wear comfortable shoes

Muizenberg, Cape Town

Muizenberg is a beachside suburb of Cape Town and these iconic Victorian beach huts pose perfectly for tourist photos.

Muizenberg beach is a popular tourist destination

Tankwa Karoo National Park

About 70 kilometres due west of Sutherland, this scientific national park is situated in one of the most arid regions of the country. Needless to say, the vast landscape is awe-inspiring.

Table Mountain National Park

Hiking Table Mountain is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike and many are often surprised when reaching one of the five dams spread across its table top.

The dams on Table Mountain are worth the trek

Boulders Beach, Cape Town

Boulders Beach, near Simon’s Town, is an ideal swimming spot, thanks to the large granite boulders protecting it from the wind. African penguins also call this spot home, so expect to see them waddling between beach-goers.

Tulbagh, Western Cape winelands

Waterfall bushcamp in the Western Cape winelands is the epitome of ‘glamping’. The luxury tents are comfortable and the camp overlooks a lavender meadow. Then there’s the night sky – a spectacular show of stars perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State

This park is famous for its beauty. The golden eroded sandstone cliffs and outcrops are impressive and some display San rock paintings. Hiking is a popular option when visiting, or simply drive around and stop at view points.

The vastness of the landscape is overwhelming

Kirstenbosch botanical gardens

Kirstenbosch is considered one of the most significant botanical gardens in the world. Take a picnic basket or walk the famous canopy treetop route.

Fauna and flora flourish at Kirstenbosch

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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