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BBreathtaking Scenery

South Africa Tourist Routes for All Interests – Come Find Your Joy

South Africa offers tourist routes that showcase the country’s breathtaking scenery in every season. From the blooming flowers of Namaqualand in spring, to summer days at the beach, autumn strolls among the sandstone cathedrals of the Free State, and cozy winter evenings at an Eastern Cape lodge—there’s a route for every mood and interest. When snow dusts the Drakensberg mountains, their majestic peaks create an unforgettable backdrop for your journey.

If you love wide skies, open roads, and discovering a land of surprises and diversity, South Africa is calling. With over 750,000 km of highways, farm roads, mountain tracks, and dusty lanes, every turn promises a new adventure.

Slow Living and Authentic Experiences

After exploring South Africa’s vibrant cities, it’s time to experience the>countryside, small towns, and rich heritage along its scenic routes. These journeys offer:

  • Local crafts and cultural heritage;
  • Farm life and rural adventures;
  • Gentle outdoor pastimes;
  • Relaxed stays in charming towns.

Seasonal self-drive tours give the best experiences. In spring, wander among the blooming daisy fields of Namaqualand. In winter, unwind by log fires, enjoy stories over sherry, and admire the flaming aloe trees in the Eastern Cape. Autumn in the Free State reveals Lombardy poplars and sandstone cathedrals, while summer brings beachside fun, crayfish feasts, and cold white wine under starry skies.

Tourism information offices in towns along these routes provide guidance, ensuring your journey is smooth, safe, and tailored to your interests.

Highlighted South African Routes

Cape Country Meander – Western Cape

The Cape Country Meander is a 100 km route starting in the Elgin Valley. Travel through lush farmland and charming towns such as Bot River, Caledon, Genadendal, Greyton, Riviersonderend, Tesselaarsdal, and Villiersdorp, following the paths of Boer pioneers.

Adventure activities along the way include:

  • Fishing and river barging;
  • Hiking, abseiling, and rock climbing;
  • Quad biking, canoeing, jet skiing, and waterskiing

Summer is the perfect time to explore, offering long daylight hours and minimal rain.

Highlands Meander – Mpumalanga

For back roads, wildflowers, and outdoor adventure, the Highlands Meander in Mpumalanga is ideal. Starting in Belfast and moving through the Kwena Basin to Emgwenya (Waterfall Boven), this route is a rock climber’s paradise and fly-fishing hotspot.

Highlights include:

  • Bird watching with 3 crane species;
  • Hiking and cliff climbing;
  • Star gazing and scenic drives.

Summer offers vibrant wildflowers and excellent birding conditions, while winter provides a quiet, crisp outdoor experience.
  

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Breathtaking scenery
R100

Ficksburg Cherry Festival

Breathtaking scenery
R100
Ficksburg Cherry Festival
The first Cherry Festival was held in 1968 and is the longest-running festival in South Africa. You can indulge on fresh, succulent cherries – harvested from October to December. The festival stretches over three days and attracts up to 30 000 people. The festival offers quality family shows and activities such as the herding of sheep, horse rides, camel rides, helicopter flips, steam train rides at Sandstone Estate, and tours through the town to see the beautiful sandstone buildings and architecture. Ficksburg is situated on the scenic landscape of the eastern Free State, nestled between the foot of the Imperani Mountain and the banks of the Caledon River. It is known as the cherry capital of the world, and to celebrate this fact, the town hosts the annual cherry festival. It is the largest cherry-producing area in South Africa, and the first successful cherry trees were planted in this area in 1905.
Breathtaking scenery

The delight and complexity of South African architecture

Breathtaking scenery
The delight and complexity of South African architecture
If calamity were to strike humanity, and archaeologists of a distant future were to enquire about how we lived, they would draw upon our architecture to paint a picture of who we were.
Breathtaking scenery

Must-visit places in the Cape Winelands

Breathtaking scenery
Must-visit places in the Cape Winelands
Must-visit places in the Cape Winelands.
Breathtaking scenery

Drakensberg Mountains - the barrier of spears

Breathtaking scenery
Drakensberg Mountains - the barrier of spears
A haven for adventurous travellers. From the simple pleasure of walking one of many trails, to exploring the rugged mountain peaks the Zulus call uKhahlamba—“the barrier of spears”—the Drakensberg experience offers you adventure, nature, culture and angelic hymns.
Breathtaking scenery

Paternoster - a definitive Cape West Coast fishing village

Breathtaking scenery
Paternoster - a definitive Cape West Coast fishing village
Paternoster is a peaceful town lined with fishermen’s cottages, where great seafood and the local lifestyle become all-consuming pastimes.
Breathtaking scenery

Echo Caves - an underground wonderland

Breathtaking scenery
Echo Caves - an underground wonderland
Visit the Echo Caves in Limpopo, and enjoy its well-lit walkways showcasing the beautiful dripstone formations, and the beautiful Crystal Palace and Madonna Room caves. You will appreciate why these caves are described as an underground wonderland.
Breathtaking scenery

Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve - endemic treasures

Breathtaking scenery
Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve - endemic treasures
Take a walk along a series of boardwalks—see and smell red, white and black mangroves flourishing alongside wading birds, mudskippers and crabs, and finish with a breathtaking view of Durban.
Breathtaking scenery

The fascination of South African cave adventures

Breathtaking scenery
The fascination of South African cave adventures
South Africa offers a variety of caves for you to explore, from hominid fossil sites and ancient San cave paintings.
Breathtaking scenery

There’s so much to do in Franschhoek

Breathtaking scenery
There’s so much to do in Franschhoek
Let’s be honest, you are probably here to drink wine. Whether you’re at a wedding, on a family outing, a friends’ get together or a romantic weekend away, it’s most likely that you will land up at one of the amazing wine farms in the area.
Breathtaking scenery

Put a spring back in your step – Riemvasmaak Hot Springs

Breathtaking scenery
Put a spring back in your step – Riemvasmaak Hot Springs
Dating back millions of years, Riemvasmaak is a place of haunting beauty.
Breathtaking scenery

Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve - Africa in a day

Breathtaking scenery
Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve - Africa in a day
Just 22km north of Pretoria, you’ll find the Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve Wildlife Sanctuary where you can picnic, go fishing, do some game viewing and finally tick those elusive bird species off your spotting list.
Breathtaking scenery

KwaZulu-Natal South Coast - unspoiled coastal villages and pristine beaches

Breathtaking scenery
KwaZulu-Natal South Coast - unspoiled coastal villages and pristine beaches
The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast oozes laid-back beach charm
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