South African Splendor: A Look at the Many Things to See and Do in This African Nation

South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and is host to a multitude of cultures and languages. Visitors to South Africa are afforded opportunities to immerse themselves in the local culture, to get lost in its natural beauty and to fully unwind while sipping a glass of silky smooth red wine from the Cape wine lands. Of course, there is no shortage of things to see and do in South Africa, such as:

Table Mountain

Table Mountain watches over the beautiful city of Cape Town in the Western Cape and is the most iconic land mark in South Africa. Visitors to Table Mountain have the option of taking a cable car up to the top of the mountain or to hike a number of trails up to the top. Both options promise breathtaking views of the Mother City for visitors. On a clear day, one can see all the way out to Robben Island.

Cape Wine Route

The Western Cape in South Africa is most famously known for its wine routes in the Stellenbosch-Paarl areas. Wine tastings are available at almost all wine farms and the old CapeDutch buildings have the ability to transport one to a world where time pauses and allows you to catch your breath. Even if you aren't a wine drinker, the beautiful gardens, long rows of vines and meandering footpaths of the wine route are enough to make you fall in love with the Western Cape.

Robben Island

Robben Island, the tiny piece of land just off the coast of Cape Town, was once used as the prison for political and other prisoners during the Apartheid years in South Africa, most famously housing Nelson Mandela - the first democratic president of South Africa. Visitors can catch a ferry out to Robben Island. Once there, you are given a tour of the prison buildings and are allowed the opportunity to experience what the life of a prisoner must have been like. The walls of the jail cells hold so many stories and it is often a very moving and touching experience for visitors.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and is home to South Africa's big five animals (African elephant, black rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, African lion, and African leopard). Visitors to the park have the option of doing day drives through the park, guided game drives, camping or staying in one of the game lodges in the park.

Soweto

Soweto is host to a variety of tourist attractions commemorating South Africa's past. Nelson Mandela's house (now turned museum) is iconic as it allows one the opportunity to learn about Page 2 of 2 the history of Nelson Mandela's life prior to his imprisonment.

Orlando Towers, formally a power station which has since been decommissioned and turned into a tourist attraction, is one of the Soweto's most distinguished landmarks. Visitors to the Orlando Towers have the option of bungee jumping between the two cooling towers and is a must-visit for any adrenaline junkie.

For a true taste of the African experience, a trip to South Africa is an absolute must. Don't be surprised if you love it so much that you will want to come back again! Have you been seen any of these places in South Africa? Share your experiences in the comments below.