The best South African holiday destinations for 2023

South Africa is the perfect holiday destination for 2023, offering a wealth of stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and captivating wildlife. From Kruger National Park, home to the Big 5 and plenty of other amazing animals, to Cape Town’s bustling city centre and nearby Cape Winelands, from the lush greenery of the Garden Route to the incredible marine life showcased in Durban and Hermanus—whatever your dream getaway looks like, South Africa has it all.

This article summarises all the best places to visit across this beautiful country in 2023—so pack your bags and start planning your ideal holiday today!

Whether you’re looking for a safari adventure amongst wild animals or an exciting coastal exploration, South Africa will not disappoint, and it’s all easily accessible by car, just rent a cheapie, and you can explore at your own pace.  Read on to discover some of the best destinations this diverse nation has to offer.

1. Kruger National Park

Explore the stunning Kruger National Park in South Africa, home to a variety of wildlife such as lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. Enjoy guided game drives or take a stroll on foot for unforgettable wildlife encounters.  There are several camps located within Kruger National Park, including Lower Sabie Camp, which is known for its large concentrations of leopards and other predators. There is also the  Crocodile Bridge Camp near the southern border, which has plenty of hippos and crocodiles; and Satara Camp, with its vast grasslands supporting large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.

2. Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most visited cities in South Africa and offers tourists many attractions like Table Mountain, which features incredible views of both the cityscape and ocean below. Other notable attractions are Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring more than 7,000 species of plants; Clifton and Camps Bay beaches that provide access to tranquil ocean waves; plus numerous wineries located throughout the nearby Cape Winelands, offering tours by tram with tastings along the way.

3. Garden Route

The Garden Route stretches from Mossel Bay all the way to Storms River Mouth, encompassing Tsitsikamma National Park, home to lush forests full of hiking trails plus cliff-side views overlooking waterfalls and estuaries on sandy beaches, plus Knysna Heads, where visitors can climb up a pair of coastal cliffs boasting stunning views from atop them. Other activities include whale watching at Walker Bay Nature Reserve during migration season as well as an exciting safari experience at Madikwe Game Reserve, where you will find lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and elephant families among many other species cohabiting in harmony.

4. Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape region features Addo Elephant National Park, which covers over 180 000 hectares across this area and hosts over 500 elephant families living among buffalos, zebras, and antelopes, not to mention various bird species too. It’s also home to Karoo National Park, with expansive mountainous terrain passed down through generations that still contains secrets and stories yet to be told. This natural beauty offers plenty of outdoor adventures, like 4×4 trail expeditions and backpacker trails.

5. KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal province is home to the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Game Reserve, an incredibly important conservation site as it’s known as an excellent location to observe white rhinos in their natural habitat. Everything from bird watching to fishing, makes it a great destination for nature lovers.

6. Johannesburg

Johannesburg boasts plenty of cultural attractions such as the Apartheid Museum, which offers visitors an interactive journey through South Africa’s history, while Gold Reef City Amusement Park provides thrilling rides ranging from rollercoasters to mini golf courses, all taking place atop an old gold mine.

7. Durban

Durban presents uShaka Marine World, allowing guests to explore marine life through aquariums and pool activities such as snorkelling. Virtual reality experiences and exciting shows that cater to all ages are also provided, enabling everyone who visits to have a fun filled time out!

8. Hermanus

Lastly Hermanus, which is situated near Walker Bay Nature Reserve, giving visitors the chance to marvel at amazing scenery from cliff paths and beaches, spot whales during migration season, or just stroll around shallow coves admiring captivating beauty all around. All these represent just a few reasons why Hermanus should be added to your travel list.

South Africa is the perfect vacation destination, with its incomparable beaches, breathtaking wildlife, and vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone. From Cape Town’s stunning beaches and cultural sites to Kruger National Park’s wild beauty, you are sure to find a magical holiday experience.

Whether it is a romantic escape or a thrilling family adventure – South Africa has it all! Experience an unforgettable stay with friendly locals, amazing scenery, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. With so much to discover in this stunning country, the Best South African Holiday Destinations for 2023 will provide an experience like no other.