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South America is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, from the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru to the stunning natural wonder of Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina.
These iconic sites are steeped in history and culture, and draw millions of visitors every year. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient civilizations, marveling at breathtaking natural scenery, or simply soaking up the vibrant culture of this diverse continent, there is no shortage of incredible landmarks to discover in South America.
Table Mountain, Cape Town
An iconic flat-topped mountain that dominates Cape Town’s skyline, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding ocean. Take the cable car or hike to the top, where you can see over 1,500 plant species and spot dassies, a unique rock hyrax. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the peak!
Robben Island, Cape Town
This island served as a prison for political prisoners including Nelson Mandela for over 20 years during apartheid. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a museum. Take a ferry to the island to see the prison cells, tour the island, and hear inspiring stories of struggle and resilience.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
A bustling harbor and shopping district, the V&A Waterfront is the perfect place to enjoy seafood, music, street performers, and shopping. Take a boat tour, go on a sunset cruise, or simply stroll around the harbor while watching seals and seagulls.
Kruger National Park, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces
A vast wilderness area where you can spot the Big Five game animals (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) and hundreds of bird species. Take a guided safari tour, camp in the park, or stay in a luxury lodge for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg
A thought-provoking museum that tells the story of apartheid and its impact on South Africa’s history. The museum features powerful exhibits, videos, and personal accounts that highlight the struggle for freedom and equality. Don’t miss the interactive displays that allow you to step into the shoes of those who lived through apartheid.
Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
A public square that honors Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president. Located in the upscale Sandton district, the square features a 20-foot bronze statue of Mandela, restaurants, shops, and a popular theater. It’s the perfect place to relax and people-watch.
Durban’s Golden Mile, Durban
A stretch of beachfront that runs for almost four miles, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Rent a bicycle or stroll along the promenade, enjoy the warm waters, and soak up the sun. Don’t miss the chance to try bunny chow, a popular street food that originated in Durban.
Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga
One of the largest canyons in the world, this natural wonder features towering cliffs, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. Take a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, hike to the canyon floor, or take a boat tour to see the canyon from a different perspective.
Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape
Home to over 600 elephants, this park is also home to Cape buffalo, black rhinos, and a variety of antelope species. Take a guided game drive, hike in the park, or stay in a safari lodge to see these majestic animals up close.
Union Buildings, Pretoria
A stunning complex of government buildings that serves as the official residence of South Africa’s president. The buildings offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills. Don’t miss the chance to take a photo in front of the bronze statue of Nelson Mandela that stands at the entrance.
Cango Caves, Western Cape
A series of natural limestone caves that feature awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites. Take a guided tour through the cave system, or try the adventure tour that includes crawling through narrow passages and climbing up ladders.
Sterkfontein Caves, Gauteng
Known as the “Cradle of Humankind,” these limestone caves have yielded some of the most important discoveries in human evolution, including the fossils of “Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot.” Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the caves and the fascinating discoveries that have been made here.
Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal
A stunning mountain range that features towering peaks, rolling hills, and crystal-clear rivers. Hike to the top of Cathedral Peak, visit the San rock art sites, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views.
Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town
A rugged and windswept promontory that marks the southwestern tip of Africa. Take a scenic drive along the coast, hike to the top of Cape Point, or take a dip in the cool Atlantic waters. Look out for ostriches, baboons, and other wildlife that call this area home.
Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria
A massive granite monument that commemorates the Voortrekkers, Dutch settlers who migrated inland from the Cape Colony in the 19th century. The monument features a museum, a historic cemetery, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top for panoramic views of Pretoria.
The Big Hole, Kimberley
Once a diamond mine, this enormous pit is now a popular tourist attraction. Take a tour of the mine and learn about the history of diamond mining in South Africa, or visit the museum to see some of the world’s largest diamonds.
The Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng
A UNESCO World Heritage site that contains some of the oldest hominid fossils ever discovered. Take a guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves or the Maropeng Visitor Centre to learn about human evolution and see some of the fossils up close.
Soweto, Johannesburg
A vibrant township that played a key role in the struggle against apartheid. Take a guided tour to see the historic landmarks, visit the homes of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and learn about the township’s rich cultural heritage.
The Voortrekker Road Corridor, Cape Town
A historic route that traces the migration of the Voortrekkers from the Cape Colony to the interior of South Africa. Drive along the road to see historic monuments, museums, and cultural sites that tell the story of the Voortrekker pioneers.
The Valley of Desolation, Eastern Cape
A geological marvel that features towering cliffs and unique rock formations. Take a hike through the valley to see the dramatic landscape and spot eagles, baboons, and other wildlife.
The Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town
A historic fortress that dates back to the 17th century. Take a tour of the castle to learn about its role in South Africa’s history, see the old torture chamber and prison cells, and climb to the top of the ramparts for a stunning view of the city.
The Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, Eastern Cape
A remote and rugged wilderness area that offers breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and forests. Take a 4×4 tour or hike through the area to see the wildlife, including baboons, antelopes, and leopards.
The Bloukrans Bridge, Garden Route
The world’s highest bungee bridge, located on the Garden Route. Take the plunge and experience the thrill of a lifetime, or simply watch as others take the leap from the bridge.
The Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
While not technically in South Africa, these magnificent waterfalls are easily accessible from South Africa and are a must-see for any traveler to the region. Take a helicopter tour or bungee jump over the falls for an unforgettable experience.
The Augrabies Falls, Northern Cape
A stunning waterfall that drops 56 meters into a narrow gorge. Take a scenic drive through the Augrabies Falls National Park, hike to the top of the waterfall, or simply enjoy the views from one of the many lookout points.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town
A beautiful botanical garden that showcases the diversity of South Africa’s flora. Take a stroll through the gardens, have a picnic on the lawns, or attend one of the many concerts or events held here throughout the year.
The Cango Caves, Western Cape
A series of limestone caves that feature stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Take a guided tour of the caves to learn about their history and geology, or try your hand at adventure activities like abseiling or crawling through narrow passageways.
The Midlands Meander, KwaZulu-Natal
A scenic drive that takes you through the picturesque countryside of KwaZulu-Natal. Stop at the many art galleries, craft shops, and farm stalls along the way to sample local produce and handmade crafts.
The Golden Mile, Durban
A popular beachfront promenade that stretches for four kilometers along Durban’s coastline. Take a walk or a bike ride along the promenade, go for a swim in the warm Indian Ocean waters, or try your hand at surfing or kiteboarding.
The Crags, Western Cape
A beautiful area just outside Plettenberg Bay that is home to a number of animal sanctuaries, including a monkey sanctuary and an elephant sanctuary. Take a guided tour to learn about the animals and their habitats, or go ziplining through the forest for a thrilling adventure.
The Karoo National Park, Western Cape
A vast wilderness area that offers stunning landscapes, including rocky mountains, rolling hills, and wide open plains. Take a guided tour or go on a self-drive safari to spot wildlife like lions, cheetahs, and antelopes.
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