I find it fairly safe to state that, in comparison to many places around the world, South Africa has some of the most gorgeous, awe-inspiring landscapes. From sweeping mountain vistas and desert expanses, to coastlines that offer unsurpassed beauty, come and discover six places out of the numerous others that provide scenic beauty both locals and tourists can appreciate.

  1. Chapman’s Peak

Characterised by sheer cliff faces meeting the crashing ocean waves, the drive along the area that links Noordhoek with Hout Bay is mesmerising – and there are plenty of view points along the way so you can take advantage of the incredible scenery and fresh, ionized air. While here in season, keep an eye out for whale pods. During the rest of the year, you can take to the bush and go along any of the numerous hiking trails. If you go hiking in spring, you’ll often across waterfalls that softly cascade down to form small rivers after the rainy season.

Scene on Otter Trail, South Africa, Scott's Huts at the Geelhoutbosrivier mouth. By Rotational (Creative Commons)

  1. Otter Trail

If you picture scenic woodlands, intermingled with waves from the ocean rolling in along a rocky coast, you’ll be able to vaguely imagine some of the beauty of this much-loved hiking trail. It can be done as a day hike, or split into a three-day adventure, with overnight camping stops along the way. It traverses the country and coastal shore between Nature’s Valley and Storms River Mouth, and is around 41km to hike. Ensure you take enough water and food, and don’t consider visiting during the wet season as trail areas can flood and you could be cut-off from your party for several days.

Aerial Overview of Wellington, one of the wine-producing regions along Route 62. By Andres de Wet (Creative Commons)

  1. Winelands

Comparable to Southern France, the winelands within the Western Cape offers rolling hills, lush valleys, mountain ports, and of course, stellar vineyards. There are plenty of historic towns within this area, and you’ll often be able to pick up some local preserves, ranging from seasonal honey to home-made jams. Of course it would be remiss not to mention the wonderful wine tasting and pairing opportunities which are plentiful. Many of the estates and wine farms within this area also have on-site restaurants where you can enjoy a lazy lunch.

The treur rivier cascading down to Bourke's Luck Potholes. By Tetcu Mircea Rares (Creative Commons)

  1. Blyde River Canyon

A lot of the wonders of Mpumalanga can be found along the Blyde River Canyon (Happy River Canyon). Here you will find the aptly named God’s Window – with panoramic views of the valley, Bourke’s Luck Potholes – which are incredible water-worn rocks that look like fairy towers, as well as the meeting of the rivers of joy and sorrow (blyde rivier and treur rivier respectively). This is an area known for untouched pristine landscapes, so bring along a camera and leave nothing behind.

A Valley in the Drakensberg near Tugela falls. By Iri Soda (Creative Commons)

  1. Drakensberg Mountains

The majestic, draconic mountain range that forms a spikey spine across several provinces in South Africa’s interior is known as the Drakensberg – standing for Dragon Mountain in Afrikaans, and uKhahlamba – meaning Barrier of Spears in Zulu. This range is the highest of its kind in South Africa, and with the numerous driving and hiking trails, you’ll be treated to some spectacular scenery – especially in winter when the area is covered with snow. Places such as Cathedral Peak, Devil’s Tooth, and the Amphitheatre are well worth checking out – as are Tugela (or Thukela) Falls – the second highest waterfall in the world, found in the KwaZulu-Natal province! If you hike through it, you’re likely to come across a few ancient bushman paintings, depicting hunting scenes.

Within the Anysberg Nature Reserve, Karoo. By Winfried Bruenken (Creative Commons)

  1. Karoo

In stark contrast to the above lush, mountainous, and water-filled scenes, the Karoo is a rather arid place, but it too is considered a gem of South Africa. Within it are fragile biomes filled with plants and flora that cling to life within the dry environment. Here, you can usually spot a variety of cacti and succulents that thrive, such as aloes and the beautiful kankerbos which is easily identified by its blood-red flowers. It is a much-loved area by palaeontologists worldwide, due to its fossil-rich heritage, having once been a lush forest, ancient swamp, and reptile and amphibian playground. Photographs of the Karoo tend to lean towards dusty brown, red, and orange landscapes, with bright blue skies overhead and scrubs of greenery scattered about.

Let us know what you’d rate as the top scenic spots in South Africa?

Main image credited to Andre Peters and Dominik Peters (Creative Commons)