We are all attached to our phones and cameras to discover that amazing photo that we can’t wait to share with our followers, fans, friends and co-workers, and South African Tourism unveils its most Instagram-worthy landmarks. From Robben Island to favorite mountain peaks such as Lions Head and the winelands of Stellenbosch, these destinations continue to be favorite places for that perfect shot, or once-in-a-lifetime selfie. For those planning to travel to the destination this winter (South Africa’s summer), South Africa Tourism has pulled together this collection of where to get the best shots with the ‘brag-factor’. Safe travels and happy shooting!
1. #TableMountain:
The iconic flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the most photographed landmarks in South Africa, and its famous cable car takes millions of people to its top each year. Whether snapping a selfie from atop the peak or capturing the stunning silhouette from the city bowl below, or catching the twinkling lights of the city below at sunset, such as this shot from @capetownmag, Table Mountain is guaranteed to take everyone’s breathe away.
2. #KrugerNationalPark
The largest game reserve in South Africa, the world-renowned Kruger National Park is synonymous with the classic safari experience. It offers some of the best ‘Big 5’ wildlife spotting opportunities. Travelers will have the opportunity to snap and share up-close encounters with South Africa’s most exciting residents such as the leopard, elephant, rhino, and lion such as in this photo by @freda_strydom.
3. #Drakensberg
A World Heritage Site, The Drakensberg mountain range is the highest in South Africa peaking at nearly 3,500 meters and is home to the world-famous and much photographed Amphitheatre – a crescent of 1000m sheer basalt cliffs in the Northern Drakensberg. For thrill-seekers, these mountains offer panoramic views from its higher reaches and a host of activities from hiking, mountaineering and horseback riding, as captured in this snap by @visitsouthafrica.
4. #Soweto
The township of Soweto in Johannesburg has transformed from a legacy of the apartheid era to a vibrant, energetic hub of true South African culture. No visit to Joburg is complete without experiencing Soweto’s hip nightlife, buzzing street eateries and creative art scene. For adventure seekers looking to get a new perspective over the township, like @psquint in the shot above, look no further than the decommissioned power station of the Orlando Towers which provides the perfect launch pad for bungee jumping.
5. #BlydeRiverCanyon
The third deepest and greenest canyon in the world and carved out of nearly 2,5km of red sandstone, The Blyde River Canyon Reserve (also known as the Motlatse Canyon) is one of South Africa’s most remarkable geological features, and a must-see for visitors taking the scenic drive or hike across the Mpumalanga nature reserve. @travelnoire captured this jaw-dropping view of the escarpment from the legendary viewpoint of God’s Window, where on a clear day, you can see as far as Kruger Park and Mozambique.
6. #RobbenIsland
A World Heritage Site and Museum, Robben Island was the holding place for the imprisoned Nelson Mandela where he served 18 of his 27 years incarcerated on the island’s prison. Millions of visitors pay a visit each year to learn about the island’s rich and humbling history. Among many photo opportunities, no visitor to Robben Island leaves without getting a snap, like @nunovargas, at the blue picture frame, which perfectly frames Table Mountain in the backdrop.
7. #GardenRoute
High on the must-see list of visitors to South Africa is the Garden Route – take the gorgeous scenic drive along the stretch of coastline between the Eastern and Western Cape. The region has towering mountains, sandy beaches, gorges and stunning national parks. One of the top spots not to be missed is the vastly unspoiled Plettenberg Bay, a seaside haven and destination for nature-lovers and where @sharynhodges has taken this shot of the dramatic rocky peninsula.
8. #LionsHead
Lions Head mountain in Cape Town, lies between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. It’s a picture-perfect mountaintop where daredevil hikers climb up to the peak that soars more than 2,000 feet over the city, to capture that hair-raising photo challenge close to the cliff’s edge as in @danieljay.music’s Instagram post. The hike up to the summit takes around an hour and a half and offers the most rewarding views of the city, and the ocean beyond.
9. #DurbanSouthBeach
Durban is known as South Africa’s playground with its golden sand beaches overlooking the Indian Ocean and its laidback atmosphere. With more than 320 sunny days per year, Durban is a swimmer’s paradise and the perfect spot for bodyboarding, surfing, sun-bathing and enjoying outdoor living. The lesser explored city, captured in this post by @amazingviewsoftheearth, has lots to offer with a vibrant coffee culture, Indian and colonial influences and a blend of cultures and architecture that make Durban unique in South Africa.
10. #Stellenbosch
With its oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture, Stellenbosch is at the heart of the Cape Winelands. Just thirty miles east of Cape Town, the university town has a rich history being the second European settlement in the province after Cape Town and establishing the popular Stellenbosch Wine Route – the first network of wineries in the country and representing over 200 producers. Surrounded by miles of vineyards, it’s a wine lover’s paradise, as pictured here by @hutnatalia.
