South Africa’s unparalleled natural beauty is a blessing from nature. It truly is a photographer’s dream country because it provides such an enormous variety on such a large canvas. From the heights of the misty Drakensberg Mountain Range to the wild, colourful wildflowers of Namaqualand and its distinct cultural heritage against the backdrop of its landscape, each has an unparalleled and unique story to tell. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 10 picturesque places in South Africa every photographer must visit.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer hoping to get that perfect shot for your Instagram feed or just a casual photographer searching for that ideal moment to share on social media, this list of the top 7 scenic spots in South Africa is sure to transport you to a world of wonder and discovery.
1. Drakensberg Mountain Range
Image: Frédéric LE MONNIER/Pexels
The Drakensberg mountain range boasts a plethora of smaller ones, like the foothills, thunderous waterfalls, and serene rock pools, which are perfect for amateur photographers.
There are thought to be about 35,000 San rock paintings in the cultural and heritage sites’ treasure trove. This website is among the wealth of resources. By using your camera, you can get a glimpse of the spirit of bygone eras.
Also read:10 Picturesque Towns to Explore in the Eastern Cape
2. Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park is a multi-dimensional destination with dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forest and delicate Fynbos. A hiking and water sports paradise, this region forms the top section of the magnificent Garden Route National Park. This is the perfect location for photographers and instagram aficionados alike.
Take in the views of dolphins and more splashing around in the Indian Ocean. Proceed to the Storms River Bridge by strolling along the boardwalk at the mouth of the Storms River and winding through the forest.
3. Cape Point
The Cape of Good Hope is situated in the corner of Africa nestled within the part of Table Mountain National Park. A must visit Instagram worthy location, Cape Point which is a protrusion of the Cape Peninsula offering mountain views and picturesque landscapes including lush green hills, stunning bays, majestic cliffs and much more.
4. The Blyde River Canyon
Image:Arthur Hickinbotham/Unsplash
The Blyde River Canyon now known as the Motlatse Canyon is one of the world’s greatest views amongst canyons across the globe. For those who are seeking to test your limits and get your heart racing, Blyde River Canyon Adventure Centre provides that opportunity to enjoy some amazing adventure experiences. You can go geckoing, white river rafting, or quad biking. Set out to record this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
5. West Coast National Park
With the arrival of spring and the multicolored wildflowers on its borders, the West Coast National Park will truly become a photography mecca for the city.
Only in August and September does the Postberg region of the West Coast National Park provide breathtaking views of flowers and wildlife, making it ideal for photographing the fleeting beauty of nature.
6. Namaqualand
Throughout the Flower season, Namaqualand’s drab uninspiring area switches into a vivid picture of colors, a view that is exclusively just for photographers to capture. Discover the Namaqua National Park, Goegap Nature Reserve, and Skilpad Wildflower Reserve to appreciate the vast expanse of desert in full bloom.
Also read: 6 picturesque beaches in South Africa perfect for a Christmas picnic
7. Cape Winelands
Picture: Stephan Louis/Unsplash
The Cape Winelands is not only about beautiful wineries, but also nature’s breath-taking beauty, ancient architecture and art. Hazendal Wine Farm is positioned amongst the Bottellary Hills and opened daily to the public for tastings. It may be the best place to take a perfect Instagram photo. Along the Simonsberg Mountains, a must visit winery, Quoin Rock is one of the best places to take a sip of South African delicacy wine varieties taking the fanciest photos for your Instagram page.and photography.
8. Augrabies Falls
Augrabies Falls has, over the millennia, carved an 18-kilometre canyon.
Augrabies Falls National Park is a national park located around the Augrabies Falls, about 120 km west of Upington in the Northern Cape Province. The Orange River Gorge is a 18 km deep trench of rocky scenery and it is a place where the indigenous people refer to this place as Aukoerebis which means a place of Great Noise. Here, the Orange River Gorge amplifies reverberations of a magical and mystical tone as the water, which displays power yet regains its sense of peace, flows into a natural canyon.
9. Chapman’s Peak Drive
Photo by Gina Tigere on Unsplash
Chapman’s Peak Drive, also referred to as “Chappies,” is among the most picturesque driving routes in the world, comparable only to Australia’s Great Ocean Road. This coastal drive offers fantastic views of South Africa’s dramatic Atlantic coastline as it winds along steep cliffs and beaches. Chappies is the starting point to other beautiful places like Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope, and the creative country town of Noordhoek, in addition to being a fantastic Instagram location in and of itself. We’ll do a thorough tour of the Cape Peninsula on Day 11 of our South Africa adventure, which includes a road trip along Chapman’s Peak Drive to these locations before spending the evening in Cape Town!
10. Table Mountain
This image was taken underneath the spectacular table mountain that came with a unique tablecloth! Cape town, South Africa.
The famous Table Mountain in Cape Town has to be the most Instagrammable spot in South Africa. Table Mountain is picturesque from every aspect; however, if hiking isn’t your thing, you can also take the cable car up. The clouds will part in the sky like cotton candy, giving you breathtaking views of the Mother City that will leave you speechless.
South Africa is an extremely stunning and heterogeneous country and those seven places are just the tip of the iceberg. Photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers are welcome to submit their stories, memories and experience the magic of South Africa. You should be ready to give the main places an accent to show the character of South Africa in each photo you take.
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