10 Most Instagrammable Places in South Africa
South Africa's natural beauty has earned it the fifth place on the list of the most instagrammable countries in the world. From mountain panoramas, deserts, to gorgeous beaches, South Africa has Instagram lit with images of some of the best local nature destinations.
To help you find those picture-perfect locations, First Car Rental has put together a list of the most instagrammable places in South Africa. So book a car, grab your phone and start snapping at these hashtag-worthy destinations.
1. Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
A slice of tranquility, Bloubergstrand is known for its white sandy beaches and one of the most spectacular views of the iconic Table Mountain and the city of Cape Town. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, can also be seen quite clearly from the beach at Bloubergstrand.
Besides great views, this holiday hub is also considered to be the gateway to the seafood Mecca of the Cape West.
Closest car hire near me: First Car Rental Cape Town International Airport
2. Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga
Located in Mpumalanga, the Blyde River Canyon is third largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the USA and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. The Blyde River Canyon is one of the most-visited attractions in South Africa, attracting close on 600 000 visitors each year.
At the canyon you will find a scenic river winding past red sandstone cliffs as it crosses the Lowveld. It's well worth the trek up the aptly-named Panorama Route.
You can stay up high and get some breath-taking photos of the river and cliffs or head down to the river itself and take a boat tour where you may even spot a hippo or two.
Closest car hire near me: First Car Rental Nelspruit Airport
3. Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape
The Augrabies Falls National Park sprawls across 28 000-hectares. The most popular attraction is the 18km abyss of the Orange River Gorge and craggy outcrops that dominate the scrub-speckled plains.
In flood, the width of the waterfall extends over several kilometres with 19 minor falls tumbling into the 18km ravine. In full flood, the Orange River can fill the canyon and, in a truly epic event, the Augrabies Falls themselves can be almost submerged.
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4. Hole in the Wall, Eastern Cape
Located at Coffee Bay, The Hole in the Wall is an extraordinary natural arch. The huge detached cliff has a giant opening carved through its centre by the waves. The Xhosa call this place "izi Khaleni", which means "place of thunder".
Apart from snapping pictures at this natural wonder, visitors can also enjoy a relaxing day at the beach or go on the Hole in the Wall hiking trail. The guided trail takes hikers through a series of stunning caves amongst the dolerite cliffs. The beautiful natural structure is the final destination of the trail, and it is well worth the hike.
Closest car hire near me: First Car Rental Mthatha Airport
5. Mandela Capture Site, KZN
Located approximately 5km outside of Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site has become one of South Africa's more interesting historical sites.
Designed by Marco Cianfanelli and Jeremy Rose (Mashabane Rose Architects), the sculpture is made up of 50 steel columns that create something of an optical illusion. At a particular point, 30m from the sculpture, the rods come into alignment to form a portrait of Nelson Mandela against a backdrop of the Natal Midlands.
Closest car hire near me: First Car Rental Pietermaritzburg Airport
6. Namaqualand, Northern Cape
Namaqualand - an arid region extending along the west coast over 1,000 kilometres - is often referred to as South Africa's "outback". However, the dusty-plains come to life when its wild flowers bloom in spring.
With dramatic mountains in the background, the spring wild flowers are a phenomenon that never ceases to amaze and delight. With its winter rainfall, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than 1000 of its estimated 3500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth.
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7. Diving Board, Cape Town
There are plenty of astonishing hikes to try in Cape Town however, Kasteelspoort on Table Mountain is perhaps the best one.
The Kasteelpoort route is famous for the "diving board" which is a flat granite rock hanging out of the mountainside. This famous rock is a must-visit spot along the route as it allows fantastic photo opportunities.
Kasteelspoort hiking route beings from the Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain all the way to the cable station. Climbing up Kasteelspoort means you get an alternative view and an opportunity to fully take in the view of the Atlantic Ocean, Camps Bay as well as Robben Island and Lion's Head on a clear day.
Closest car hire near me: First Car Rental Cape Town International Airport
8. Orlando Towers, Soweto
The 33-storey towers are synonymous to Soweto and form a major tourist destination in South Africa. The towers are completely covered in brightly coloured murals, one of which depicts scenes and images from township culture.
Once the cooling towers for the Orlando Power Station, construction of the towers began in 1935 and was only completed in 1955, due to delays caused by the Second World War. After 56 years of service, the power station was shut down in 1998.
In 2008, Orlando Towers Extreme Sports site was opened by a local company to develop the neglected cooling towers into a vertical adventure facility that offers bungee jumping, abseiling, zip-lining, pendulum swinging, SCAD falling and occasionally, rap jumping.
The Orlando Towers bungee jumping is world's first bungee jump between two cooling towers and offers the ultimate adrenaline rush!
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9. Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
The Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town's most distinct neighbourhoods and there's so much to see, taste and explore. Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, Bo-Kaap is situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre and is a historical centre of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town.
The cobble stoned streets lead you into a lively suburb filled with brightly colored houses from the 17th and 19th century, Muslim saints shrines ("kramats") and many beautiful Mosques including the first established Muslim Mosque in South Africa.
Closest car hire near me: First Car Rental Cape Town City
10. Sani Pass, KZN
This winding pass is the gateway to the Kingdom of Mountains in Lesotho. The pass is located on the road between Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal and Mokhotlong, Lesotho, and offers stellar views and an extremely challenging drive. The pass starts at an altitude of 1,544m and climbs to 2,876m.
Sani Pass is the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, and is the only road crossing the summit of the high Drakensberg.
However, the pass has been named one of the most dangerous roads in the world, even one of the hairpin turns has been named 'Suicide Bend', so remember to stay safe.
Closest car hire near me: First Car Rental Pietermaritzburg
Sources: The South African | Big 7 Travel | Atlas and Boots | Wikipedia | Gauteng | Bo-Kaap.co.za | SA-venues | Secret Cape Town | Estee de Villiers
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