Discovering the best views in South Africa: From canyons to coasts
From the misty heights of the Blyde River Canyon to the Wild Coast, we explore the best views in South Africa for every homesick expat.
South Africa is a land of dramatic contrasts, where rugged mountains meet the wild, crashing waves of two oceans. For many of us living abroad, mental images of home often involve a specific sunset or a familiar horizon that simply cannot be replicated.
If you are planning a trip back or simply want to reminisce about the landscapes that make our country so special, here are the best views in South Africa that will make you fall in love with the tip of the continent all over again.
The classic silhouette of Table Mountain
No list of South African scenery is complete without the Mother City’s crowning glory. Whether you are looking at the mountain from the white sands of Bloubergstrand or standing on the summit looking down at the city bowl, the view is peerless. Taking the cable car up at sunset provides a 360-degree panorama of the Atlantic seaboard, the Twelve Apostles, and the distant horizon of Robben Island. It is a sight that reminds you why Cape Town is consistently voted one of the most beautiful cities on earth and offers some of the best views in South Africa.
The majestic heights of the Blyde River Canyon
Heading northeast to Mpumalanga, the Panorama Route offers some of the most iconic sights in the country. The Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third-largest canyon, is a lush masterpiece of red sandstone and green foliage.
The Three Rondavels, three massive spirals of dolomite rising from the far wall of the canyon, look out over the winding river below. Standing at God’s Window on a clear day, the escarpment drops away to the Lowveld nearly a kilometre below, and you can see all the way to the border of Mozambique. It is a scenery that truly captures the vastness of the African interior.
The scenic Chapmans Peak drive in the Cape
No trip to the Mother City is complete without experiencing the scenic Chapmans Peak drive. Affectionately known as “Chappies” by the locals, this 9km stretch of road between Hout Bay and Noordhoek is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful marine drives on earth.
With 114 curves carved into the side of the mountain, every turn reveals a fresh perspective of the turquoise Atlantic Ocean. Whether you are stopping at a picnic spot to watch the sunset or simply enjoying the engineering marvel of the half-tunnel, it provides some of the best views in South Africa for those who love the sea.
Dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason. For instance, the Amphitheatre is a cliff face stretching over five kilometres. It rises over a thousand metres high and humbles even the most seasoned traveller.
Furthermore, you can witness the Tugela Falls here. This is the second-highest waterfall in the world. Watching the water cascade over the basalt lip after summer rain is a spiritual experience. Therefore, it easily ranks among the best views in South Africa.
Coastal magic at the Knysna Heads
For those who prefer the scent of the sea, the Knysna Heads provide a dramatic gateway where the ocean surges into a serene lagoon.
Walking along the cliffs of the East Head offers a bird’s-eye view of the treacherous channel below, where the blue of the Indian Ocean meets the deep green of the indigenous Tsitsikamma forests. It is a classic stop on the Garden Route that never fails to deliver.
The untamed beauty of the rugged Wild Coast
If you prefer nature raw and unfiltered, the rugged Wild Coast is an absolute must. This region in the Eastern Cape is a dramatic stretch of coastline. Here, emerald-green hills roll directly into the Indian Ocean.
The famous Hole in the Wall near Coffee Bay is perhaps the most recognisable landmark. However, the real magic lies in the quiet moments. For instance, you might see Nguni cattle sunning themselves on secluded beaches. Alternatively, you could watch the sunrise from a cliffside Xhosa village. These sights remind us of the soulful beauty of the Transkei. Consequently, it remains one of the few places where the horizon feels truly infinite.
In short, South Africa is filled with these pockets of magic. Whether you love the star-studded Karoo or the peaks of the Drakensberg, the best views in South Africa are special. Ultimately, the best ones are those that make you feel most at home.