Safest Places in South Africa for Solo Female Travelers
1, Clarens
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Maluti Mountains, Clarens, fondly known as "The Jewel of the Eastern Free State" is a captivating town in South Africa. Its idyllic location is approximately 330 kilometers from Johannesburg, providing easy accessibility for both local and international tourists. Known for its unparalleled natural beauty, Clarens boasts a rich blend of golden sandstone cliffs that encircle the town, creating a distinctive visual appeal that is simply breathtaking. It is also revered as an artist's haven, being home to a myriad of art galleries sprinkled amidst its picturesque lanes. A wealth of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and trout fishing, along with charming local craft breweries, restaurants and boutique shops, make Clarens an unforgettable travel destination.
2, Nieu-Bethesda
Nieu-Bethesda, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, is undoubtedly an intriguing travel spot that exudes tranquility and artistic ambiance. Nestled beneath the imposing Sneeuberge mountains, this charming village is a testament of timeless beauty, enveloped by the picturesque landscapes and pristine nature. It is renowned worldwide for the iconic Owl House, a extraordinary creation by artist Helen Martins, who transformed her house and garden into a captivating spectacle using glass and cement sculptures. Additionally, it offers numerous outdoor activities including fossil study tours, hiking trails and bird watching that add to its appeal. An unspoilt haven, devoid of street lights and ATMs, Nieu-Bethesda serves as a perfect getaway for those seeking a sublime blend of serenity, art, and natural beauty.
3, Storms River
Storms River, a scenic hamlet tucked along the glorious Garden Route in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, is a dream paradise for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Famed for its untouched beauty, the boisterous river amongst lush vegetation and the breathtaking Tsitsikamma Mountains, the destination offers exhilarating experiences ranging from hiking the rugged coastal trails to canoeing up the enigmatic river mouth. Its ideal location close to Tsitsikamma National Park - a marine protected area filled with diverse flora, fauna, and marine life makes it a must-visit. While its rugged cliffs diving into the Indian Ocean, home to dolphins and seasonal whales, offer a mesmerizing spectacle. Tourists are also enticed by the thrill of the world's highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, promising adrenaline-pumping memories in Storms River.
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4, De Hoop Nature Reserve
Located off the southern tip of South Africa, the De Hoop Nature Reserve is a pristine wilderness expanse that promises an extraordinary encounter with nature. Known for its rich biodiversity, the reserve is home to more than 260 species of birds and 80 types of mammals. It's a paradise for bird-watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. De Hoop is also vastly recognized as one of the world's best spots for land-based whale watching, making it a prime destination during the whale season (June to November). It offers remarkable natural beauty with its scenic landscapes of white sand dunes, fynbos scrublands and a strikingly beautiful coastline, making it a world-class outdoor destination for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers alike.
5, Struisbaai
Struisbaai, a picturesque coastal settlement located at the foot of South Africa, is renowned for its natural beauty and captivating beach life. Positioned in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, the place is imbued with the tranquility and serene aura of its white sandy beaches extending over 14 kilometers, deemed to be the longest one in Southern Hemisphere. Primarily acclaimed for its fishing village charm, Struisbaai offers holiday aficionados an extensive array of opportunities such as boat-based whale watching and angling. With its unique blend of cultural heritage, notably the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, and the explosion of color at the annual kite festival, Struisbaai imparts a distinct flair that captures the mind and soothes the soul.
6, Agulhas
Agulhas, located at the splendid Southern tip of Africa in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, is a tranquil coastal town enveloped by the magnificent beauty of nature. Known as the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, it serves as the geographical southern tip of the African continent, boasting the iconic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse that's a popular attraction. In addition to its natural allure, Agulhas is renowned for its biodiversity, rich maritime history, and breathtaking landscapes and seascapes that are a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike. Its nearby Agulhas National Park is a preservation area for a variety of indigenous flora and fauna where one can indulge in bird watching, hiking, or whale watching during migration season, presenting an exotic and memorable travel experience.
7, Cape Town
Cape Town, located on the southwestern tip of South Africa, is a thriving metropolis known worldwide for its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural richness. Nestled between the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic slopes of Table Mountain, this vibrant city offers visitors a unique blend of stunning landscapes and cosmopolitan charm. Cape Town is famous for its historic landmarks such as Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and the colorful Bo-Kaap district. Food and wine enthusiasts can relish the offerings of numerous world-class vineyards on the city's outskirts, while outdoor lovers are spoilt for choice between mountain trails, scenic drives, and beautiful beaches like Camps Bay and Clifton. A fusion of African, European, and Malay influences, Cape Town stands as a testament to a powerfully diverse and resilient spirit.
8, Skukuza
Skukuza, located in the heart of South Africa's treasured gem - the Kruger National Park, is the park's largest rest camp and management centre. Known primarily for its superb wildlife viewing opportunities and remarkable safari experiences, it's home to the Big Five animals - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Aside from wildlife sightings, this buzzing hub of activity offers some unique features such as the historic Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library and Museum, the picturesque Selati Restaurant originally an old railway station, and a total of nine different trails in and around the camp. Skukuza promises a well-rounded African experience - merging the thrilling adventures by day with the serene calls of nature by night. A visit to Skukuza offers visitors a mesmerizing window into Africa's rich and diverse ecosystem.
9, Hazyview
Hazyview, a quaint town in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, is an enchanting travel destination known for its breath-taking, panoramic landscapes and a year-round tropical-like climate. Situated on the Sand River Valley and flanked by the Drakensberg Mountain range, Hazyview boasts an unmatched rural charm. The town is also renowned for its close proximity to the iconic Kruger National Park, offering adventurous wildlife spotting opportunities including the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino). The area is also steeped in culture and history, with various local crafts markets, and it's home to the Elephant Sanctuary and the Chimp Eden – a project dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating chimpanzees. From thrilling hot air ballooning to calming river rafting and hiking, Hazyview offers an array of outdoor activities making it a must-visit location for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
10, Garden Route
Stretching along the scenic south-eastern coast of South Africa, the Garden Route is acclaimed as an Eden of earthly delights. From Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape, this coveted track encompasses verdant forests, tranquil lakes, golden beaches, and ancient mountain ranges which form the brink of the African continent. Famously renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and luscious landscapes, wildflower fields and sprawling vineyards, the Garden Route offers unparalleled outdoor activities - from hiking, bird-watching and golfing to whale-watching, cage-diving with great white sharks, and games drives for close encounters with Africa's Big Five. It's also home to the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump. This stunning route is a paradise for those in search of nature's treasures and adventurous pursuits, delivering an unforgettable South African travel experience.
11, Giyani
Giyani, located in the heartland of the Limpopo Province in South Africa, is a remarkable tourist destination that's steeped in vibrant culture and natural beauty. The town is notable for its rich histories seen throughout, nestled between the animal rich Kruger National Park to the East and the characteristic Venda to the West. Giyani is renowned for its lush greeneries, teeming wildlife, and serene landscapes owing to its subtropical climate, typifying the African tropics like few others. Known for its plethora of indigenous fruit trees and traditional Tsonga music, this captivating town unlocks several gateways to the exploration of South African heritage and lively local cultures. Every visit promises unique experiences, be it the distinctive sounds of local Tsonga music, wildlife viewing opportunities, or simply soaking in the quintessential South African ambiance.
12, Tzaneen
Tzaneen is a lush, tropical paradise nestled at the foot of the Wolkberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Known as the fruit basket of the nation due to its abundance of avocado, litchi, and citruses, it is also studded with coffee and tea plantations, giving the area unique horticultural riches. Punctuated by typical African fauna, it offers breath-taking views of the Magoebaskloof Mountains and opportunities for splendid hikes through untouched rainforests. Additionally, visitors get privy to a vast array of cultural heritage, offering an enticing peek into the numerous tribes inhabiting the region, making Tzaneen a must-visit for the ecologically inclined.
13, Hoedspruit
Nestled in the heart of South Africa's Limpopo Province, Hoedspruit serves as an exquisite gateway to the world-renowned Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon. Surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of the African bush, Hoedspruit is known for offering an array of exciting adventures including safari game drives, bird watching, elephant interactions and hot-air balloon trips. Whether you're exploring the vast expanses of the bushveld on a thrilling game drive or basking in the stunning vistas of the towering Drakensberg mountains, Hoedspruit delivers an unrivaled encounter with the enchanting African wilderness. The area is also renowned for its brilliant wildlife conservation efforts, evident in the variety of rehabilitation centers like the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center which fosters cheetahs, rhinos, and other threatened species.
14, Graskop
Nestled comfortably in the majestic province of Mpumalanga, South Africa, Graskop is a picturesque town renowned for its scenic beauty and adventurous allure. Surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the panoramic Drakensberg mountains and lush verdant forests, Graskop serves as an incredible hub for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Renowned for its iconic landmarks like God's Window, the Pinnacle Rock, and the awe-inspiring Lisbon Waterfalls, the town is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and untouched wilderness. Not to be missed is the engaging Graskop Gorge Lift, where visitors can descend into a lush forest below, making Graskop a quintessential stop on the South African travel circuit.
15, Pilgrims Rest
Pilgrims Rest is a small, quaint town nestled in the Mpumalanga province of northeastern South Africa, known for its rich historical significance. As a declared National Monument and a well-preserved legacy of the late 19th-century gold rush, the town is a real trip back in time, captivating visitors with its charming, old-world atmosphere. This once booming setting, named after the Pilgrim's Creek where prospectors found alluvial gold, still showcases original structures like historic churches, cemeteries, and Victorian-era homes which have been converted into mesmerizing museums and delightful shops. Visitors can also enjoy panning for gold and exploring the picturesque hiking trails amidst the stunning natural beauty.
16, Ohrigstad
Ohrigstad, situated in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, is a serene, small town that artfully blends historical significance with natural beauty. Nestled at the foot of the Drakensberg mountain range, it's known for its panoramic views, and rich history evident in the ancient San Rock Art and the Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve teeming with wildlife. This erstly populated settler town established during the 19th-century gold rush, goes beyond its historical sites and enthralls visitors with scenic drives, pristine hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and abundant bird watching. A haven for explorers and nature enthusiasts, Ohrigstad encapsulates the untamed spirit and raw beauty of South Africa.
17, Sabie
Nestled in the heart of South Africa's majestic Mpumalanga province, Sabie is a charming town renowned for its mesmerizing natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It serves as an inviting gateway to the iconic Panorama Route, famous for showcasing some of South Africa's most enchanting landscapes. The town is surrounded by verdant forests, thundering waterfalls, and rugged mountains, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking on the breath-taking Mac Mac falls trails to exploring the panoramic views of the Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window, Sabie offers an array of activities for nature lovers. The town's thriving forestry industry is evident in its Timber Museum, which provides intriguing insights into the region’s history. The nearby gold rush town of Pilgrim's Rest, now a national monument, is another must-visit destination that offers a fascinating peek into the past.
18, Lydenburg
Lydenburg, a charming town in the scenic province of Mpumalanga, in South Africa, is steeped in history and surrounded by incredible nature reserves and striking landscapes. Known for its historic allure, the town is home to the famous Lydenburg Heads, one of the world's oldest artworks, and several well-preserved old buildings embodying the 19th-century gold rush era. Along with its historical allure, Lydenburg is also well-recognized for trout fishing, owing to its location on the bank of the Sterkspruit River. With nearby attractions like Sudwala Caves and natural parks for enticing eco-tourism opportunities, Lydenburg unfolds as an astonishing mix of history and nature, offering an unforgettable experience for travel enthusiasts.
19, Nelspruit
Nelspruit, also known as Mbombela, is a vibrant, sub-tropical city located in the North Eastern part of South Africa, nestled in the fertile valley of the Crocodile River. This cosmopolitan city is the capital of the Mpumalanga province and serves as a major stopover point for tourists on their way to the legendary Kruger National Park and the scenic Panorama Route. Nelspruit is celebrated for its pleasant year-round climate, lush landscapes, and an array of natural attractions including the spectacular Lowveld Botanical Garden. Its close proximity to Mozambique and Swaziland as well as its rich assortment of shopping malls, restaurants, and sports facilities adds to its appeal for both local and international visitors.
20, Hluhluwe
Tucked away in the heart of Zululand, South Africa, Hluhluwe is an enchanting destination known for its undulating hills, exceptional wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. This quintessential South African gem is world-famous for the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, which is home to Africa's Big Five: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. Visitors to Hluhluwe will also be privileged to experience its substantial Zulu culture, history, and traditions, catch sight of breathtaking landscapes dotted with acacia trees and enjoy the serene environment of its iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its diverse offer, Hluhluwe makes a marvellous travel destination for both nature and culture enthusiasts, promising a captivating retreat from the outside world.
Frequently asked questions
What are the safest places in South Africa for solo female travelers?
