Some views demand a little grit—be it a steep climb, a winding gravel road, or a scramble up a ladder. But when you finally reach that summit or lookout and take in the endless landscape below, you know it was all worth it.
From iconic hiking trails to lesser-known drives with knockout panoramas, here are South Africa’s top scenic spots that reward the effort tenfold.
God’s Window – Mpumalanga
Picture/Tourism Guide Africa
How to get there: Short drive followed by a brief walk
Why it’s worth it: Aptly named, this viewpoint offers jaw-dropping vistas over the Blyde River Canyon and Lowveld that stretch to the Kruger on a clear day. The mist often adds a mysterious magic to the view.
Tips: Go early in the morning for fewer crowds and better visibility.
Lion’s Head – Cape Town
Picture/Tobinka
How to get there: Moderate 1.5-hour hike with steep sections and ladders
Why it’s worth it: A favourite for locals and travellers alike, this climb delivers 360° views of the Atlantic Seaboard, Table Mountain, and Robben Island. Time it right for a full moon hike and city lights.
Tips: Pack a headlamp if you’re doing it at sunrise or sunset; it gets slippery in winter.
Witsieshoek – Sentinel Peak, Free State
Picture/Tripadvisor
How to get there: 4×4 access followed by a strenuous hike with chain ladders
Why it’s worth it: The Sentinel Peak trail is the gateway to the roof of the Drakensberg and one of the highest waterfalls in the world—Tugela Falls. The views stretch over jagged escarpments and into Lesotho.
Tips: Only for experienced hikers—check the weather and start early.
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Spandau Kop Lookout – Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape
Picture/Karoo South Africa
How to get there: Steep drive from town
Why it’s worth it: A little-known gem in the Karoo, this lookout offers a unique view of the horseshoe-shaped town cradled by mountains and valleys. The silence up here is part of the reward.
Tips: Ideal at golden hour for a painterly light on the rocks.
Mariepskop – Limpopo/Mpumalanga Border
Picture/PAW Safaris
How to get there: Accessible by 4×4 or a tough hike
Why it’s worth it: Towering over the Blyde River Canyon, Mariepskop offers a less-commercial but more immersive perspective of the region, often above the clouds.
Tips: Bring binoculars—on a clear day, you can see as far as Mozambique.
Table Mountain via Skeleton Gorge – Cape Town
Picture/Heather Mason/2Summers
How to get there: Challenging hike through Kirstenbosch
Why it’s worth it: For a wilder route up Table Mountain, take this shaded path through lush forest and climb ladders beside a gorge. The payoff? A peaceful dam and sweeping views from the top.
Tips: Bring snacks and water—it’s a half-day mission.
Koppie Alleen – De Hoop Nature Reserve
Picture/Roxanne Reid
How to get there: Short walk from the parking
Why it’s worth it: Dune-fringed cliffs overlooking whale-filled waters and coastal fynbos make this an unbeatable seaside lookout.
Tips: Best in whale season (June–November) with a picnic in tow.
Tugela Falls Viewpoint – Royal Natal National Park
Picture/© Mike and Lara Wolfe via Flickr CC
How to get there: Two options: the Amphitheatre hike via Sentinel (with chain ladders) or the gorge trail from the bottom
Why it’s worth it: Whether you climb from above or trek the gorge, both paths are rewarded with epic sights of the world’s second-tallest waterfall.
Tips: Check flow conditions—Tugela is seasonal and can dry up.
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