Beautiful, diverse, exhilarating – there’s no doubt about it, South Africa is a photographer's paradise. Every corner of the country brims with breathtaking and unique scenery. From tropical coastal landscapes of KwaZulu Natal, to the equally beautiful, yet stark West Coast, each piece of its geography differs.
Whether you hope to shoot majestic mountain ranges or sprawling desert scenes in the Karoo, there are endless opportunities to capture awe-inspiring landscape pictures in South Africa.
In this guide, prepare to be inspired as you are introduced to the most beautiful places in South Africa to shoot nature pictures. Not only that, don’t miss the photography tip for each these top South African nature destinations.
Table Mountain: Cape Town's Iconic Backdrop
Table Mountain is arguably one of the most beautiful places in South Africa. Not only does it offer unparalleled views of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean, viewing it just about any angle from around Cape Town can make for a unique photograph. For the best nature pictures of Table Mountain, plan your visit at the magical hours of sunrise or sunset when its fierce granite is bathed in soft golden light. One of the reasons Table Mountain is one of the amazing places to visit in South Africa is because of the many personalities it can take on because of the weather. From calm, flower-covered seasons to moody cloud-draped days, its diverse beauty never disappoints.
Photography Tip
Try using a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the mountain, the city below, and the ocean in one frame. For unique perspectives, explore viewpoints like Signal Hill or Lion’s Head and to be safe, never go alone.
Drakensberg: Majestic Mountain Ranges
The Drakensberg mountains, with their rugged peaks and lush valleys, are a dream for those seeking landscape pictures that exude serenity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only one of the most amazing places to visit in South Africa but also a treasure trove of hiking trails leading to waterfalls, caves, and spectacular vistas. For the landscape photographer, the opportunities in the Drakensberg will literally never run dry. From exquisite waterfalls, rolling hills and beautiful fauna and flora, it is paradise on earth.
Photography Tip
To enhance the depth of your images, frame the mountains with foreground elements like wildflowers or trees. Also, remember that overcast days create the perfect softbox for nature pictures and will bring out the vibrant greens of the valleys.
Blyde River Canyon: A Colourful Wonder
The Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world, is a testament to the splendour of South African nature. If the rich red rock formations, lush vegetation, and winding rivers appeal to you, then shooting these landscape pictures could be your chance to create a masterpiece. While you are there, don’t miss the Three Rondavels and God’s Window for awe-inspiring viewpoints.
Photography Tip
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for softer light that enhances the canyon’s colours. Also, don’t forget your polarising filter which will help manage reflections from the water and enhance the vivid tones of the landscape.
The Cape Winelands: Rolling Vineyards and Mountains
When it comes to the most beautiful places in South Africa, few would argue that the Cape Winelands is not deserving to make the list. Here, you will find that the best of South African nature combines with elegantly crafted farmlands, towering mountains and stunning historic architecture. Besides its rural settings, each of the famous towns, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl also offer unique semi-urban, iconic landscapes.
Photography Tip
For nature pictures, you could capture quintessential vineyard rows as leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye through the image. Pair this with the warm, diffused light of sunset or sunrise for an idyllic scene.
Kruger National Park: A Feast for Your Lens
While Kruger is known for its wildlife, the park’s landscapes are equally captivating. From acacia-dotted plains to dense woodlands and layered ecosystems, there are few destinations that can compete when it comes to African nature pictures. Including wildlife into your landscape pictures, is worth the patience you will need for the perfect shot, especially if soaking in the serenity of the wild is your thing.
Photography Tip
Besides the patience for shooting wildlife in perfect light, you will also need specific camera gear. Ideally, you will want a telephoto lens to capture animals without disturbing them. As your best images will be taken at dawn or dusk without flash, you will need a low aperture lens that performs well in low light conditions.
The Garden Route: A Garden of Eden
If you’re looking for the ‘Garden of Eden’ of South African nature destinations, then look no further than the Garden Route. This stretch of exquisite coast and forest between Mossel Bay and Storms River, is certainly one of the most amazing places to visit in South Africa, and also a landscape photographer’s dream. Highlights include Knysna’s lagoon, the dramatic cliffs of Tsitsikamma, Robberg beach in Plettenberg Bay and the tranquil beaches of Wilderness.
Photography Tip
You could experiment with long exposures to capture the motion of crashing waves against the rocks. There are also opportunities to capture dramatic Storm’s River bridge scenes at sunset and sunrise.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations
While South Africa's iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Kruger National Park are undeniably breathtaking, it is the country’s hidden gems that beckon a truly wild at heart photographer. If this sounds like you, you could venture to the Cederberg Mountains, where dramatic rock formations and ancient San rock art create a mystical landscape. Or journey to the Kalahari Desert, known for its golden dunes, striking sunsets, and fascinating wildlife like meerkats and gemsbok.
Taking a road trip to explore the depths of the wonderous Karoo is also the stuff of dreams for most photographers. A captivating, semi-arid region that boasts raw beauty and tranquil charm, the Karoo is known for its endless plains, rugged mountains, and vibrant sunsets. You could visit quaint, historic towns such as Graaff-Reinet, often referred to as the “Gem of the Karoo,” or the awe-inspiring Valley of Desolation, where dramatic cliffs and weathered rock formations create picture-perfect scenes.
When it comes to the kind of geography to truly experiment with landscape photography, the colours, space and starry skies of the Karoo are guaranteed to be unforgettable.
These, and many other off-the-beaten-path locations not only provide a sense of tranquillity but also offer unparalleled opportunities to capture unique landscape pictures that stand out from the usual travel photography.
Photography Tip
When exploring these less-travelled destinations, preparation is key. Scout the area during the day to identify the best vantage points and angles. Pay attention to how light interacts with the landscape, especially during golden hours at sunrise and sunset, to ensure your shots are truly captivating. By doing so, you’ll be ready to make the most of your photography adventure.
Every Picture Tells a Story
Remember that every photograph has the power to tell a story, and your landscape pictures are a way to document your journey and weave a narrative about South African nature. Whether you are capturing the bustling, cityscapes of Johannesburg or Cape Town, or the tranquil beauty of traditional huts dotting the Eastern Cape countryside, photography opportunities are everywhere.
Even though we have mentioned some of the most beautiful places in South Africa in this article, it is by no means a complete list! Rather, South Africa’s unmatched beauty provides opportunities everywhere for photographers of all skill levels. From the grandeur of Table Mountain towering over Cape Town to the rolling, lush valleys of the Drakensberg or the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Winelands, every frame tells a tale of natural splendour. Most importantly, every photographer has the ability to capture these iconic sites in their own unique way.
By combining unique perspectives, local elements, and hidden treasures, you can showcase the essence of South Africa in a way that captivates your audience and satisfies your soul.
Bring your creative vision to life by exploring these amazing places to visit in South Africa, and don’t forget to share your stunning nature pictures to inspire others to discover this extraordinary country!
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