The country has a wide gap between rich and the poor, strikingly evident in Johannesburg. Progress in the development of new residential areas that are economically integrated are in the works.
But the country has a way to go.
Cape Town Marathon
When I arrived in Cape Town, the marathon was underway. It is one of Africa’s premier road races, drawing elite athletes and passionate runners from around the world to one of the most scenic routes anywhere.
The race winds through city streets and scenery showcasing Cape Town. With a growing international reputation, it’s a celebration of the city.
The 2026 Cape Town Marathon covered a distance of 26.2 miles taking runners on a route with views of Table Mountain throughout the course.
The men’s race was won by Huseyidin Mohamed Esa of Ethiopia in 2:04:55, setting a new course record. In the women’s race, Dera Dida Yami of Ethiopia claimed victory in 2:23:18.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain in Cape Town is one of the world's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of national identity. The top of the mountain is surprisingly flat. Geologists estimate that the rocks are over 500 million years old, there are over 23,000 species of plants, and it is considered one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Clouds spill over the flat summit like a blanket early in the day.
The cable car to the top is an engineering marvel. The rotating cable car gives passengers a 360 degree view during the ride to the summit. The price for a round trip ticket is R450 ( ~$27 USD). Arrive early to avoid a very long queue.
Often, it can become quite windy and the cable car will shut down temporarily but there are dozens of routes up the mountain for hikers.
On a clear day you can see Robben Island (Nelson Mandela imprisoned there for18 years), as well as the dramatic coastline of Cape Peninsula.
Small gopher like mammals, called Dassies, can be found lounging on top of the rocks. One of the most surprising facts is that their closest living genetic relatives are elephants, Another odd fact is that they urinate in a communal urinal.
For many visitors to South Africa, Table Mountain is the single most memorable sight in Cape Town, especially at sunrise or sunset when the city, ocean and mountains are visible.
The Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is the most southwestern point of the African continent and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of South Africa's most famous landmarks. Everyone who reaches this destination is obligated to be photographed at the sign. The cape features towering cliffs above the ocean, making it one of the most photographed coastal landscapes of Africa.
The scenery is beautiful and dramatic.
Wildlife is everywhere. You can spot baboons, ostriches, antelope and sometimes whales during migration.
Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach, about 30 miles south of Cape Town, is home to a wild African penguin colony, the only penguin species native to Africa. The colony was established in the early 1980s when just a few breeding pairs settled there. Boardwalks and viewing platforms allow visitors to observe the penguins from a few feet away without disturbing their nesting area.
The beach gets its name from ancient granite boulders estimated to be about 540 million years old.
Charming Wine Towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch
45 miles east of Cape Town are the picturesque towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, settled by the French Huguenots in the 1600s, and known for the production of award winning South African wine. Many of South Africa's top restaurants are located here, making it one of the country's culinary capitals. Tours and tastings at the wineries can be booked in advance.
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Game Viewing on the St. Lucia Estuary
One of South Africa's most remarkable natural areas and a UNESCO World Heritage site is the St. Lucia estuary, home to one of the largest populations of hippos. Boat cruises operate off of the estuary where you can spot groups of swimming hippos and crocodiles sunning themselves on the shoreline. This is the best way to view the wildlife. At night, the hippos often leave the water to wander through the town and graze on the grass. The boat "safari" is just another experience to be added to your itinerary.
Hluhluwe-Imfolzi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe -Imfolzi park, named for the rivers that flow through it, is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, covering 370 square miles. It is home to the Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo, among numerous other species. It is world famous, thanks to the conservationists, for saving the white rhinoceros from extinction, with fewer than 100 white rhinos alive in the 1900s!
As a side note, capturing wildlife sightings from a jeep on a safari, can be challenging.
There are usually a few individuals with keen eyesight and experience (a person in my vehicle spotted a chetah relaxing in the grass quite a distance away).
Best strategy is to take multiple photo shots. Then worry about the composition and exposures later. Most of these animals are on the move.
Baby Rhino - "Little 5"
Herd of Water Buffalo - "Big 5"
Elephants heading to the waterhole - "Big 5"
Kruger National Park
One of Africa's most famous wildlife reserves and South Africa's largest park is Kruger National Park. It covers about 7500 square miles. It is considered one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife in a protected natural environment. The best time for viewing is May through September when the animals gather around water sources and the brush is thinner. There were many guided game drives at the time of my visit. The park maintains several camps for its visitors if you wish to stay overnight in the park, ranging from lodges to luxury safari units. However, all vehicles are required to leave the park by 5:30 pm, no exceptions.
Hint: If there are a bunch of jeeps clustered on the road, there is normally an interesting wildlife sighting to be had. Dress in layers - the mornings can be chilly.
Our jeep driver
Me in the back of jeep
The cub was across the road
Last Stop - Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the country's main financial and economic hub, built on gold mining in the late 1800s. There are modern skyscrapers and historic and cultural areas like Soweto. The city also serves as the gateway to Kruger Park.
It is also where the reality of life in certain areas of South Africa become clearer regarding the contrast between the rich and poor. The neighborhood of Sandton contains luxury hotels, homes, and shops. As a result, Johannesburg has high crime in certain areas and is not a place to wander around at night. But most visitors stay in well-managed, safe neighborhoods and exercise normal precautions.
Culturally, it is important to experience Soweto, where Nelson Mandela lived and an integral part of the country's complex history. Exposure to the Apartheid period can be further experienced in visiting the prison museum in downtown Johannesburg, adjacent to the working Parliament, offering perspective and a better understanding of this extraordinary country.
Nelson Mandela house
Soweto Today
Apartheid Prison Museum
Prisoners - Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi (different times)
South Africa is a destination that inspires, surprises and leaves visitors eager to return.
Its stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and resilient spirit make South Africa a place that stays with you. Each experience added another dimension to an unforgettable adventure.
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