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Ten spots in South Africa for incredible Instagram pics

South Africa is filled with the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery almost everywhere you look. From rugged mountain tops to deep blue, sparkly oceans and lush green bushveld, there’s loads to capture! So, go on, clean your camera lens, here are ten of the best spots for amazing Instagram photos.

Hole in the Wall, Eastern Cape

An icon of Coffee Bay – Hole in the Wall. Photo: Vincent van Oosten/ pixabay

The Eastern Cape is especially known for its incredible, untouched beauty. The unofficial jewel in its crown, however, just might be Hole in the Wall in Coffee Bay. The iconic structure, which literally is a hole in a huge rock wall, is a natural arch formed on a tidal island. With waves crashing in and around the hole, it is a mighty sight to behold and makes for the perfect Instagram shot.

Table Mountain, Western Cape

Table Mountain standing guard over Cape Town. Photo: Dewald Van Rensburg / Pixabay

It goes without saying that Table Mountain is an icon of South Africa. Whether it’s a photo of the mountain or from the mountain – weather-permitting, you’re going to have an amazing, picture-perfect Instagram shot every time.

Sani Pass, KwaZulu-Natal

Winding roads of the Sani Pass, KwaZulu-Natal. Photo: Grzegorz Smieciuszewski / Flickr

The Sani Pass is a spectacular mountain pass that winds its way up from Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal to Mokhotlong in Lesotho. The pass reaches an altitude of 2 876m and once you reach the top, the views (and photos) are breathtaking.

Cathedral Peak, KwaZulu-Natal

Misty Cathedral Peak, Drakensberg. Photo: Markus Stöcklin / Flickr

Cathedral Peak is a 3,004 m high freestanding mountain in KwaZulu-Natal’s Drakensberg region. With the most spectacular mountain scenery surrounding Cathedral Peak, it’s no wonder why the area is a utopia for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for incredible photos!

Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa. Photo: Lina Loos / unsplash

Considered the largest ‘green’ canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon, now officially called Motlatse Canyon, is one of Mpumalanga’s many scenic offerings. The canyon, positioned along the famous Panorama Route, has a lush subtropical covering (reason for its ‘green canyon’ status), enhanced by the sparkling waters of the Blyde River. Whichever viewpoint you stop at along this spectacular route, you’re guaranteed sensational snaps. 

Augrabies Falls, Northern Cape

Augrabies Falls in flood. Photo: Erwan Deverre / flickr

Set in a desolate and rugged milieu within the Augrabies Falls National Park, the Augrabies Falls is around 60m high and gushes into a gorge that’s 240m deep. Born of the Orange River, the Falls are a sight to behold when the river is in flood during the cooler months between April to September. Come camera ready!

Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Mpumalanga

Bourke’s Luck Potholes in Mpumalanga. Photo: Javier Gallego / Flickr

Named after the rather unlucky Tom Bourke, Bourke’s Luck Potholes are a natural water feature created by thousands of years of water from the Treur River plunging into the Blyde River. It really is amazing what a bit of water erosion can do! A definite must see.

Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga

Lionesses at Kruger National Park. Photo: Diego Morales / Unsplash

The Kruger National Park is the number-one destination for international safari visitors and locals seeking an authentic bushveld break. The Big Five and many other wildlife and birdlife are spread out over two-million hectares of African bush, and they’re almost never camera-shy!

Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal

Kosi Bay in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Photo: Joshua Guant / Unsplash

Situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Kosi Bay is regarded as “the last haven of untouched African paradise” – and rightly so! Kosi Bay is made up of four lakes, connected by channels and wetlands that are home to a variety of birds and animals. You will find some of the most beautiful beaches, with white sands and crystal blue waters.

Hartbeespoort Dam, North West

Sunset over the Hartbeespoort Dam. Photo: Thomas Wach / flickr

Constructed in 1923, the Hartbeespoort Dam’s main use is to supply irrigation water to the nearby farmlands, although given the beauty and natural offerings of the area, Harties dam has long since become the adventure hub, soul-restoring resort for many. Hop on the aerial cableway and take in the incredible views (and your Instagram shots!) from above.

ALSO READ: Most Instagrammable: Cape Town makes the 2022 list

Sundeeka Mungroo

Sundeeka Mungroo is a content writer, foodie and all-round adventure-seeker. She's a graduate of the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, and has worked as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing industry. Sundeeka currently writes for I Love South Africa and The South African. She lives in the beautiful Mother City and loves exploring all that South Africa has to offer.

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