Picturesque South African areas every photographer should visit
Here are the top SA towns every photographer should visit, regardless of whether you are a professional or just starting out.
Whether you are a professional photographer or just starting to explore the world of photography, South Africa has many amazing places to capture. This list explores the top SA towns that will spark your creativity and leave you with a portfolio full of incredible images.
TOP SA TOWNS WITH A FLORAL TAPESTRY
Namaqualand, located in the Northern Cape, changes from a dry desert to a beautiful display of wildflowers every spring. This event happens because of the winter rains that bring life to the seeds, creating a stunning carpet of colourful flowers for miles – a special opportunity for any photographer.
During spring, the fields and reserves in and around Darling explode with colour. Darling is a small town in a farming area on the west coast region of the Western Cape, about 75 km from Cape Town. The Tienie Versveld Wildflower Reserve is a perfect location for photographers. It is located between Darling and Yzerfontein.
This SA town is probably best known for being the home of the South African satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys. At Evita se Perron, a cabaret venue and restaurant, he performs many of his shows as Evita Bezuidenhout. Other artists also perform there year-round.
DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES
Coffee Bay, located on the Wild Coast, boasts incredible scenery such as the famous Hole in the Wall. People do not only know this SA town for its stunning landscapes but also for its rich Xhosa traditions, which allow visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture. Moreover, breath-taking beaches add to the area’s charm.
God’s Window in Mpumalanga offers breath-taking views of the lowveld from one of the Blyde River Canyon’s most impressive viewpoints. The majestic cliffs drop 700m down. On a sunny day, you can spot the Lebombo Mountains at SA’s border with Mozambique.
PHOTOGRAPHER TOWNS NEAR THE BEACH
Boulders Beach, located in False Bay near Simon’s Town, is a sheltered beach with great photo opportunities. It is made up of inlets between granite boulders, from which its name originated. It is a photographer’s dream location with the local inhabitants taking the spotlight: African penguins in their thousands.
Imagine a setting straight out of a fairy tale: A stunning, secluded beach nestled amidst majestic castles and enchanting forests with an almost mystical atmosphere. That is exactly what you will find at Noetzie Beach in Knysna, located along the Garden Route. You may want to take extra camera batteries for this location!