South Africa is an incredible country that offers a stunning array of diverse landscapes, making it a dream destination for landscape photographers. From towering mountain ranges to serene coastlines and dramatic canyons, the country’s geography is as varied as it is beautiful, it offers photographers the chance to capture nature in all its raw, unfiltered glory.
The beauty of this diversity lies in how each landscape provides a unique environment, atmosphere, and opportunity to express nature’s splendour. If you’re looking for bucket-list-worthy spots, here’s our Landscape Photography Bucket List, it features some of the most stunning locations South Africa has to offer.
Drakensberg:
The Drakensberg offers dramatic landscapes that are a photographer’s dream. The mountain range, known for its peaks, steep cliffs, and endless valleys, is home to some of the most iconic spots in South Africa.
Photo Credits: Gunther Swart
Location: Ampitheater
Photo Credits: Gunther Swart
Location: Tugela Falls
Amphitheatre & Tugela Falls
Amphitheatre is a massive rock face that stretches for kilometres, with Tugela Falls; the second-highest waterfall in the world, cascading over the edge. The sheer height and power of the falls are awe-inspiring, making it a perfect subject for long-exposure photography. The landscape here is both striking and humbling, with steep cliffs on either side and the waterfall creating a misty ambiance.
Fees: The Royal Natal National Park, which houses Tugela Falls, generally has an fee of around R40 – R80.
Photo Credits: Gunther Swart
Location: Icidi Pass
Photo Credits: Gunther Swart
Location: Icidi Pass
Icidi Pass
A more remote and challenging hike, Icidi Pass offers unparalleled views of the untouched wilderness. It’s a high-altitude trek with rugged terrain, so it’s best for experienced hikers. The reward, however, is breathtaking panoramic views of the Drakensberg, with valleys and cliffs that seem to stretch on forever.
Photo Credits: Gunther Swart
Location: Mnweni Pass
Mnweni Pinnacles
The Mnweni Pinnacles are towering rock spires that seem to pierce the mist, creating one of the most iconic views in the Drakensberg. The area is relatively secluded, making it an excellent location for those seeking solitude and the chance to photograph a truly mystical landscape.
Fees: This area is part of the Mnweni Cultural and Wilderness Area, and fees are typically around R40 – R80.
Photo Credits: Gunther Swart
Location: Rockeries Pass
Photo Credits: Gunther Swart
Location: Rockeries Pass
Rockeries Pass
A lesser-known route, Rockeries Pass offers incredible vantage points, especially at sunrise and sunset. The pass is surrounded by towering cliffs and offers views over valleys and plateaus, making it a fantastic location for landscape shots during the golden hours.
Fees: This area is typically accessed through smaller conservation areas or private land, with fees often ranging from R30 – R60.
Photo Credits: Gunther Swart
Location: Witsieshoek
Witsieshoek & Amphitheatre
From Witsieshoek, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Drakensberg’s surrounding peaks, including the Amphitheatre. The area offers both hiking opportunities and magnificent viewpoints, with ample chances to capture the surrounding landscape in its natural beauty.
Fees: Accessing the area typically requires entering Royal Natal National Park or nearby reserves, which charge fees around R40 – R120.
Cape Town:
Cape Town is home to some of South Africa’s most photographed landscapes, with Table Mountain as its crown jewel. We explore a few must-visit spots where you can capture the city’s breathtaking scenery.
Photo Credits: Kyle Goetsch
Location: Lion’s Head
Photo Credits: Kyle Goetsch
Location: Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head (from Table Mountain)
Lion’s Head provides one of the best sunset views in Cape Town. From the summit, you get incredible views of the city, the ocean, and Table Mountain itself. The location offers ample opportunities to capture the changing light over Cape Town and the surrounding areas.
Photo Credits: Kyle Goetsch
Location: Table Mountain
Photo Credits: Kyle Goetsch
Location: Table Mountain
Table Mountain (Blouberg Beach View)
The Blouberg Beach view of Table Mountain is the iconic image most often associated with Cape Town. The mountain is bathed in warm hues at sunrise or sunset, creating a glowing backdrop against the foreground of the beach and ocean.
Fees: For access to Table Mountain, which is a protected area, the cable car fee is around R280 – R450 for adults, with reduced rates for children. Alternatively you can hike up for free.
Additional Locations:
Hole in the Wall (Transkei)
This natural rock arch, shaped by years of erosion, creates a surreal coastal landscape perfect for long-exposure photography. The waves crashing against the arch create a dramatic backdrop.
Cathedral Cave (Golden Gate National Park)
Known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, Golden Gate features Cathedral Cave, a massive cavern with stunning rock formations. The cave has an ethereal, almost mystical atmosphere, perfect for photographers interested in capturing the interplay of light and shadow.
Fees: The fee for Golden Gate National Park is around R60 – R100.
Location: Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon (Mpumalanga)
The Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest green canyons in the world. The God’s Window viewpoint and the Three Rondavels offer breathtaking panoramic views. Photographers can capture sweeping landscapes that change with the time of day and the light.
Fees: Entrance to the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is typically R30 – R80.
Red Desert (Port Edward)
The Red Desert near Port Edward is the smallest desert in the world, with striking red dunes that resemble something out of a Martian landscape. The desert provides photographers with unique opportunities to capture a surreal, otherworldly landscape.
If you’re looking to go beyond South Africa’s borders, these three locations are highly recommended:
Photo Credits: Kyle Goetsch
Location: Lesotho, Maletsunyane Falls
Photo Credits: Kyle Goetsch
Location: Lesotho, Maletsunyane Falls
Lesotho (Maletsunyane Falls)
Known for its dramatic height and surrounding mist, Maletsunyane Falls is one of Africa’s highest single-drop waterfalls, with 192m in height. The landscape around the falls is breathtaking, with rugged terrain and a deep sense of isolation.
Photo Credits: Kyle Goetsch
Location: Botswana, Kubu Island
Photo Credits: Kyle Goetsch
Location: Botswana, Kubu Island
Botswana (Kubu Island)
Kubu Island is an ancient, isolated granite rock island surrounded by salt pans, famous for its iconic baobab trees. The island offers a surreal, otherworldly landscape that is perfect for capturing unique and hauntingly beautiful photographs.
Location: Namibia, Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Location: Namibia, Sossusvlei & Deadvlei
Namibia (Sossusvlei & Deadvlei)
Home to some of the world’s tallest sand dunes, Sossusvlei is a dream for landscape photographers. Deadvlei, with its stark, skeletal trees set against red dunes and a cracked white clay pan, creates an unforgettable, almost alien landscape.
Fees may vary, so check official sources before your trip. If you’re chasing sunrise or sunset shots, plan your travel and hikes accordingly to arrive in time. Some locations require early starts or permits, so be prepared.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these breathtaking locations offer endless inspiration. Pack your camera, lace up your boots, and get ready to capture South Africa’s most stunning landscapes!
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