South Africa’s unparalleled natural beauty is a blessing from nature. It truly is a photographer’s dream country because it provides such an enormous variety on such a large canvas. From the heights of the misty Drakensberg Mountain Range to the wild, colourful wildflowers of Namaqualand and its distinct cultural heritage against the backdrop of its landscape, each has an unparalleled and unique story to tell. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 10 picturesque places in South Africa every photographer must visit.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer hoping to get that perfect shot for your Instagram feed or just a casual photographer searching for that ideal moment to share on social media, this list of the top 7 scenic spots in South Africa is sure to transport you to a world of wonder and discovery.

1. Drakensberg Mountain Range

The Drakensberg mountain range boasts a plethora of smaller ones, like the foothills, thunderous waterfalls, and serene rock pools, which are perfect for amateur photographers.

There are thought to be about 35,000 San rock paintings in the cultural and heritage sites’ treasure trove. This website is among the wealth of resources. By using your camera, you can get a glimpse of the spirit of bygone eras.

2. Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park is a multi-dimensional destination with dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forest and delicate Fynbos. A hiking and water sports paradise, this region forms the top section of the magnificent Garden Route National Park. This is the perfect location for photographers and instagram aficionados alike.

Take in the views of dolphins and more splashing around in the Indian Ocean. Proceed to the Storms River Bridge by strolling along the boardwalk at the mouth of the Storms River and winding through the forest.

3. Cape Point

The Cape of Good Hope is situated in the corner of Africa nestled within the part of Table Mountain National Park. A must visit Instagram worthy location, Cape Point which is a protrusion of the Cape Peninsula offering mountain views and picturesque landscapes including lush green hills, stunning bays, majestic cliffs and much more.

4. The Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon now known as the Motlatse Canyon is one of the world’s greatest views amongst canyons across the globe. For those who are seeking to test your limits and get your heart racing, Blyde River Canyon Adventure Centre provides that opportunity to enjoy some amazing adventure experiences. You can go geckoing, white river rafting, or quad biking. Set out to record this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.

5. West Coast National Park

With the arrival of spring and the multicolored wildflowers on its borders, the West Coast National Park will truly become a photography mecca for the city.

Only in August and September does the Postberg region of the West Coast National Park provide breathtaking views of flowers and wildlife, making it ideal for photographing the fleeting beauty of nature.

6. Namaqualand

Throughout the Flower season, Namaqualand’s drab uninspiring area switches into a vivid picture of colors, a view that is exclusively just for photographers to capture. Discover the Namaqua National Park, Goegap Nature Reserve, and Skilpad Wildflower Reserve to appreciate the vast expanse of desert in full bloom.

7. Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands is not only about beautiful wineries, but also nature’s breath-taking beauty, ancient architecture and art. Hazendal Wine Farm is positioned amongst the Bottellary Hills and opened daily to the public for tastings. It may be the best place to take a perfect Instagram photo. Along the Simonsberg Mountains, a must visit winery, Quoin Rock is one of the best places to take a sip of South African delicacy wine varieties taking the fanciest photos for your Instagram page.and photography.

8. Augrabies Falls

Augrabies Falls National Park is a national park located around the Augrabies Falls, about 120 km west of Upington in the Northern Cape Province. The Orange River Gorge is a 18 km deep trench of rocky scenery and it is a place where the indigenous people refer to this place as Aukoerebis which means a place of Great Noise. Here, the Orange River Gorge amplifies reverberations of a magical and mystical tone as the water, which displays power yet regains its sense of peace, flows into a natural canyon.

9. Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive, also referred to as “Chappies,” is among the most picturesque driving routes in the world, comparable only to Australia’s Great Ocean Road. This coastal drive offers fantastic views of South Africa’s dramatic Atlantic coastline as it winds along steep cliffs and beaches. Chappies is the starting point to other beautiful places like Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope, and the creative country town of Noordhoek, in addition to being a fantastic Instagram location in and of itself. We’ll do a thorough tour of the Cape Peninsula on Day 11 of our South Africa adventure, which includes a road trip along Chapman’s Peak Drive to these locations before spending the evening in Cape Town!

10. Table Mountain

The famous Table Mountain in Cape Town has to be the most Instagrammable spot in South Africa. Table Mountain is picturesque from every aspect; however, if hiking isn’t your thing, you can also take the cable car up. The clouds will part in the sky like cotton candy, giving you breathtaking views of the Mother City that will leave you speechless.

South Africa is an extremely stunning and heterogeneous country and those seven places are just the tip of the iceberg. Photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers are welcome to submit their stories, memories and experience the magic of South Africa. You should be ready to give the main places an accent to show the character of South Africa in each photo you take.

Travel stressors, sleep disruptions, and straying from your usual skin-care routine can have negative effects on the skin. The pros share their tips for keeping your complexion healthy and glowing while in transit.

When you’re away from home, it’s easy for your skin-care routine to go out the window. But traveling is one of the times when your skin needs attention the most. “Traveling can wreak havoc on the skin,” says Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, the president and a cofounder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut, and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Not only are you away from the bathroom counter that’s lined with your holy-grail products, but the experience of travel itself can take a toll. “All travel methods, especially planes and trains, involve large commercial vehicles with artificial air circulation systems,” says Scott Flugman, MD, a dermatologist with Northwell Health in Huntington, New York. “This results in prolonged exposure to dry heating and cooling methods, which can result in a significant loss of moisture in the skin.”

Air travel in particular can be dehydrating. One small study found humidity levels on an airplane dropped to 10 percent, which dehydrated the skin of study participants — particularly on their cheeks. (For comparison, the Mayo Clinic says humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent are best.) Dehydration of the air doesn’t lend itself to healthy-looking skin. “It makes fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominently and can leave skin looking dull,” Dr. Robinson says.

There’s also a good chance you’ll encounter some stress along the way, whether you hit an unexpected traffic jam in the car or are in a rush to board your flight. This can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which can exacerbate conditions such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis, Robinson says. Extra stress might also cause breakouts, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist.

One study found that participants who had stressful jobs and higher daily stress levels were more likely to have acne around the jaw area than less-stressed peers.

Finally, you may not sleep as well when you’re away from home, and that can disrupt the skin’s repair process, Robinson says. Another study reported that even just two days of poor sleep made skin look pale and less attractive.

Luckily, all this can be avoided if you plan ahead. We asked several dermatologists for tips on what they do to keep their skin healthy during travel. Here’s what they recommend.

1. Stay Hydrated Internally to Retain Moisture Externally

The best way to counter the drying humidity levels you’ll experience in flight? Drink water. A study found that increasing water intake by 2 liters a day for one month led to increased skin hydration, which has been linked to younger, healthier-looking skin. Robinson says to start prepping early. “Drink half your body weight in ounces of water for the days leading up to your travel and during your travels,” she says.

2. Keep Your Lips Hydrated With an Ointment

It’s easy to overlook your lips when you’re in the midst of a long travel day, but that’s a mistake, Dr. Garshick says. “Long days of travel can dry out the skin but also the lips, so it’s extra important to keep the lips well hydrated,” she says. She recommends Vaseline or Aquaphor, which are two ointments (aka ultra-moisturizing products), for use en route.

3. Wear Sunscreen Even on Travel Days

If you’re headed to a tropical locale, you’ve likely got your sunscreen and beach hat all packed. It may not occur to you to slather on sunscreen when you’ll be spending most of the day in the airport or on a plane, but it’s a good habit to get into. “Although sunscreen should be applied every day, it is essential on travel days, especially on a plane when you’re even closer to the sun’s ultraviolet rays,” Garshick says. A meta-analysis concluded that pilots and flight attendants have twice the incidence of melanoma, a potentially deadly type of skin cancer, compared with the general population. Protect your skin by putting on sunscreen before takeoff. Garshick likes EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40, which is lightweight and hydrating.

4. Try to Bring Your Usual Products With You

That way, you won’t be asking your skin to adjust to all-new products on top of the other stressors associated with travel. “If you know your skin-care routine works, you should stick with it, even when traveling,” Garshick says. Robinson advises seeking out sample-size versions of your essentials (which include cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and an antioxidant serum). That’s a better option than simply pouring your oils and serums into plastic containers. “Most skin care needs to be stored in a specific way to preserve its effectiveness, so don’t pour it into a travel-size bottle without doing your homework first,” she says. Most vitamin C serums, for instance, are best kept in a cool, dark place away from extreme heat (which is why serums are often sold in dark bottles). Basics, like cleansers, usually do just fine in a travel-size bottle, though, Garshick says.

5. Avoid Using Potentially Irritating Hotel Skin-Care Products

“In this day and age of restrictions on bringing creams and lotions on planes, many people will leave their usual products at home and use whatever is provided to them at a hotel or resort,” Dr. Flugman says. But it’s best to skip those little lotions and soaps stocked in your hotel bathroom. “These products frequently contain fragrances and preservatives that may further compound the usual travel-related dry skin problems,” Flugman says. This is especially crucial if you have sensitive skin, Garshick says.

It’s also a good idea to bring your own small travel-size bottles of nourishing shampoo and conditioner, as hotel brands can dry out the scalp and cause itching, dryness, and irritation. You can also use a hair mask when you arrive at your hotel after traveling to lock in moisture and rejuvenate the hair follicles.

6. Prepare for Acne Breakouts

Even if you follow all the advice above, there’s still a chance your skin will act up while you’re away, so you’ll want to be prepared to treat breakouts. In particular, stress, different water pH and hardness, and the surfaces our head and face touch can cause even the most perfect skin to break out, per research. Tanya Nino, MD, a dermatologist with St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, carries a small tube of 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to deal with breakouts.

7. Treat Yourself to a Sheet Mask or Facial Mist While en Route

There’s no shame in giving your skin some love while you’re on the road. “I love to treat my skin to a hydrating mask on a long flight,” Robinson says. Farris, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Metairie, Louisiana, advises packing a hydrating facial mist and spraying it periodically throughout your trip to keep skin moisturized. Sure, you may get a few questioning looks from fellow passengers, but the joke’s on them when your skin is hydrated and smooth when the plane touches down.

With fall in full swing and holiday-season travel creeping up behind it, it’s a great time to take your airport outfits to the next level. I mean, what’s worse than heading home for the holidays and running into an old friend in an airport outfit that’s just so-so? Mastering the perfect travel look is easier than you think. The number one thing on my list is being comfortable, especially if I’m traveling far. I used to swear by a sweatsuit and sneakers as my go-to travel look, and while I do still love a good matching set, I thought it was time to elevate my airport looks just slightly. As I said before, comfort is key, but adding a pair of jeans or cargo pants takes things up a notch. I have been eyeing four outfit formulas that are comfortable and still have a bit of style.

Keep scrolling to see the four airport outfits I’ll be wearing on my upcoming flights.

Button-front cardigan + tank/tee + denim + crossbody bag

This is the perfect put-together travel-day look. Adding a button-front cardigan over a classic white tee and jeans just elevates the look while still being comfortable and cozy. I personally always like a sweater or sweatshirt when I’m traveling. With a chic pair of sunnies and the perfect crossbody to hold your phone, keys, wallet, and favorite lip balm, this is the perfect look for a short flight where you have plans awaiting you once you arrive.

Baseball cap + leggings + sports bra + blazer + sneakers

This travel look is my usual go-to. When it comes to being comfortable while looking good, I’m partial to a great matching athleisure set, especially a black one. Dress up your favorite leggings and sports bra with an oversize jacket or blazer, add your favorite sneakers and baseball cap, and you’re ready to go. This is the type of outfit I reach for when traveling from the East Coast to the West.

Crop top + Cargo Pants + Sneakers

If your travel vibe is laid-back cool, then I have the look for you. A vintage designer crop with cargoes just oozes casual cool, especially paired with the New Balance 550 Basketball Sneakers. I would wear this travel look to a beach or tropical vacation. The Louis Vuitton weekender bag is a nice touch too. After looking at this photo of Elsa Hosk carrying one while traveling, I think it’s time I get my hands on one.

Jeans + Tee Shirt + Oversize Jacket + Sneakers

Jeans and a white tee is the travel outfit combo that is the gift that keeps on giving—casual, comfortable, and stylish all wrapped into one. Adding an oversize jacket just takes this look from boring to on-trend, and you really can’t go wrong with these Adidas sneakers. This is the type of look I would wear when traveling by train or a quick airplane trip.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes mental health as “a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and can make a contribution to his or her community.” Clearly, mental health is integral to having a fulfilling life.

Mental illnesses can range from less common conditions, like bipolar disorder, to more common ones like depression and anxiety. The NHS in the UK reports that 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 10 children experience mental illness during their lifetime. Moreover, it has been argued that mental illness can lead to physical illness. However, the significance of mental health is still mistakenly overlooked in many societies. Mental health is as important as physical health and requires nurturing and active maintenance.

Travel is a great way to maintain mental well-being, and, by extension, it contributes to a happier and more fulfilling life. So, here are 9 reasons why travel is good for your mental health.

1. Travel allows you to try new things and meet new people, helping you combat monotony. Travel connects people and provides opportunities to learn about new and different cultures, which can help increase your empathy towards others. It can also help improve your overall tolerance, reduce biases and even decrease frustration.

2. Activities like walking, hiking, and skiing in scenic areas can help you become more hopeful. A 2020 study found that people who were consciously aware of the vistas and objects around them on a walk reported being more hopeful and upbeat than other walkers. What could be better than enjoying the wonderful scenery of a new destination on a hiking route or while skiing down a beautiful slope?

3. Travel is great for relieving stress and improving your general outlook on life. According to a 2013 study with people aged 25 to 70+, 80% of respondents said travel improves their general mood and outlook on life with 75% of respondents also saying travel helps them reduce stress.

4. Travel helps your brain function better and boosts creativity. Immersing yourself in new cultures increases your mind’s ability to move between different ideas, think more deeply, and integrate thoughts. “Foreign experiences increase cognitive flexibility and depth and integrativeness of thought,” says Adam Galinsky, a professor and author of numerous studies on the connection between creativity and international travel.

5. Time away from work can increase your energy and productivity at work. A Harvard Business Review study of over 400 travellers found that 94% of respondents had as much or more energy after coming back from a good trip. So, book that holiday and crush your work goals when you return!

6. Taking a trip helps you do good, which helps you feel good. Some evidence suggests that helping others can promote physiological changes in the brain linked with happiness. Spending money during your holidays in restaurants, attractions and even locally made souvenirs helps support the 330 million people who rely on the sector for their livelihoods. You can also help by volunteering with a reputable local organisation!

7. A wellness trip can contribute to better mental health. On a wellness retreat focused on practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, you can learn skills that you can bring home to help you keep up a regular wellness routine. This routine will be key to maintaining more robust mental health. Can’t you just imagine yourself learning centuries-old yoga practices on an idyllic beach?

8. Doing something you enjoy makes you happy. Pull out that bucket list and see what you still need to check off. By doing something you enjoy, you perform necessary self-care and contribute to your own happiness.

9. Travelling with loved ones helps meet your needs for love and belonging. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs identifies love and belonging as key psychological human needs. Sharing your amazing travel adventures with loved ones helps enhance your connection with them while intensifying feelings of love, belonging, and fulfilment. Think of a family holiday on a beautiful island or a trip to eating all sorts of delicious food with your best friend.