Top 9 Things to Do in South Africa

A highlight of any visit to South Africa is embarking on a safari in its world-renowned game reserves and national parks. This is a memorable opportunity to connect with the African bush and search for the celebrated Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard, alongside a rich diversity of other wildlife. South Africa is also an ideal destination for a first-time safari.

What to Expect

Daily Drives: Embark on guided safaris in the early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active.

• Sunset Rituals: Enjoy a classic sundowner and snacks at a scenic viewpoint as the sun sets over the bush.
• Vehicle Options: Travel in open-air 4x4 vehicles with an expert guide or opt for a self-drive adventure in national parks.
• Night Safaris: Join a guided night drive in certain private reserves to spot elusive nocturnal creatures like porcupines and aardvarks.
• Guided Walks: Experience the bush on foot with a qualified guide, learning about tracks, plants, and smaller animals.

Best Places to Spot the Big Five

• Kruger National Park
• Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
• Timbavati Game Reserve
• Hluhluwe National Park
• Addo National Park
• Madikwe Game Reserve
• Pilanesberg National Park

Find inspiration for your adventure by exploring our sample Kruger National Park safaris.

Exploring the dramatic coastlines where the Atlantic and Indian oceans converge is something you should do in South Africa. These waters are teeming with incredible marine life, offering close encounters that range from tranquil to thrilling.

What to Expect

• Shark Encounters: Get your adrenaline pumping with a professionally guided shark cage diving trip in the waters off Gansbaai.
• Whale Watching: Witness the magnificent southern right whales from shore or boat in Hermanus, especially from June to November.
• Diving Adventures: Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems while scuba diving in the warm Indian Ocean at Sodwana Bay.
• Coastal Cruises: Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront or take a short boat trip to see the seal colony on Duiker Island.
• Penguin Colony: Walk alongside charming African penguins on the boardwalks at Boulders Beach, observing them in their natural habitat.

Best Places to See Marine Life

• Gansbaai
• Hermanus
• Sodwana Bay
• Boulders Beach
• Cape Town
• Hout Bay
• Dyer Island

Discover exciting coastal possibilities within our Cape Town vacations.

Step back in time to discover the historical landmarks that tell the story of South Africa’s rich and complex past. A journey through these sites offers a powerful look at the nation’s fortitude and its inspiring path toward becoming the "Rainbow Nation."

What to Expect

• Apartheid History: Visit the poignant Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill in Johannesburg for a deep understanding of the nation's past struggles.
• Island Prison: Take a ferry to Robben Island from Cape Town to see Nelson Mandela's former cell and hear stories from ex-political prisoners who act as guides.
• Cultural Neighborhoods: Explore the colorful houses and unique heritage of the Bo-Kaap in Cape Town and learn its compelling history at the District Six Museum.
• Winelands Heritage: Discover the French Huguenot influence on South Africa’s wine culture at the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek.
• Language Roots: Understand the origins of the Afrikaans language with a visit to the striking Taal Monument in Paarl.

Best Historical Landmarks to Visit

• Apartheid Museum
• Constitution Hill
• District Six Museum
• Bo-Kaap
• Robben Island
• Nelson Mandela Capture Site
• Huguenot Monument
• Taal Monument

Incorporate these powerful sites into your journey with our South Africa tours and vacations.

From the chic coves of the Western Cape to the wild, golden sands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa's beaches invite you to create postcard-perfect memories. Whether you want to relax, catch a wave, or simply soak in the stunning coastal scenery, there is a perfect stretch of sand waiting for you.

What to Expect

• Pristine Sands: Relax on Blue Flag beaches like Clifton 4th in Cape Town, known for its soft white sand and beautiful scenery.
• Active Adventures: Try surfing the legendary waves at Jeffreys Bay or go paragliding above the Atlantic coastline for a bird's-eye view.
• Coastal Cafés: Enjoy a meal or a cocktail at a vibrant seaside café in trendy locations like Camps Bay or Simon’s Town.
• Quiet Escapes: Find tranquility on the long, windswept shores of Noordhoek Beach or the secluded golden sands of the Elephant Coast.
• Family Fun: Build sandcastles and swim in the warm Indian Ocean waters at popular family-friendly beaches like Umhlanga.

Best Beaches to Visit

• Camps Bay
• Clifton 4th
• Llandudno
• Plettenberg Bay
• Umhlanga
• Mtunzini Beach
• St Lucia
• Jeffreys Bay

Plan your coastal escape by learning about the Best Time to Visit South Africa.

South Africa is celebrated as one of the world’s top wine-producing destinations. A visit to the breathtaking Cape Winelands offers wine lovers the chance to sample award-winning varietals in gorgeous countryside settings, surrounded by historic Cape Dutch architecture and dramatic mountains.

What to Expect

• Cellar Tours: Go behind the scenes to see the winemaking process and explore the historic cellars at renowned estates.
• Curated Tastings: Enjoy guided wine tastings, often paired with artisanal cheeses, chocolates, or gourmet bites.
• Vineyard Experiences: Walk, cycle, or take a tram ride through the picturesque vineyards that blanket the rolling hills.
• Signature Varietals: Sample South Africa’s unique pinotage grape, along with world-class chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, and Bordeaux blends.
• Gourmet Dining: Indulge in a meal at one of the many award-winning restaurants located on the wine estates.

Best Places for Wine-Tasting

• Franschhoek
• Stellenbosch
• Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
• Constantia
• Paarl
• Wellington
• Robertson

Let us help you design the perfect tasting journey with our wine tours in South Africa.

Hit the open road to experience South Africa’s magnificent natural beauty firsthand. The country’s well-maintained highways and winding regional roads offer myriad opportunities for breathtaking scenic drives through diverse and ever-changing landscapes.

What to Expect

• Coastal Roads: Navigate the dramatic cliffs and curves of Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world's most spectacular coastal routes.
• Mountain Passes: Wind through the majestic mountain ranges of the Western Cape, discovering stunning viewpoints along the way.
• Inland Journeys: Travel the famous Route 62, stopping at charming farm stalls and quirky small towns in the Klein Karoo.
• Forest Scenery: Immerse yourself in the lush forests, tranquil lagoons, and rugged coastline of the famous Garden Route.
• Canyon Vistas: Marvel at the epic views of the Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, and Bourke's Luck Potholes along the Panorama Route.

Best Scenic Drives to Take

• Chapman’s Peak Drive
• The Garden Route
• Route 62
• The Midlands Meander
• The Panorama Route

Discover how to link these incredible drives by exploring the Best Places to Visit in South Africa.

Journey to South Africa’s intriguing archeological sites, where whispers of early mankind’s mark on the world can still be heard. A visit to these landmarks and art-filled caves provides a fascinating glimpse into our shared human story.

What to Expect

• Human Origins: Explore the Sterkfontein Caves within the Cradle of Humankind, where significant early hominid fossils were found.
• Ancient Art: Discover ancient San rock art painted on cave walls and rock shelters in the Cederberg and Drakensberg Mountains.
• Cave Formations: Marvel at the breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites on a guided tour through the magnificent Cango Caves.
• UNESCO Site: Learn about our shared ancestry at Maropeng, the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
• Living Museums: Visit places like Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve to see how the landscape and ancient rock art are preserved together.

Best Archeological Sites to Visit

• Sterkfontein Caves
• Cradle of Humankind
• Sudwala Caves
• Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
• Cango Caves
• Drakensberg Mountains

Connect with humanity's ancient past by adding these sites to a custom itinerary like our Best of South Africa Safari and Tour.

Explore the artistic, culinary, and uniquely creative side of the “Mother City” by diving into the iconic suburbs that celebrate Cape Town’s diverse culture. From vibrant street art to world-class cuisine, the city is a hub of creative energy.

What to Expect

• Street Art: Take a guided walking tour through the suburb of Woodstock to see its dynamic and colorful large-scale murals.
• Local Markets: Spend a Saturday at the market at The Old Biscuit Mill, browsing local crafts and tasting gourmet street food.
• Culinary Classes: Learn the secrets of local cuisine by taking part in an interactive Cape Malay cooking class in the Bo-Kaap.
• Scenic Hikes: Join locals for a full moon or sunrise hike up Lion’s Head for spectacular 360-degree views of the city and ocean.
• Artisan Hubs: Discover galleries, boutiques, and studios at the V&A Waterfront’s Watershed, a hub for local design and craft.

Best Places in Creative Cape Town

• Woodstock
• Lion’s Head
• Bo-Kaap
• The Old Biscuit Mill
• Chapman’s Peak Drive

Design your perfect city escape with our itinerary for the Top Things to Do in Cape Town.

With its dramatic mountains, rolling hills, and beautiful coastal trails, South Africa is an ideal destination for multi-day hiking adventures. These iconic trails offer immersive nature experiences with comfortable overnight accommodations.

What to Expect

• Coastal Trails: Hike along rugged coastlines on world-renowned routes like the five-day Otter Trail along the Garden Route.
• Whale Watching: Combine hiking and whale watching on the Whale Trail in the De Hoop Nature Reserve during the winter and spring months.
• Mountain Treks: Explore the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on trails ranging from easy day walks to challenging multi-day expeditions.
• Comfortable Stays: Enjoy the "slackpacking" experience, where your luggage is transported for you between comfortable overnight accommodations.

Best Areas for Multi-Day Hikes

• The Garden Route (Otter Trail)
• The Overberg (Whale Trail)
• The Drakensberg Mountains
• The Wild Coast

Let us help you secure a spot on one of these unforgettable hiking adventures. Take a look at our Hidden South Africa 2-Week Tour for inspiration.

This list is only the beginning of what South Africa has to offer. Whether you dream of a bush and beach holiday, a culinary tour through the Winelands, or an active adventure in the mountains, your perfect journey can be brought to life. The diversity of experiences ensures that every visit is unique, memorable, and deeply personal.

Your journey to the "world in one country" awaits. To find out more, see our South African travel guide or South Africa tours and vacations. Then, contact our destination specialists to start crafting your personalized South African adventure today.