Welcome to the vibrant tapestry of South Africa, a country blessed with breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and an array of unforgettable experiences. From the awe-inspiring Table Mountain to the shimmering coasts of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, South Africa is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural gems. Whether you seek thrilling wildlife encounters, historical landmarks, or immersive cityscapes, this enchanting nation has it all.
Embark on a safari adventure in Kruger National Park, where the iconic Big Five roam freely, or explore the dramatic landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains, where rugged peaks and cascading waterfalls beckon avid hikers and nature enthusiasts. Delve into the nation’s complex history with a visit to the historic Robben Island or the poignant Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. And for the wine connoisseurs, the scenic vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer a tantalizing blend of exquisite flavors.
Join Mrpocu.com as we take you on a journey through South Africa’s best places to visit, where every step unveils a captivating story, every vista leaves you in awe, and every encounter leaves an indelible mark on your heart.
Top Things To Do In South Africa
Travel the Wild Coast
Peace and privacy can be found along a secluded and breathtaking subtropical beach in this area of the Eastern Cape. The stunning Wild Coast previously belonged to the Transkei, an apartheid-era Xhosa country that was ostensibly independent. There are mud and grass houses scattered throughout the rural areas’ rolling grass slopes.
Between Port Edward in the north and Morgan’s Bay in the south is the Wild Coast, which is immediately recognizable as wild due to its numerous deep ravines, cliff faces, and waterfalls. However, technically speaking, the coast was given its name after a group of offshore reefs and rocks that have historically presented a serious threat to shipping.
Discover the history of the anti-apartheid fighters in Soweto
A visual representation of how the vast majority of black South Africans live is given through a tour to the township, which is South Africa’s largest. It may seem strange to promote an apartheid-era township as a tourist destination, but going to Soweto—an acronym for South Western Townships—allows you to witness both sides of a community that is still highly separated.
Soweto was the scene of several crucial occasions throughout the anti-apartheid campaign, and it was formerly home to notables like Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Lucas Radebe.
The most secure way to visit Soweto is on a guided tour, which can be scheduled through most Gauteng tour companies and hotels. Around Soweto, there are a number of significant apartheid-related sites that are visited on most guided excursions. Walter Sisulu Square is located in the Kliptown district.
See white rhinos in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
The best game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal offers a wide range of opportunities to observe animals, including night drives, self-guided treks, and even donkey trails. Visits to this park are among the top things to do in South Africa as a result of everything mentioned above.
Hluhluwe (pronounced shloo-shloo-ee) and iMfolozi (formerly Umfolozi) were first established as separate entities in 1897, making them the second-oldest game reserves in Africa after Phongolo. However, they are now connected by a corridor of state-owned land to form a combined area of about 1,000 sq km (390 sq miles).
The success Hluhluwe had in preventing the extinction of the white (or square-lipped) rhinoceros is its claim to fame. Only 150 white rhinos remained in southern Africa at the beginning of the 1930s after being shot nearly to extinction.
On this magnificent excursion from Durban, go on a full-day safari in the enchanted Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park. View the incredible wildlife, such as lions, elephants, and rhinos, in their natural habitat. Or take in the breathtaking vistas of the reserve from a hilltop.
Hike in the Drakensberg
One of the most thrilling activities in South Africa is hiking in the “dragon mountains,” which are home to some of the highest peaks in the country as well as waterfalls, rock art, and breathtaking views.
The Drakensberg, which translates to “Dragon’s Mountain” in Afrikaans, is the highest and largest mountain range in South Africa. It stretches for 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Hoedspruit, west of the Kruger National Park, all the way down to Rhodes, in the Eastern Cape, with only one valley in between Harrismith and Barberton providing an interruption.
The sequence of jagged cliffs and high peaks that rise from the KwaZuluNatal midlands to extend for 200km (120 miles) along the eastern border with Lesotho is almost certainly the most famous portion of “The Berg” when South Africans discuss it. It is known as uKhahlamba, or “The Barrier of Spears,” by the Zulu people who reside in the shadow of this insurmountable chain of peaks.
Embrace Indian culture in South Africa
Durban, the busiest port in Africa, is home to a sizable Indian population as well as vibrant Hindu temples, lively marketplaces, and spicy curries.
After Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese navigator, arrived there on Christmas Day 1497 and gave it the name Terra do Natal, it was one of the first areas of South Africa to be depicted on European maps. Durban is known for its sizable Indian population, which numbers about a million and is made up primarily of Christians and Hindus (70%) and Muslims (20%).
The cuisine in Durban and the neighborhood has a distinctly Indian flavor. When indentured laborers from India were transported over to the United States in the 1860s to work in the sugar cane industry, they brought their delicious curries—spicy casseroles prepared with vegetables, lentils, lamb, chicken, or beef over saffron rice.
See the vernacular architecture of South African houses
The original, finely woven grass Zulu beehive home is vanished from rural KwaZulu-Natal. In isolated areas, a closely comparable style that resembles a low wattle-and-daub cylinder with a dome-like beehive roof is still present. Today, however, rectangular homes with Western influences or cone-on-cylinder homes, frequently constructed with contemporary materials, are most prevalent.
Beautifully adorned South Sotho homes are still common in rural Free State. Although they have a low, monopitch roof and a rectangular shape, they nonetheless use traditional African construction techniques and ornamentation.
Be amazed by the variety of traditional arts and crafts
It has been asserted that southern African art has existed since prehistory and represents the longest artistic legacy of the human race. From this point until the second half of the 19th century, San rock art evolved. The Drakensberg and its extension from the Eastern Cape to Lesotho and Swaziland, as well as the mountains of Limpopo Province, are where the majority of the San people’s paintings and engravings can be discovered.
It is believed that the delicate representations of people and animals that have been painted or etched in rock shelters are shamanistic and serve as a bridge between this world and the afterlife. There are more than 15,000 sites in South Africa
Explore nature in Addo Elephant National Park
At the end of the Garden Route, you can see elephants and the other Big Five animals. Elephants may not have been seen in Knysna, but the Addo Elephant National Park, which is located approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of PE on the R335, will not go unnoticed.
The park’s main draw is its abundance of close-up views of elephants, but it also has large populations of rhinoceros, buffalo, kudu, jackals, ground squirrels, and endemic birds like the colorful bokmakierie and handsome jackal buzzard, as well as lions, which were reintroduced in 2003.
This journey of South Africa’s Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park combines adventure with ease and affordability. Enjoy six days of exciting activities, exploring nature, learning about the local culture, and visiting the area’s famous sites.
Travel through the Sani Pass
The route connecting Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal traverses the steepest pass in all of Southern Africa. Another breathtakingly beautiful section of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, south of Giant’s Castle, is protected by the Kamberg Nature Reserve and is popular for trekking and trout fishing. The innovative Rock Art Centre in Kamberg also offers a guided tour of the Game Pass Shelter in addition to an interesting DVD presentation on rock art interpretation.
A four-wheel-drive car is required due to the terrible road conditions and perilous hairpin curves on the Sani Pass, the only route from the east to the independent state of Lesotho, which is located even farther south.
Take a private Sani Pass tour to ascend the tallest, most difficult, and most treacherous mountain pass in South Africa. Visit the highest pub in Africa to experience traditional cuisine, take in the breathtaking vistas, and come face to face with the enormous, intimidating Drakensberg Mountain Range.
Take a tour around the wine routes
The Cape’s wine estates offer a captivating blend of breathtaking landscapes, Cape Dutch architecture, and exceptional wines, making it a must-visit destination in South Africa. With its status as the seventh-largest wine producer globally, South Africa boasts an impressive annual output of approximately 1,000 million liters, with exports reaching 428.5 million liters in 2016, largely driven by the UK market.
Despite increased volumes, the quality of South African wine remains uncompromised, with experts considering it to be at its highest standard ever. Buitenverwachting, an estate nestled beneath Constantia Mountain, stands out for its stunning beauty and renowned Cape Dutch architecture. While most estates near Cape Town offer wine tastings, opting for an organized tour is advisable for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Additionally, Cape Town and the Garden Route offer a wealth of attractions, from cultural exploration to safaris and indulgent experiences like chocolate and wine tastings. Embark on a tailor-made luxury guided tour to discover the wonders of Cape Town and the Garden Route, including the captivating coastal city and the scenic Peninsula.
Take a trip around the Cape Point
Cape Town, located at the northern tip of the breathtaking Cape Peninsula, offers a stunning coastal experience in South Africa. Stretching 60km (36 miles), this mountainous landmass is flanked by the majestic Atlantic Ocean on the west and the tranquil waters of False Bay on the east.
A day-long circular road trip along the peninsula allows ample time to appreciate the dramatic views, take refreshing swims, enjoy picnics or dine at restaurants, and explore historic sites and unique wildlife. Alternatively, you can explore different sections of the peninsula on separate days, such as visiting Cape Point for panoramic vistas, Muizenberg for a swim, or Scarborough for a relaxed seafood lunch.
Combine this coastal adventure with cosmopolitan Johannesburg, thrilling safaris in Kruger National Park, and wine tasting on the Cape Peninsula to create an immersive tailor-made tour of South Africa’s rich culture, wildlife, and landscapes. Cape Town’s abundance of parks and beaches also makes it an ideal destination for a family vacation, with more recommendations available in the guide on the best places to go with kids.
Go on safari in numerous game trails
Observe animals while hiking with a guide at Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park in South Africa is the quintessential example of an African safari, with its huge stretches of savannah punctuated by acacia trees with flat tops and teeming with enormous herds of elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard. It safeguards an incredible 147 mammal species, including more than half of the rhino species still alive today.
Sabi Sand, Mala Mala, and the other exclusive private reserves that border the Kruger offer a more personal safari experience, while Madikwe and Pilanesberg Game Reserves, which are relatively smaller, offer equally captivating game viewing in a malaria-free region, are also options.
Planning a safari can be challenging. We’ve compiled our top advice to assist you in organizing a safari in South Africa. Read our guide to the top South African wildlife safaris as well.
Cross the bridge over the Storms River Mouth
The Garden Route boasts a stunning coastline, with one of its highlights being the ability to cross Storms River Mouth via a footbridge. Located within the national park, the well-maintained Storms River Rest Camp offers chalet accommodation and campsites, serving as an excellent base for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.
One of the top things to do in South Africa is taking a short walk from the rest camp to the suspension bridge, providing breathtaking views and the opportunity to spot seals below.
For more adventurous hikers, Storms River marks the starting point of the legendary Otter Trail, a challenging and scenic 26km (14 miles) coastal hike that stretches all the way to Nature’s Valley. This trail is revered as one of the oldest and most picturesque hikes in South Africa and the world.
Enjoy the beauty and fragrance of wild flowers
In the Northern Cape region of South Africa, Namaqualand showcases a breathtaking transformation after the winter rains. This typically barren landscape bursts into a riot of vibrant colours, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Springbok, the main town in the region, serves as the gateway to Namaqualand’s expansive sand veld, stretching from the Olifants River to Pofadder.
Namaqualand is renowned for its extraordinary wildflower displays during spring. While the stony plains may appear dull and wrinkled for most of the year, they come alive with a dazzling array of wildflowers in August or September.
This natural phenomenon attracts visitors from around the world, as the daisies of Namaqualand stand as one of South Africa’s most remarkable natural attractions. Witnessing this burst of color is a captivating experience that showcases the beauty of nature’s rejuvenation.
Spot the predators in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
View the arid splendor of the Kalahari while observing cheetahs, meerkats, and other desert residents. One of the greatest things to do in South Africa for predator viewing is to visit this distant park, which protects the red dunes and dry watercourses of the Kalahari.
Kgalagadi is startlingly reminiscent of Australia’s Simpson Desert because of its red sand dunes and sandy river bottoms. It does, however, have a more diverse fauna, which includes all three of Africa’s great felines in addition to a remarkable variety of smaller predators including the black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, Cape fox, caracal, suricate, and yellow mongoose.
Twee Rivieren (Two Rivers), which is near to the intersection of the Auob and Nossob rivers, serves as both the park’s sole entry and the location of the largest camp.
Go Surfing
South Africa offers world-class surfing opportunities along its Atlantic and Indian Ocean shores. Jeffrey’s Bay, located on the south coast near Port Elizabeth, is renowned as the country’s most famous surfing destination, featuring large waves and diverse breaks. Cape Town also boasts excellent surfing spots, including Long Beach and Dungeons in Hout Bay along the southern coast of the Western Cape.
For beginners, Durban is an ideal choice with its consistent waves and warm waters in the Indian Ocean. Surfing instruction is readily available in Durban, and a 2- to 3-hour course typically costs around 500 ZAR per person. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a novice looking to catch your first wave, South Africa offers an array of thrilling surfing experiences for all skill levels.
Learn About Apartheid
It is impossible to travel to South Africa without hearing about the horrifying apartheid (a system of institutionalized racial segregation) regime, which ruled the nation from the 1940s until the 1990s. The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, which was established in 2001, does a fantastic job of explaining the background and consequences of apartheid. It costs 150 ZAR to enter.
Be sure to visit the Constitutional Court while in Johannesburg. You can see part of the jail remains and learn more about the numerous political prisoners who were wrongfully imprisoned here because the building is located on the site of a former political prison. Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum both have guided tours available.
Don’t forget to stop at Cape Town’s District Six Museum as well. It serves as a memorial to those who were compelled to leave the area in the 1970s so that white residents might settle there. It’s both depressing and enlightening. The entrance fee is 45 ZAR, or 60 ZAR for a tour guide.