What to Do in South Africa

Jagged cliffs running along stunningly scenic coastlines, cities framed by sky-high mountains, lush indigenous forests, golden sand beaches and prides of lions basking in the afternoon sun — a South Africa tour offers all that and more. When here, it’s not really a question of what to do, but more of a question of what to do first. Relax with a game of golf and a laid-back wine tasting, indulge in a thrilling surf session, experience a heart-pumping safari and top it off with the biggest adrenaline rush of your life as you jump from the highest bridge bungee in the world. The diversity of landscapes, people, culture and activities in South Africa will leave you asking for more. Here are a list of top 13 things to do in South Africa:

Many would say the most fascinating city to visit on a South Africa tour is, without a doubt, Cape Town. Some of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet exist here, along with some of the most iconic landmarks and most notable history. Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Peninsula are just a few of Cape Town’s attractions. If you are wondering what other activities the city has to offer, read on for our top thirteen picks of things to do in Cape Town.

Located on the east coast of South Africa, looking over Indian Ocean in KwaZulu-Natal province, Durban is the country’s third largest city and Africa’s busiest port. With its subtropical climate, long sandy beaches and a huge variety of attractions that range from the sedate to the positively exhilarating, Durban has long been a draw to domestic holidaymakers and international visitors alike. The city has more than enough on offer to keep anyone occupied for a week or more, so here are some recommendations for the top 12 things to do in Durban.

Garden Route National Park in South Africa is one of its top destinations as it is different from many popular South African national parks that are known for wildlife safari and game viewing. Consisting of sprawling coastlines, dense forests, scenic vistas, land and marine wildlife viewing, and quaint towns, the Garden Route National Park is a glittering gem in its own right.Besides the spectacular scenes and environs, a Garden Route National Park trip also offers a number of exciting activities. From eco-tours, self-guided treks and hikes, whale-watching tours, to thrills like bungee jumping and rock climbing, the opportunities for lifelong experiences in the national park seem endless. According to the park authorities, all ventures available in the park are reasonable and safe to be done sole, however, if you want to you can also hire a guide for a small fee for any activity. Here is a list of things to do in Garden Route National Park (in no particular order) that we highly recommend on your next South Africa tour. We leave it up to you to decide if you want to conquer them solo or with a guide.

Selected as one of the top 12 whale watching locations in the world by WWF, and with a location easily accessible from Cape Town, Hermanus is a prime destination for those hoping for a close encounter with some of the largest animals on our planet. Hermanus is a small town on the coast of the Western Cape province of South Africa, but during whale season, it becomes the whale-spotting capital of the country. Visitors from all over the world descend to this attractive former fishing village to see the famous Southern right whales that come here every year to mate and calve. For anyone interested in seeing these graceful giants in their natural habitat, whale watching in Hermanus makes for an unmissable trip.

Wine tasting on a South Africa tour is a must-do activity and Stellenbosch is at the heart of it. Also called Eikestad (meaning city of oaks), Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and home to the oldest wine route in the country. Whilst there are numerous established estates in the region, there are also many wineries which opened in recent decades, bringing fresh blood to a centuries old industry and helping to make Stellenbosch a diverse and interesting region for tourists.Stellenbosch wineries go to great lengths to provide visitors with unique and enriching experiences. With 170 wineries in Stellenbosch, each one special in its own way, it’s hard to decide which farms to include on a Stellenbosch tour. It was tough, but we’ve managed to put together a list of the five most culturally significant and interesting Stellenbosch wine farms. Read on to find out which ones we recommend the most.

Cape Town is rated as one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and comes as a natural choice for most travelers on a trip to South Africa. Situated on the southwest coast of the country, it is a haven of exquisite natural beauty and offers a lot of things to do. Nestled between Table Mountain and the Cape Harbour, the city offers stunning views from almost any vantage point. Some of the top attractions in the area include the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Signal Hill and Chapman’s Peak, to name but a few.Visitors who travel to Cape Town are spoiled for choice with activities ranging from sightseeing to shopping, hiking, surfing, nearby safaris and wine-tasting. Wine tasting in Cape Town includes visits to centuries-old wineries, rich with folklore and historic artifacts, as well as tastefully modern establishments catering to a young, yet discerning, international crowd.  Here are our top seven establishments to visit for wine tasting in Cape Town.

South Africa is a beautiful country with stunning natural surroundings, a deep and twisted history, and some mouth-watering traditional foods that cannot be missed. So, while you are busy seeing, doing, and experiencing everything South Africa has to offer, don’t forget to eat! There’s a wide variety of dishes to choose from and South African cuisine is more than just the braai (South African BBQ).Traditional South African food is as complex as it is delicious. So, how will you know what to eat in exploring South Africa? Follow our guide on what to eat, how to eat, and even how to say it — you’ll be feasting like a local in no time!