20 Best Things to Do in South Africa

Drive Along South Africa's Scenic Garden Route

Stretching roughly 186 miles (300km) from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape to Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, the Garden Route is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. A popular day trip from Cape Town, you'll have the most flexibility to explore areas of interest by driving it yourself, though a number of half-day and full-day tours can be booked through sites like Viator and GetYourGuide.

Along the way, make time to stop and see Knysna Lagoon; the Cango Caves, said to be South Africa's oldest tourist attraction; Agulhas, the country's southernmost point; Gansbaai, a popular spot for cage diving if you want to see the great whites up close; and Hermanus, a terrific place for whale watching.

Sip South African Wine

Wine enthusiasts, rejoice! Cape Town is surrounded by some of the best and most well-known wine regions in the country—Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl, each about a 45–60 minute drive of the city center, as well as Constantia, Helderberg, Durbanville, which are closer to downtown—meaning you're never too far away from a nice glass of vino.

Make time to try some South African pinotage, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz (or syrah), merlot, or the locally made Cape Blend, as well as sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, chardonnay, and South African white wine blends, which shouldn't be missed. If you're celebrating, ask for the MCC, or Méthode Cap Classique, the country's version of Champagne.

Babylonstoren is an old Cape Dutch farm in the Franschhoek wine region that's home to an elegant hotel, stunning garden, multiple restaurants, and most importantly, a 200-acre winery that produces excellent pinot noir and chardonnay. There's also a luxurious on-site spa to unwind in after a long day of sightseeing.

Ride The Blue Train Between Cape Town and Pretoria

If South Africa is your dream trip, there's no better way to see it than by taking a ride on The Blue Train, a luxury train that runs between Cape Town and Pretoria, just north of Johannesburg. Be warned that it's not a cheap journey—prices hover around the $3,400 mark for a deluxe suite or $4,300 for a luxury suite, based on double occupancy—nor is it a short one, at 31-hours from one end to the other.

That said, you'll have a rare chance to sit back and watch the country go by out your window, as well as posh perks like your own controlled air conditioning system, access to a gourmet dining and observation car, a couch that turns into a double or two twin beds, and your own bathroom, equipped with a shower or bathtub.

Road Trip Along the Panorama Route

For a chance to experience some of South Africa's most beautiful natural wonders, rent a car and drive along the Panorama Route, located near Kruger National Park on the eastern side of the country. If you'd rather not drive the route yourself, half-day and full-day guided tours are also available from Johannesburg via websites like GetYourGuide and Viator.

Noteworthy stops include Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window, Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, the Pinnacle, Wonder View, the picturesque Lowveld viewpoint, and the Three Rondavels.

Realize Your Safari Fantasies

For most people, going on an African safari is probably one of the main reasons for visiting South Africa in the first place. The country's most famous game reserve is Kruger National Park and for good reason—it's also the largest and oldest park in the country and is easily accessible. You can see all of the Big Five here—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffalo—and there's a variety of accommodation options ranging from self-catering chalets to luxury lodges. Night drives, horseback safaris, and walking safaris are all possible here as well.

Be aware that Kruger National Park's popularity means it is also often crowded. For a more off-the-beaten-track safari destination, consider Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a true wilderness area located on the Botswana border that's known for its population of black-maned lions. If you like the idea of a self-drive safari, check out Addo Elephant National Park, located near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. There are also several smaller safari parks near Cape Town.

Tee Off at a Top Golf Course

South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet and the great thing is they're surprisingly affordable. Gary Player and Ernie Els earned their first birdies on South African golf courses, and some of the country's top spots were even designed by these two golfing legends.

Stand-out favorites include The Links at Fancourt, a luxury hotel located in George, Western Cape, and Leopard Creek, located near Kruger National Park. Designed by Gary Player, The Links at Fancourt boasts spectacular views of the Outeniqua Mountains, while Leopard Creek is special for its truly African flavor. Where else can you see giraffes wandering across the green or spot crocodiles and hippos wallowing in the water hazards? Many of South Africa's golf courses are also affiliated with luxury spa hotels so non-golfers will also have plenty to do. 

Discover World-Class Surfing

South Africa's coastline stretches for more than 1,600 miles, stretching from the frigid Atlantic to the balmy Indian Ocean. While both coasts have their fair share of surf spots, the most famous are located in the Cape Town area or farther north along the East Coast. If you're headed to the Mother City, check out Muizenberg for beginner waves or Big Bay near Blouberg Beach. For pros, the most famous wave here is Dungeons, a beastly right-hander known to get as big as 60 feet. 

South Africa's surfing capital, however, is Jeffreys Bay, a laid-back town located 50 miles south of Port Elizabeth that welcomes the likes of Kelly Slater and Jordy Smith for its annual J-Bay Open, which focuses on the legendary right-hand break Supertubes. Farther north, Durban is another hotspot for beginners and pros alike. For the biggest thrills, check out the waves at North Beach, Bay of Plenty, and New Pier.

Go Swimming With Sharks

If you'd rather be under the water than on top of it, consider signing up for an encounter with the world's greatest apex predator: the great white shark. These magnificent animals are drawn to the waters of the Cape by an abundance of their favorite prey, Cape fur seals. Several companies in Gansbaai, Mossel Bay, and Simonstown offer cage-diving tours, allowing you to see the sharks in their natural environment without compromising your safety or theirs.

If you'd rather do away with the steel bars, head farther north to Aliwal Shoal, a Marine Protected Area located just south of Durban. Here, you can dive with several species of sharks without the protection of a cage. In summer (November to April), baited dives allow you to get up close and personal with tiger sharks, while bull sharks and oceanic blacktip sharks are commonly spotted here throughout the year. During winter (June to September), sand tiger sharks congregate on the reef to mate. 

Hike Among Stunning Scenery

South Africa's natural scenery is undoubtedly some of the world's most beautiful, and the best way to experience it is on foot. There are many long-distance hiking trails to check out, some of which take you along the scenic coast, while others introduce you to the hidden secrets of the country's interior. Among the most famous routes are the Fanie Botha trail in Mpumalanga and the Rim of Africa, which traverses the Western Cape mountains. 

If you're looking for a less structured hiking experience, head to the Wild Coast or the Drakensberg Mountains. In both places, an abundance of short and long trails allow you to see as much or as little as you like. The Wild Coast (also known as the Transkei) offers an insight into the rugged beauty of the Eastern Cape shore and the culture of the Xhosa people. It's also the highest mountain range in South Africa.

Photograph a Wildflower Bloom

For the avid botanist, South Africa is a truly special destination. In the far southern section of the country, the Cape Floral Region is home to approximately 9,500 plant species, 70 percent of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The region is one of the world's six floral kingdoms and is especially famous for its utterly unique fynbos species.

For a brief period every year, the flowers of the Western Cape are usurped by wildflower blooms in the Northern Cape. In late July or early August, the arrival of spring sees the arid landscapes of South Africa's northwest transformed into a sea of color. The bloom starts in the far north and slowly spreads south, lasting for just a few splendid weeks. Hotspots for viewing the wildflowers include Namaqua National Park and the Goegap Nature Reserve.

Learn About South Africa's History

History lovers will find plenty of interesting places to visit in South Africa. At Blood River, two monuments stand as a record of the conflict between the Zulu people and the Dutch Voortrekkers, while the Anglo-Zulu War is commemorated by memorials and museums at historic battlefields like Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana. Of course, South Africa's modern history was overshadowed by the horrors of apartheid and many of its sights are connected to that period of racial injustice. In Johannesburg, it is possible to see firsthand the revival that has taken place since apartheid with a tour of Soweto. Once the site of bloody uprisings, the township is now a cultural hotspot.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites

South Africa is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and each one is recognized by the United Nations as being of great cultural or natural importance. Make time to visit he Fossil Hominid Sites including the Cradle of Humankind, where fossils of our ancient ancestors were discovered; the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Mapungubwe; Robben Island; the ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape; Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape; the Cape Floral Region Protected Area; the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, Maloti-Drakensberg Park; Vredefort Dome and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Vredefort Dome represents one of the largest meteor craters on the planet, created in a collision so big it is thought to have shaped evolutionary history. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is an incredible protected area that stretches from the Mozambique border to the East Coast province of KwaZulu-Natal. Here, you can explore beaches, game reserves, and precious estuarine areas. 

See Incredible Flowers at Kirstenbosch Gardens

If you have limited time, Cape Town's Kirstenbosch Gardens offers a spectacular overview of South Africa's plant life. Described as one of the world's greatest botanical gardens, this South African showpiece is set at the eastern edge of Table Mountain and houses more than 7,000 of the 22,000 plant species that grow in South Africa, including unique plants like fynbos, pelargoniums, and medicinal flora.

Learn About Johannesburg's History at Constitution Hill

Few places showcase South Africa's turbulent past as eloquently as Constitution Hill. This living museum, which was once a prison, follows the country's long path to democracy. Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Fatima Meer, and tens of thousands of ordinary South Africans were all confined here at some point during the country's volatile history, making it a must-visit.

See the Cape of Good Hope

If you're staying in Cape Town, it's worth making an excursion to the Cape of Good Hope, a promontory off the country's southern tip. While the true southern tip of Africa is a few hundred miles south at Cape Agulhas, the Cape of Good Hope is still worth visiting for its rugged natural beauty. Here, you can whale watch from June to November, climb the lighthouse for stunning views, or simply explore the scenery—and don't forget to stop by Boulder's Beach if you want to see penguins!

Visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg

The Apartheid Museum opened in Johannesburg in 2001. Visitors here can learn about South Africa's painful history of racial segregation, including how residents were once classified by their nose width, hair type, skin pigmentation, and other physical features. The museum includes interactive displays, film footage, and historic photos.

Visit the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

The Blyde River Canyon Reserve is the third-largest canyon in the world and one of South Africa's most-visited attractions. Here, you'll find hiking trails, a resort, and spectacular viewpoints of natural wonders like Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock, and God's Window.

Admire the Majesty of Table Mountain

This flat-topped mountain is one of the best-known landmarks in Cape Town. If you want to head to the top for spectacular views, you can either hike or take a cableway. It's part of the Table Mountain National Park, which is home to incredible wildlife, especially bird species like booted eagles, and African harrier-hawks.

Learn About the Past at Robben Island

In Cape Town, take a tour of Robben Island, the one-time political prison where former president Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. You can also tour District Six, where forced evictions of non-whites took place after the passing of the racist Group Areas Act in 1950.

Check Out Contemporary Art at the Zeitz MOCAA

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa opened in 2017 as the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. Located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, the stunning museum is housed in a converted grain silo and contains more than 100 galleries.