South Africa is fast becoming the adventure capital of the world. We've had the pleasure of visiting the country a couple of times and have discovered many things to do in South Africa.
From the first time we cycled down the West Coast all the way from Namibia to Cape Town to driving the entire East Coast from St. Lucia to the Cape of Good Hope, we've covered a lot of distance.
We want to give you a round up of the best things to do in South Africa for when you plan your vacation.
From safaris to caves, marine life to scenery, South Africa has it all! Enjoy.
What to do in South Africa
- St. Lucia – African Wetland Safari, Horse Safari, Hippo River Cruise, Kayak with Crocodiles, Braai
- Durban – Microlight Flight, Canopy Tour, Oyster Box
- Garden Route – African Safari, Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm, Cage Dive with Great White Sharks
- Cape Town – Table Mountain, Sandboarding, Robben Island
- Kruger National Park –
Check out our Guide to South Africa for more great ideas!
If you fly into Johannesburg, there are two places that you won't want to miss when you visit South Africa.
Admittedly, we have spent no time in Joburg, so we can't tell you what to do there, but when you leave the city, two of South Africa's top attractions are a few hours from here.
1. Kruger National Park
The premier national park for safaris is by far Kruger National Park.
It is a massive park spanning more than 19,000 square km.
Here you'll spot the big 5 and what makes this unique compared to other game parks in Africa is that you can drive it yourself.
If you are renting a car to get around the country, this is a stop that you cannot miss.
Drakensberg Mountains
Making your way south from Kruger, your next stop is the Drakensberg Mountains.
The Drakensberg Mountains can be reached by Johannesburg or Durban, depending on where you make a home base.
It's known for its adventure activities Drakensberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is great for outdoor adventures, hiking, and cycling.
It is South Africa's highest mountain range and it stretches 1000 km. So chances are you will have an adventure or two here.
Your Journey Starts in Richard's Bay
If you aren't planning on visiting Johannesburg or Kruger, we have an itinerary that will take you down from Richard's Bay to Cape Town.
We caught a connecting flight from Johannesburg and drove our way down the Garden Route. This route offers excellent wildlfe safaris as well, so you don't necessarily need to visit Kruger.
Renting a car is the best way to take in the full experience of seeing South Africa. It gives you the freedom and the chance to meet the people.
Plan Your Trip to South Africa
Booking.com has over 4,000 properties in South Africa. You get free cancellation on most rooms and a best price guarantee.
St. Lucia
We flew from Johannesburg to St. Lucia: A World Heritage Site in the iSimangaliso Wetlands. The wetlands are filled with many things to see and do, and these are a few suggestions for you to check out.
Oldest Game Reserve in South Africa: Safari in Hluhluwe & Imfolozi National Park
It's the oldest Game Reserve in South Africa.
Known for it's white and black rhino population, Hluhluwe & Imfolozi have the largest in all of Africa! That's an amazing thing because rhinos are being slaughtered at an astonishing pace.
It's good to see that conservation efforts are being put into effect. But we are worried that it is too little too late.
Book your tour with Heritage Tours and Safaris and enjoy a braai lunch while you overlook the valley.
Hippo River Cruise
Check out the hippos and crocodiles from the safety of your platoon boat.
Book your tour again with Heritage Tours and Safaris and you'll enjoy enjoy hot chocolate or cider while the hippos stretch and yawn as the sun sets overhead.
South African Braai
We stayed at Umlilo Lodge where we enjoyed our very first Braai dinner with our fantastic hosts.
A Braai is South African for Barbeque but for some reason a bbq in South Africa is so much better than a bbq at home.
In St. Lucia there is an amazing amount of choices for excursions.
Kayak with Crocodiles
If you are feeling adventurous, skip the platoon boat and kayak in the river instead.
There's nothing but fibreglass separates you from the crocodiles below. The water in the estuary is an average of 1 metre deep and with 1200 crocs and 900 hippos you can be sure they are lurking below, even if you don't spot them right away.
We booked our tour with Kayaking tours with St. Lucia Kayak Safaris start at R 290 ($32 USD).
Read more about our kayaking adventure at Kayaking, Hippos and Crocs Oh My!
Wildlife Safari on a Horse
Nothing feels quite as awesome as having wildebeest and giraffes run beside you as you sit atop a horse and look on.
You feel at one with nature and get closer to the wildlife than you ever expected!
While watching wildlife, we had a herd of zebras surround us showing off to our horses. It was like they wanted us to join in as they ran at full speed. The horses were pretty excited too!
Read more about our horse safari at A World Heritage Horse Safari We booked our Safari with Bhangazi Horse Safari and Tori will show you a great afternoon.
Turtles Laying Eggs
St. Lucia is one of the best places in the world to spot Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles laying their eggs. Your tour begins and 9:00 pm and goes until the wee hours of the morning.
You drive right through the iSimangaliso Wetlands and we saw rhinos, hippos and the world's smallest lizard.
Unfortunately, we didn't get to see a turtle hatching, But we saw Mother Nature's true side, as a jackal had dug up a nest of eggs and was feeding on turtles that were about to hatch.
They were so close to making it out to sea that they were actually still moving when we came across them. The jackal waited in the dark for us to leave and our guide told us it would be back.
Sadly only 1% of newly hatched turtles make it out to sea and it looked very unlikely that any of these would survive.
Durban
Microlight Flight near Durban
Durban is only 3 hours from St. Lucia and in this thriving city you can swing from the only stadium swing in the world at Moses Mabidha Stadium.
If that is a little too much for you, try a microlight flight over the spectacular coastline. Feel the wind whip your face as you watch dolphins and sea turtles swim below.
If you time it right, you may be there for the whale migration season! We booked our tour with the Ballito Microlight School.
Read more about our trip at Microlight, an Adventure in the Sky
Stadium Swing Durban
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, The Durban Stadium offers a bunjy jumping adventure where you can swing from the roof of the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
It was named the World's Tallest Swing by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Canopy Tour
South Africa Canopy Tours has zip lining adventures all around the country. For a beginners zip line adventure, try Tsitsikamma further to the south on the Garden Route.
For the Thrill Seekers, stay in Durban and check out Karkloof Canopy Tours. This was hands down the best canopy tour we've ever taken. (and we've done a lot)
Check out more on what a canopy tour is like at Zipadeedoodah, South Africa – and book your own at Karkloof Canopy Tours. Pre-bookings are a must!
Oyster Box Hotel
While staying in Durban, the historical Oyster Box hotel is spectacular accommodations.
Located right on the Indian Ocean in the heart of the bustling town of Umhlanga, you are close enough to all the attractions but quiet enough to enjoy a proper relaxing vacation.
With swimming pools, spas, gymnasium, restaurants and cafés, it is a resort to definitely spend time in.
Suggested Durban Hotels
Oyster Box Hotel – This was an absolutely stunning hotel in Durban located on the ocean
Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Durban Hilton– Located in Durban business district close to major sights.
Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Garden Route
Game Drive and Safari
A person can't go to South Africa without going on safari.
In South Africa you have an excellent chance of spotting the Big 5 animals while on safari and so much more!
Along the Garden Route there are many private lodges to choose from and we stayed at the spectacular Kariega Game Reserve.
Kariega Game Reserve
The Kariega Game Reserve is a luxury reserve with four different lodges. We stayed at the River Lodge where we were surrounded by the reserve and wildlife.
Our mornings and evenings were spent watching wildlife like lions, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and elephants while our days were spent in the lovely lodge reading books, sipping wine (all spirits, food and drink are included in the safari package) and relaxing on the dock.
We definitely needed more time here.
For more information on the Kariega Game Reserve, visit their website. See our photos of the wildlife we spotted while on safari in South Africa.
Adventure South Africa
Cango Caves
The Cango Caves are the oldest tourist attraction in South Africa and one of the best cave systems we've ever visited.
The standard tour is an easy and beautiful walk through massive chambers, but if you are up for the challenge, take the adventure tour. The adventure tour takes you through narrow passageways with openings as small as 26 centimetres.
It's not for the faint of heart, but great bragging rights after the fact.
Visit the Cango Caves Website for more information. Read more about our time at the Cango Caves in Claustrophobia at the Cango Caves
Ostrich Farm
Ostrich are not an endangered animal and if you visit the Cango Ostrich Farm, you'll learn about how ostriches are raised, what they are used for and you be able to get up close and personal with the largest bird on earth.
You can get an ostrich massage and feed the ostriches that are held in captivity.
Find out more information at the Cango Ostrich Website.
Dive with Great White Sharks
Our Number 1 Choice for things to do in South Africa is to go Cage Diving with Great White Sharks!
We have seen it on Shark Week, we've watched it on National Geographic and here we are doing it in South Africa. Anyone can cage dive. You don't need to be a certified diver, heck you barely even need to know how to swim.
You are in a cage attached to the side of a boat. It's the easiest diving we've ever done, but it is also by far the most exciting.
Imagine having a great white shark bump the cage you are standing in. Watch it breach over and over again as it jumps after the fish head used as bait to attract the shark
Sharks are an endangered species and the more people understand the shark and learn to love them rather than fear them, the better off the entire ecosystem will be.
Read more about our adventure and watch the video at Shark Diving, In the Cage with Great Whites we went with White Shark Projects in Gansbaai.
You can book your own adventure from Cape Town through Get Your Guide Great White Sharks Tour
Suggested Garden Route Hotels
Birkenhead House – One of our favourites, right on the beach near Hermanus
Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Views Boutique Hotel – Luxury with stunning views. Great place for a base on the Garden Route.
Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / booking.com
Stellenbosch
Relax in Wine Country
After all that adventure you must visit the Stellenbosch region to sample fine South African wines.
There are huge estates where you can go for tastings, relax in town or just simply take in the scenery.
After cycling from Cairo all the way to Cape Town, Dave and I spent a week indulging in the rich food and fine wines of South Africa here.
Cape Town
Cape Town is one of those amazing cities where you find yourself saying “I could live here!”
It's beautiful, it's filled with culture and modern living, it has everything from markets to boutiques and it has adventure.
There are so many things to do in Cape Town, you could spend a week just exploring the city.
From whale watching to enjoying the endless beaches, it's a sea lovers paradise.
Cape Town has something for anyone. From cultural experiences to adventure and beach time, here are a few ideas for visiting Cape Town.
Robben Island
Robben Island is a must do when visiting Cape Town. It was where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 29 years.
Take a boat out to the island and see how political prisoners were treated during the Apartheid.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is the backdrop of the city and it is magnificent. You can take a cable car up Table Mountain or you can hike.
There is paragliding off Lions Head and Abseiling (rappelling) off Table Mountain.
You can hike around the top and enjoy the views!
Sandboarding
We went sandboarding at the dunes and enjoyed t
V&A Waterfront
A great place to make a base is at the V&A Waterfront. There are plenty of dining options, lots of shopping, theatres, street vendors and boardwalk.
It's the cosmopolitan pard of the city.
Don't forget to pick up your hop on hop off bus pass for Cape Town.
Simons Town
Rent a car and see the Penguins in Simons Town. They are the cutest!
Cape of Good Hope
And make sure to visit the famous Cape of Good Hope.
The road out from Cape Town is one of the best drives in the world.
If you feel like splurging, make sure to have a meal at the Twelve Apostles. Better yet, stay there!
The Twelve Apostles is repeatedly voted as one of Cape Town’s best hotels.
It overlooks the sea and each month they have a delicious wine pairing which we just happened to be there at the right time for!
There is so much to do in and near Cape Town. Read The Very Best Things to do in Cape Town
Township and Robben Island Combo Tour – Tour where Nelson Mandella and other political prisoners spent decades behind bars.
Winelands Half Day Tour – If you can't make it to Stellenbosch to stay you must at least tour and taste fine South African wines.
Dive with Great White Sharks– Choose this ecofriendly cage diving experience.
Cape of Good Hope – Take a tour to the stunning Cape of Good Hope where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Many a sailor lost their lives here.
Garden Route and Big 5 Safari– You can't go to Africa without seeing Wildlife. Book a safari from Cape Town.
Suggested Cape Town Hotels
Lawhill Luxury Apts – Located in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. Luxurious, own kitchen, den.
Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Twelve Apostles – Located at the beach, this is as good as it gets. 5 Star Luxury, tastings, scenery.
Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Plan Your Trip to South Africa
Lonely Planet South Africa – This is our go to travel guide around the world and it's a great resource to have in hand when traveling South Africa
Lonely Planet Cape Town and Garden Route – for a more specialized guide, pick up the LP that covers just the Garden Route and Cape Town.
Get Your Guide – It's a great company for booking day tours and finding deals
What to wear on Safari – a packing guide for your Africa Safari
Suggested Tours South Africa a 16 Day Odyssey
Sure there is a lot more to do in South Africa, but if you follow this route, you'll go away feeling like you experienced everything the country has to offer.
We had the perfect blend of local hospitality, world-class wildlife viewing, enjoying everything from luxury accommodation to quiet family-run operations, fine dining, incredible adventures, and spectacular sunsets.
So there you have it! This itinerary should keep you busy doing all these amazing things in South Africa!
Read More:
A Horse Safari – Dancing with Zebras in Africa
south africa vacation ideas says
From the magnificent Table Mountain to the abundant safari experiences
in Kruger National Park; from sampling wines in the sun baked Cape Winelands, to the ethnical and famous
interactions of KwaZulu Natal. From identifying whales throughout the Garden Route, to stargazing in the
Kalahari – South Africa literally has it all, and few other destinations around the
world provides the depth and diverse choices of experiences that one may discover in South Africa.
Kruger National Park is a firm winner, offering Big-5 safari adventures
up close and personal.When you do a South African safari for
the very first time, it should really take your breath away.
Observing these spectacular creatures in the wild
is truly humbling. Madikwe, the Eastern Cape and Pilanesberg are without a doubt also
good safari alternatives to consider.
Cape Town is definitely among the most breathtakingly
gorgeous cities on the planet, and a “must-visit” for any tourist.
Partake in a peaceful walk up the picturesque Table Mountain, and right at the top you will take pleasure in a breathtaking view of the entire city.
Another interesting thing for any visitor to Cape Town to enjoy, is to travel to Cape Point – the southernmost tip of the African continent
If you are an adventurous sort, head up the Garden Route, or
maybe to KwaZulu Natal (offering fascinating culture, silky white beaches and exceptional safari options).
These are just a tiny handful of things to do in this amazing place – plan a vacation to South Africa and explore – you will certainly not be dissatisfied.
mira says
Great landmarks to South Africa I thought it was just for safaris
I would like to ask if possible
Is Kayak with Crocodiles completely safe?
I think Microlight Flight I will not try 🙂
Ariana says
Im doing an essay on South Africa’s natural attractions, and this definitely helped a lot. Keep doing what you’re doing guys!
Kimi Soni says
I really appreciate your writings. You have perfectly explained all the details of the topic.
Smithsology says
These are some of the most awesome things that you have listed. Some of the main places that a person can visit as a local are the Clay Café, Mountain sanctuary park, Morgan bay, besides many more.
Africa Tours says
Wow.Thanks for the amazing guide.
Ann Ross says
Wow, this is awesome! I’ve always wanted to go. Mostly because one of my favorite shows is filmed there (Black Sails) and my favorite show (Outlander) is about to be filmed there :-). But I love your list. There is SO much South Africa has to offer. I am for sure going now. If anything just to take a bath on a cliff<3. Thanks for the inspiration!
james justin says
First Time when i went South Africa then i really enjoy But Which I liked the most is Safari and Visiting Caves.
Katrina says
Diving with the great white is so awesome and wine country is truly not to be missed!
Ashley Sharee says
South Africa is at the very top of my travel list. I'd love to do a canopy tour!
SARJANA SINGH says
The pictures are absolutely amazing! Fantastic editing and color correction.
debndave says
Thank you!
Melanie Tobin says
Everything but swimming with sharks
debndave says
Fantastic. Does that mean you’ve done everything but swim with sharks or will do it all but swim with sharks. Seriously, swimming with the sharks was incredible.
Carls Spain says
Hello, I live more than 15 years ago in Spain, but I’m thinking give another direction to my life, I’ve been thinking about possibility of going to live in South Africa, accepted comments and suggestions, thanks.
Chester Remas says
i would like to do all of this except kayak with crocodiles
Forrest Walkee says
I just returned from SA. Still putting up posts to my website that I think you will enjoy!
debndave says
Looking forward to it. Thanks!
Raymond Waruhari says
Apart from South Africa becoming the adventure capital of the world, It has proved to be the best holiday destination for family safaris.
currybadger says
Cape Town is on the bucket list for me, might not go in the water though
Krisztian says
Cape Town seems to be the main focal point on everyones journey and i can under why, with such a diverse array of exciting things to do and see, i am Capetonian! 🙂
debndave says
WE agree, there are so many things to do around Cape Town and it’s a beautiful city too.
Andi says
Yay! So very proudly South African right now. Lived in Cape Town my whole life, and it still amazes me- so wildly diverse!
debndave says
You are lucky Cape Town is a beautiful city. While we were there we said that we could definitely live here. It’s beautiful, cosmopolitan and yet filled with culture and adventure. As you said, wildly diverse.
Max Ras says
I wish to join to group who are going to advanture
[email protected]
Lillie - @WorldLillie says
What a fabulous list of adventures!
Ali says
South Africa looks like such an amazing country! I think I’ll have to pass on the caves though, definitely not something I can handle. That sunset photo is gorgeous!
Stephen says
Looks pretty awesome. Hoping to get to South Africa one of these days…
Jennifer says
This sounds like such an amazing trip! I really want to go to South Africa.
Jenna says
Looks like an amazing place. I definitely look forward to going there and doing as many activities with animals as possible. The horse riding looks really nice.
Kris says
I leave for South Africa in three weeks and have been looking for things to do while there. I will be there for a month so I hope to hit the majority if items on this list. The cage diving scares me cause I’m totally scared of diving but at the same time when will I ever see sharks like that???
ashree says
Wonderful trips! Beautiful pictures as well. I hope one day I could enjoy this beautiful city. Nice post!
Limo Service Free Hour says
AMAZING! That’s only I can say. Oh Cape Town!
Coti says
I love your pictures! I am dying to go to South Africa, it looks like such a beautiful place.
Angela says
Fantastic photos, I’m yet to visit any country in Africa!
The Travel Chica says
I think I'll skip kayaking with crocodiles… not quite that adventurous 🙂
Debra Corbeil says
I think you may be the wise one in that choice
Jarmo says
Diving with the sharks is definitely the one thing I’m keen on doing in Africa when I finally make my way there. And it’s good to know there is other stuff there besides the safaris!
Andi Perullo de Ledesma says
SA is the best!
Jenny says
We can’t wait to visit South Africa someday. We really want to see the big 5 on a safari, and a cage diving adventure is also a must for us. Your video of the ostrich riding also makes for an interesting option.
Sam says
South Africa really seems to be an up-and-coming destination of late, and it’s definitely starting to creep its way up my bucket list! Being a bit of a language geek (I studied linguistics at university), South Africa has interested me for a long time, at least in theory (I mean, it has 11 official language and is home to some of the only languages with clicks!), but when I read stuff like this, it makes it more real somehow. I must say, the Cango Caves experience looks faintly horrifying…no doubt you took full advantage of those bragging rights afterwards!
Janice says
I would like to visit Africa someday too. I am growing older and I missing all those beauties. I didn’t know they speak so many languages there. I hope I could get the chance and courage to leave everything for now and hit the road to Africa.