Whether you’re after extraordinary nature, rich history and culture or exquisite food and wine, South Africa covers it all. From hiking mountains and safari game drives to wine tasting, we take you to the top things to do in South Africa.
Photo credit: South Africa Tourism
Photo credit: South Africa Tourism
Photo credit: Blue Train
The Best Big 5 Sightings in Africa
Think Africa and immediately safari comes to mind. South Africa makes an ideal start for first time safari goers as it is one of the few places on Earth where you can tick off all of the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo – all in one day! Even for repeat safari goers it boasts an array of private reserves and national parks with convenient game viewing, logistics and all for good value that make it one of the world’s finest Big 5 safari destinations. The most popular is the Kruger National Park and its private game reserves like Sabi Sands, Londolozi, Lion Sands and Thornybush. For a more exclusive safari journey the likes of Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg National Park and Phinda Game Reserve are also worth the trip. Read more: Best Safari National Parks in South Africa.
Taste World Class Wines in Cape Winelands
Whether you are a wine connoisseur, food lover or simply a lover of nature, a trip to the Cape Winelands is a must! Famed as one of the world’s finest wine regions filled with stunning vineyards, endless wine estates, farm markets, gastronomic restaurants and three main wine towns: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. We highly recommend a visit to Boschendal and Babylonstoren for exquisite wine tasting and cellar tours. For a little luxury, Delaire Graff offers a designer winery and Delheim Wine Estates offers their exclusive award winning Pinotage Rose. For a unique adventure, enjoy a hop and off experience onboard the double decker Franschhoek Wine Tram.
Marvel at Migrating Southern Right Whales
The coastal town of Hermanus near Cape Town is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world to set eyes on migrating southern right whales. For an ultimate experience a stay at Birkenhead House offers a superb clifftop vantage point overlooking Walker Bay. Or for a private beach house experience, the Morukuru Beach Lodge, where its enviable location on the coastline of De Hoop Nature Reserve boasts one of the best places for land-based whale watching, even from the comfort and privacy of your suite! Get up close with these majestic creatures out sea by embarking on a whale watching cruise. The whale migration is seasonal where along the Whale Coast are generally seen from August onwards.
Experience unforgettable wildlife moments from The Big 5 on land to The Marine Big 5 on sea with our Wildlife Lovers Grand South Africa Tour 13D12N Adventure.
Meet African Penguins at Boulders Beach
An hour’s drive from Cape Town lies a sandy beach stapled by massive rocks, Boulders Beach, and home to a protected colony of endangered African penguins. Marvel at these curious creatures as they waddle along and swim from the boardwalk. Best time to visit is sunrise or sunset when they are the most active. A day trip to Boulders Beach is best paired with one of the greatest scenic drives on Earth, Chapman’s Peak. While on this road trip, stop by Simon’s Town, Kalk Bay and continue driving to the Cape of Good Hope and see where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet and stand on Africa's southernmost point. If you have time, enjoy a glass of wine with a visit to the region of Constantia.
Garden Route & Panorama Route Road Trip
South Africa’s two most famed road trips are the Garden Route and Panorama Route. The Garden Route makes an ideal road trip journey with its good infrastructure, an array of scenery and things to do along the way with plentiful accommodations. It is a 300km journey of verdant coastal vegetation between the seaside town of Mossel Bay and Storms River. A great place to start is from Cape Town and meandering along the Indian Ocean coastline past Hermanus, George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, the Tsitsikamma Forest, Jeffrey’s Bay and ending in Port Elizabeth with a safari at Addo Elephant National Park.
Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route on the other hand boasts extraordinary wonders and are ideal for hikers. Marvel at the lush Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon on earth and be in awe at the spectacular God’s Window. While here, visit the curious Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a stunning geological wonder lined with walkways and bridges getting you up close to nature. For the ultimate adventure combing the two routes, read our Ultimate South Africa Explorer by Blue Train Panorama Route and Garden Route 16D15N.
Explore Cape Town
Cape Town is a spectacular city filled with culture and modern living with one of the seven wonders, Table Mountains as its backdrop. As South Africa's oldest city it takes you back in time to the colourful neighbourhoods of Bo Kaap to the world's biggest collection of contemporary African Art. It is best experienced by foot than by car to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Hike up Table Mountains, laze by the picturesque beaches of Camps Bay, enjoy a glass of wine at Constantia Winelands and cruise to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held captive are all right on your doorstep. Cape Town also boasts the most luxurious accommodations from beachfront, mountains to city life. Read more: Best Things To Do in Cape Town and Best Accommodations in Cape Town.
Immerse in Zulu Culture
KwaZulu-Natal is one of Africa’s most brutal empires where their culture remains strong and are South Africa’s largest ethnic group. The Zulu royal family is still active, reigning (but not ruling) in KwaZulu-Natal. Embark on an authentic cultural immersion at Shakaland, a reconstructed Zulu homestead where traditional activities give opportunity to experience and engage in Zulu culture. Visit the Battlefields Region in the province’s northwest, where the Zulus fought 63 battles against a succession of invading forces. Monuments and museums such as Blood River and Isandlwana commemorate these clashes and will take you on a journey into their past. For a glimpse into Zulu culture, read our South Africa Encompassed with Four B’s (Big 5, Berg, Battlefields & Beach 12D11N.
Ride The Blue Train
See South Africa from a different perspective. Ignite your senses on a new era of luxury travel aboard one of the world’s most luxurious and greatest rail journeys, the Blue Train. Savour fragrant cuisine, indulge in elegant silverware and crystal styled fine dining affairs while immersing yourself into the soul of Africa’s most diverse and spectacular country scenery. The Blue Train travel between Pretoria and Cape Town with two nights onboard and personal butler service 24 hours a day. Traverse rocky mountains, vineyard hills, lush valleys and memorable African iconic sunsets with off-train excursions. For a unique South Africa adventure, our Ultimate South Africa Explorer by Blue Train, incorporates a golden age of travel.
Alternatively, ride the world class Rovos Rail on our Cape to Victoria Falls By Rovos Rail.
